These changes were mostly positive, resulting in the present representative democracy and advancing economy. About 10.4 million people are currently residents in the country and about three million of them live in Santo Domingo, the country’s capital. The roots of life here are family values, beliefs, and kindness. Even though a huge chunk of the population is Catholics, there is the freedom to practice whatever religion one chooses.
Dominican law reflects the friendly nature of its people, by allowing the entry of many foreign nationals either visiting for leisure, business, or retirement. Its friendly policy also allows any foreign national who wishes the eligibility to obtain residency or citizenship by submitting appropriately arranged documents, finalizing legal regulations, and waiting agreed times.
If you desire to become a citizen here, there are a few basics you should know. This guide covers all you need to know about the country’s citizenship options and how to go about them.
What are the options?
The two criteria to get citizenship are Jus Soli and Jus Sanguinis. A permanent resident who has lived in the area for a duration of time or a foreigner who has delivered certain services to the country can also receive it.
Citizenship by Birthright
Persons who are citizens by birthright include:
- A child born outside the country to national parents
- Those born within the Republic’s borders who are neither diplomats’ offspring, illegal aliens, or foreigners in transit
- Those who have been citizens by birth as stipulated in the erstwhile constitution.
Citizenship by Naturalization
Adults over the age of 18 who have lived in the nation for at least two years are the only eligible ones for this category. The eligibility is outlined in Article 18 Section 1 of the 2015 Constitution
- Foreigners who have legally resided for two years
- A foreign spouse who is married to a native woman and has lived for six months on the island
- A foreign spouse who is married to a native citizen
- A child adopted by Dominican parents
- Wives from other countries and small children of naturalized spouses and parents
- Children of legal age who were born abroad to naturalized Dominicans and have stayed for one year
- A person who is deemed worthy by the President, for services rendered to the government
Requirements
The documents required for citizenship are;
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An original copy of the birth certificate obtained from the applicant’s first country
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Original copy of the international passport
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a renewed residency card
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an affidavit prepared by a Dominican attorney
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translated copy of the marriage certificate
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applicant’s Dominican parents’ birth certificate
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The applicant’s parents’ ID card was obtained from the Dominican Republic.
Processing Time
When an applicant should file his application with the Department of Interior and submit all required documents. Two weeks after filing, such an applicant will be summoned before the Department of Interior for an interview, conducted solely in Spanish.
Within five months after the interview, he will be called again to swear the oath of citizenship, granted and signed by the President. Two months after the oath, he will be issued a birth certificate and allowed to obtain a Dominican identification card in person. With the card and evidence of citizenship, the applicant has officially become a citizen.
Processing Cost
Applying for citizenship does not cost that much and all applicants are required to pay the approved fees after their application has been granted.