The Dominican Republic is famed for its picturesque landscapes, pristine beaches, and diverse cuisines. But that’s only from a leisure tourist’s perspective. The country teems with many other attractions that make it a top destination for business and student travelers alike.
Obtaining Dominican Republic citizenship is the surest way to unlock the country’s charm. Fortunately, this Caribbean nation maintains a straightforward passport application process.
Read on for a step-by-step guide on how to become a Dominican citizen.
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Benefits of Dominican Republic’s Citizenship
1. Visa-free Travel to 100+ Destinations
Obtaining Dominican Republic’s citizenship grants you free access to many other amazing destinations. According to Visa Guide, this island nation has one of the strongest passports in the Caribbean.
The Dominican passport offers visa-free entry into over 100 destinations, including Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia. You can also visit dozens of other countries using an electronic visa (eVisa) or obtaining a visa on arrival.
Even better is that the Dominica passport visa free countries list is constantly growing. That’s due to the nation’s excellent foreign policies.
2. Unhindered Access to the Country’s Tourist Attractions
Visiting the Dominican Republic leisurely tops many people’s bucket lists, and understandably so. This island nation is home to some of the world’s most magnificent natural attractions.
From cascading waterfalls like the Trafalgar to enchanting beaches like the Champagne, Dominica has it all. Tourists can also feast their eyes on majestic gorges or explore the nation’s rich diversity of endemic flora and fauna.
Dominica’s location in the Caribbean means the weather is relatively stable all year round. So, you can plan your travel pretty much anytime.
As a legal citizen, you can immerse in the beauty of the Dominican Republic without needing a visa.
3. Access to Lucrative Investment Opportunities
The Dominican Republic is Latin America’s fastest-growing economy. The country has maintained political stability despite recent unrest in neighboring Haiti, which explains the growing influx of business tourists into the nation.
Dominica is also a member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), a regional economic bloc comprising fifteen member states. CARICOM members enjoy favorable tariffs and minimal trade barriers.
Setting up a business in the Dominican Republic also provides access to millions of potential customers in North and South America. The country is only 2907 miles from the United States and 2147 miles from Brazil.
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Ways to Apply for Dominica Citizenship
You could become a Dominican national through the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program. Citizenship by investment is a legal mechanism in which foreign investors gain citizenship of another nation by making a predetermined investment in the destination country.
The Dominican Republic is one of the various nations that have a CBI program. Introduced in 1993, the initiative has been instrumental in spurring foreign investment in this island nation.
Applicants to the Dominican Republic’s citizenship by investment can make financial investments in two primary ways, namely;
- Contributing USD 100,000 to the Economic Diversification Fund (EDF)
- Purchasing a state-authorized real estate property valued at a minimum of USD 200 000, exclusive of a $25,000 government fees
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How to Apply For Dominica Citizenship the Traditional Way
- Complete this Application Form
- Pay the applicable fees at the Treasury Department. Fees are as follows:
- Children aged below 16 years – EC$75.00
- Adults aged 16 years or older – EC$150.00
- Application for lost or stolen passport – EC$500.00
- Note that you’ll need to submit the relevant documentation to a cashier at the Treasury Department before making your payment. These include;
- Dominican National Identity Card (where applicable)
- Birth certificate (original and a copy)
- Marriage certificate (where applicable)
- Two recent, professionally-taken passport-sized photos
- Affidavit (for stolen or lost passports)
- If you’re a first-time applicant, you’ll need a physical interview with the Inspector, Immigration, or at the Dominica Consulate office where you’re applying for citizenship.
- After submitting the requisite documents, wait two weeks for your application to be processed.
How to Apply For the Dominica Citizenship by Investment Program
- Choose an agent from the list of Authorized Agents.
This is necessary, as all citizenship by investment applications are processed through authorized agents.
- Submit the required documentation through your authorized agent.
Your agent will also facilitate you with the relevant forms and secure medical appointments on your behalf. They’ll then get all submissions translated into English and notarized.
- Waiting for feedback.
After submitting the required information to an authorized agent, the agent will escalate those documents to the Dominica Citizenship by Investment Unit (CBIU). The agent will also handle any queries and correspondence with the CBIU.
- Attend an interview.
The CBIU will conduct extensive background checks to authenticate the submitted information and then schedule a physical interview if you’re at least 16.
- Pay the investment amount.
Your agent will inform you if your application was approved, delayed, or denied. If successful, complete the process by paying the required investment amount.
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Wrap Up
The Dominican Republic teems with natural splendor that any adventure-seeking tourist would love. The Caribbean also boasts a stable political environment and a thriving economy, which explains its attraction among investment tourists.
Hopefully, this article gave you convincing reasons to apply for a Dominican passport.
