The Republic is an island situated in the Caribbean, close to the island of Hispaniola. Having undergone numerous changes in its politics and economy, mostly positive, it has formed the current democracy and developing economy. The country has a population of around 10.4 million persons with its capital city, Santo Domingo, a hub for more than three million people. The Dominicans hold family values, beliefs, and charity as the foundations of life. Their friendly nature allows many foreigners entry into the country for various purposes. This south American nation might not be a popular tourist destination, but it provides residents with good jobs with average pay. Despite the rising unemployment and unstable economy, expats are likely to find work in the republic due to its small population. Although to get a good paying job, a foreigner has to meet the requirements of the position as well as be highly skilled and qualified.
If you are a foreigner thinking of relocating to the country, or you are looking for work here from outside the territory, this article provides information on finding work in the Dominican Republic as an expat and other things you need to know.
Types of jobs available to expats
The several forms of work available include remote, full-time, part-time, internship, contract-based, freelancing, seasonal, hybrid, etc. These choices are accessible for foreigners to apply for the forms they wish to work with.
Finding work as a foreigner
Regardless of its growing economy and size, the country’s local companies and sectors have job openings available to foreigners who are looking to work here. These consists of jobs in thriving sectors such as tourism, industry, education, pharmaceutical, health, etc. People now search for job opportunities on social media pages, job networking apps like LinkedIn, recruitment sites, job portals of recruiting organizations, newspapers, etc. Though the conventional way of networking and recommendation by close relatives or familiar associates working in desired companies. With these platforms, foreigners can find job openings online and filter them based on their fields of study, entry-level, and level of qualifications. Keep in mind that experienced expats who meet the requirements of the positions are normally employed.
Work requirements for expats
As a small Island, it is mainly open to foreign investments from global investors and international businesses. However, there are few job opportunities for expats, but they are limited to a few sectors, demanding high skills and experience. For expats who do not meet these criteria, yet wish to work here, there are volunteering jobs open in small cities. They do not need much experience but pay little or nothing.
Language proficiency
The adeptness to converse in English to an extent provides an edge for an expat when looking for work in the cities like Santiago, Santa Domingo, etc. Foreigners are mostly employed to teach in private schools across the island. Living here may not require proficiency in Mexican, the official language but a good grasp of it is commended. This helps foreigners to have better communication with local citizens in rural areas.
Work visa/permit
Contingent to where a foreigner is from, he or she requires a work visa and or a permit to work in any domestic company in the nation. Generally, a citizen from a third-world country has to apply for a work visa at a local embassy after obtaining a job offer from a prospective company here. This allows entry into the country for a specified duration. A permit is issued and valid for a certain period stated in the letter after which it must be renewed.
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