Dominican Republic Business Visa - Definitive Guide

The business visa is the permit required for individuals to travel to the Dominican Republic to take part in business-related activities. These include business meetings, conferences, symposiums, trade fairs, etc. Except for the visa-free nationals, everyone requires this permit. As a result, a Dominican Republic business visa for Indian citizens is a mandatory requirement. 

Note:- Even if you are eligible for a ‘tourist card’, you will need a business visa to perform business-related activities.

The application process for the Dominican Republic business visa for Indians is fairly simple. However, before starting the application, you will have to ensure that you are eligible to travel to the country in the business category. After that, you can proceed to make the application as follows - 

1. Visit the website of the Dominican embassy or one of the embassy authorized VACs (Visa Application Center) and download the visa application form. 
2. Fill in the form with all the necessary details including your basic information, travel information, as well as details of your passport. 
3. Affix a photograph on the application form and sign in the relevant places.
4. Proceed to book an appointment at one of the VACs located across India. 
5. Along with the completed application form and the documents for the business visa, visit the respective VAC. 
6. Pay the fees at the VAC and submit your application.

In order to be eligible to apply for the Dominican Republic business visa from India, you must meet the following conditions -

• You must be living in India while lodging the application. If you are living on a residence permit in another nation, you will have to apply to the respective authority there.
• You must hold a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of your entry in the country. 
• Your sole purpose of the visit must be to take part in business activities. Although, you are free to take part in tourism activities as well.
• You must possess sufficient funds to support your stay.
• You must be able to prove that you are invited to do business in the country.

As per the Dominican Republic business visa requirements from India, the following are the list of documents you must submit - 

• A passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of intended travel. 
• 1 recent photograph as per the specifications. 
• Completed visa application form.
• Covering letter from the sending Indian company explaining your visit - along with its Spanish translation.
• Proof of sufficient funds - bank statements, bank letter, etc. (along with its Spanish translation).
• Detailed travel itinerary.
• Proof of accommodation - hotel bookings, rental agreements, etc.
• Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) - Apostilled, along with a translation to Spanish. 
• Invitation letter in Spanish from the Dominican company(notarized and legalized in the Republica Dominicana) along with the registration certificate of the company. 

Note: - Ensure that you get the apostille and translations done using certified apostille and translation service providers.

As per the Dominican Republic business visa photo requirements, the photos must meet the following specifications - 

• Dimensions:  40mm X 50mm
• Colour: Coloured 
• Head must occupy the central position
• Must be recently captured within the last 3 months
• Background: Solid, plain white or grey
• 80% face coverage
• Neutral expression
• Glasses: Thin framed and prescription are permitted
• Headgears are allowed only for religious reasons
• Facial hair is permitted

The time taken to process the business permit application can vary depending upon the volume of applications at the embassy, as well as on your previous travel history. Normally, it can take around 10 working days to process. As a result, you must ensure that you apply well in advance

The fees for the business visa depends on the duration of the stay. The fees have to be paid in cash or Demand Draft at the VAC. There is no option of paying the fees online. Apart from the application fee, there will additional processing charges and delivery charges (if any) levied by the VAC. As a result, you must ensure that you check the exact amount before starting the application.

Upon successful submission, your business visa application will be forwarded to the Embassy of the Dominican Republic in New Delhi for processing . Even though your application was made at the VAC, the VAC has no influence over the processing. This is solely in the hands of the embassy.

You will not be able to modify the application once submitted. As a result, ensure that you provide correct information and the right documents. Failure to do so can lead to visa rejection. It is, therefore recommended that you use the services of a visa agency for your application. 

Once approved, you can collect the passport directly from the VAC in person, or you can have it delivered to you for an additional charge.

Once you have submitted the business visa application for the Dominican Republic at a VAC, you can check the status by clicking here and entering your reference number and date of birth.  You can also contact the travel agent you have applied through to check the status.

On successfully receiving the business visa, you must keep in mind the following few points to ensure that you have a pleasant stay - 

Before you travel - 

• Note the validity and number of entries mentioned on your visa. You must not stay in the country beyond this period. You must also follow the entry type given. 
• Carry all your travel documents before you travel to the country. 

At the border

• You must show your passport to the immigration officer. They will stamp your entry date on one of the blank pages in your passport.
• You may be asked to show the copy of the other documents submitted as a part of your application. 
• You may be asked about the details of your visit including your nature of the business. Ensure that you answer honestly and without any hesitance. 

When you enter the Dominican Republic

• While you are on a business permit, you cannot work on the payroll of a Dominican company.
• You are permitted to extend this visa for a duration of up to 60 days. 
• Carry a copy of your passport and visa while you are travelling within the country.
• You must respect the culture and customs of the country, as well as abide by the immigration laws during your stay.