This study analyzes the impact of socio-cultural factors on dividend policy in 83 countries, for 12,150 companies in the period of 2009-2013. Using a hierarchical linear modelling it is noticed that there is a significant influence of socio-cultural factors on the dividend payout decision. Also, some financial factors, considered classics in literature, have been tested. Using a Logit-Normal Generalized Linear Mixed Effects Model it is proven that there is an association between socio-cultural factors and the probability to pay dividends. The main results confirm that religion, corruption, anti-self dealing index, law system, property rights and business freedom index have a significant impact on dividend policy.