Dominican Republic · Citizenship

Dominican Republic citizenship by naturalization

Source-checked25 sources, 24 officialHow we check

Last checked 13 Nov 2026Written for US citizensSome rules are still being checked

In brief

Apply after 2 years as a permanent resident: about 2 years for retirees, who are permanent from day one, or about 7 via temporary residence. No exam was found.

Citizenship2 years after permanent residence

Visa-free (US)30 days; extend online to 120

Residency income from$1,500 a month of pension

Tax on foreign incomeOnly from your 3rd year as a resident

Becoming a Dominican citizen

Timeline: About 2 years after permanent residence: about 2 years for retirees, about 7 via temporary residence
Dual citizenship: Likely yes: the law read has no rule making you renounce, but it doesn't say so outright. Not yet verified

What you need

2 years in a row as a permanent resident. Whether retiree cards count from day one Not yet verified
Shorter clock, 6 months: if you're married to a Dominican, founded an industry or own property in the country.
Trips abroad: up to a year away, intending to return, still counts as living here.
No exam: no language or civics test was found.
Papers: a good-conduct certificate and your birth certificate, filed with the Interior Ministry. Fees Not yet verified

Good to know

It's discretionary: citizenship is granted by decree, followed by an oath.
Keeping it: it can be revoked if you move abroad within a year, or stay away 10 years.
One limit: naturalised citizens can't be president or vice-president.

Checked against the lawThe 2-year clock and the absence rule, read in the naturalisation law.

Not yet verifiedDual citizenship, and whether retiree residence counts from the first day.

Sources (4)

Legal basis and exact figures

Clock: Ley 1683 art 1(b): 'una residencia no interrumpida de dos años por lo menos'; Reglamento 631-11 art 52: two years of continuous stay after permanent residence; the DGM naturalisation certificate requires at least two years as permanent resident. RT-9: about 5 temporary + 2 permanent = 7 years. Pensionado, rentista and investor routes are permanent from the start: about 2 years, if the DGM issues the certificate on an investment card (not verified). Whether temporary years count under the 1948 law isn't established.
Shorter periods: 6 months after a domicile grant (art 1(a)), for founders of industries or owners of real estate in the DR (art 1(c)), or if married to a Dominican (art 1(d)).
Absences and procedure: trips abroad of up to a year with intention to return count as residence (art 1 párrafo I). Filed through the Ministerio de Interior y Policía with a Procurador Fiscal good-conduct certificate and birth certificate (art 6); discretionary grant (art 7); decree in the Gaceta Oficial and oath (arts 8–9). Revocation if domicile moves abroad within a year or 10 years away without returning (art 12 párrafo II d–e). MIP fees not verified.
Dual nationality: Ley 1683 as read has no renunciation requirement; the Constitution (art 20) protects Dominicans who acquire another nationality; naturalised persons can't be president or vice-president (art 19). Whether a naturalising foreigner must renounce isn't stated expressly.

Other Dominican Republic guides

Every rule with its legal source.

Dominican Republic overviewKey facts, cities and every guide Entry and visas30 days visa-free; extend online to 120 Residency3 routes: bank savings, pension and passive income TaxesWhat retirees and remote workers pay

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