I. Main Visa and Work Permit Types

The table lists only the principal types covered in this guide and is not an exhaustive list of all visa categories.

1. Short-Term Tourism and Business Visits

Short-term tourism entry facilitation or a tourist card does not authorize local employment in the Dominican Republic. Entry for work should use an entry document matching the applicable NM1, VTT or other category and subsequent immigration status.

Whether an activity qualifies as a permitted visit depends on the actual duties, not merely the itinerary label or where salary is paid. Installation, repair, training or on-site client services should be checked carefully to determine whether work authorization is required or a specific exemption applies.

2. NM1 Work Visa and RT-3 Employment Residence

The NM1 work visa and RT-3 employment residence apply to ordinary foreign employees hired by a genuine Dominican Republic employer, including employees of private companies, multinational companies, free zones and relevant public or international-organization branches. A person in tourism or business-visitor status cannot begin work on that basis.

The applicant must hold a genuine employment contract for one year or an indefinite term. The contract must be notarized and registered or stamped by the Ministry of Labour. The employee should first obtain the NM1 work visa and, within 30 days after entry, complete residence registration with DGM, together with guarantee insurance, the DGM medical examination, and tax and social-security procedures.

Both the NM1 work visa and RT-3 employment residence use one year as their core official duration. While the employment contract remains valid, the NM1 may be renewed for the same period; the RT-3's specific validity depends on the residence card or approval.

Renewal continues to require review of the employment contract, Ministry of Labour registration, the Social Security Treasury (TSS), guarantee insurance and immigration status. Before changing employer, position or contract, confirm whether a new NM1 or RT-3, or the relevant amendment procedure, is required. After employment ends, labour, TSS and DGM cancellation, change-of-status or departure arrangements must also be addressed.

3. VTT Visa and TT-1 Temporary Non-Resident Worker Status

The VTT visa and TT-1 temporary non-resident worker status apply to temporary or seasonal non-resident workers hired in groups or within an approved headcount, whose work is restricted by contract, activity and region.

The employer must first apply to DGM for authorization of the number of workers it may hire. The employee should hold a VTT visa, the employment contract must be registered or approved by the Ministry of Labour, and the employee must be enrolled with TSS. An approved person may work only within the registered contract and authorized region.

A renewal application must include certification or a resolution issued by the Ministry of Labour; a receipt showing that the contract was filed is not sufficient. The initial TT-1 period is one year. If the employment contract is extended and the applicant continues to meet the conditions, it may be renewed once for one additional year, subject to the actual approval.

Before changing employer, contract, activity or work region, new authorization must be obtained. When the status expires or employment ends, the person must stop working and address departure or a change of status. A 2026 renewal also requires checking that the passport has at least 18 months' validity remaining and addressing the DGM medical examination, guarantee insurance, TSS and formal Ministry of Labour certification.

II. Entry, Dependants and Other Arrangements

Visas, work approvals and residence documents should correspond to the person's actual activities, and their validity periods should align. A pending application, employment contract or invitation letter cannot be treated as proof that entry, residence or work has already been authorized.

1. Dependants of NM1 and RT-3 holders: Must apply independently through the dependant or family-residence pathway. A dependant who intends to work must obtain authorization applicable to them.
2. Dependants of VTT and TT-1 holders: This temporary non-resident pathway does not automatically create stable family residence status or work rights.
3. Study, transit and other personal statuses: Must independently satisfy their category conditions. The principal applicant's permission cannot be used directly as a family member's entry or employment document.

III. Renewals, Changes, Termination and Status Maintenance

Before expiry, separately check whether the visa, work authorization, residence document and dependant documents need extension. Any change to employment or assignment arrangements should be assessed for notification, amendment or reapplication requirements under the pathway actually used.

IV. Support sailglobal Can Provide

If a company plans to send personnel to the Dominican Republic for business visits, local employment or short-term projects, or to arrange accompanying family members, it can contact sailglobal to understand possible pathways and application requirements based on the person's status, duties and itinerary.

Visa, work-permit and residence applications are independently assessed by the relevant authorities. sailglobal does not guarantee approval or a fixed issuance date.