And, you have to renew every 2 or 4 years, at some cost. Some have posted here how easy it is to do in Santo Domingo. But, there is still some cost involved. And, not so easy if you don't speak Spanish to do it on your own.
People tend to leave out of the story that you have to renew until the residency becomes permanent. It is not like you just apply one time, get residency, and then you are done. It takes some years. And, renewal fees.