Dominican Republic Judicial Council approves 30% salary indexation

The Consejo del Poder Judicial (Judicial Council) approved an update to the Manual of Compensation and Benefits, introducing a cumulative 30% salary indexation for judges, magistrates, court secretaries, office staff and assistant lawyers. The increase will be applied in two stages: 20% beginning in July 2026 and a further 10% in January 2027, both calculated on the 2026 salary reference.

The reform also restructures compensation categories, simplifying Directivo I‑III into a single salary minimum per category, and creates a differentiated classification for office staff by court level. A 60‑day evaluation will assess the functions of assistant lawyers attached to common secretariats to determine any needed re‑classification. The update does not constitute a promotion, does not alter the Judicial Career, and applies only to the current term.

The Alianza Dominicana Contra la Corrupción (ADOCCO) publicly rejected the increase, arguing it may breach Article 140 of the Dominican Constitution, which prohibits public institutions from raising remuneration or benefits for officials during their appointed term.