Hi orchid,
The answer is you do not "need" a permanent residency to open a business in the DR. There are alternatives like incorporation. This is coming from experience. I am currently operating both retail and service and may be able to help you. Feel free to Pm me if you like.
Some people don't know how to say "I don't know " or feel the need to provide an answer even though it is incorrect. Those people should try to stick to sarcasm, instead of misleading or discouraging people, when they clearly have no experience. Repeat after me...I don't need to answer every question...i don't need to answer every question...
Rich