Our in-house Dominican translation team provides certified English↔Spanish services for Dominican Republic translation requirements—ideal if you searched for an English to Dominican translator for forms, affidavits, or civil records.
Dominican Republic Citizenship by Descent (Through Parents)
Born abroad to a Dominican parent? We confirm eligibility, obtain records, and handle the process from start to finish.
Why Claim Dominican Citizenship?
We work directly with the Dominican civil registry to secure your Dominican birth certificate — the essential step before applying for your cédula ID card and passport. This service is for anyone born outside the Dominican Republic to a Dominican parent, even if your parent is deceased or your documents are not in Spanish.
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"Steve got my Dominican citizenship through my father without me traveling to the Dominican Republic. I have my apostilled birth certificates! This was efficient and he kept me informed every step. Truly couldn't recommend him enough!" from IM, Verified Client, September 2025
- Live, work, and study in the Dominican Republic
- Dual citizenship — keep your current nationality
- Complete the process remotely — no consulate visits
- Pass citizenship to your children
Who Qualifies for Dominican Republic Citizenship by Descent (Through Parents)?
If you were born outside the Dominican Republic to a Dominican mother or father, you can claim Dominican citizenship by descent (also called Dominican citizenship through parents).
Even if your Dominican parent is deceased or your records are in another language, we can still help — including locating missing Dominican records. Best of all, you can complete the entire process from home with no tedious consulate visits.
Not sure which documents you'll need? See the documentation checklist & process. Ready to begin? Jump to the free eligibility assessment.
How Our Service Works
We register your foreign birth in the Dominican civil registry and obtain your Dominican long-form birth certificate. Once issued, you're ready to apply for your cédula and passport.
Service Costs
- Birth Transcription: US$495 (compulsory) — includes document review, Spanish translation, civil registry filing, and delivery of two original Dominican birth certificates
- Parent record search & cédula certification: US$195 (if needed)
- Original certificates: Cost varies depending on case requirements
You'll receive a detailed quote after your free eligibility assessment.
Complete Documentation Helps Avoid Delays
In an ideal application, we receive: (1) your original long-form birth certificate with apostille, (2) clear photos of both sides of your Dominican parent's cédula, and (3) your Dominican parent's birth certificate. When any of these documents are missing or incomplete, your case has a higher probability of being referred to the Inspectorate department (Inspectoría), which significantly extends processing time and typically requires an in-person interview with you.
We work with you to obtain all necessary documentation to avoid these delays whenever possible.
Here's What We'll Do for You
- Document Submission
You send us:- Your original long-form birth certificate from your country of birth, with apostille (send by DHL or to our Miami address)
- A copy of your Dominican parent's cédula,
passport, or birth certificate
(If you don't have this, we can obtain a certified statement from the Old Cédula Office in Santo Domingo.) - If your Dominican parent is deceased, their long-form death certificate with apostille
- Photo or scan of your passport or other current foreign ID (if you are over 15 years old)
- Translation (if needed)
We arrange an official Spanish translation by a certified Dominican legal translator. - Civil Registry Filing
We lodge your case so your foreign birth is officially recorded in the DR. - Certificate Delivery
Within weeks, you receive two original Dominican long-form birth certificates (legalized with apostille), ready for your cédula and passport application. Everything is handled remotely — no consulate visit required.
For step-by-step requirements, see our guide to documents for Dominican birth transcription.
Next Steps: Cédula & Passport
- Where to apply: In person at the Junta Central Electoral (JCE) in the Dominican Republic or at a Dominican consulate abroad.
- Order of steps: Apply for your cédula first, then your passport.
- What you'll need: Your Dominican long-form birth certificate (original), valid photo ID/passport, and applicable fees. Photos and fingerprints are taken on site.
- Be prepared: Consulates may ask detailed questions about your family history and require proof of residency. Bring comprehensive backup documentation to avoid multiple visits.
- Timing: Processing varies by office and season. We'll advise what to expect for your location.
If you're in the Dominican Republic, our team can accompany you to the JCE to help navigate the process.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dominican Citizenship by Descent
How to get Dominican Republic citizenship by parents?
If you were born abroad to a Dominican mother or father, you qualify for citizenship by descent. We register your birth in the DR and obtain your Dominican birth certificate, enabling your cédula and passport.
Do I qualify for Dominican citizenship through parents?
Yes, if at least one parent is Dominican. If a parent is deceased or documents are missing, we can usually retrieve Dominican records to complete your case.
How to get Dominican citizenship?
There are several routes: by descent (through parents), by marriage, or by naturalization after residence/investment. We specialize in citizenship by descent and manage it end-to-end.
Dominican Republic dual citizenship requirements
The Dominican Republic recognizes dual citizenship. Typically you'll need your Dominican long-form birth certificate, valid ID, and standard fees for your cédula and passport. Also confirm the rules of your other country of nationality.
Can I hold dual citizenship with the Dominican Republic and the United States?
Many applicants keep both. The DR permits dual nationality; check current U.S. guidance for any implications. We focus on securing your Dominican documents so you can proceed to cédula and passport.
How long does it take to get Dominican citizenship by descent?
Many cases complete in roughly 5–6 weeks once documents and translations are ready. Retrievals or corrections can extend timelines. Get a tailored estimate via the assessment form.
How to get my Dominican citizenship if my parents are Dominican?
We confirm eligibility, gather/translate documents, file your birth transcription, and deliver your Dominican birth certificates. After that, you apply for your cédula and passport in person (JCE or consulate).
Can I apply from New York City (NYC) or the USA?
Yes. We handle your case remotely; once your Dominican birth certificate is issued, you can apply for your cédula and passport at a nearby Dominican consulate or in the DR.
What questions should I expect when applying for my cédula and passport?
Important: Consular procedures vary significantly from country to country, and the JCE in the Dominican Republic may have different requirements than consulates abroad. Always bring comprehensive backup documentation to your appointment.
Cédula Application - Typical Questions
When applying for your first cédula at a Dominican consulate, you may be asked to complete a written questionnaire to verify family information and residency history. Common questions include:
- Your full name, date and place of birth
- Mother's and father's full names and dates of birth
- Siblings' names
- Maternal and paternal grandparents' names
- Maternal and paternal uncles/aunts names
- Current residence status with parents
- Proof of foreign residency (if you've lived outside the DR, bring passport stamps, visas, residence permits, etc.)
Note: Some consulates may request photos of family members for verification purposes.
Passport Application - Information Required
Once your cédula is issued, passport applications typically require detailed information including:
- Personal details: full name, gender, civil status, educational level, occupation
- Contact information: complete address, phone numbers (mobile, home, work), email
- Current location: country, province/state, city, full street address including building and apartment details
- Birth details: date, country, province/state, city of birth
- Nationality: country of nationality and second nationality if applicable
Our advice: When planning your embassy or consulate visit, bring comprehensive documentation including your Dominican birth certificate, foreign birth certificate, parent's cédula or Dominican documents, proof of residency, and any family records you have available. Being over-prepared is always better than making multiple trips.
In some cases, consulates outside the Dominican Republic may permit you to apply for your cédula and passport simultaneously—check with your local consulate in advance.
Last updated on 21st October 2025