The Dominican Republic has consolidated an unprecedented advance in its economy, capturing foreign investment direct that reached US$5,032.3 million during 2025, the highest figure recorded in the country’s history. This milestone confirms that foreign investment is the central pillar of the national development strategy, according to Vice President Raquel Peña in the 40th anniversary act of ASIEX.
Spain leads foreign investment in 2025 with a binational triumph
A key data point of this record is that Spain positioned itself as the first foreign investor, contributing US$1,086 million, which represents 21.5% of the total foreign investment captured. This historic figure surpasses the United States, which contributed US$1,042 million, and is based on official data from the Central Bank of the Dominican Republic (BCRD). Binational confidence has allowed Spanish foreign investment to grow by 11.3% compared to 2024.
Sustained growth projections for 2026 driven by foreign investment
The first quarter of 2026 already showed a new historic record, with foreign investment direct of US$1,536.7 million, of which US$1,046.3 million correspond to new capital contributions. The Foreign Direct Investment Barometer, prepared by Roberto Despradel, indicates that 59% of companies plan to increase their foreign investment in 2026, while more than 85% expect to maintain or increase sales and employment.
Key sectors: tourism and energy as drivers of foreign investment
The tourism (26.3%) and energy (23.8%) sectors concentrated the largest share of foreign investment in 2025, followed by consumer goods. In the last five years, foreign investment has doubled its flows, reaching an increase of nearly 97% in the period, reflecting the country’s macroeconomic stability and logistical connectivity. The National Strategy for Attracting and Expanding Investments, presented by Biviana Riveiro of ProDominicana, will focus efforts on nearshoring, digital transformation, and global value chains to further boost foreign investment. This record of foreign investment not only strengthens Dominican competitiveness but also opens up new economic opportunities for the future.
