Dominicans abroad can bring gifts tax-free until
January 15th.
SANTO DOMINGO.- Starting this Monday, December 1st, the General Directorate of Customs (DGA) put into effect the Christmas grace period corresponding to 2025, which this year reaches a historic limit of USD 5,500 per family for the importation of gifts without taxes.
The measure will be available until January 15, 2026, and seeks to facilitate the arrival of Dominicans residing abroad, allowing them to bring personal items and gifts without paying tariffs, as long as the total value does not exceed the established limit.
The exemption applies to those arriving by air or sea who have not visited the country for more than six months, a condition that maintains the initial objective of supporting the Dominican diaspora during their Christmas return.
Customs reiterated in a press release that the grace period only covers items in non-commercial quantities, and in the case of household appliances, only one unit per type of merchandise will be allowed, in order to avoid abuses and guarantee strictly family use.
This increase to USD 5,500 represents the largest increase in the program's history, which in previous years had maintained a limit of USD 3,000 to USD 4,000. With the new figure, the institution seeks to expand travelers' capacity to bring gifts during a season when the arrival of Dominicans reaches its peak, the press release highlights.
The DGA indicated that the decision is part of the adjustments implemented in recent years to recognize the economic and social contribution of the Dominican community abroad, which constitutes one of the pillars of the national economy through
