Business Ideas for Foreigners in Dominican Republic

[@najayosoy]

Hi, guys,I love what you do, thanks, Im from DR, i have been living in the US for while,but now I want to return, im contemplating your advices. Thanks so much, Norveris trankila, yo tembien hay palabras que no puedo pronunciar bien y tengo 33 years en USA, Escribo sin acento pero hablo con el 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣, Dios les bendiga. You guys look very good as a couple. God bless you, keep doing what you guys are doing. 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@NorberisR]

Thank you, I appreciate that. When you return your accent will get better🤗

[@genehotbetodd7087]

I'm interested in taking over the hospital cleaning contacts in Santo Domingo

[@NorberisR]

Good idea 💡

[@jaimerivera7717]

Great idea.. I have a cleaning business in the States.

[@antoniothomas3862]

Being in DR. I've experienced unreliable people that say they're on their way and never show up. The vending machines you would have to find the right product. Because a lot of Americans like junk food. I thought about putting a bowling alley and a skate rink in DR.

[@NorberisR]

Santo Domingo has both a bowling alley and skating rink. But it's only one. Putting one in Santo Domingo Norte would be good or were you think SPM?

[@antoniothomas3862]

@@NorberisR Really. I want to put one in SPM. To give people, especially kids something more to do and also I thought about a splash pad. That won't bring in money but the kids would enjoy it. Yes I like SPM. It's not too big and it's on the coast. They are building it up right now.

[@NorberisR]

The bowling alley would be good over there. We always say we are going to spend some time in SPM but we never get around to doing it.

[@TruthFirst005]

A skating Rink would be cool. My family ownes a skating rink in Albuquerque for about 45 years. Lots of fun but lots of work.

[@evensthomas4364]

That would be an excellent idea. We live in SPM and have to go to LA Romana to take my kids skating at the Multiplaza.

[@sdrjr3562]

To the husband (sorry didn't catch your name) has your US family visited? If they have what has been their reaction to your living in the Dominican Republic? Have you been able to convince anyone to move there? Also, what have you found to be the craziest or top 3 adjustments you've had to make for you to really live there & feel good? 1-more: How do you see the Dominican ppl and DR in general now in comparison to when you first started traveling there? I'm Dominican in Bronx, NY & love both your perspectives since I also dream of living there again.

[@angeliqueinhtx]

His name is Jay, he has his own channel and he answers most of the questions that you asked on his channel. VERY good content on both their channels!

[@meoli2333]

Thanks!

[@NorberisR]

Thank you.

[@m12570]

I really enjoy your knowledge on DR. nice to know that the "Trades" are in demand in the DR. that's my expertise! :)

[@noelamadis3804]

Drinks 🍺 🍻 are one of the top business Dominican's like to party

[@AdamSmiththe89th]

You guys need a video on what businesses not to do in DR. For example every time I go there all the rental car businesses I see it’s ridiculous . lol

[@NorberisR]

10 million visitors came to the island last year and none of them had cars😅. Sounds like a good business to me.

[@gabrieldufresne8272]

is a boat rental business could be a good one ?

[@mkjoh07l2d4]

This was a great video! My wife and I are currently building in Río San Juan and been trying to figure out what to do when we make the move…she inherited a building as well in Santo Domingo and a content creation center would be great there! Y’all have my brain on over drive now.. lol

[@NorberisR]

That is good😁. Keep us posted if you decide to do something like that.

[@MarcusBolden-m2b]

Awesome job by you and Jay. Your content is always beneficial to those of us that are considering moving abroad.

[@TheJoeyboots]

It is possible to do a business in DR as the requirements are so much cheaper and less. In the states the startup can be astronomical. I had two ventures in DR both failed. Both were bad choices in partners. One rule if you have a business there you NEED to be there to supervise. My friend had a business and he closed it. He said because his suppliers ganged up on him and would monitor his activity. He said if he had a good month his suppliers would raise the price. Making it difficult to make a good profit. He swears they did this to him as he was a foreigner. Not saying it is not a good idea or to talk down on the idea, but as you yourself said it is a different country. And with that there are different ways to do buisness and unfortunatly some are bad ways. Proceed with caution. ⚠

[@NorberisR]

I agree one should be cautious when doing business but sound like your partner wasn't being completely honest either. People should also be cautious when picking a partner to go into business with.

[@keimatorres5888]

I agree with you wholeheartedly. I had a business myself in 2017 which ran for 1.5 years and unless you’re running it yourself or someone you fully TRUST, it will be extremely difficult. I promise you please make sure you’re there to run it /over see it.

[@mredgar325]

Good content. Please keep producing.

[@krhodessch]

James, I'm also a subscriber to your channel. I'm going to reach out to you on your email over there. No disrespect at all to your wife, it's just that I have listened to you history and we have a lot in common from when you were here in the US....Just wanting some insight on how to make what I do work for me over there.

[@NorberisR]

Yes feel free to send him an email.

[@chrisdezzy56]

What about the rental car business? Thinking about starting small with 3 or 4 vehicles.

[@nathanaelsegura2535]

ESA es una buena idea de negocio.

[@NorberisR]

You have a lot rental car business here but it can be a good idea.

[@LuisRamirez-ls8vz]

Be careful with that kind of business. I can tell you why it doesn't work, and can also tell you what to do to make it work

[@theronmayes5485]

I like the concept of stock photography. I am going to do some research into this. Thanks for the tip.

[@NorberisR]

You're welcome 😊

[@melvindachef]

“Can y’all make a video about an American having restaurant ideas in the Dominican Republic, and that if the American man or woman has a strong online Dominican fan-base maybe the restaurant idea can work for them… The American person I’m talking about is me lol 😆

[@NorberisR]

Can you be more specific, I don't understand completely when you said American restaurant ideas.

[@derekcasanares4785]

@@NorberisR - I think that he needs more customers for his restaurant

[@blackoil2soil709]

Don't do it lol that's a hard ass Market folk. Dominicans only eat the same thing everyday. And they ain't changing for nobody. Beans rice plantain potatoes. Other then that you ain't making no money. To make money you gotta cater to the locals not expats. Trust me. Every restaurant fails otherwise.

[@SigrideDalencour-iu4mn]

I love this video! You and James really gave some business ideas to think about as ways to gain income while in DR. Thank you as always! And keep up the good work!

[@NorberisR]

Our pleasure!

[@jennyc.n3618]

Execellent video mis amores 😘🇩🇴 Keep it up contributing your grain of sand for the socioeconomic growth of our country.

[@NorberisR]

Our pleasure! Thank you🤗🇩🇴

[@didactic02]

Yes y’all on point

[@abundanceofFAB]

This is awesome, I’ll be relocating there. I’m a chef and Caterer. Love your channel ❤

[@NorberisR]

Congratulations. Thank you🤗

[@pressurebusspipesmakesdiam1366]

Good topic outside of the norm for us future expats to think about

[@NorberisR]

Thanks!

[@vjn2390]

Great ideas !

[@NorberisR]

Thank you! 😊

[@LimitlessHorizons-fm4nd]

Great ideas indeed

[@NorberisR]

Thank you! 😊

[@dcg348]

what about ideas about technology , information technology , cybersecurity, blockchain ?...digital tranfomation , 5g , IOT , artificial interlignce?

[@sbotros]

Was thinking of that too. I work in the restaurant industry but have also a professional background in IT and was thinking of integrating both. Like POS, screens, modernizing operations.. etc

[@solentricxinc.9944]

So as a dominican electrical contractor in Texas I can bring my business there?

[@NorberisR]

I don't see why you couldn't. Thay type work i think I readily available.

[@NorberisR]

I don't know anything about IT, block chain but it's worth you researching it if that skill set.

[@eltrango]

What about these: opening gyms, food truck businesses, auto parts stores, hardware store with more tool selections, laundry place with full pickup and drop off service, cabinet making shop, etc. Would appreciate feedback on which you think would be successful in Santo Domingo or punta Cana, possibly bayahibe

[@NorberisR]

All these businesses currently exist here in both Santo Domingo and Punta Cana. Whether it would work would be something you would have to do by researching the market.

[@bklyn2miami553]

You guys have such Perfect Skin!!

[@NorberisR]

Thank you😁

[@JB_gliding]

got me ready to break out my cameras.. like that idea... as much as I've been there.. be back next week

[@djones8571]

Excellent video. Thanks for the great ideas.

[@NorberisR]

You are so welcome!

[@Dee-pj7hh]

Great ideas guys. The handyman idea i love the most. I wish I had these skills, but if a person do have these skills; and can fix appliances, can do plumbing , electrical work; and have 50% Spanish skills they can do very well if they put in the work. Another good video James y Norberis 👍👍

[@NorberisR]

Thanks 👍

[@marthablissgroup5863]

sigue soñando ...heheh

[@MIXXVID]

hi, got a question, what do y'all think about ATV AND JET SKI RENTALS? i need some research..

[@NorberisR]

Or talking about as a business?

[@MIXXVID]

@ good morning. Yes, am planning for next year summer to retire early before SS. Will need to do something for couple years.

[@thelasvegassportstalk]

I think i can do the photographer job. Something simple and easy.

[@manchildwonder7566]

Good luck, anything you decided to do that's making a nice income requires a LOT of effort, never simple and easy as they make it seem, trust me. Esp with competition.

[@NathanialTheGreat]

This is a good one

[@NorberisR]

Thanks 😊

[@meoli2333]

Are there any leather crafting shops there? One that hand craft purses, wallets , belts , accessories etc.?

[@NorberisR]

That's a good question. I'm not sure.

[@krhodessch]

How is the live music scene for American music and pop music over there? Cover bands or original composition bands? How are the recording studios there? Is there a demand for a good recording engineering there?

[@dumbphonemom]

Dominican music scene is huge! I would advise you to start finding information in music schools in Santiago and Santo Domingo as a first step to network in that field.

[@krhodessch]

@@dumbphonemom thank you

[@krhodessch]

@@dumbphonemom I am also a retired school teacher (Band Director)

[@NorberisR]

In Santo Domingo I haven't seen a live music scene for America music. That can be a good idea. As far recording engineers I don't know much about that.

[@casst4456]

Hello and thank you for sharing information on how to start a business. I have a license as a nail technician. Do you know if it would be possible to open a business/nail salon in the DR?

[@NorberisR]

Very possible.

[@joem8250]

Perfecto 🔥

[@GeorgeSeeAll]

Great ideas... How would you think and Food Service Equipment Leasing to own Company will go over? Many people want to start or upgrade their food service business, by leasing the equipment it would help with start up cost.

[@NorberisR]

It sounds like a good idea. You would need a lot of inventory if you would have to supply multiple businesses. But it's not a bad idea.

[@GeorgeSeeAll]

@@NorberisR Some people I know and myself, want to retire but not stop working. I always see myself doing some thing. This is a good topic because collectively it provides a frame work of what you can do in retirement. Thanks

[@NorberisR]

You're welcome@@GeorgeSeeAll

[@hilariovargas8682]

How about a Beauty supply store - with hair salon - shampoos - women make the economy anyway - most products are made there already and are natural - can impress the foreigners- and do the deliveries- as a bonus -

[@NorberisR]

Good idea to make natural products for the hair.

[@genehotbetodd7087]

Even cleaning the movie theatres sub contractor's

[@NorberisR]

Good idea.

[@kingsimstravels]

Yo y’all be reading my mind with these videos I have plenty ideas for some ventures. We gotta talk sometime. Great video

[@NorberisR]

When you are in the country let us know.

[@kingsimstravels]

@@NorberisR most definitely will

[@manchildwonder7566]

In the Outtakes, you should have corrected your guy on the "PLATA" del día lol. Great vid, now watch everything get into stock photography now :).

[@NorberisR]

😅 I should have

[@sbotros]

Is there a need for consultants in the restaurant industry? Like creating training modules, following up with business performance, etc

[@NorberisR]

That's a good question. I think it's necessary but I don't know how good it would be here.

[@Pierre-AntoineH.-ip7cu]

Thank you for talking about aroma oils. Here in Canada we don't know colonial towers... I feel denigrated.

[@NorberisR]

What is colonial towers?

[@Pierre-AntoineH.-ip7cu]

@@NorberisR Colonial towers in New York are made with cement. They were made by slaves.Can't smell the neighbors when they go to the bathroom when you live in them. Bad smell wakes me up. Imagine early in the morning when I am still asleep and the neighbor's bad smell wakes me up.

[@blackoil2soil709]

Alcohol is the best business in dr. Or house renovation. Or someone that can build sewers and plumbing or real qualified electrician

[@NorberisR]

All or good ideas for business here.

[@smitty4791]

Man, I would pass my electrician who half did the job in Este every day. I’m thinking, don’t you want this money? He would always say he’s coming tomorrow. It was like I’ll get to it when I get to it. He probably could have done the work in a day, if he put effort into it.

[@NorberisR]

That's how it is, crazy🤷🏽‍♀️

[@tonjaharrell929]

I hope you still monitor our get notifications for this video. I'm interested in moving there in the next 2 years. I am currently a teacher of English Language Learners. I wanted to know if private tutoring to teach english or continued learning would be a good business? I also thought about a daycare or a play area inside a building. They have b-day parties or just everyday play for kids. What do you think?

[@NorberisR]

I think private tutoring to teach can be a good business. Daycare or play area are all good business ideas. I think any business relating to kids it good here especially things similar to Chuck E Cheese

[@tonjaharrell929]

@NorberisR thank you for your advice. I just have to figure out how to get it started in the DR.

[@NorberisR]

The first thing is to find a good location. Starting a business here is not as difficult as starting a business in the States.

[@tonjaharrell929]

@NorberisR I've been bingeing on KZbin videos of the different areas trying to pick one that I would want to live in. I guess it would make sense to be where the families are. I live in Nashville, which has become one of the "It" cities, so I really wanted to live where it's a little more laid back. But it seems the best options would be near the capital. What do you think? How hard would it be to find and secure a commercial building?

[@NorberisR]

Santo Domingo, Santiago, or Punta Cana are always good choices for businesses. You know people have money to spend in these areas for sure. Not that other areas don't but the pool in these areas is much larger. But I recommend to still do your research because you understand your business and customer better than anyone. As far as securing a commercial building it's as simple as putting down your 2 deposits and paying the first months rent. It's not difficult at all.

[@TheHouseOfRonin]

The topic of this video is great, but you two are missing a massive opportunity. The DR is a territorial tax country so you should explain how one can have a business online, live in the DR and pay NO TAXES on it. I know its not your niche but another video on this topic would be huge.

[@PalabradeYah]

Can you please domain this? So I can start an online business and not pay any taxes if selling in DR?

[@TheHouseOfRonin]

@PalabradeYah not sure if im getting what you mean....but you cant sell anything physical in DR if you are trying to avoid taxes. An example of using the territorial tax system would be having an online company that does graphic designs for clients. You arent selling anything within DR so youd be good

[@JJ-mn8md]

My husband is from is a country Texan and we're thinking we can do real Texas BBQ

[@NorberisR]

That would be a good idea. My husband would love it if you did. You can't find good southern BBQ here.

[@JaimeRobledodotcom]

I agree I've sent you an email about something tell me what you think.

[@NorberisR]

I'll take a look.

[@gregnelson5492]

How does hvac do in the DR?

[@NorberisR]

Not many places here have HVAC systems.

[@derekcasanares4785]

I'm shock but the DR is more expensive than Bangkok

[@marthablissgroup5863]

wayyy more expensive and pretty low pay jobs.

[@derekcasanares4785]

I was looking for what I get in Bangkok which is a world-class city is far more than what I saw people get in the DR in this video.@@marthablissgroup5863

[@robertduran178]

I disagree with this one video in particular. The Wing Stop restaurant is out of the question for several reasons. On average, a 2 piece chicken meal with fries is about 150 pesos, and in US dollars, it's around $2.55. There are too many restaurants selling fried chicken. To pay the overhead on a location, just imagine how many $150 servings you'd have to sell a day. Skilled trades like air condition repair, electrician, plumbing, or car mechanic everyone is doing it and competing with each other by giving away their labor with low prices. The service industry doesnt pay much either such as house cleaning, gardening, lawn service, pool service. Vending machines don't work either because you have a "Colmado" in just about every corner of the country and they sell everything from chewing gum to a bottle of Leyenda, and if you intall one infront of any business they will break into it, if not they'll jusk take the whole thing. I agree Dominicans do like nice things, they just don't want to pay for it except for a handfull of people so you cant build your business on a hanfull clients. Before you embark on a budiness venture in DR you really have to do your homework and do some research, also note that many successful businesses you see around town have been in business for 30, 40, 50 years or more and usually handed down by their parents. The rate for failed business in DR is very high, so its highly unlikely that you will open up a hardware store and do well. I'm not saying it's imposible to start up a business, its just not so easy. I myself own a bakery and its not your average bakery its on the higher end. Our pricess are a little high because of the high quality ingredients that go into our baked goods. We've been open for seven years and I can tell you it has been extremely challenging to say the least.

[@NorberisR]

Ok 👍🏾

[@bberg4745]

Start a garbage disposal company 😂

[@NorberisR]

👍🏾

[@1guirado]

Your page takes me to a spam and virus site. Tirame. Hemos hablado hace un tiempo pero ay un problema con tu links. Pero si quiero hablar contigo a ver sobre algo en breve.

[@NorberisR]

Hola buenos días, revisaré mi página a ver qué pasa. Pero mándame un email a [e-mail]

[@TuPrimoFutureExpat]

Nope, I’m leaving that rat race behind in the US. I’m done managing. I’ll be lifting a finger to wipe my a@@, travel, play and go shopping. However, it can always be an opportunity for the next person. 🤷🏾

[@NorberisR]

😅 sounds good.