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 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!" 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, you have no contact with your parent, 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.
Two Service Options Based on Your Documentation
Standard Service — US$495
When you have clear photos of BOTH sides of your Dominican parent's most recently issued plastic cédula (000-0000000-0 format)
- Straightforward processing with predictable timeline
- Minimal risk of Inspectorate referral
- Includes document review, Spanish translation, civil registry filing, and delivery of two original Dominican birth certificates
Complex Service — US$795
When you don't have access to your parent's current cédula
- Comprehensive case management for incomplete documentation
- Almost certainly involves Inspectorate review (adds 3–6 months to processing)
- Includes document investigation, coordination with Dominican authorities, ongoing case management
- We handle the complexity so you don't have to navigate it alone
Additional costs may apply:
- 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.
💡 Want to Save Time & Money?
If your Dominican parent only has an old-format cédula (paper or non-plastic card), having them obtain a new plastic cédula NOW will:
- ✓ Qualify you for our Standard Service ($495 instead of $795)
- ✓ Avoid Inspectorate referral (saves 3–6 months)
- ✓ Ensure smoother, faster processing
Even if your parent lives abroad, Dominican consulates can issue new cédulas. We can help your parent obtain their Dominican birth certificate and other documents needed to get their new cédula.
About the New Cédula Rollout: The introduction of the newest, more secure cédula design has been pushed back to April 2026 for the general public. Cédulas issued in the meantime will show a 2024 expiry date but remain valid until the new design is introduced. Starting April 2026, new cédulas will be issued by birth month—for example, someone born in August will receive their new cédula in August 2026.
Complete Documentation Helps Avoid Delays
In an ideal application, we receive: (1) your original long-form birth certificate with apostille, and 2) clear photos of both sides of your Dominican parent's most recently issued cédula
If any of these documents is 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. However, the Transcription Department understands that complete documentation isn't always achievable—particularly in cases of parental estrangement—and reviews each case on its merits.
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 most recent new cédula, or valid Dominican passport or
(If you don't have this, we can obtain a certified statement from the Old Cédula Office in Santo Domingo. If you cannot obtain these documents due to estrangement, we'll work with you to present your case.) - 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 (in straightforward cases), 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), photo of your parent's cédula, valid photo ID/passport of yours, and applicable fees. Photos and fingerprints are taken on site.
- Timing: Processing varies by office and season.
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. Our service starts at US$495 for cases with complete documentation.
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. The Transcription Department understands that estrangement
and lack of parental contact are common situations, and they
review each case on its merits. We'll work with you to gather
the documentation you can provide.
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?
Cases with complete documentation
(including clear photos of both sides of your parent's most recent cédula)
typically complete in roughly 5–6 weeks once documents and
translations are ready. Cases referred to the Inspectorate department
can take several months and typically require an in-person interview.
Retrievals or corrections can also 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 if my parent only has an old cédula?
If your Dominican parent only has an old-format cédula (paper or non-plastic), we strongly recommend having them obtain a new plastic cédula before starting your application. This will qualify you for our faster, more affordable Standard Service (US$495) rather than Complex Service (US$795), and helps avoid Inspectorate referral which adds 3–6 months to processing. Even if your parent lives abroad, Dominican consulates can issue new cédulas. We can help your parent obtain the documents they need (like their Dominican birth certificate) to get their new cédula.
Last updated on 1st January 2026