Residency for an Online English Teacher

Member since 24 September 2020

The Maryland MythMember24 September 2020 12:22:30

Hello,

I've been scanning the forums here and doing some research online about how I go about moving to the DR and gaining residency. I am an American currently living in Spain. I am a fluent Spanish speaker. I have never been to the DR before but from what I know about it, I think it will suit me. I plan to move from Spain early next year to the DR. I teach English to Chinese kids online. I typically make over $2,000 a month during the school year and around $3,000 a month during summer and winter breaks. I also have a small online store and I pull in around $700 a month from that.

Looking at the kinds of residency visas that are offered, I'm not sure where I fit. I am not a pensioner. Though I will be technically working on Dominican soil, I will do so from the comfort of my home and not for a Dominican business. I do not immediately plan to start a business nor invest in one. Nor I am prepared to purchase a property.

I want to know if my application will likely be rejected or if I will have no problem. I'd also like to know about how much money I should come with to start. I am not a wealthy man but I figured $5,000 set aside would be enough to get an apartment/house and other necessities for the first month or two. Mind you, I will be working so I will have steady income.

I am also confused about where one can apply for residency. I have read that we must begin the process at the Dominican Embassy in the States. I cannot do so from the Dominican embassy here in Spain? Yet I have read articles from folks that overstayed their tourist visas and applied for residency directly from within the Dominican Republic. Can I get some clarification?

Lastly, can anyone recommend a company to go through to get international health insurance? I don't want to pay an arm and leg.

Gracias!

planner Dominican Republic Expert

Member since 27 December 2010

Dominican Republic Expert

plannerDominican Republic Expert24 September 2020 15:10:15

17485

Good聽 morning and welcome to the forums.

I am sorry but employment income from outside the country does NOT qualify you for residency.

Many will tell you to just move here, teach online and carry聽 on. That is not a legal position.

The residency process starts where you are. YOu do all the paperwork as outlined in the Residency thread,聽 you deposit that at your nearest Dominican Consulate and get the Residency Visa which allows you to come here and make the official application within聽 60 days.聽 However, it sounds like you do not yet qualify.

One other avenue to explore -聽 contact all the private and international schools for work as an english teacher. Many of those schools would sponsor work visas.聽聽Not sure if that is still the case in Covid times but worth asking.

planner Dominican Republic Expert

Member since 27 December 2010

Dominican Republic Expert

plannerDominican Republic Expert24 September 2020 15:11:57

17485

Here is the thread link:

/forum/viewtopic.php?id=894660

PeteZZZ Member

Member since 16 June 2019

PeteZZZMember25 September 2020 16:30:13

There must already be about 10 thousand guys doing just the same as you WITHOUT going to the trouble and expense of getting residence.聽聽Waste of time and money.

planner Dominican Republic Expert

Member since 27 December 2010

Dominican Republic Expert

plannerDominican Republic Expert25 September 2020 17:00:06

17485

And again we will NOT be recommending anything other than what is legal.

The Maryland Myth Member

Member since 24 September 2020

The Maryland MythMember27 September 2020 05:41:04

Well, I'd love to know how they are getting health insurance...

planner Dominican Republic Expert

Member since 27 December 2010

Dominican Republic Expert

plannerDominican Republic Expert27 September 2020 11:37:02

17485

Health insurance is fairly easy to get if you are under 65.聽聽It is also fairly inexpensive.

The Maryland Myth Member

Member since 24 September 2020

The Maryland MythMember27 September 2020 12:29:16

planner wrote:
Health insurance is fairly easy to get if you are under 65.聽聽It is also fairly inexpensive.

Thanks! I am only 30 with no preexisting conditions. Could you be more specific? As in, is it easier to purchase a plan within the DR or online? I see many companies online that offer international health insurance covering the DR but they want an arm and a leg (one quote I got was $140 a month for a bronze plan covering the bare minimum). Here in Spain, I'm paying 30 euros a month for private health insurance. Thus I'm looking for something more affordable.

planner Dominican Republic Expert

Member since 27 December 2010

Dominican Republic Expert

plannerDominican Republic Expert27 September 2020 12:44:54

17485

Sure. I have a group plan and offer two levels of coverage.聽 One is about US 38 and the other about US 50.聽 Both include prescription medication allowance and a dental plan.聽

There are several good companies here, you have good local options.

And you do not need residency.聽 You can purchase with a passport.

The Maryland Myth Member

Member since 24 September 2020

The Maryland MythMember27 September 2020 16:08:21

#10

planner wrote:
Sure. I have a group plan and offer two levels of coverage.聽 One is about US 38 and the other about US 50.聽 Both include prescription medication allowance and a dental plan.聽

There are several good companies here, you have good local options.

And you do not need residency.聽 You can purchase with a passport.

EXCELLENT! Thanks for this, Planner!