Everything a first-time expat or investor needs to know before making a move — distilled from 20+ years of living it firsthand.
Where Are You Right Now?
Phases 1–2. You're researching and haven't taken a scouting trip yet. Get the real numbers first.
Get the Free Living Guide →Phases 3–4. You know where you want to be. Now it's money, residency, lawyers and property — where costly mistakes happen.
$97 vs. a $20,000 mistake
Phase 5. You're in your first 90 days. Connect with people who've already been through it.
Join the Community →Not sure? Read all five phases below ↓
The Framework
Moving to another country isn't one decision. It's a series of small decisions, made over time, that stack into a plan. Here's the order I recommend — about a year from first search to first night in your new home.
Months 1–3
Get real information, not YouTube fantasy. Answer three questions: Where in the DR do I want to live? What monthly budget do I actually need? What are the legal requirements for residency? By the end, you should have a shortlist of two or three locations and a realistic monthly budget.
📥 Start with the free DR Living Guide →Months 4–6
This is not a vacation — it's a business trip. Spend two to three weeks walking neighborhoods, looking at rentals, visiting a hospital, talking to a lawyer and meeting expats already living the life you're considering. Stay in short-term rentals in each area, not a resort.
Months 6–9
Keep your US financial footprint: don't close your US bank account or cancel your credit cards, and keep a US address through a mail forwarding service. Set up a low-fee account for international transfers, and have six months of living expenses liquid before you move.
🎓 Go deeper: Dominican Banking for Foreigners course →Months 9–12
Start your residency application early — it can take six to nine months. Hire a reputable Dominican attorney, not a real estate agent moonlighting as legal counsel: a good one costs $500–$1,500 for a transaction, and skipping one can cost tens of thousands. Lock in health insurance before you arrive.
🎓 Go deeper: Buying Dominican Real Estate course →First 90 days
Start with what fits in two suitcases. Rent furnished. Make no major purchases or long-term commitments for ninety days. Your only job is to learn: the neighborhood, the real prices, which vendors are honest. Build relationships with expats and Dominicans — that network is your greatest asset.
Featured Guide
Many foreigners are surprised when they learn what typical jobs pay in the Dominican Republic. We’ll look at real examples of jobs and monthly salaries, including teachers, nurses, call center workers, hotel employees, doctors, and executives.
Watch on YouTube →Budget Snapshot
A comfortable 2-bedroom apartment outside the tourist areas runs $400–$700/month. Buying starts around $60K USD.
Local comida corriente (plate lunch) costs $3–$6 USD. A full month of groceries for one person typically runs $150–$250.
Electricity, water, and internet average $120–$200/month. Uber and taxis are inexpensive. Many expats don't own a car.
Private expat health insurance runs $80–$180/month. A doctor's visit without insurance is $30–$80, and many prescriptions cost $10–$20. Evacuation coverage is roughly $300–$500 a year.
A comfortable expat lifestyle typically starts at $1,500–$2,200 a month.
These are estimates. Costs vary significantly by city, lifestyle, and neighborhood. Book a call for a personalized breakdown.
Connect with other expats, investors, and retirees planning their move to the Dominican Republic. Ask questions, share experiences, and get real answers.
Join the Community →