Dominican Republic, a growing and secure country for investment
About two hours’ flight from Miami, the Dominican Republic combines Caribbean beaches with one of the region’s most dynamic economies. Here is why investors keep choosing it.
The Dominican Republic occupies the eastern two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola, in the heart of the Caribbean, about a two-hour flight from Miami. Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the north and the Caribbean Sea to the south, it has almost 1,300 km (800 miles) of coastline with white-sand beaches and a sophisticated tourism industry that attracts international visitors, sports stars and celebrities alike.
With about 48,700 km² (18,800 sq mi), it is the second-largest country in the Caribbean after Cuba, and it is home to around 11 million people. Its capital, Santo Domingo, is the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the Americas and the country’s business centre.
A diversified, growing economy
The Dominican Republic is one of the largest economies in the Caribbean and Central America and has been among the fastest-growing in Latin America over the past two decades. Growth rests on a diversified base: tourism, construction, manufacturing and free zones, commerce, financial services, mining and remittances from Dominicans living abroad.
In 2025 growth moderated to 2.1% amid global uncertainty, according to the Central Bank. The long-term fundamentals, however, remain solid: macroeconomic stability, a large tourism industry and record inflows of foreign investment.
Record tourism
Tourism is one of the pillars of the Dominican economy. In 2025 the country welcomed a record 11.6 million international visitors, 4.3% more than in 2024, and hotel occupancy averaged more than 71% over the year, according to the Ministry of Tourism.
| Indicator | 2025 |
|---|---|
| Total international visitors | 11.68 million |
| Arrivals by air | 8.86 million |
| Cruise passengers | 2.82 million |
| Share of air arrivals through Las Américas (Santo Domingo) | 28% |
The main source markets were the United States, Canada, Argentina and Colombia. Santo Domingo’s Las Américas International Airport was the country’s second gateway after Punta Cana.
Record foreign investment
Foreign direct investment (FDI) reached US$5,032.3 million in 2025, 11.3% more than in 2024 and a record for the fourth consecutive year, according to the Central Bank. Tourism and energy received about half of the total, and real estate attracted 15.7%.
| Sector | Share of total |
|---|---|
| Tourism | 26.3% |
| Energy | 23.8% |
| Real estate | 15.7% |
| Commerce | 10.5% |
| Free zones | 8.7% |
A secure framework for foreign investors
Foreign investors enjoy the same rights as Dominican nationals under the Foreign Investment Law (Law 16-95), and property ownership is protected by a public title registry. Foreign buyers pay the same property taxes as citizens, and the country offers residency options and incentives for foreign retirees and people with passive income.
What it means for real estate investors
Record tourism, steady business travel and growing foreign investment support demand for quality accommodation — especially in Santo Domingo, the country’s business capital. That is the market Real Capital Caribe serves with Central Suites Tower and Central Park Tower. Learn more about why we invest in the Dominican Republic.
This article was first published in May 2019 and updated in September 2026 with the latest official figures.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Dominican Republic a good country to invest in?
It combines a large, growing tourism industry, record foreign investment and a legal framework that treats foreign investors like nationals, which makes it one of the most attractive markets in the Caribbean.
How many tourists visited the Dominican Republic in 2025?
A record 11.6 million international visitors: 8.86 million by air and 2.82 million on cruises, according to the Ministry of Tourism.
