This article presents a data-driven overview of the typical company formation and ongoing maintenance costs for establishing a standard Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada (SRL) in the Dominican Republic. All cost figures are based on official sources and reflect the most relevant information for 2025.
Company Formation Costs in the Dominican Republic (2025)
The SRL remains the most common legal entity type for small and medium-sized businesses in the Dominican Republic. Below is a structured summary of the creation costs involved, all denominated in Dominican Pesos (DOP). For reference, the current exchange rate is approximately 1 USD = 58 DOP.
| Item | Amount (DOP) | USD Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum capital requirement | DOP 100,000 | $1,724 |
| Registry fees (Cámara de Comercio y Producción) | DOP 12,000 | $207 |
| Notary fees | DOP 5,000 | $86 |
| Legal documentation (drafting and processing) | DOP 8,000 | $138 |
| Lawyer fees (average) | DOP 10,000 | $172 |
Average total out-of-pocket creation cost: DOP 35,000 ($603).
Note: The minimum capital requirement (DOP 100,000, ~$1,724) is a statutory threshold that must be presented, but it is not necessarily a cash expense—rather, it is a subscribed capital figure that can be injected in-kind or in cash at the founder’s discretion.
Annual Maintenance and Compliance Costs
After incorporation, maintaining an SRL involves several recurring annual expenses. These typically cover necessary filings, accounting obligations, and basic legal compliance. The table below provides a detailed cost breakdown for the annual cycle, with actual observed figures for 2025.
| Maintenance Expense | Amount (DOP) | USD Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Annual renewal at Cámara de Comercio y Producción | DOP 12,000 | $207 |
| Mandatory accounting services (basic) | DOP 12,000 | $207 |
| Tax filing fees (average) | DOP 5,000 | $86 |
| Legal compliance/representation (optional but common) | DOP 6,000 | $103 |
| Total estimated annual maintenance | DOP 12,000 – DOP 35,000 | $207 – $603 |
The lower end of the range covers minimum statutory requirements, while the upper end accounts for more comprehensive legal and compliance representation.
Relevant Sources and Official Government Links
- Dirección General de Impuestos Internos (DGII)
- Cámara de Comercio y Producción de Santo Domingo
- Gaceta Oficial de la República Dominicana
Expert Pro Tips for Managing Costs
- Ensure all company documents are in place before starting the registration process to avoid unnecessary notary or legal fees. Delays or missing pieces can quickly drive up legal charges.
- Negotiate accounting and lawyer fees upfront. Annual rates are sometimes flexible, especially for straightforward or low-volume operations.
- Retain only the legal compliance services you actually need. Many founders opt for basic annual renewals rather than ongoing advisory unless involved in regulated sectors.
- Track renewal dates closely. Late filing or late renewal at the Cámara de Comercio y Producción can result in penalty fees that are avoidable and nontrivial.
- Use official government channels rather than third-party agents whenever possible to reduce overhead and ensure transparent fee structures.
Key Takeaways on Company Setup Expenses in 2025
Setting up an SRL in the Dominican Republic involves an average outlay of around DOP 35,000 ($603) beyond the mandatory capital requirement, while annual compliance runs to approximately DOP 12,000–35,000 ($207–603) depending on your needs. Most costs are predictable and clearly outlined by government sources, making it straightforward to estimate both startup and recurring charges. As always, careful document preparation and attentive compliance will help you manage these costs efficiently and avoid unnecessary extras.