Korea was the third-largest source of vehicles imported into the Dominican Republic in the first half of 2026 (11,043 units, after the US and Japan, per elDinero). The best-known Korean model there is the Hyundai Sonata: 30,119 were imported in 2021–2025, and almost half were listed as LPG cars — which Revista Mercado links to taxi use in Korea.
Key rules
- Maximum age: 5 years. Law 04-07 bans imports of passenger cars and light trucks more than five years from manufacture. The DGA counts the vehicle year as ending on 30 June.
- Left-hand drive only. DGA General Rule 2-08 bans right-hand-drive vehicles. Korean-market cars are left-hand drive.
- No salvage or vehicles unfit for the road in their country of origin.
Taxes (on the CIF value)
| Item | Rate |
|---|---|
| Import duty | 20% |
| ITBIS (VAT) | 18% |
| First-plate tax | 17% of CIF |
| CO2 emissions tax | 0% (under 120 g/km) to 3% (over 380 g/km) |
Selective consumption tax and other charges may also apply; ask your broker for the full calculation or use the DGA's online calculator. Korea has no free-trade agreement with the Dominican Republic, so there is no duty reduction by origin.
Steps
- Before shipping: export certificate or title, commercial invoice and bill of lading.
- Customs declaration (DUA) and payment, usually through a customs broker.
- Pay the first-plate tax to the DGII — the DGA asks for the receipt before release.
- Collect the car quickly: storage charges start after the free period.
Korean LPG Sonatas: what to check
Many used Sonatas in Korea come from taxi or rental fleets. Check the real mileage, the inspection report and the insurance history — we send all three with the VIN before you buy. This 2023 Sonata 2.0 LPG is an ex-rental car within the 5-year limit:
2023 Hyundai Sonata (DN8) 2.0 LPG(rental car) Style
97,300 Km · First registered: 2023-01-16
Accident history: No · Panels repaired/replaced: 1 · Insurance claims (own): 1 (KRW 721,229)
Listed at: $9,770 — View car & photos →
Listed price in USD for the car in Korea; it may change with the exchange rate. Shipping and Dominican taxes are extra.
Frequently asked questions
How old can an imported car be in the Dominican Republic?
No more than five years from manufacture under Law 04-07. The DGA counts the vehicle year up to 30 June.
Can I import a right-hand-drive car?
No. DGA General Rule 2-08 bans them. Korean-market cars are left-hand drive.
What taxes does a used car from Korea pay?
20% duty, 18% ITBIS and a 17% first-plate tax on the CIF value, plus a 0–3% CO2 tax. Other charges may apply — confirm with your broker.
