Foreign Investment in the Dominican Republic Hits Its Highest Level in History

by | Feb 6, 2026 | FDI Latin America

The Dominican Republic keeps pace as a prime investment destination

After nearly doubling foreign direct investment inflows during the past half-decade, foreign investment in the Dominican Republic reached record highs last year. In addition to setting a new annual record for the fourth year in a row, Dominican foreign direct investment (FDI) stocks reached US$5,032.3 billion in 2025, Central Bank data shows. That’s nearly 97% higher than in 2020.

This growth indicates that foreign investment in the Dominican Republic is on solid footing and is not just part of a cyclical recovery or driven by volatile capital flows. Thanks to macroeconomic stability, attractive policies, and a commitment to long-term planning, the Dominican Republic continues to distinguish itself as one of the most dynamic and reliable FDI destinations in Latin America and the Caribbean.

“This year’s historic figures are not merely numbers. They are confidence signals, bets on the future, proof of long-term vision, and the result of a strategic positioning that projects stability, competitiveness, and openness to the world,” said Biviana Riveiro Disla, Executive Director of Dominican Republic Export and Investment Center (ProDominicana).

As demonstrated by strong results over the past five years, continuity in policies and institutions is vital to attracting foreign investment to the Dominican Republic. Sound fiscal and monetary policies have been supported by regulatory reforms to improve the rule of law for investors and strengthen public-private coordination. Together, these policies have helped cement the country’s reputation as a place where investors can count on stable business conditions, clear rules and processes, and access to regional and international markets.

The Dominican Republic: a diversified destination for foreign investment

Tourism continues to be the main beneficiary of foreign direct investment in the Dominican Republic, accounting for 26.3% of the total. The sector has proven particularly attractive to foreign investors thanks to its robust infrastructure, brand awareness, and ability to win high-value and sustainable tourism projects.

Foreign investment in energy projects placed second with 23.8%, buoyed by power generation and renewable energy investment. Commercial real estate investment amounted to 15.7% of the total, supported by continued demand for residential and mixed-use projects. Commerce attracted 10.5% of foreign capital, while free trade zones captured 8.7%. Mining represented 6.7% of foreign investment directed to the Dominican Republic; financial services made up 3.4%, and the remaining sectors comprised the final 4.9%.

FDI is a driver of the Dominican economy

Investment plays a multiplier effect across Dominican industries. “It integrates the country into global value chains, contributing to export growth, job creation, economic resilience, and the transfer of technology and knowledge,” said Riveiro. Productivity, job skills, and competitiveness are strengthened across sectors as investment is filtered through the economy.

Employment created by FDI is often high-quality and supports auxiliary local businesses. Additionally, foreign companies often bring international know-how related to management practices, innovation, and sustainable production. For these reasons and more, investment is key to fostering shared prosperity in cities and provinces across the Dominican Republic.

Dominican Republic Opens Doors for Investors with ProDominicana

ProDominicana has been at the forefront of the Dominican Republic’s efforts to attract and retain foreign investors. By focusing on targeted sectors, prospecting in key markets, and offering personalized services to investors, the agency has laid the groundwork for investment in the Dominican Republic to reach record levels.

Over the last few years, ProDominicana has conducted more than 350 promotion events spanning more than 60 countries. The agency has worked to raise awareness of the Dominican Republic as an investment destination across continents.

Not only has ProDominicana strengthened the country’s brand abroad, but it has also partnered with public and private organizations to improve processes at home. By collaborating with government agencies to strengthen the Single Investment Window, ProDominicana has simplified more than 41 procedures undertaken by investors across 26 institutions.

Efforts to attract and retain investors are ongoing

ProDominicana has undertaken several initiatives with the goal of continuing the Dominican Republic’s streak of FDI records. The Investment Guide, which is available in 10 languages, serves to make information on investing in the Dominican Republic accessible to interested parties around the world.

More recently, ProDominicana has led the creation of Guidelines for the Foreign Direct Investment Attraction and Expansion Plan 2025–2036. Outlining the next decade’s strategy for foreign investment in the Dominican Republic, the plan sets a roadmap for not only attracting new investors to the country, but also retaining and expanding existing investors.

With a focus on encouraging reinvestment and greater linkages to the local economy, foreign investors can expect the Dominican Republic to improve upon its efforts to be a convenient and rewarding place to do business.

Exports reach US$15,930.6 billion; up 14.4%

Aligned with record-setting foreign investment levels, Dominican exports continued their historic expansion in 2025. Total exports were valued at US$15,930.6 billion, an annual increase of 14.4%. Gold, cocoa beans, unmanufactured tobacco, medical instruments and devices, plastic products, Portland cement, bananas, electric circuit breakers, and coffee all experienced expanded export totals in 2025.

Foreign investment sets the stage for continued growth

“The Dominican Republic continues its journey towards consolidating itself as a safe destination to invest, produce, and export, with clear long-term visions,” Riveiro concluded. Looking ahead, foreign investment in the Dominican Republic will continue to support economic growth and Dominican exporters.