How to obtain Dominican nationality.

  • By:Vianela Morillo

One of the benefits the Dominican Republic offers to foreign nationals is the various ways available to obtain a second Nationality through Dominican naturalization. Additionally, all the rights and duties that come with the naturalization, as established in our constitution.

The Dominican RepublicĀ is more than its beautiful and heavenly beaches and climate, the country is very stable in all aspects:

  • Social.
  • Politics
  • Economic.
  • We have a solid legal framework.

Any person who is considering pursuing a 2nd nationality usually makes their decision based on three fundamental benefits the country may offer:

  • Legal and personal security
  • Taxes
  • Banking operations and investments.

There are many other reasons that vary depending on each individual.

This country has it all, it is a solid nation politically, socially, fiscally and legally.
You can find more information about what makes the Dominican Republic a good destination to reside in by following this link:Ā 5 Reasons to reside in the Dominican Republic

“Statistically, the Dominican Republic is one of the countries with the highest amount of foreigners and most facilities offered to them.”

One of the most frequently asked questions is: How can I obtain a Dominican passport as a foreign national?

The answer is: Through Naturalization. And how do I become Naturalized?

You can continue reading, to see how to do it and what your options are.

In this article, we do not intend to elaborate on the articles of our constitution that refer to the topic in question, nor the laws that regulate it. We do intend to explain this topic in a more practical way, to ensure that if you are interested, you can Immediately identify the process to follow, the purpose and the various reasons why you should pursue a Dominican Nationality or naturalization.

You may obtain nationality or naturalization for the following reasons:

  1. Ordinary:Ā This refers to cases in which an individual has been a legal resident in the country for more than two years.

2. By Investment: This refers to cases in which individuals have been granted residency by investment and are able to apply, with a minimum of six (6) months since obtaining said Residence. In this article, we will explain how to obtain Residence by Investment in the Dominican Republic: Residence by Investment in the Dominican Republic

3. By marriage to a Dominican Citizen:Ā In this case, the Dominican spouse applies for the nationality of the foreign spouse. This may be requested as long as they meet the following criteria:

  • They must have been married for at least six (6) months.
  • They must have had a provisional Dominican residence for a minimum of six (6) months.

4. Children of Dominicans:Ā This is granted based on the fact that their parents are Dominican citizens.

5. Children of naturalized individuals. Underage childrenĀ do not have to deposit proof of residence in the country, whereas children of legal ageĀ are required to submit certification from the General Directorate of Migration, stating that they have had a provisional residence for a minimum of six (6) months.

There are several requirements, and they vary depending on each case. In essence, every person who wishes to obtain nationality would need to do the following:

1. Obtain a Residence Visa:Ā Requirements to reside in the Dominican Republic

2. Obtain Residence:Ā According to your needs or the requested category. They can be one of the following:

  • Family reunification.
  • Retirement.
  • Rentier.

3.Investment:Ā Residence for Investment in Dominican Republic

There are only two exceptions in this process:

A) Children of Dominican citizens.
B) Underage Children of Naturalized individuals.
They do not have to present a residency nor a residence visa.

Benefits of obtaining Dominican nationality:

One of the benefits of obtaining a second Nationality is that it eases the process of entering and leaving any other country, without major inconveniences. As a Dominican citizen, you will not have any difficulties, given that the country exercises its own liberties in a way that it allows its nationals to enter and leave other countries, with basic requirements and proceedings for visa applications.

  • You do not have to pay taxes related to your stay when leaving the Dominican Republic.
  • You do not have to conduct any migration process (such as renewing your residence), and most importantly you do not have to make any payments.
  • You can enjoy the vast majority of the civil and military rights granted to Dominican citizens.
  • You may keep your nationality of origin if the country in question allows it.
  • You do not have to pay for college studies as a foreign national.
  • You will obtain a birth certificate and (depending on your age) a Dominican ID, with which you will be able to carry out daily and civil activities.
  • You may obtain a Dominican passport.
  • You can legally apply for any job.
  • The entire process can be completed without having to leave the Dominican Republic, which lowers costs, waiting time and requirements.

Limitation:

Naturalized individuals do not qualify for the following positions:

  1. President of the country.
  2. Vice President of the country.
    President of the Supreme Court of Justice.

This comes as a result of the fact that only Dominicans by birth or origin are eligible for these positions.

Nationality acquired through the naturalization process (if granted by the State) is subject to certain requirements from the law that governs the matter, with the possibility of the potential removal of this status in case of a violation. However, even though the State is able to exercise this revocation option, it must honor the Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness, so that individuals do not lose their nationality.

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Posted in: Dominicans abroad, Foreigners in the Dominican Republic