Dominican Republic
AI Agent Legal Status: undefined · Autonomy: low
Legal Framework
The Dominican Republic has a growing tech sector and the Central Bank (BCRD) has studied CBDCs and digital assets. No comprehensive AI or crypto legislation enacted. The SIB (banking superintendent) oversees financial services. Data protection covered under the Constitution and sector-specific laws.
Key Laws & Regulations
- ◆Ley 126-02 - Electronic Commerce and Digital Signatures
- ◆BCRD studies and circulars on digital assets
- ◆Ley 172-13 - Data Protection (Habeas Data)
- ◆Ley 479-08 - Sociedades Comerciales (Commercial Companies)
Business Formation
Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada (SRL) and Sociedad Anónima (SA) are standard. Registration through the Chamber of Commerce and Registro Mercantil. Free trade zones available. Process is moderately bureaucratic. No digital entity provisions.
Tax Implications
Corporate income tax at 27%. ITBIS (VAT) at 18%. Free trade zone companies receive tax incentives. No specific crypto tax framework. Withholding taxes on payments abroad. Growing number of double taxation treaties.
Opportunities
Largest Caribbean market with 11M+ population. Free trade zone tax incentives. Growing digital economy. DR-CAFTA trade agreement with the US. Nearshoring trend benefiting tech sector.
Highlights
Largest economy in the Caribbean. Growing tech sector and startup ecosystem. Free trade zones with tax incentives. Political stability relative to the region. Strong tourism economy driving digital services.
Risks & Challenges
No specific AI or crypto regulation. Bureaucratic business processes. Corruption concerns. Limited venture capital. Brain drain to the US.