The process of becoming a Permanent Resident or Citizen of the Dominican Republic typically involves several steps:
- Fast Track Residency: You can receive a Dominican investor visa within 45 days of an investment of 200k USD or more in real estate, or a local business asset. This visa must be renewed each year.
- Standard Residency: The first step is to obtain residency in the country. You can apply for different types of visas, such as a investor visa, retirement visa temporary residence visa or a permanent residence visa, depending on your circumstances.
- After legally residing in the Dominican Republic with a temporary residence permit for five years, you can become a permanent resident. The application process for the permanent residence permit takes six months; you must apply in advance before your temporary residence permit expires. The application takes place at the Migration Directorate of the Dominican Republic (link provided below).
- Naturalization Application: Once you have met the residency requirements, you can apply for naturalization as a Dominican citizen. This involves submitting the necessary documentation and forms to the Dominican authorities.
- Background Check: During the naturalization process, your background will be checked to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria and do not have any criminal record.
- Interview and Language Test: In some cases, you may be required to attend an interview to assess your understanding of the Spanish language and knowledge of the country’s history and culture.
- Citizenship Approval: If your application is approved, you will be granted Dominican citizenship, and you will receive a certificate of naturalization.
- To retire in the Dominican Republic, you must apply for a retirement visa (pensionado visa). To be eligible for the visa, you must receive a minimum monthly pension or retirement of $1,500 ($1,750 for couples). You can also enter the country on another visa and apply for a retirement visa at the General Directorate of Migration. Retirement visas are issued for two years in the Dominican Republic. Upon arriving in the country, you will have 30 days to submit your Provisional Residency Application at the General Directorate of Migration.
Dominican Immigration Website
