Moving To Dominican Republic


Moving to the Dominican Republic from the United States

Wherever You Are, Whatever You Need, We’ll Be There

Customs Regulations for Dominican Republic

  • Passport (for customer and each member of the family), must be at least one year old – otherwise, previous passport is required
  • Original detailed inventory in English or Spanish
  • Marriage certificate (if applicable)
  • Birth certificate(s) of children living in the same household
  • Dominican Consular invoice
  • Foreigners must also have the following:
    • Work permit
    • Customs bond
    • Residence visa
    • Work Contract
    • Dominican Residence Card
    • Bank guarantee/affidavit
    • Contracts for house or apartment rental, as well as electrical and water service
  • Customer must be present in the Dominican Republic for Customs clearance
  • All documents submitted must be originals
  • Customer must undergo a physical examination prior to applying for the Department of Exoneration for clearance of goods
  • Only one shipment is allowed
  • Used household goods are duty free, provided the customer has owned them for over two years
  • Dominican citizens may be allowed one-time exemption if they have lived abroad a minimum of one year
  • All new items are subject to duty and taxes

In the Dominican Republic, some articles may not be imported in a Customer’s baggage whatsoever. These items include, but may not be limited to:

  • Weapons and ammunition, explosives
  • Drugs and narcotics (shipment subject to confiscation if drugs are included)
  • Pornographic material

Some articles may have restricted quantities or require special authorization/ payments of duties and taxes to clear customs in the Dominican Republic. These items include, but are not limited to:

  • All new items (invoices required)
  • Duplicate electrical appliances (e.g. refrigerators, washers, dryers, air conditioners)
  • Computer equipment and machinery
  • Alcohol and tobacco products (must not be shipped with household goods – must be shipped separately and require consular documents)
  • Antiques, works of art, jewelry, coins and precious metals (may be included duty free if they are included in the household goods and personal effects shipment)
  • All plants (must be accompanied by a Phytosanitary Certificate from the origin location and the customer must obtain a Dominican Agriculture permit upon arrival)

In the Dominican Republic, the following rules apply when importing motor vehicles:

  • One automobile allowed per person
  • Vehicles must be registered/owned by the customer for at least one year
  • If the customer is a Dominican citizen, he or she must have lived abroad for a minimum of two years
  • Luxury vehicles are prohibited

For importation, the customer will need the following documents (all must be originals):

  • Title, must be certified by the Department of Vehicles and legalized by the nearest Dominican Consulate
  • Registration for the past three years
  • Residence Visa
  • Dominican Consular invoice, stamped at the nearest Dominican Consulate
  • License plate
  • Passport

When importing a pet to the Dominican Republic, the requirements are:

  • Veterinary Certificate must be issued within 90 days of departure
    • No quarantine is required for cats or dogs
    • Birds have a quarantine period of 10 days

NOTE – Customs regulations are subject to change at any time. The proceeding information is a brief summary of customs regulations applicable to household goods shipments to this destination and is being provided for general guidance to assist our Agents and Customers. Since such regulations are subject to change without notice, International sea & air shipping cannot be held liable for any costs, damage, delays, or other detrimental events resulting from non-compliance. Always double check with your local embassy or consulate.

Call our International Moving Specialists @ 1 (866) 788-1090

How International Sea & Air can help for moving to Dominican Republic


To start, one of our trained moving specialists will provide a one-on-one consultation with you, thoroughly outlining your moving options based on certain criteria, such as:

  • Your moving timeline. When do you need to be in the Dominican Republic?
  • Your real estate plans. Will you be renting or buying?
  • Your family/household size. Will you be moving alone or with your family? For business or personal reasons?
  • Cubic feet estimate. How large is your shipment?

What Will Moving to the Dominican Republic Cost?


For the most accurate estimate of your total shipment size, you should scheduling an in-home survey as early as possible for your move to the Dominican Republic.

Don’t wait until the last minute, contact International Sea & Air Shipping today!

After we hear from you, our moving specialists will assess your belongings to give you the best estimate possible to expedite your relocation overseas.

The cost of moving to the Dominican Republic will vary considerably based on the cubic footage of your belongings and your proposed destination arrival time. So it’s extremely important that you work with an agent so they can give you the most accurate quote for your individual relocation needs.

Ready to start budgeting for your international move?

Give us a call, and don’t forget to ask about our overseas packing and custom crating services, too!

About the Dominican Republic


Its turquoise sea and miles of glittering beaches attract countless tourists to the Dominican Republic each year, but this second largest Caribbean nation offers much more to back its growing popularity in terms of tourism and travel. Despite it being the most visited destination in the Caribbean, nearly 10 million people call the Dominican Republic home, and 1 million live in Santo Domingo, its capital city.

The Dominican Republic is on the island of Hispaniola, and shares its border with Haiti to the West. Additionally, the Dominican Republic claims the region’s tallest mountain peak, Pico Duarte, and the Caribbean’s lowest elevation (and largest lake), Lake Enriquillo.

The region has the ninth largest economy in Latin America and the second largest economy in the Caribbean and Central American region. The Dominican Republic’s largest importers are: Japan, Hong Kong, South Korea, USA, Taiwan and Germany.

Can’t wait to get started with your overseas relocation to the Dominican Republic? First, find out what you’ll need to clear Customs.

Moving to the Dominican Republic from the United States


Moving to the Dominican Republic from the United States is a major transition for anyone, and there will be plenty to consider and prepare for before you head across the globe to begin your new life.

The last thing you want to worry about is the logistics of a complicated move, especially when it comes to documentation, Customs regulations and shipping services.

Which is why you shouldn’t have to worry about it. Instead, let us tackle the tough stuff for you.

International Sea & Air Shipping will make your transition to the Dominican Republic as seamless as possible, by providing top-notch shipping services for all of your household goods and much more.