Can a Canadian expat open a business in the Dominican Republic?

Welcome to the forums! 

The short answer is yes you can own a business here. The incorporation process is a bit complicated and no you can't do it yourself.

Owning your business and running it are 2 different things. You will need residencia to work here even if it is your own business. 

I will send you a private message regarding this.

You will also want to think through what kind of business!  A visit should be in your future!

A lawyer can assist you with the process to register a business. What would the business do? Some businesses require a license to provide certain service for example in tourism. Accounting services are also available to file any required tax forms in a timely fashion.

Hola!
Planner can you send me the same information in a PM?  I have ideas but want to protect myself

Yes, you can open a business here again depends upon what type.  Yes, you can do it yourself without a lawyer.  I did, although I worked with my team that included Dominicans as my spanish is not very good.  Yes, it is extremely complicated and took over 1 year of many documentation requirements and a lot of travel.  No I was not a resident when I completed the process and I am the President of the Association.  No, I was never asked to become a resident to complete the process.  Yes it was stamped through several channels of Government.  Yes I received my RNC number and registration.   My recommendation for most would be to use a lawyer.  It would probably be easier but then you lose control of the process in terms of timing and priority.  We also wanted to experience the process ourselves.  My business is an Association so meetings, signatures a Board of Director's are just a small part of the necessary requirements.

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