Can Canadians Become Dominican Citizens?

If you’re a Canadian considering buying property, retiring, or relocating to the Dominican Republic, you may be wondering: Can I become a Dominican citizen? The short answer is yes — but it’s a multi-step process that typically begins with legal residency. Whether you’re planning to invest, retire, or live full-time in the DR, this guide outlines everything Canadians need to know about the path to citizenship.

Why Canadians Are Interested in Dominican Citizenship

Many Canadians are drawn to the Dominican Republic for its:

• Affordable real estate (often with CONFOTUR tax benefits)
• Low cost of living
• Year-round tropical climate
• Welcoming expat communities
• Access to international airports and major cities

For long-term residents, obtaining citizenship can unlock new benefits, including easier banking, longer stays without visa renewals, and eligibility for a Dominican passport.

Step 1: Obtain Legal Residency

To apply for citizenship, Canadians must first become legal residents. This involves:

1. Visa de Residencia (Temporary Residency Visa)

Apply at the Dominican consulate in Canada. You’ll need:

• Valid Canadian passport
• Police background check
• Medical exam
• Financial proof (bank statements, pension, or investment income)

2. Temporary Residency (1 year, renewable)

Once in the DR, you’ll convert the visa into a temporary residency card (“Residencia Temporal”). This can be renewed yearly for up to 5 years, but most switch to permanent residency after 1-2 years.

3. Permanent Residency

After holding temporary residency for at least one year (or two in most cases), you can apply for permanent residency. This allows you to stay indefinitely and opens the door to eventual citizenship.

Step 2: Apply for Naturalization (Citizenship)

After 2 years of permanent residency, Canadians can apply for Dominican citizenship through naturalization. Requirements include:

• Proof of continuous residency
• Clean criminal record
• Financial self-sufficiency
• Spanish language basics (a short interview may be conducted)
• Oath of allegiance to the Dominican Republic

The timeline from residency to citizenship is typically 4 to 6 years in total, depending on your application route and any legal assistance.

Can You Keep Your Canadian Citizenship?

Yes. Canada allows dual citizenship, and so does the Dominican Republic. You are not required to renounce your Canadian citizenship to become a Dominican national.

Is There a Fast Track Option?

There is currently no official citizenship-by-investment program in the Dominican Republic. However, if you:

• Marry a Dominican citizen
• Have Dominican children
• Qualify for retirement residency

…your path to permanent residency may be faster, which can accelerate the overall timeline.

Should Canadians Become Dominican Citizens?

While most Canadian expats in the DR are content with permanent residency, full citizenship may make sense if you:

• Plan to live in the DR long term
• Want the right to vote and hold a Dominican passport
• Are looking for more legal and tax flexibility

Many real estate investors choose to stop at permanent residency unless full naturalization offers a clear benefit.

Final Thoughts

Yes, Canadians can become Dominican citizens, but it starts with the right type of residency. If your goal is to retire, invest, or relocate full-time, Dominican residency offers stability, and citizenship can follow later if desired.

Looking to buy property or explore long-term living in the DR? I help Canadians navigate the process with trusted local partners, legal support, and real estate opportunities in tax-exempt CONFOTUR-approved projects.