We are asked this question all the time.  Firstly, let’s explain the difference between a non-resident and a resident.  A non-resident is simply a tourist.  This is anyone who is visiting the country with no legal status.  A resident is a person who has gone through the process to become a legal resident and has a residency card and a Cedula (like a social security card or social insurance number).

As a tourist, you enter the DR with a Tourist Card (for most people it’s included in your airline ticket).  You legally can be in the DR for 30-days; however, you can extend this stay to up to 120-days.  Having said all that, the DR government rarely enforces these restrictions because the country benefits greatly from snowbirds and tourists.  They spend money, employ staff, build up local economies and are great additions to the country.

The good news is that you can extend your vacation in the Dominican Republic relatively easily and at a reasonable cost. The rules are not overly strict, and the prices are manageable.  To extend your stay, visit this website and simply follow this link and the instructions set out.

What Happens if You Stay Longer than You’re Supposed To?

Upon your departure from the DR at the airport, if you’ve extended your stay longer than 30-days and have no specified visa for longer, then you simply pay a fine.  This is done right at customs and is a simple process.  It’s expected and happens regularly as people come and go.  Below is the set fees in Pesos, US dollars and Canadian dollars (exchange rates as of September, 2023).

For more information about tourist regulations and residency, the DR government has lots of great info:  https://migracion.gob.do/en/.

And we are always standing by ready to help too.