The Dominican Republic’s Customs Agency (Aduanas) has announced that the annual Christmas gift exemption, a much-anticipated benefit for the Dominican diaspora, will be increased this year, surpassing the previous limit of $5,000.
Eduardo “Yayo” Sanz Lovatón, the head of the General Customs Agency (DGA), confirmed the news on Wednesday, 12 November 2025. He also informed that the exemption period will officially begin on 1 December 1 and conclude on 15 January 2026.
Thousands of Dominicans residing abroad rely on this “gracia navideña” (Christmas grace) to bring gifts for their families in the country when they travel home for the December holidays. This facility grants them exemptions from paying customs duties (taxes) on certain personal articles brought as gifts.
While the DGA’s Communications Department confirmed the news to Diario Libre, they noted that a specific amount has not yet been finalized. Sanz Lovatón indicated that President Luis Abinader is scheduled to announce the exact exemption value for 2025.
The Christmas gift exemption is a tax waiver implemented annually by the DGA for members of the diaspora who have not visited the country for over six months. The government uses this measure to allow absent Dominicans to give presents to their relatives without having to pay duties up to the established sum. The diaspora has consistently defended the exemption amid occasional questioning from the local commercial sector.
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Diario Libre
17 November 2025