Dominican Republic citizenship by investment

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If you are considering Dominican Republic citizenship by investment, it is important to note that the country does not offer direct citizenship through investment programs. Instead, the Dominican Republic provides a residency by investment option, typically requiring a real estate investment from $200,000 and leading to potential naturalization after several years. This process involves Spanish language proficiency and a knowledge exam on local history and government. While you cannot get a Dominican Republic passport through a “golden visa,” residency may be the first step for those interested in long-term relocation or citizenship. Here we outline how to get residency, what to expect, and key costs for those exploring this route.

Benefits of residency and citizenship in the Dominican Republic

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    No renunciation of original citizenship required

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    Right to live, work, and open businesses

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    Family reunification

    Immediate relatives can also apply for residency

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    Lower cost of living

    On average, living expenses are below those of North America and Western Europe

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    Mild climate and natural beauty

    Beaches, mountains, and vibrant cities

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    Freedom of movement

    As a citizen or resident, you can enter and stay in the Dominican Republic without time limitations

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    Tax environment

    Tax residents may benefit from territorial taxation, but personal tax circumstances vary—consult a tax advisor

Key steps and timeline

Step 01

Application preparation

Collect documents, make qualifying investment, legal and health checks

Step 02

Submission and approval

Apply through the immigration department; application typically processed in several months

Step 03

Temporary residency

Issued for one year

Step 04

Permanent residency

Possible after five years of legal residency

Step 05

Naturalization

After several years as a legal resident, meet language and integration requirements

Step 06

Citizenship and passport

Upon approval, take an oath and receive identity documents

  • Step 01

    Application preparation

    Collect documents, make qualifying investment, legal and health checks

  • Step 02

    Submission and approval

    Apply through the immigration department; application typically processed in several months

  • Step 03

    Temporary residency

    Issued for one year

  • Step 04

    Permanent residency

    Possible after five years of legal residency

  • Step 05

    Naturalization

    After several years as a legal resident, meet language and integration requirements

  • Step 06

    Citizenship and passport

    Upon approval, take an oath and receive identity documents

Frequently Asked Questions About Dominican Republic Citizenship by Investment

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Does the Dominican Republic offer citizenship by investment?

No, the Dominican Republic does not have a citizenship by investment (CBI) program. Unlike some other Caribbean countries, you cannot get citizenship directly through investment. The Dominican Republic offers residency by investment, which can eventually lead to naturalization.

What is residency by investment in the Dominican Republic and how does it work?

Residency by investment in the Dominican Republic allows you to get a 1-year renewable residency permit by investing at least $200,000 in real estate. After holding residency for a certain number of years and meeting other requirements, you can apply for citizenship through naturalization. Immediate citizenship is not available by investment alone.

How long does it take to become a Dominican Republic citizen through investment?

The process is not immediate. First, you receive a residency permit, which must be renewed annually. Naturalization is possible after a legal residency period that ranges from 2 to 10 years, depending on your individual circumstances and the discretion of authorities. Spanish fluency and a knowledge exam are required.

What are the requirements to get Dominican Republic citizenship after residency?

Applicants must demonstrate continuous residency, prove fluency in Spanish, and pass an exam on Dominican history, culture, and the government. They must also take an oath of allegiance. Authorities review each application, and approval is discretionary.

How much does it cost to get residency and citizenship in the Dominican Republic?

To get residency by investment, you must invest at least $200,000 in real estate, plus pay government and legal fees. The total cost is higher than many other countries offering CBI programs. Additional costs apply for renewals, application processing, and, later, naturalization.

Does the Dominican Republic allow dual citizenship?

Yes, the Dominican Republic permits dual citizenship. This means you do not have to renounce your original citizenship when you become a Dominican citizen, except for those seeking to run for president or vice president, who must renounce other citizenships in advance.

How strong is the Dominican Republic passport?

The Dominican Republic passport ranks 122nd globally and provides visa-free access to 79 countries. It offers fewer travel benefits than passports from countries with established citizenship by investment programs, such as St Kitts & Nevis or Dominica.

Is the Dominican Republic’s program the same as Dominica’s citizenship by investment?

No, these are two different countries. The Dominican Republic does not have a citizenship by investment program; only residency by investment is possible. The Commonwealth of Dominica (a separate island nation) offers a well-known and widely used direct citizenship by investment program.

Can I lose Dominican Republic citizenship once I acquire it?

Yes, citizenship can be lost in rare cases such as treason, serious crimes, or not fulfilling naturalization conditions. Renunciation is also possible at your request, done through a formal process with the Dominican Republic Embassy.

  • Feature Dominican Republic Dominica (Commonwealth of Dominica)
    Offers Citizenship by Investment? No Yes
    Offers Residency by Investment? Yes (from $200,000 real estate) Yes (leads directly to citizenship)
    Minimum Investment $200,000 (residency, not citizenship) $200,000 (donation or real estate)
    Passport Strength (No. countries) 79 visa-free, ranked 122nd 137-140 visa-free, ranked 76th
    Minimum Processing Time 2-3 years to naturalization 6–9 months
    Language/Knowledge Test Required Yes (Spanish, history, culture, gov) No
    Dual Citizenship Allowed Yes Yes
    Family Inclusion Yes (via residency, then naturalization) Yes (spouse, children, parents, etc.)
    Physical Residence Required Yes (for naturalization) No (none required)
    Best Use Cases Moving, residence, local business Second passport, mobility, tax plan
  • Requirement/Condition Details
    Minimum Real Estate Investment $200,000 + fees
    Initial Residency Status Temporary Residency (valid 1 year)
    Renewal Renewable, typically yearly
    Path to Permanent Residency After 5 years (typically)
    Path to Citizenship After 2–5 years residency (varies), must meet language and legal requirements
    Language Requirement Fluent Spanish required
    Knowledge Requirement Pass exam on Dominican history, culture, and government
    Physical Presence Yes, required for naturalization
    Family Members Included Yes (spouse, children, parents)
  • Ineligible if Applicant:
    Has major criminal record
    Is under criminal investigation and does not disclose
    Has been refused citizenship in another country
    Failed to get visa for EU, UK, USA, Canada, or visa-free country to Dominica
    Provides false information or poses security risk
    Nationals of certain restricted countries (e.g., North Korea, Iran, Russia, Yemen, Belarus, Sudan, Northern Iraq) – subject to extra checks/restrictions
  • Item/Service Average Price (USD)
    Milk, 1 litre $1.20
    Loaf of fresh bread, 500g $1.70
    One-way public transport ticket $0.70
    Gasoline, 1 litre $1.30
    Basic utilities (per month) $53
    Internet (per month) $42
    Rent 1-bed apt, city centre $490
    Rent 3-bed apt, city centre $909
    Price per m², central apartment $1,490
    Price per m², outside centre $997
    Estimated monthly cost, single $600 (excluding rent)
    Estimated monthly cost, family (4) $2,125 (excluding rent)
  • Country Minimum Investment (USD) Processing Time Visa-Free Countries Requires Residency? Special Features
    Dominica $200,000 6–9 months 137–140 No Most affordable
    St. Kitts & Nevis $250,000 4–6 months 166 No Highest passport power
    Antigua & Barbuda $100,000 4–6 months 150+ 5 days residence/5y
    Grenada $150,000 4–6 months 143 No China E-2 treaty access
    Saint Lucia $100,000 4–6 months 146 No
    Dominican Republic $200,000 (residence) 2–5 years 79 Yes Not direct citizenship

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