What Our Dominican Republic Fixers Have to Say About Filming on Location in the Dominican Republic
Located east of Haiti on the Caribbean island of Hispaniola, this is one of the largest and most accessible countries in the Caribbean, offering a fantastic filming location for producers seeking something both exotic and easy to access.
The country boasts stunning landscapes, unmatched biodiversity, a rapidly developing film industry, and over 800 miles of coastline with pristine beaches, white sand islands, tropical rainforests, mountain ranges, a small desert, bustling Latin American cities, and the oldest colonial city in the Americas—there’s no shortage of diverse locations for your production.
The tropical climate in the Dominican Republic maintains an average temperature of 25°C, rarely exceeding this. However, rainfall varies seasonally. On the north coast, the wettest months are from October to April, while the rainy season in the south lasts from May to November. The south also experiences hurricanes during August and September. The ideal time to visit is between November and April to avoid the worst humidity.
The official currency is the Dominican Peso (DOP), and the symbol for the Peso is $.
Recent well-known films shot locally include xXx: Return of Xander Cage starring Vin Diesel.
If you are interested to film in this region, please visit our REGIONS WE FIX IN page for more information on Visa Applications, crew and equipment, drone permits and safety & security.
Tax Incentives for Filmmakers in the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic offers foreign productions a 25% transferable tax credit (TTC), which includes payments made to foreign payrolls if paid through a Dominican production company. Withholding tax can be as low as 1.5%. Additionally, the law provides a 100% exemption from all taxes, duties, charges, and fees related to production and export activities within designated zones across the country, including those near the Dominican-Haitian border.
Exclusive film service providers, such as studios and film equipment rental companies registered as such, are exempt from the Dominican Value-Added Tax (18% ITBIS), providing further savings for filmmakers.
Requirements to Qualify:
- A Single Shooting Permit (PUR) issued by the Dominican Film Commission (DGCINE).
- A minimum local spend of USD $500,000.
- A signed production services agreement with a local production services company.
- Contracted legal, accounting, and auditing services from pre-approved Dominican firms.
- Local general liability insurance.
- At least 25% of the total crew and cast must be Dominican nationals or residents.
Dominican Republic Film Location Permits
A film and photography shooting permit is required when filming in the Dominican Republic and must be available for inspection in case of random checks by authorities. Our local film fixers can help your production team obtain the necessary permits.
Film Equipment
Most basic film equipment is readily available in the Dominican Republic. Specialized equipment can be imported from Puerto Rico or Miami, with the government actively supporting the film industry by simplifying the import process. A ferry service operates three times a week between the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, ensuring efficient equipment transport.
A list of film equipment must be submitted to the Dominican Republic Film Commission Office at least two weeks before arrival.
Crew and Infrastructure
The Dominican Republic is home to Lantica Media’s Pinewood Dominican Republic Studios, which features three sizable soundstages and a 60,500-square-foot horizon water tank with blue-screen capabilities, providing excellent infrastructure for your production.
Cultural Practices
The Dominican Republic is known for its vibrant Carnival celebrations each February, featuring parades, street dancing, food festivals, and music. Festivities also occur in the week leading up to Easter Sunday, offering a lively cultural atmosphere.
Dominican Republic Drone Regulations
Flying a drone in the Dominican Republic is legal, but operators must comply with the regulations set by the Dominican Republic’s Directorate General of Civil Aeronautics (IDAC). For more detailed information on drone laws, visit this link.
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