Moving Back to the DR: Duty-Free Household Goods

If you are moving to the Dominican Republic to live, you may be able to bring your household goods without paying import duties. This is known as the household goods exemption, or menaje de casa. Here is who qualifies, what Dominican customs (DGA) asks for, and how ShipToDR.com can ship your belongings from Canada.

Who qualifies

According to the Dirección General de Aduanas (DGA), the exemption covers:

• Dominicans returning to live permanently in the Dominican Republic after living abroad for 2 years or more
• Dominican students returning after studying abroad for more than 2 years
• Foreigners who have obtained residency in the Dominican Republic

Foreign retirees and people living on foreign income may also have tax incentives under Law 171-07. Ask a Dominican customs broker or lawyer about your case.

Documents customs asks for

1. Your original residence document and a copy of your ID or passport from the country where you lived (or naturalization certificate)
2. A passport in good condition with at least 2 years of validity, plus copies of all its pages
3. The original bill of lading (B/L) for your shipment, plus copies
4. The customs tax settlement sheet and accounting receipt issued by customs
5. The customs adjustment form, completed and signed
6. A recent marriage or divorce certificate, depending on your civil status
7. Students: the original and a copy of your degree or diploma

Important rules

• Do not ship until customs confirms your application.
• Only bring items needed for your home.
• The application is made in person, by appointment.
• Customs may inspect to verify the information you provide.

Rules and requirements can change, so confirm the current list with the DGA (aduanas.gob.do) before you ship.

How ShipToDR.com helps

We ship household moves in our consolidated containers or in a full 20-foot or 40-foot container, and we prepare the shipping documents customs needs, including the bill of lading. We pick up anywhere in Canada. WhatsApp or call us at 416-580-3463 to plan your move.

Resumen en español

Si regresa a vivir a República Dominicana después de 2 años o más en el exterior, puede calificar para importar su menaje de casa libre de impuestos. Aduanas (DGA) pide, entre otros, su documento de residencia, pasaporte vigente, el conocimiento de embarque (B/L) original y el formulario de ajuste. No envíe su carga hasta que Aduanas lo confirme. ShipToDR.com le ayuda con el envío desde Canadá: escríbanos por WhatsApp al 416-580-3463.