Neither residency nor Dominican nationality is required to incorporate a company in the Dominican Republic. What separates a well-structured business from one that causes problems years later is choosing the right corporate form from the outset.
SRL or SA: the first decision
The limited liability company (SRL) is the usual vehicle for small and medium-sized businesses: at least two partners, modest share capital and simple management by one or more managers instead of a board of directors.
The corporation (SA) requires at least two shareholders and a board of directors, with more formal corporate governance. It is the recommended structure for larger businesses or those planning to bring in additional investors.
The process, step by step
- Trade name reservation with the National Industrial Property Office (ONAPI).
- Bylaws drafted for the actual business, not a generic template.
- Commercial registration with the relevant Chamber of Commerce.
- Tax ID (RNC) with the tax authority (DGII).
- Corporate bank account, the step whose timing varies most depending on the bank.
With documents in order, incorporation and commercial registration usually take two to four weeks, not counting the bank account opening.
A minority partner does not mean losing control
Because the SRL requires at least two partners, some foreign investors assume they need a Dominican partner with a real stake. They do not: you can hold the majority and manage the company directly or through an attorney-in-fact, and no law requires management to be in the hands of a resident.
Mistakes that become expensive later
The most common problems appear not at incorporation but months or years later: generic bylaws that do not provide for resolving disagreements between partners, no shareholders' agreement governing exits and pre-emption rights, or a structure chosen without considering how the business will be financed or sold.
Frequently asked questions
Can I incorporate a company in the Dominican Republic without traveling?
Yes. The process can be carried out through a power of attorney granted abroad. Residency or Dominican nationality is not required to be a partner or shareholder.
Should I choose an SRL or an SA for my Dominican company?
The SRL is the simplest and most common option for small and medium-sized businesses; the SA is recommended for larger companies or those planning to admit several investors.
Planning to set up a company in the Dominican Republic?
We assess your operation and your partners before recommending a structure, and we draft bylaws tailored to your business, not standard forms.
