Dominican Republic: Business/trade


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Important: Be sure to check both general and product-based categories for relevant information. Product-based categories include parts and accessories unless otherwise specified. See disclaimer below and use independent care before relying on this information.

Commercial holidays

New Year's Day: January 1; Epiphany: January 6; Our Lady of Altagracia: January 21; Duarte's Birthday (varies); Independence Day: February 27; Good Friday (varies); Labor Day: May 1; Corpus Christi (varies); Restoration Day: August 16; Our Lady of Mercy: September 24; Constitution Day (varies); Christmas Day: December 25.

If a holiday with a variable date falls on a Tuesday or Wednesday, the holiday is generally moved to the preceding Monday. If it falls on Thursday or Friday, the celebration is usually moved to the next Monday.

For more information on specific holidays, see Dominican Republic Public & Bank Holidays.

Public holiday celebrations may cause delays in commercial transport of goods. It is best to check with your agent in the country about the extent of business stoppage during holidays.

For information on holidays worldwide, see: Holidays and Observances around the World.

(Last updated on 2024-01-01)

Major trade agreements

For additional information on trade agreements and rules of origin see: Rules of Origin Facilitator.

(Last updated on 2022-12-06)

Other treaties/conventions

(Last updated on 2023-01-03)

Government trade information

Dominican Republic Government:

(Last updated on 2023-07-10)

Additional trade information

Refer to updated IMF Country Report.

(Last updated on 2019-07-23)

Traveler requirements (visas, samples, etc.)

A visa is required for visits to the Dominican Republic for up to 30 days with option of extension in the Dominican Republic.

Refer to overview of Dominican Republic Visa Requirements.

For detailed visa requirements contact:

For worldwide visa requirements see: Travel Visa Requirements.

(Last updated on 2023-03-30)

Business customs

Business appointments are generally required, but punctuality is not a consistent part of Dominican business practices.

Most Dominican business people speak English, but communication in Spanish is often preferred. Business cards are exchanged.

For business customs check Cultural Guide - Dominican Republic, and Management Guide - Dominican Republic.

Also refer to Culture Crossing in Dominican Republic.

(Last updated on 2018-04-14)

Important: Exercise independent care before relying on information contained herein. Although we strive to ensure all information is correct and current, GISTnet assumes no liability for detrimental reliance on this information. Trade requirements may change with little or no prior notification, de-facto requirements in certain countries vary from official regulations, and particular shipments and/or importers may have special destination customs arrangements. We encourage you to check with the importer or its customs agent in the destination country for specific importation requirements for specific products and circumstances. We ask your help with feedback (cidb@gistnet.com) concerning information which may be outdated or incomplete.