Permanent Residence (RP-1)

Overview

Permanent Residence (Residencia Permanente, RP-1) is the Dominican Republic's settled-status category. It is reached quickly through the investment-class routes (pensionado, rentista and investor), where applicants are typically granted a permanent-residence card from the first card, or after completing the required years of renewed ordinary temporary residence (RT-9). Permanent residents are issued a card, later renewed for longer periods. Good to know: the naturalisation timeline that follows is widely misreported - sources conflict, so the next FAQ states both readings carefully and tells you to confirm with the authority. The DGM administers it.

Eligibility

Application pathway

1. 01

   Check the route fit

   Confirm on the official DGM page whether you qualify through an investment class or after the required years of ordinary temporary residence.

2. 02

   Build the evidence pack

   Assemble your qualifying-status record, passport, criminal-record certificate and prepare for any DGM medical examination.

3. 03

   Submit through the official channel

   Submit the permanent-residence (RP-1) application through the DGM services portal and deposit documents.

4. 04

   After approval

   Once approved, collect and keep the permanent-residence card current; it is also the basis from which naturalisation is later considered.

Also explored by

Compare Dominican Republic with

• 🇧🇸 Commonwealth of The Bahamas
• 🇧🇧 Barbados
• 🇰🇾 Cayman Islands (British Overseas Territory)

Related routes

• Residence by Investment - Pensionado (Retiree)

  If you receive a pension from abroad, the pensionado route gives you Dominican residence quickly - and it puts you on the fast track to permanent residence from your first card.

• Residence by Investment - Rentista (Annuitant)

  If you have steady income from abroad - including remote work - the rentista route is the Dominican Republic's practical home for you, and it leads quickly to permanent residence.

• Residence by Investment - Investor

  If you make a qualifying investment in the Dominican Republic, the investor route gives you residence and, like the other investment classes, a fast track to permanent residence.

• Ordinary Temporary Residence (RT-9)

  If your reason for living in the Dominican Republic does not fit a work or investment category, ordinary RT-9 temporary residence is the general route - renewed yearly on the way to permanent residence.