Question re: residency

[krisshr]

Hello all,

I need some advice regarding residency papers. I'm planning on visiting DR for a month-long tourist visit and I apparently don't need a visa (I'm Croatian), just a tourist card (which is good for 15, 30, 60 or 90 days, depending on the source, can anyone clear that up?).

So far, so good. However, within that month, I plan on looking for some employment and, if I find some, would like to live in DR for around 6 months. So, I need some advice reg that period. I understand it can take as long as a few months to get temporary residence - is it worth it then? Can I just prolong my tourist card for a few months? Can I be employed with that?

I appreciate any input. Cheers!

[Bob K]

Employment may be hard in some cases with out your residency/cedula but not impossible. Getting the residency will cost you $800-1500USD if you use a lawyer and take 6months or so.

Your visitors visa is good for 15 days ($10) but over staying it is very cheap.
OVERSTAY PENALTIES

15 Days - 3 Months: $300 Pesos
3 Months - 9 Months: $500 Pesos
9 Months - 1 Year: $2000 Pesos
1 Year - 1.5 Years: $3500 Pesos
1.5 Years - 2 Years: $4500 Pesos
2 Years - 2.5 Years: $6000 Pesos
2.5 Years - 3 Years: $8000 Pesos
3-5 Years: $12000 Pesos
5 Years+: $15000 Pesos

So staying for 6 months will cost you about $15 US.

Hope this helps

Bob K

[SKY]

There are many people working in the DR with NO Cedula. It is not legal, but done a lot.

I would recommend getting Residency though. It is not difficult to get. Use the search function to find out more.

[krisshr]

Thanks Bob. I've read about those fines you mention, but wasn't sure if those numbers could be right. Sounds fair enough.

SKY, sure it's always better to have all your papers in order and I have read up on the procedure for obtaining residency on this website and others and "not difficult to get" is not how I would describe it... Also, if it's gonna longer than I plan to be there...

Another possibility: is it common practice/heard of for employers to help their employees with residency? I.E. in my current place of employment, we have nationals of about 15 different countries and my employer assisted them all with papers to a great extent. Bureaucracy is a pain everywhere, especially if you don't speak the language.