Have you decided to make a move to the Dominican Republic? Or have you at least thought about starting a new life in the Caribbean and leaving Switzerland behind?
Of course, we firmly assume that you have already gathered some information beforehand. After all, a move without adequate preparation time is something you will quickly regret. For this very reason, we decided to create this post.
Below, you will receive a series of compiled information that will make your move to the Dominican Republic easier. Among other things, we will tell you about the advantages of living there, what the weather is like and what the requirements are for a longer stay.
This speaks for a move to the Dominican Republic
There are numerous reasons why you should choose to move to the Dominican Republic. Above all, the proximity to the beach puts the geographical advantages of the Caribbean state in the foreground. At the same time, you are also close to the mountains and will find plenty of palm trees that provide soothing shade.
In addition, the costs there are significantly lower than here in Switzerland. Especially the restaurants are affordable. The choice is also impressive. Whether you prefer Italian, Spanish or Asian food, you are guaranteed to find something in the Dominican Republic. For a snack from the grill you pay between 1.50 and 3.50 CHF, a three-course meal is already available for 6.50 CHF.
But last but not least, the friendly inhabitants of the Dominican Republic also play an important role. The locals are very open-minded, especially towards emigrants from Europe. So don’t be surprised if you are greeted so warmly by strangers on the street.
But in our opinion, what speaks most in favor of moving to the Dominican Republic is the slight sense of adventure. After all, the country is still relatively undiscovered, with cruise ships docking here only sporadically.
We would also like to point out that medical care in the Dominican Republic is also at a high level. Among others, there are modern clinics in Las Terrenas and Santo Domingo. Many of the doctors there even speak English.
Weather and climate in the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic has a temperate, fairly mild tropical climate, although it is slightly in the tropical zone. Conditions are improved in numerous areas by the high altitude and the northeast trade winds that blow constantly from the Atlantic Ocean.
Average temperatures range from 21 °C in the heart of the Cordillera Central to 28 °C in the coastal plains. Only rarely do temperatures rise above 32 °C, and temperatures below freezing do not occur at all.
The strongest storms occur in the mountainous northeast. As the trade winds move across the country, they lose their moisture on the colorful mountain slopes, so the lowlands in the far west and southwest, along the Haitian border, are quite dry, with less than 760 mm of annual precipitation. The northwest and southeast of the country are also notably dry. The Dominican Republic is occasionally hit by tropical storms and hurricanes that form in the mid-Atlantic and southeastern Caribbean from August to October each year; the hurricanes of 1930, 1954, 1979, and 1998 were particularly devastating.
Immigration requirements for your move to the Dominican Republic
It is not possible to apply for a residence permit in the Dominican Republic itself. To do so, you must apply for a visa approved for residence in Switzerland. The fees for this are about 420 to 520 CHF.
Initially, you will receive a short-term visa valid for 60 days. As soon as possible after entering the country, you should present this to the immigration office “Dirección General de Migración” in the Dominican Republic to start the further process of applying for the “Residencia Temporale”. The processing time for this is 90 days to 6 months. There are also other fees to be paid.
As long as you have received the Residencia Temproale at least 5 times, you may apply for the Residencia Permanente. As soon as you have received this also 10 times, you may apply for a “Residencia Definitiva”.
In this compilation, we have provided you with a number of helpful information that will surely make your move to the Dominican Republic easier. You know the advantages of living in the Dominican Republic and where you can settle everywhere. Also, you now know the visa requirements for immigration to the Dominican Republic.
Nevertheless, it may be that one or the other question is still unresolved – we will be happy to help and advise you if this is the case with you. All you have to do is to write us a short message.