For years, the Dominican Republic has been a go-to vacation spot for Dominicans abroad. But now we’re seeing more U.S. veterans and retirees—many with Dominican roots—making the move back, drawn by the lifestyle, affordability, and a chance to reconnect with culture and community.

Why the DR is gaining attention

• Affordable lifestyle: Living costs are estimated at 60–70% cheaper than in the U.S., meaning pensions, Social Security, and VA or disability benefits stretch much farther.
• Accessible healthcare: A mix of public and private care, often with lower fees, plus options specifically serving veterans.
• Special residency perks: Law 171-07 allows retirees to expedite residency, import household goods and one vehicle duty-free, and enjoy tax breaks.
• Vibrant retirement communities: From mountain towns like Jarabacoa to coastal hubs in Punta Cana, Sana Domingo, Las Terrenas, and Sosúa, retirees find a rich blend of culture, nature, and community.

Veteran-focused clinics in the Dominican Republic

Here are three trusted healthcare centers tailored to U.S. veterans:

• WellVet: With locations across the DR, including one in Santo Domingo, WellVet provides primary care, home visits, mental health support, dental services, physical therapy, and pharmacy services specifically for U.S. veterans and their dependents.
• iWellness Veterans Center: Known as the largest facility for U.S. veterans in the DR, located in Santiago de los Caballeros. Offers comprehensive care—including primary care, mental health, physical therapy, and VA benefits assistance—with high satisfaction among veterans served.
• Veterans Care International (VCI): Situated in Punta Cana and authorized under the VA’s Foreign Medical Program (FMP), VCI offers physical, mental, and rehabilitative healthcare tailored to service-connected conditions. Veterans Community Care Abroad (VCCA) offers clinics in Punta Cana and Jarabacoa, providing primary care, telehealth, rehabilitation, and mental health service

Private clinics for expats with healthcare plans

If you’re looking for reliable private healthcare under an expat or insurance plan, here are three respected clinics:

• Cedimat (Centro de Diagnóstico y Medicina Avanzada) – Santo Domingo: Leading center for cardiovascular surgery, oncology, transplants, and advanced diagnostics—often preferred by international patients
• Hospital Metropolitano de Santiago (HOMS) – Santiago: One of the most modern hospitals in the Caribbean, offering a wide range of specialties, advanced imaging, and international-level care
• Centro Médico Punta Cana – Punta Cana: Easily accessible in the tourist zone; known for cosmetic, dental, emergency care, and general medicine services.

Simplified logistics: Steps to relocate smoothly

1. Residency

• Apply under the retiree/pensionado program (Law 171-07). Provide proof of fixed income (e.g., pension, VA benefits). This grants fast-tracked residency and duty-free imports.

2. Shipping household goods

• Use sea container shipping for cost-efficiency (takes 3–6 weeks). Duty exemptions often apply to used items after 2 years abroad.

3. Shipping a car

• One vehicle under 5 years old can enter duty-free. Shipping costs range between $1,200–$2,000, with transit taking 2–4 weeks. Other intermediary fees may apply.

4. Healthcare setup

• For veterans: choose one of the veteran-specific clinics above based on region.
• For general expat care: consider Cedimat, HOMS, or Centro Médico Punta Cana.
• Optional: enroll in a private healthcare plan for broader coverage.

What can we expect in the next 5 years

As an international real estate broker, I’m working with clients across the U.S. who are buying property in the Dominican Republic now with plans to retire here within the next 1–5 years. This retiree and veteran market is one of the fastest-growing sectors of real estate, driving demand in areas like Punta Cana, Puerto Plata and Las Terrenas. And with an estimated 76 million Baby Boomers set to retire by 2030, I don’t see this trend slowing down anytime soon.

For many, the DR is no longer a vacation spot—it’s becoming a destination for retirement of choice.

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About the author

Rosalyn Ortega-Elie is a real estate investor, business coach, and owner of Smart Caribbean Properties. She specializes in helping international investors find the right property in the Dominican Republic while also guiding clients on how to monetize their expertise through digital businesses that thrive across borders. Connect with her on Instagram @ smartcaribbean_ or reach out via email at: info@smartcaribbeanproperties.com.