New Medical Insurance Requirement and Coming Changes
in the Dominican Republic
December 29, 2011— In January 2012, the Dominican Republic will roll out its new immigration law. Over the coming months, new eligibility criteria and application procedures will be introduced for temporary work and permanent visa categories, with full implementation of the law expected to occur after presidential elections in May 2012.
Beginning January 2, first-time applicants for temporary residence will be required to have a medical insurance policy from a government-approved insurance company. Foreign nationals renewing their temporary status will be required to undergo a medical exam and must submit an original medical report with their application.
The following new procedures and requirements are expected to take effect in the coming months, though exact implementation dates are not yet known.
New visa requirement for in-country temporary residence applicants
In the future, foreign nationals who plan to file for a temporary residence permit after arriving in the Dominican Republic will be required to obtain a residence visa from a Dominican Consulate abroad before entry. This new rule will apply to all prospective temporary residents, including foreign nationals who are otherwise visa-exempt. Currently, nationals of visa-exempt countries can enter as business visitors and change status in-country without securing a consular business visa in advance.
Changes to temporary residence renewals
Under current law, a temporary residence permit is valid for one year and cannot be renewed, but can be converted into a permanent residence permit before expiration. Under the new law, the temporary residence permit will be valid for one year and will be renewable. After the fourth renewal, the foreign national will be eligible for permanent residence. The Director of Immigration will have the discretion to allow a foreign national to apply for permanent residence before the fourth renewal if he or she can demonstrate extraordinary professional, scientific or technical expertise.
Changes to first-time permanent residence applications and renewals
First-time applicants for permanent residence will be required to undergo a medical exam and provide duly legalized marriage and birth certificates for dependent applicants. Permanent residence is currently valid for two years and may be renewed for subsequent two-year periods. Under the new law, permanent residence will be granted for an initial period of one year. After the first renewal, permanent residence will be renewed every four years.
New short-term work permit
Individuals and groups of foreign nationals will be able to apply for a short-term work permit valid for up to one year of employment. Foreign nationals will need to obtain a short-term work visa at a Dominican Consulate abroad and then apply for the short-term work permit after arriving in the Dominican Republic. Applicants will be required to undergo a medical exam, and their local employers will be required to provide a sponsor letter, a contract signed between the employee and the local employer and a repatriation deposit.
Increased period of stay and new document requirements for business visitors and tourists
The new law increases the admission period for business visitors and tourists to 60 days, up from the current 30-day limit. Extensions of up to 60 days are available, provided the foreign national undergoes a medical exam and shows confirmed travel reservations or other proof of final departure from the Dominican Republic.
New travel restrictions for foreign nationals
Visa nationals who have a pending application for a temporary or permanent residence permit will need to request a re-entry permit before traveling outside the Dominican Republic. All temporary or permanent residents, regardless of nationality, will be limited to a maximum of six-month stay abroad during their period of residence in the Dominican Republic, unless they can show extraordinary circumstances and receive approval from immigration authorities.
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