Increase in Minimum Wage for the Free Zone Sector

Ulises Cabrera - On April 29, 2025, the Comité Nacional de Salarios (CNS) of the Dominican Republic announced the approval of a 25% increase in the minimum wage applicable to workers in the free zone sector (zonas francas). This adjustment will be implemented in two phases, as follows:

1. Phase One:
   Effective June 1, 2025, the minimum wage will increase by 13%, bringing the new minimum monthly wage to RD$18,871.00.
2. Phase Two:
   Effective June 1, 2026, the wage will increase by an additional 12%, raising the minimum monthly wage to RD$20,875.00.

It is worth noting that the current minimum wage in the sector has remained at RD$16,700.00 since 2024. This new increase follows Resolution No. CNS-01-2025, which also approved wage increases for national minimum wages in the non-sectorized private sector.

This is the most significant salary increase approved for the free zone sector in recent years. The measure aims to enhance workers’ quality of life by increasing their purchasing power, while also strengthening the sector’s competitiveness, productivity, and human capital retention.

The official resolution from the CNS regarding this salary adjustment is expected to be published shortly.

ulisescabrera.com