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?

Through our proven process, we work directly with the Dominican civil registry to secure your Dominican birth certificate — the essential step before applying for your cédula and passport. This service is designed for anyone born outside the Dominican Republic to a Dominican mother or father, even if your parent is deceased or your documents are not in Spanish.

  • The right to live, work, and study in the Dominican Republic
  • The ability to apply for a Dominican cédula and passport
  • Dual citizenship — no need to renounce your current nationality
  • The chance to pass Dominican citizenship to your children
  • A stronger connection to your heritage, culture, and family legacy

This Dominican passport could be yours once we have obtained your Dominican birth certificate for you.

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.

Here’s What We’ll Do for You

  1. 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
  2. Translation (if needed)
    We arrange an official Spanish translation by a certified Dominican legal translator.
  3. Civil Registry Filing
    We lodge your case so your foreign birth is officially recorded in the DR.
  4. 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.
  • 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.

Last updated on 1 September 2025

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.