Secure Residences in the DR: Top Trend for Expatriates

Published on October 3, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

In a global context where security and quality of life have become major concerns for expatriates, the Dominican Republic stands out as a prime destination thanks to the emergence of gated communities that combine luxury and tranquility.

These residential communities, often located in paradise-like settings, not only offer modern infrastructure and exclusive services but also provide residents with a sense of peace of mind, attracting a growing number of foreigners seeking an idyllic living environment.

With policies favorable to foreign investment and a competitive cost of living, these residences have become a true paradise for those wishing to combine distant sunshine with nearby security.

Growing Demand for Gated Communities in the Dominican Republic

Main Factors Driving the Growing Demand for Gated Communities in the Dominican Republic:

• Security Concerns: Gated communities offer 24/7 surveillance, controlled access gates, and security personnel, meeting the increasing demand for peace and protection, particularly among expatriates and families.
• Harmonious Community Life: These residences foster a serene social environment with activities and shared spaces (clubs, pools, green areas) that facilitate integration and neighborly interaction.
• Integrated Amenities: Direct access to high-end facilities such as golf courses, marinas, spas, restaurants, international schools, and medical centers, representing a major attraction for demanding international clientele.

How These Communities Meet Expatriates’ Expectations:

• Security and Well-being: Expatriates, particularly those from Europe or North America, seek secure residential settings. Dominican gated communities provide this sense of security while offering pleasant living environments, often close to nature and the sea.
• Personalized Services: Many communities offer concierge services, rental management, maintenance, and activity organization, making relocation and daily life easier for newcomers.
• Quality of Life: The combination of tropical climate, paradise-like landscapes, and local cultural offerings makes the residential experience attractive for families, retirees, and international remote workers.

Economic Impact on the Local Real Estate Market:

• Real Estate Sector Boost: The influx of foreign investors and expatriates stimulates construction of new communities and infrastructure modernization (roads, airports).
• Price Increases: In the most sought-after areas, square meter prices have seen significant growth.
• Job Creation: Development of these projects generates numerous direct (construction, security, management, maintenance) and indirect (restaurants, tourism, services) jobs.

Region	Average Price per m² in 2025 (euros)
Punta Cana	2,695.33
Las Terrenas	1,693.97
Santo Domingo	1,367.61
Sosúa	1,247.38
Puerto Plata	1,110.57
Cabarete	1,178.64

Regions Experiencing Strong Growth in Gated Communities:

• Punta Cana / Cap Cana: Premier luxury beach destination with communities like Puntacana Resort & Club and Cap Cana.
• Casa de Campo (La Romana): World reference for gated communities integrating golf, marina, and private beaches.
• Las Terrenas and Samaná: Attract for their authenticity, preserved nature, and tourism development.
• Santo Domingo: Development of secure residences for international urban clientele.
• Sosúa and Cabarete: Highly sought after by North American and European expatriates for relaxed lifestyle and water sports access.

Recent Statistics and Trends:

• +15% annual increase in demand for luxury gated community properties since 2022.
• Up to 30% increase in square meter prices in the most sought-after beach areas between 2022 and 2025.
• Over 40% of new buyers in these communities are foreigners or recent expatriates.

Testimonials from Potential and Current Residents:

“We chose Punta Cana for security and quality of life. Everything is within reach, from international schools to sports activities, and our children are growing up in a protected environment.”

— French expatriate family, residents in Cap Cana

“I was looking for a balance between comfort, privacy, and investment opportunities. At Casa de Campo, I enjoy both tranquility and excellent rental returns.”

— Canadian retiree, real estate investor

“Integration was made easier by community life. Neighbors share the same values and there’s a real spirit of mutual support.”

— German remote worker, resident in Las Terrenas

Visual Summary of Gated Community Benefits:

Main Benefit	Details
Enhanced Security	Controlled access, surveillance, peace of mind
Social Life	Clubs, events, shared spaces, facilitated integration
Amenities	Golf, spa, schools, restaurants, management services
Property Value	Price increases, rental returns, investor appeal
Nature Access	Private beaches, tropical gardens, proximity to natural parks

In summary:
The rise of gated communities in the Dominican Republic reflects a fine-tuned adaptation to the expectations of international clientele seeking security, comfort, social integration, and high-end services, thereby energizing the local and regional real estate market.

Reasons Behind Expatriates’ Enthusiasm for Secure Residences

Secure residences in the Dominican Republic attract a growing number of expatriates due to a combination of essential factors:

• Enhanced Physical Security:
  • Presence of modern surveillance systems (CCTV, access control, security patrols).
  • Trained security personnel available 24/7, offering peace of mind rarely matched in open neighborhoods.
• Professional Management and Residential Services:
  • Experienced managers ensuring maintenance of common areas, administrative management, and quick resolution of daily issues.
  • Additional services: reception, technical assistance, mail management, common area cleaning.
• International Community and Sense of Belonging:
  • Spontaneous formation of expatriate networks from many countries, promoting mutual assistance, experience sharing, and social integration.
  • Regular organization of events, cultural activities, and friendly gatherings that facilitate integration and moral support.
  • Associations such as Santo Domingo Accueil or social media groups strengthen this community fabric.
• Economic and Legislative Aspects:
  • Accessible permanent residency procedures, particularly through real estate investment, encouraging property purchases in these residences.
  • Attractive tax framework for foreign investors and stability of the local real estate sector.
  • Opportunity to start or invest in businesses, particularly in the tourism sector, supported by the government.
• High-End Amenities and Exclusive Services:
  • Sports facilities (gyms, tennis courts, multi-sport fields).
  • Pools, landscaped green spaces, children’s play areas, barbecue spaces.
  • Access to private clubs, restaurants, spas, and sometimes private beaches for certain residences.

Attraction Factor	Description
Modern Security	CCTV surveillance, security guards, access control
Professional Management	Maintenance, administration, daily services
International Community	Support networks, social events, moral support
Easy Settlement	Residency procedures, property access, favorable taxation
Luxury Amenities	Pools, sports, green spaces, premium services
Natural Environment and Climate	Beaches, tropical vegetation, pleasant temperatures year-round

• Natural Environment and Climate:
  • Tropical landscapes, white sand beaches, lush vegetation, and nearby mountains.
  • Warm, sunny climate most of the year, conducive to outdoor living and relaxation.

Thus, secure residences offer a reassuring, comfortable, and socially stimulating living environment in an exceptional natural setting, explaining their growing success among expatriates.

Premium Services Offered in Guarded Residences

High-end guarded residences in the Dominican Republic offer a range of premium services, designed to meet the expectations of demanding international clientele, particularly expatriates.

Premium Service	Description
24/7 Security	Advanced CCTV systems, biometric access control, qualified security personnel ensuring continuous surveillance.
Personalized Concierge	24/7 concierge available for booking management, organization of customized services, and daily logistical assistance.
Recreation Spaces	Infinity pools, spas, modern gyms, tennis courts, children’s play areas.
Co-working Spaces	Modern work areas, high-speed connectivity, meeting rooms, adapted to professional residents’ needs.
Additional Services	Private shuttles, landscaped gardens, secure parking, playgrounds, organization of exclusive events.

Main High-End Facilities and Services Offered:

• Enhanced Security: camera surveillance, controlled access, on-site security teams 24/7.
• Concierge: personalized request management, organization of à la carte services, leisure or travel bookings.
• Wellness and Recreation Facilities: pools, spas, equipped gyms, tennis or golf courses, green spaces and landscaped gardens.
• Modern Shared Spaces: co-working with technological equipment, meeting rooms, lounge spaces for networking.
• Complementary Services:
  • Private shuttles for urban or airport transfers.
  • Secure playgrounds for children.
  • Green spaces, walking trails, tropical gardens.

Impact on the Appeal of Secure Residences Among Expatriates:

• These premium services particularly attract expatriates and international clientele seeking comfort, security, and an environment suited to modern lifestyle.
• The presence of co-working spaces and recreation infrastructure allows combining professional life and relaxation, meeting the expectations of active and nomadic profiles.
• Expatriate families appreciate playgrounds and landscaped gardens that provide a secure living environment for children.
• The quality of services, level of personalization, and permanent security constitute decisive arguments in choosing high-end guarded residences, promoting integration and serenity for international residents.

Such a range of premium services helps position the Dominican Republic as a preferred destination for expatriates and real estate investors seeking a luxurious and secure living environment.