Mivhed advances permit modernization to accelerate construction approvals

Santo Domingo.- The Ministry of Housing, Habitat and Buildings (Mivhed) approved more than RD$330.2 billion in private construction projects during the first half of 2026, a 157% increase compared with the same period last year, as the government continues to modernize the building permit process.

Between January and June, the ministry issued 921 building permits, up 80% from the 512 granted a year earlier, while permit applications rose 13% to 878, reflecting growing activity in the construction sector.

Housing Minister Víctor “Ito” Bisonó said the results demonstrate how faster and more transparent permitting processes are helping attract investment and support orderly development. As part of its modernization efforts, Mivhed is developing a new state-owned digital permitting platform designed with input from developers, engineers, architects, and other industry stakeholders. The system is expected to enter a pilot phase soon and aims to improve application tracking, reduce processing times, and provide greater predictability for investors.

The ministry said the reforms are intended to facilitate private investment, improve public services, and strengthen the long-term growth of the Dominican Republic’s construction sector.