Dominican Republic Business Broker License 2026 — Requirements, Fees & M&A Advisor Guide

In Dominican Republic, the licensing requirements for business brokers and M&A advisors are governed by Superintendencia del Mercado de Valores (SIMV) + Registro Mercantil (Chamber of Commerce). This 2026 guide covers the exact licensing pathway, fees, foreign ownership rules, and M&A advisor requirements — verified against current regulations.

Last verified: 2026 | Sources: Superintendencia del Mercado de Valores (SIMV) + Registro Mercantil (Chamber of Commerce) (simv.gov.do / camarasantodomingo.org.do)

Dominican Republic Business Broker & M&A Advisor License — Key Facts 2026

Licensing Pathway: How to Operate as a Business Broker in Dominican Republic

1. Identify your transaction type — pure asset sale, equity transfer, or securities-involved M&A. Each triggers different licensing requirements in Dominican Republic.
2. Register your business entity — required in all cases via Registro Mercantil (Chamber of Commerce)
3. Determine M&A license requirement — Registro Mercantil commercial registration for general business brokerage; SIMV-registered Agente de Valores or Puesto de Bolsa for M&A advisory involving securities; no mandatory national license for
4. Meet education and qualification requirements — No mandated hours for general business brokerage; SIMV: qualified management with relevant financial qualifications; real estate brokers: ACOPROVI (Asociación de Constructores y Promotores de Viviendas) voluntary membership
5. Satisfy experience requirements — No statutory minimum for general business brokerage; SIMV: qualified management with relevant financial experience for regulated entities
6. Address foreign ownership and investment rules — Generally open to foreign investment; Law 16-95 (Foreign Investment Law) guarantees equal treatment with Dominican nationals; CAFTA-DR provides additi
7. Obtain international certifications — CBI (IBBA) and CFA are most recognized across Dominican Republic's deal market

Education & Exam Requirements in Dominican Republic

• Pre-license requirements: No mandated hours for general business brokerage; SIMV: qualified management with relevant financial qualifications; real estate brokers: ACOPROVI (Asociación de Constructores y Promotores de Viviendas) voluntary membership
• License upgrade pathway: SIMV Puesto de Bolsa or Agente de Valores registration for securities M&A advisory
• Primary exam / assessment: SIMV licensing assessment for registered entity management; no mandatory state exam for general business brokers
• Continuing education: Ongoing SIMV compliance for regulated entities; no statutory hours for general business brokers

Fees & Costs — Dominican Republic 2026

• Application fee: DOP 5,000–50,000 (~$85–$855 USD) Registro Mercantil; DOP 100,000–1,000,000+ (~$1,710–$17,100 USD) SIMV application
• Annual license / supervisory fee: DOP 3,000–30,000 annually Registro Mercantil; SIMV annual supervisory fee varies
• Consult simv.gov.do / camarasantodomingo.org.do for current fee schedules — fees are subject to periodic revision

M&A Advisor Requirements in Dominican Republic — Beyond the Broker License

The Dominican Republic's SIMV regulates capital market M&A under Law 19-00. The Bolsa de Valores de la República Dominicana (BVRD) is a developing exchange. The Secretaría de Estado de Industria y Comercio (SEIC) oversees commercial regulation. The DR's tourism sector — one of the Caribbean's largest — generates consistent hospitality M&A. The DR's free trade zone (ITABO, Santiago, San Pedro) manufacturing sector generates M&A from US medical device companies and textile manufacturers. The Dominican Republic's CAFTA-DR free trade agreement with the USA creates sustained FDI and M&A activity.

Industry Certifications That Open More Doors in Dominican Republic

• CBI (Certified Business Intermediary) — IBBA. Internationally recognized across Americas markets.
• M&AMI (M&A Master Intermediary) — IBBA, for advisors on deals above $5M USD
• CMAP (Certified M&A Professional) — AM&AA
• CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) — highest market credibility for financial modeling in Americas M&A
• ACCA / CPA — recognized for financial due diligence and accounting aspects of M&A
• CFP (Certified Financial Planner) — valued in wealth management-adjacent M&A advisory roles

Dominican Republic M&A Market Overview 2026

Dominican Republic (Santo Domingo, Santiago, Punta Cana) M&A-active sectors: tourism and hospitality (Punta Cana — one of the world's fastest-growing resort destinations), real estate, banking and financial services, manufacturing (free trade zones — top exporter of medical devices to USA), agribusiness (sugar, cacao, tobacco), and telecommunications.

Key insight for Dominican Republic brokers: The Dominican Republic's Punta Cana resort corridor is the Caribbean's fastest-growing luxury tourism development zone — hotel, marina, and all-inclusive resort M&A advisory in the DR accesses one of the most active hospitality M&A markets in the Americas, with Caribbean entry valuations significantly below comparable US and European resort assets.

Frequently Asked Questions — Business Broker License in Dominican Republic

Do I need a license to operate as a business broker in Dominican Republic?

Registro Mercantil at local Chamber of Commerce for all commercial activities; SIMV-registered Puesto de Bolsa (brokerage house) or Asesor de Inversiones for M&A advisory involving Dominican securities; no mandatory license for pure business asset sales. Check directly with Superintendencia del Mercado de Valores (SIMV) (simv.gov.do ) for current requirements, as regulations in the Americas are subject to periodic reform.

Can a foreigner operate as a business broker or M&A advisor in Dominican Republic?

Generally open to foreign investment; Law 16-95 (Foreign Investment Law) guarantees equal treatment with Dominican nationals; CAFTA-DR provides additional investment protections for US investors; tourism and free trade zone investments actively encouraged. International advisors should engage local legal counsel to structure operations compliantly before commencing brokerage activities in Dominican Republic.

What is the difference between a business broker and an M&A advisor in Dominican Republic?

Business brokers in Dominican Republic typically handle SME transactions (under $5M USD) involving pure asset transfers. M&A advisors handle larger or more complex transactions involving equity, securities, or listed companies, requiring a license from Superintendencia del Mercado de Valores (SIMV).

Which international certifications are most recognized for business brokers in Dominican Republic?

The CBI (Certified Business Intermediary) from IBBA, M&AMI from IBBA, CMAP from AM&AA, and CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) are recognized across Dominican Republic's M&A market. ACCA, CFP (Certified Financial Planner), and relevant regional designations are additionally valued.

How does Dominican Republic compare to other Americas markets for business brokerage?

Dominican Republic is the largest economy and M&A market in the Caribbean; tourism and real estate M&A dominate; SIMV is a developing but increasingly active securities regulator; the DR benefits from proximity to both US and Latin American markets.

Ready to Become a Licensed Business Broker or M&A Advisor in Dominican Republic?

Entering Dominican Republic's business brokerage market requires the right training, the right certifications, and a clear understanding of local regulatory requirements. Explore our business broker training pathway → built for professionals entering Americas markets in 2026.