Dominican Republic Residency and Citizenship (2nd Passport)

Banker Trust

We provide solutions in the
Dominican Republic

Residency & 2nd Passport (Citizenship)

We navigate the local
bureaucracy with efficiency
saving you time, energy and
money.

Residency and a Passport from The Dominican Republic

While the Dominican Republic does not have a formal economic citizenship
program, it does have a very inexpensive and simple process for both
permanent residency and citizenship. For the cost involved, and the waiting
period for a passport in comparison to other countries, we think it is one of
the most economical ways to obtain a legal and official second passport. And,
you don't have to relocate permanently to enjoy its benefits.

In the past, the Dominican Republic has taken a somewhat "laissez-faire"
attitude towards tourists who overstayed their tourist visa. We know of
many Americans and Canadians that have lived in the Dominican Republic
without official residency for many years. Under current guidelines, if a
tourist overstays by 5 years, the fine is only about $300 per year. The logic is
that if you are a tourist spending money and are not taking away
employment from a Dominican, then live and let live. While this may sound
like an argument against residency, it is not. The Dominican government has
also recently cracked down on foreigners who started small tourist oriented
businesses without residency. Many have been deported, leaving a thriving
business behind. Remember, a tourist visa gives you the right to be a
tourist; it does not give you the right to work or own a business. The entire
residency and related passport process is easy, inexpensive, and a must if you
wish to establish a business or work. The Dominican government also
permits dual citizenship, therefore, you will not have to renounce your
current passport in the process.

Some of the Requirements

Clients are advised to obtain 5 certified or official copies of their birth
certificate prior to their arrival in Santo Domingo. You will not need all five
copies, but it is a good idea. Depending upon where you live and your local
government office or health department, this may cost anywhere from $5 to
$15 per official copy. It is also highly suggested that a letter of good conduct
from your local police department be obtained. While we have assisted
clients who did not possess such a reference letter, it is a good idea to have a
document indicating up-front that you do not have a criminal record in your
home country. This helps with your own credibility. A to "whom it may
concern" letter stating your lack of a criminal record is sufficient. Clients
will also be required to take a general physical, chest x-ray and AIDS test,
which is quick and inexpensive.

Upon initial completion of all paperwork for the first part of the process
(residency), and approval, the client will receive a Provisional Residence
Card. This process can take anywhere from 90 to 120 days. This card is valid
for one year. Once obtained, you will have the right to live and work in the
Dominican Republic. You will also have the right to leave the country
whenever you wish and re-enter with your temporary residence document
(you will not need a tourist card or tourist visa to re-enter).

Also, at the same time your Residency Card is issued from immigration, you
will receive your official ID card or "Cedula", which is valid for one year.
Upon completion of that initial one year period, you will re-new your
residency status and have it upgraded to Permanent Residency. Upon
completion of this second period, you can become formally nationalized and
obtain your Dominican Passport. All told, you would have now obtained the
immediate right to live and work in the Dominican Republic (or own a
business), with a legitimate and official government issued passport.

Please see our blog for more information:
Click here: Dominican Citizenship

We can provide you with this valuable service. Just use the "Contact Us"
link for any questions you may have.

If you need a visa to enter the Dominican Republic, we can provide you with
that service also.