Insights
How to Hire Employees in the Dominican Republic
Insights · By Chen ChunJie · Published 8 November 2026
The Dominican Republic is a growing nearshore base for service and tech teams. A foreign company can hire there through its own Dominican company, through an employer of record, or by engaging independent contractors for defined projects. This guide covers the routes, contracts, pay and how employment ends.
Last reviewed in November 2026 against Labour Code Law 16-92, Law 87-01, the February 2026 minimum wage resolution and DGII guidance. Rates change, so we confirm them for each engagement.
Three ways to hire
| Route | Who employs the person | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Your own Dominican company | Your SRL or branch | Long-term teams |
| Employer of record | A Dominican employer such as our Local Team | First hires before your entity is ready |
| Independent contractor | No employer; a services contract | Projects by genuinely independent professionals |
Contracts
Any personal service under subordination for pay is presumed to be an indefinite employment contract. Put it in writing in Spanish, and use fixed-term contracts only in the cases the Code allows. There is no formal probation, but notice and cesantía apply only after three months. A new Labour Code has been under discussion, so check its status for long contracts.
No Dominican company yet? Our Local Team can be the legal employer while you manage the work. See Employer of Record in the Dominican Republic.
Pay and payroll
From 1 February 2026 the minimum wage for large companies in the non-sectorised private sector is RD$29,988 a month. The employer pays about 16.4% in social security and INFOTEP, withholds the employee’s 5.91% and income tax, and pays the salario de Navidad by 20 December. See our Dominican Republic payroll and tax guide.
Working time and leave
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Hours | 8 a day and 44 a week |
| Overtime | 35% premium up to 68 hours a week, 100% beyond |
| Vacation | 14 working days after a year, 18 after five |
| Maternity and paternity | 14 weeks covered by the health system; two days for fathers |
Ending employment
After three months, ending an indefinite contract without cause requires notice of 7 to 28 days and cesantía of 6 to 23 days’ pay per year of service. A dismissal for cause must be notified to the Ministry of Labour within 48 hours; if the cause is not proven, the employer can owe up to six months’ salary on top.
Hiring a foreign national
Foreign employees need a work visa and residence, their contract is registered with the Ministry of Labour, and at least 80% of staff must be Dominican. See Expat Employment in the Dominican Republic.
FAQ: hiring employees in the Dominican Republic
Is a written contract required?
Not strictly, but it is advisable and needed in practice for foreign workers.
Is there a probation period?
No formal one, but notice and cesantía apply only after three months.
When is the salario de Navidad paid?
By 20 December.
What is the 80% rule?
At least 80% of an employer’s staff must be Dominican.
Hiring your first employee in the Dominican Republic?
Our Local Team employs the person, runs payroll with TSS, income tax and the salario de Navidad, and handles the paperwork, while you manage the day-to-day work.
Related
How we employ your team in the Dominican Republic.
Contracts, leave, termination and more.