Dominican Citizenship Through Parents
Born abroad to a Dominican parent? Get dual citizenship through our remote service. No consulate visits. From $495
Why Claim Dominican Citizenship?
We work directly with the Dominican civil registry to secure your Dominican birth certificate — the essential step before you apply for your cédula ID card and passport. This service is for anyone born outside the Dominican Republic to a Dominican parent or grandparent, even if your parent or grandparent 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!" — 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 Citizenship Through Parents?
- You were born outside the Dominican Republic, and
- At least one of your parents is a Dominican citizen
Born Abroad to a Dominican Mother or Father
If you were born outside the Dominican Republic to a Dominican mother or father, you may claim Dominican citizenship by descent. Both Dominican mothers and Dominican fathers transmit citizenship equally under Dominican nationality law.
It does not matter where you were born, whether you are currently in contact with your Dominican parent, or whether your parent is deceased. These are common situations and do not prevent eligibility.
Both your Dominican father and Dominican mother can transmit citizenship to you equally under Dominican nationality law. For more background on Dominican citizenship types and requirements, see our complete guide to Dominican citizenship and nationality.
Dominican Citizenship and Dual Nationality
The Dominican Republic fully recognizes dual citizenship. When you obtain Dominican citizenship through your parents, you do not need to renounce your current nationality.
This means you can hold both your current passport and a Dominican passport, maintain all rights in your country of birth, and pass Dominican citizenship to your children. Many of our clients hold dual citizenship with the United States, Canada, European countries, and other nations.
Questions about dual citizenship? Learn how Dominican dual citizenship works with your country →
What We Actually Do
We register your foreign birth in the Dominican civil registry and get you your official Dominican birth certificate. Once you've got that in hand, you're all set to apply for your cédula and passport.
We serve clients throughout the United States (including New York City, Los Angeles, Miami, and all 50 states), Canada, Europe, and worldwide. The entire process is completed remotely.
Ready to start? Get your free eligibility assessment →
Need technical details? See complete document requirements and process →
Here's the Big Question: Does Your Parent Have One of These?
The type of cédula your Dominican parent has (or doesn't have) completely determines how fast or complicated your citizenship request will go.
✓ YES - My Parent Has This New Plastic Cédula
Great, you're on the fast track - Standard Service — US$495
- Timeline: About 5–6 weeks once we have everything
- How it works: We file directly with the Transcription Department
- What you need: Your long-form birth certificate with apostille + clear photos of both sides of your parent's new cédula
✗ NO - My Parent Never Had a Cédula or Only Has an Old One
The Transcription Department will refer your case to the Inspectorate. Complex Service — US$795
The Inspectorate (Departamento de Inspectoría) is the investigative division within the JCE (Junta Central Electoral), the government agency responsible for all vital records in the Dominican Republic. When the Transcription Department receives cases without current cédula documentation, they refer them to the Inspectorate for additional review.
- Timeline: Several months, typically 3–6 months or longer
- How it works: The JCE's Inspectorate reviews your case and interviews Dominican relatives
- Our role: We manage your case throughout this process and deliver two original Dominican birth certificates once approved
For complete details on documents, timelines, pricing, and the Inspectorate: See our full documentation and process guide →
💡 Wait—Can We Get Your Parent a New Cédula First?
If your parent only has an old cédula, consider helping them get a new plastic cédula BEFORE starting your application. This qualifies you for our faster, more affordable Standard Service (US$495) instead of Complex Service (US$795).
Why bother?
- ✓ Pay $495 instead of $795
- ✓ Skip the Inspectorate (saving 3–6 months or more)
- ✓ No interviews required
Even if your parent lives abroad, Dominican consulates can issue new cédulas. We can help them obtain the documents needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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. See the complete process and documents →
Do I qualify for Dominican citizenship through parents?
Yes, if at least one parent is Dominican. Even if a parent is deceased, you have no contact with them, or documents are incomplete, we can work with you. The Transcription Department reviews each case on its merits. Check your eligibility →
Can I get Dominican citizenship if I was born in the United States (or Canada, Europe, etc.)?
Yes. Dominican citizenship by descent is available regardless of where you were born. Birth location does not affect your eligibility—only whether at least one parent is Dominican.
Can I hold dual citizenship with the Dominican Republic?
Yes. The Dominican Republic fully recognizes dual citizenship. You can hold both Dominican citizenship and your current nationality (US, Canadian, European, etc.) simultaneously. Learn more about Dominican dual citizenship →
Is Dominican citizenship by descent automatic, or do I need to apply?
It is not automatic—you must complete the birth transcription process. While you legally have the right to Dominican citizenship if you have a Dominican parent, you must officially register your foreign birth in the Dominican civil registry before applying for your cédula and passport.
Last updated January 2026