Dominican Republic: Whether common-law relationships are recognized in the Dominican Republic; whether a person who is in a common-law relationship with a citizen of the Dominican Republic can obtain citizenship and the procedure for obtaining citizenship
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 16 April 2004 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | DOM42423.E |
| Reference | 2 |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Dominican Republic: Whether common-law relationships are recognized in the Dominican Republic; whether a person who is in a common-law relationship with a citizen of the Dominican Republic can obtain citizenship and the procedure for obtaining citizenship , 16 April 2004, DOM42423.E , available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/41501c04e.html [accessed 30 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
According to the Head of Tourism at the Embassy of the Dominican Republic in Ottawa, common-law relationships are not legally recognized in the Dominican Republic (15 Apr. 2004).
The Head of Tourism also stated that any person who wishes to apply for citizenship in the Dominican Republic must first become a permanent resident (Embassy 15 Apr. 2004). Residence Visa form #509 can be obtained from the Embassy of the Dominican Republic in Ottawa or at any Dominican Republic consulate in Canada (ibid.). The applicant will be required to provide passport photos and a birth certificate (ibid.). A citizenship application may be submitted after three years of permanent residency in the Dominican Republic and is considered on a case-by-case basis (ibid.). However, the following general requirements for citizenship are: a criminal record check; a medical certificate; a letter of recommendation from someone living in the Dominican Republic; a passport; a solemn declaration of the applicant's desire to become a citizen of the Dominican Republic and the reason(s) for such action; and evidence that the person is well-established in the country, such as property ownership, a bank account, or employment (ibid.). Citizenship is granted by presidential decree at the president's sole discretion and notification of citizenship is published in the official gazette (ibid.). The process for obtaining citizenship in the Dominican Republic can take up to two years (ibid.).
This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim for refugee protection.
Reference
Embassy of the Dominican Republic, Ottawa. 15 April 2004. Interview with the Head of Tourism.
