Forming a company in Punta Cana is a great opportunity to take advantage of the region’s strong growth in tourism and real estate. However, many entrepreneurs face delays and unnecessary costs due to not properly following the legal steps.
To help you avoid these issues, we have prepared a definitive checklist covering everything you need: documentos, trámites, obligaciones fiscales y errores que debes evitar. Con esta guía tendrás un camino claro para abrir tu negocio en 2026.
Required Documents
Before starting the process, make sure you have the following basic documents:
- Copies of Dominican ID cards or passports of the partners
- Trade name reservation issued by ONAPI
- Articles of incorporation drafted and signed
- Notarized incorporation deed
- Proof of payment of applicable government fees
- Power of attorney (if the process will be handled by a representative)
Mandatory Procedures
- Reserve a trade name en ONAPI.
- Mercantile Registry: at the Chamber of Commerce of Higüey (for companies in Punta Cana)
- Obtain the RNC from the General Directorate of Internal Taxes (DGII)
- Register with the Social Security Treasury (TSS).
- Register with the Ministry of Labor if you will have employees
- Open a corporate bank account for local operations
Initial Tax Obligations
Once your RNC is active, your company must comply with the following:
- Monthly VAT (ITBIS) filings (Form IT-1)
- Income tax withholdings for employees and suppliers
- Annual income tax return (IR-2)
- Registration and payment to the TSS for payroll
💡 Having a professional accounting advisor will help you avoid penalties for missing these deadlines.
Common Mistakes
Entrepreneurs who start without proper guidance often make these mistakes:
- Failing to verify trade name availability before moving forward
- Submitting incomplete or poorly drafted corporate documents
- Not registering the company with the DGII after obtaining the Mercantile Registry
- Omitting registration with the TSS and Ministry of Labor when hiring employees
- Underestimating legal and tax costs during the first year
Company Formation Checklist
✅ Trade name reservation (ONAPI)
✅ Articles of incorporation and notarized incorporation deed
✅ Mercantile Registry (Chamber of Commerce of Higüey)
✅ Tax Identification Number – RNC (DGII)
✅ Registration with the TSS and Ministry of Labor
✅ Corporate bank account opening
✅ Start of monthly and annual tax obligations
Frequently asked questions
What documents do I need?
ID cards or passports of the partners, articles of incorporation, notarized incorporation deed, trade name reservation, and proof of payments.
What taxes must I pay?
VAT (ITBIS), monthly and annual income tax, and withholdings for employees and suppliers.
What mistakes do new business owners make?
Failing to register the company with the DGII, omitting labor registrations, or submitting incomplete documentation.
Forming a Company Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated. At Gadax Asesores Fiscales y Contadores, we guide you step by step and help you avoid mistakes that can cost you time and money.
EN 
ES