Tuesday, July 27, 2010

The Domincan Republic As a Retirement Destination

Written by Admin of D.R. Listings
Monday, 07 June 2010
The Dominican Republic Real Estate property market is likely to benefit from a resurgence of low-budget buyers, Property Abroad has predicted.

Real estate investors looking to the Caribbean destination will be able to take advantage of the market's low prices and value for money.

The news provider claimed that a change in demographic of buyers - from wealthy individuals to lower-income lifestyle purchasers - would be a positive thing for the Dominican property market.

"Along with the Venezuelan island of Margarita, the Dominican Republic offers the lowest priced property in the Caribbean," Property Abroad claimed.

"Now that things are recovering, people will be keen to get in and buy while things are still slow, in the hope that a lower offer may be accepted."

Furthermore, property investors looking to take advantage of the holiday rental market in the country will be encouraged by news that the region has been enjoying monthly increases in tourism numbers since September 2009.

According to minister of tourism Javier Garcia, USD12 million will be invested in the infrastructure of the destination in the next few years.
Last Updated ( Tuesday, 08 June 2010 )

Monday, July 26, 2010

Margarita Island... a MOST AFFORDABLE Vacation/Retirement Destination in the CARIBBEAN!







Margarita Island--with it's beautiful beaches, lush green valleys, friendly people and reasonable prices offers cultural diversity, lots of beaches, nightlife, eco tours, and plenty of bars...
something for everyone! For more information......

Affordable Destination in the CARIBBEAN!

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Notes from the Editor :

Margarita Island is such lovely place with charming views, I'd love to vacation there as an avid Scuba Diver , the pictures were fantastic. And the Curmudgeon did a great job as it's been one of the most fun sites I enjoyed surfing. As far as taking my family there I would like a little more infra-structure, and we will be writing about retirements destination that offer the stability and environment that a family needs to raise children in, and have the structure in place to retire comfortably.

Are You "Out of Touch"?

Crossposted from this Sovereign Man

Notes from the Field
Date: July 26, 2010 Reporting From: Krakow, Poland

By the late summer of 1939, Hitler's forces had absorbed Austria and Czechoslovakia into his growing empire, and Germany's military was massed at the Polish border clearly preparing for invasion.

In an astonishing display of perhaps the greatest complacency in the history of the modern world, however, Polish people sat lazing about their lakes, beaches, and riverbanks worrying about more pressing matters-- like how to beat the summer heat.

In September of that year, German troops easily vanquished the Polish army, and Krakow became the colonial seat of the occupying forces. Almost immediately, under the direction of the German SS, anyone who posed a threat was rounded up and imprisoned. This included over 180 Polish university professors and many businessmen.

Krakow, of course, is also very close to two of the main concentration camps used during the German occupation, nearby Oswiecim (Auschwitz) and Plaszow.

The worst part is that, even after the war was over, Poland merely swapped fascism for Stalinism. Overall, the country was shrouded in brutal totalitarian control for half a century; undoubtedly, the Nazi invasion of Poland set off a chain of events that would forever affect the lives of all Poles.

It's true that no one had a crystal ball back then... but it would certainly stand to reason that with Hitler knocking at your door, you would probably want to have an escape plan. Even more prudently, perhaps to have already executed it.

Many Poles did just that; they spent the preceding seasons liquidating assets, stocking up on gold, and getting their travel documents in order. By the time Hitler came to town, many of the smart ones were already gone.

My guess is that the ones who left were probably ridiculed by their peers as "crazy", or "fringe", or "out of touch", or my personal favorite, "unpatriotic." It's as if they had a solemn national duty to stay, get roped up and waste away in a concentration camp for the 'greater good' of Poland.

For those who escaped before the war, many of them went on to build new lives in places like the United States, Brazil, and Argentina. They prioritized freedom and opportunity, and they went to the best places that were safest for themselves and their families.

I've met a businessman here (I'll call him "Jarek") who I think has the best story to sum this up; when Jarek's father was just a boy in Krakow, the family saw the warning signs and decided to leave town. This was 1938.

Jarek's grandfather owned a successful bakery at the time, yet he felt that he would rather start over somewhere else than risk the safety of his family by living in a police state. They sold everything-- the house, livestock, and business... and everyone else thought they were crazy.

Within six months, the family was in Curitiba, Brazil; Jarek's grandfather soon established a new bakery that eventually became a thriving business. Jarek's father grew up in Curitiba and integrated into the local culture, yet he maintained his roots since there were many other Poles who followed them there.

30-years later, the face of Brazil started to change. By the mid-1960s, the whole of Latin America was becoming a military dictatorship. Once again, the family decided to get out while they could and head towards better opportunity; they sold the business, liquidated their assets, and this time headed towards the United States.

Jarek was just a baby when the family made this move. He grew up in a Polish neighborhood of Chicago, spoke Polish at home, and married a Polish girl from his neighborhood.

He was working as a young real estate professional in the Chicago suburbs when the Berlin Wall fell, at which point he began making more frequent trips to Poland to visit his family's homeland.

In his subsequent trips throughout the following years, Jarek began feeling like there was more and more opportunity in Poland; in 2003, fearful of what would happen in Chicago because of the "War on Terror," Jarek moved his family full-circle back to Poland because he felt like it was the safest, most opportunity-rich place for him to be.

He may have been right; his business is booming, and the family really enjoys the life they have built for themselves here. To listen to him talk, though, they would happily leave and go somewhere else if the right circumstances were presented.

"My most important obligation is to my family," he told me. "I will go wherever I can provide the best life for them, whether that is Poland, America, Brazil, or anywhere else. Nothing lasts forever, you have to expect that these things will change from time to time. People have to learn to change as well, to not get rooted in ideology.

"I think Jarek has an interesting point; I'd really like to hear from you, though, what do you think?

Simon Black
Senior Editor
SovereignMan.com




Sunday, July 25, 2010

Airports in the Dominican Republic

AIRPORTS The Dominican Republic has several international airports. East of Santo Domingo is Las Americas International and in the city is La Isabela.

For destinations on the North coast, people generally fly into PUERTO PLATA Airport named Gregorio Luperon which is located just 11 miles East of Puerto Plata.

Punta Cana. Another popular connection for U.S. travelers is to the international airport

Santiago de los Caballeros, however some of those flights arrive in the middle of the night to early mornings.

Since the beginning of 2007 the international airport EL CATEY in Samana has opened but not operating to its full capacity yet. As of 2008 there will be more airlines flying to El Catey which will make it so nice for arrivals going to Samana and Cabrera. El Catey is close to one hour East of Cabrera and the roads are narrow but in pretty good conditon.

All of these airport locations help facilitate and ease your traveling plans wether you visit to investigate investment possibilities or wanting to vacation on one of the North coast of the Dominican Republics beautiful sandy beaches.
Choose an expatriate health insurance Dominican Republic. Free advice and quotation service.
A few tips about movers in Dominican Republic.
Useful information about luggage shipping Dominican Republic.
Ask your questions to expatriates in Dominican Republic on the Dominican Republic forum.
Make contacts in Dominican Republic with the expat network Dominican Republic.
Expats' advice: how to work in Dominican Republic and how to find an accommodation in Dominican Republic.
Find an house or a flat for rent, a job in Dominican Republic, and much more in the Dominican Republic classifieds.

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Business/Tourism Visas

1. Letter of application addressed to the consul or the Minister of Foreign Relations (in case the person is already in the DR), signed by the applicant or legal representative. The letter of request can be issued by an individual or a company and should contain the following:

a) Name, nationality, place of residence, economic solvency and the profession of the interested party or the activity to which the applicant is or will be dedicated in the country.

b) Relationship or parentage of the person that will be responsible for the applicant during his/her stay in the country, if this is the case. (This is not necessary if the person is applying by way of a consulate abroad.)

c) If the person is applying individually, the letter should explain the person's economic solvency, nationality and profession or primary activity. (This is not necessary if the person is applying by way of a consulate abroad.)

d) If the person is employed or to be employed by a company in the Dominican Republic, the application should be made on company stationary and signed by the highest ranking officer of the company, indicating the position to be occupied by the applicant. The company needs to establish that it will be responsible for the applicant during his stay in the country.

2. Form 509-Ref -Typed or printed, accompanied with a Internal Revenue Service stamp. Citizens of the United States, Spain, Italy, Panama, Mexico and Norway do not need to purchase these stamps, because the visas are free for them.

3. Three front view 2 x 2 photographs.

4. Two complete copies of all pages of applicant's passport.

5. Certificate of Good Conduct issued in the jurisdiction of origin. If the beneficiary has been more than three months in the country, it needs to be issued by the competent local judicial authority.

Dominican Republic Visa Information

Visa is not reuiqred by citizens of Argentina, Chile, South Korea, Ecuador, Iceland, Israel, Japan, Peru, Liechtenstein, Uruguay.

A Tourist Card permits a legal stay of up to 60 days for tourists coming from:

Andorra, Antigua, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Brazil, Bolivia, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czechoslovakia, Curacao, Denmark, Dominica, El Salvador, Finland, France (includes Guadeloupe, Guyana, Martinique, Reunion and St. Kitts), Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Guatemala, Holland, Honduras, Hungary, Ireland, Turks & Caicos Islands, Italy, Jamaica, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Mexico, Monaco, Norway, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Russia, San Marino, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Lucia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Surinam, Trinidad & Tobago, the United States (including Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands), Ukraine, Venezuela and Yugoslavia.

Notes:

(1) All legal residents (green card holders) from the United States of America and Canada can enter the Dominican Republic holding travel documents that substitute their passports.

(2) If the person would like to extend the stay in the country, the tourist needs to visit the Migration Department in Santo Domingo and request an extension. Those that do not do so will need to pay a surcharge at the airport upon departure.

Countries with which Dominican Republic has agreements FOR DIPLOMATS and Government Officers to Travel without Visa:

Argentina, Belize, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Israel, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, and Uruguay.

Note: In addition to a valid visa, nationals of China (PR) require an authorisation from the Director of the Migration/Immigration Department.

What documents will be required?
In all cases the following will be required:

Photocopy of the photo page of the passport showing personal details of the applicant.
- Fee, payable by cheque. Applicant's name and address must be written on the back.
- Stamped, self-addressed envelope for postal applications.
- Application form

Time required to issue visa:
Tourist Cards: few days
Tourist and Business visas: 6-8 weeks, since they have to be referred to the authorities in the Dominican Republic unless requested by cable (the cost of which must be paid by the applicant)

What is the cost of a visa?
Aprox. 15 Euros
A tourist card can be purchased for US$10 at the consulates or at Dominican airports at the time of entry.

How long is the visa valid for?

Tourist visas and single-entry Business visas: 60 days.
Multiple-entry Business visas: up to 1 year.

Monday, July 19, 2010

Student Visas

1. Letter of application addressed to the Minister of Foreign Relations.

a) If the visa is requested in the DR, the letter of application needs to be made by the rector of the university or educational institution.

b) If the application is made from abroad, it needs to be remitted via the corresponding Dominican consulate.

2.- Letter of Guarantee or Affidavit addressed to the Minister of Foreign Relations. Legalized by the corresponding consulate.

a) Signed by the parent or tutor certifying he/she will cover the student's expenditures in the country.

b) Proof of economic solvency.

c) If issued in the country, it needs to be legalized by a notary public.

3. Three front view 2"x2" photographs.

4. Form 509-Ref - Citizens of the United States, Spain, Italy, Panama, Mexico and Norway do not need to purchase these stamps, because the visas are free for them.

5. Certificate of Good Conduct: Issued by the jurisdiction of residence, legalized by the corresponding consulate. If it is a renewal, it should be issued in the country by the Attorney General.

6. Photocopy of the previous visa, in case of a renewal.

7. Medical Certificate: Issued by the jurisdiction of residence of the applicant, legalized by the corresponding consulate. If it is a renewal, it can be issued in the DR, using a IRS form .

8. Proof of registry from the university: This can be a photocopy of the registration.

9. Two complete copies of the applicant's passport.

Embassy contact information:
For all other countries for more information contact the Dominican Republic embassy or consulate in your country.

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Residency Visas

The residence visa is the first step to obtain the residence card in the Dominican Republic. It can be obtained in approximately three months. The Ministry recommends that the process be begun prior to the person arriving in the DR, although it can also be carried out once the person is in the country.

1. Letter of application addressed to the consul or the Minister of Foreign Relations (in case the person is already in the DR), signed by the applicant or legal representative. The letter of request can be issued by an individual or a company and should contain the following:

a) When the application is filled out by an individual: individual's name, nationality, place of residence, and the activity to which the applicant is or will be dedicated in the country. If the application is filled out by a company, in addition to the data on the applicant, the request should be made on company stationary, and signed by the highest ranking officer of the company, indicating the position the applicant will hold.

b) Indication of the ties to the country that can be any of the following:

1-b) Dominican by origin.

2-b) Married to a Dominican.

3-b) Have a work contract, legalized by the Ministry of Labour.

4-b) Proof of economic solvency (investor, retiree).

2.- Form 509-Ref, duly completed and signed by the applicant, to be submitted with the other documents to the Ministry of Foreign Relations. Typed or printed, accompanied with a Internal Revenue Service stamp.

3.- Certificate of Good Conduct issued in the jurisdiction of origin. If the beneficiary has been more than three months in the country, it needs to be issued by the competent local judicial authority.

4.- Medical Health Certificate. Issued in the jurisdiction of origin. If the applicant has been living more than three months in the country, a recent medical certificate should be presented, legalized by the Ministry of Public Health (SESPAS).

5.- Three front view 2"x2" photographs.

6.- Birth Certificate.

7.- Certificate of the Department of Migration with proof of the last entry of the person to the country and copy of the Tourist Card.

8. Two photocopies of the applicant's complete passport.

Observations:

1. All documents received from abroad need to be legalized by the Dominican consulate in the corresponding jurisdiction.

2. All documents need to be presented in original and four copies with the exception of the passport.

3. The passport needs to be valid for a minimum of three months after having been deposited for the visa.

4. If the application includes the spouse, a marriage certificate should be included.

5. Minors are exempt from the Good Conduct Certificate requirement.