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A total of 1,245 Cuban citizens have managed to obtain legal residency in the Dominican Republic during the first eight months of 2025, according to an official report published by the General Directorate of Migration (DGM).
This figure reflects a sustained growth in the legal migration of Cubans to the neighboring country. The Dominican Republic is emerging as a new destination for tourists and for those seeking migratory stability outside of Cuba.
The DGM statement indicates that 54,165 immigration documents were issued during that period, including 16,451 temporary residencies and 3,941 permanent residencies, of which 551 were granted through foreign investment.
The Cuban nationality ranks among those that have received the most residence permits, following Haiti, Venezuela, China, the United States, and Colombia.
Dominicans Improve Their Immigration System
Dominican authorities attribute this performance to institutional modernization, which has included the digitization of processes, improved document verification systems, and a more efficient and secure migrant care policy.
This improvement has been implemented in accordance with the General Migration Law 285-04 and has also benefited foreign students, with 1,652 permits issued.
Of the total renewed permits, more than 30,000 were for Haitian citizens, under the National Foreigners Regularization Plan, and over 10,000 for Venezuelans who participated in the normalization process between 2021 and 2022.
Cuba is now added to the list of countries whose citizens seek to settle legally in the Dominican Republic, not only as a migration alternative but also as a family reunion point.
Punta Cana, the new Varadero for Cubans
What began as a logistical escape to avoid the costly trips to Cuba characterized by blackouts, state control, and shortages has transformed into a migratory and emotional phenomenon.
According to figures from the Dominican Ministry of Tourism, 43,218 travelers with Cuban passports visited the Dominican Republic in the first six months of 2025, many with a single purpose: to reunite with family members living outside of Cuba.
"Punta Cana is now the new Varadero," say travelers and tour operators, highlighting how Dominican beaches have become neutral ground for family reunions. In June of this year, more than 19,500 residents of Cuba traveled to the Dominican Republic, setting a record for that month.
Meanwhile, tourism in Cuba is collapsing
In Cuba, the situation is different. Between January and June 2025, the country received 319,654 fewer tourists than in the same period the previous year, a decline of 25%.
Hotels are empty, with occupancy barely around 24%, and tourists are voicing their complaints on social media. Travelers report power outages, food shortages, and poor sanitary conditions in both hotels and public spaces.
The contrast is evident. While Cuba insists on building hotels without visitors, the Dominican Republic turns tourism into a family experience, facilitating reunions and offering Cubans something that is becoming increasingly scarce in their homeland: hope and new dreams.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Migration of Cubans to the Dominican Republic
How many Cubans have obtained legal residency in the Dominican Republic in 2025?
A total of 1,245 Cubans have obtained legal residency in the Dominican Republic during the first eight months of 2025, according to the General Directorate of Migration.
Why has the Dominican Republic become a popular destination for Cubans?
The Dominican Republic has emerged as a popular destination for Cubans due to its more flexible immigration policy and improvements in infrastructure, such as the digitization of processes and more efficient services for migrants. Furthermore, it provides a conducive environment for family reunification, a crucial aspect for many Cubans seeking stability outside the island.
How has tourism in Cuba been affected in comparison to the Dominican Republic?
Tourism in Cuba has experienced a 25% drop between January and June 2025 compared to the same period last year, while the Dominican Republic has seen an increase in Cuban visitors, becoming a family reunion spot and an escape from the adverse conditions on the island.
What facilities does the Dominican Republic offer for family reunifications of Cubans?
The Dominican Republic offers facilities for family reunions of Cubans through flexible immigration policies, such as the transit visa exemption, and a favorable tourist environment that allows families to gather in a setting of beach and relaxation, away from the structural difficulties of Cuba.
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