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For foreign investors interested in launching in Latin America, the extensive network of free trade zones maintained by the Dominican Republic makes the Caribbean nation an enticing investment prospect. That is because, with 75 Dominican Republic free trade zones found around the country, a wide range of sectors can access the benefits that the zones offer, with more than 690 companies already located in one of them.
Dominican Republic free trade zones can be found in the borderzone near the frontier with Haiti, inside or nearby air and seaports, and in both rural and urban areas. In some cases, they are focused on a particular type of business, which their location is related to, with many companies in the country’s massive call centre industry based in urban free trade zones. In the case of free trade zones based in the border areas, companies are often allowed to operate outside of the zones while still enjoying the tax benefits associated with being based in them.
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Free trade zones in the Dominican Republic can be privately or publicly owned, while in some cases a mixed ownership model is in place. Public parks are most often managed by the Center for Industrial Development and Competitiveness (ProIndustria), although they can sometimes be managed by other state entities. Meanwhile private free trade zones are overseen by a particular private company or a group of private actors, while mixed zones are managed by non-profit organizations.
Below, five reasons why the country’s free trade zones make company formation in the Dominican Republic such an enticing prospect are considered, or you may want to go ahead and contact us now to discuss your investment options.
5 Reasons to Invest in Dominican Republic free trade zones
While the reasons to invest in Dominican Republic free trade zones begin with the attractive incentives associated with operating in one of them, they extend way beyond that.
- Tax incentives
Operating in one of the Dominican Republic free trade zones brings with it significant tax advantages. In many cases, and especially when producing goods for export, operating in one of the zones sees companies exempted from a range of taxes, including the likes of corporate income tax, value-added tax, customs duties, real estate transfer taxes, and construction taxes.
- Available financing
Another major advantage of operating in one of the Dominican Republic free trade zones is the availability of credit and financing, even for foreign companies. As long as a financing applicant can meet requirements established by the country’s Monetary Board, it can take advantage of the country’s liberalised banking system and available lines of credit.
- Economic stability
Operating in the Dominican Republic comes with the peace of mind that the country is one of the most stable economies in the Americas, being the largest economy in the Caribbean, and eighth-largest among Latin American nations. After a decade of stagnation in the 1980s, the Dominican Republic initiated a series of economic liberalisation reforms that have seen it experience a prolonged boom from the mid-90s onwards, emerging as one of the most prosperous markets to do business in the region, as well as a logistical hub.
- Logistical advantages
Doing business in one of the Dominican Republic free trade zones is made all the more attractive by the high-quality infrastructure on offer for moving goods in, out, and around the country. That infrastructure was recognized in the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Report 2019, in which it was ranked as the best in the Latin America region. The Dominican Republic’s world-class infrastructure network includes international airports and seaports, as well as more than 20,000 kilometers of highways and roads.
- Available labor
Being a major manufacturing center, as well as a growing hub for tech and contact centers, the Domincan republic boasts an available pool of skilled and unskilled workers with a reputation for hard work and desire to develop. Although the minimum wage recently saw a significant raise, workers are still available at competitive rates. That is important because the Dominican Labor Code states that at least 80% of employees must be Dominican nationals. Senior management and director-level positions are excluded from that stipulation.
Biz Latin Hub can help you doing business in the Dominican Republic
At Biz Latin Hub, our multilingual teams of corporate support specialists have the experience and know-how to help you launch and do business in the Dominican Republic, or any of the other 17 markets around Latin America and the Caribbean where we have people in place. With our full suite of back-office solutions, including company formation, legal, accounting, and recruitment services, we can be your single point of contact for operating in the Americas and beyond.
Reach out to us now to discuss how we can help you reach your business goals.
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The information provided here within should not be construed as formal guidance or advice. Please consult a professional for your specific situation. Information provided is for informative purposes only and may not capture all pertinent laws, standards, and best practices. The regulatory landscape is continually evolving; information mentioned may be outdated and/or could undergo changes. The interpretations presented are not official. Some sections are based on the interpretations or views of relevant authorities, but we cannot ensure that these perspectives will be supported in all professional settings.
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