Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada

1. Overview

1.1. Situation of Haitians in the Dominican Republic

According to Agence France-Presse (AFP), there are approximately 500,000 Haitian nationals living in the Dominican Republic, a country of over 11 million (2025-05-05). Media sources report that an increasing number of Haitians are fleeing rising gang violence in their country and seeking refuge in neighbouring Dominican Republic (AP 2025-04-07; Reuters 2025-01-28). Other media sources indicate that the Dominican Republic does not grant citizenship to children born in the country to Haitian parents (Reuters 2025-01-28) or that citizenship of the Dominican Republic is based on ancestry instead of birthplace (EFE 2025-10-16). Dominican Today, an English-language news website in Santo Domingo, reports that the General Directorate of Immigration (Dirección General de Migración, DGM) stated that "being born in Dominican territory does not automatically grant Dominican nationality to foreign nationals," particularly for those "whose parents are in the country illegally or in transit" (Dominican Today 2025-07-14). According to the article, the DGM also stated that "[c]hildren born to non-resident or undocumented foreign parents are instead issued a live birth certificate, which documents the birth but does not confer nationality or legal immigration status" and that the children must instead be "registered with their parents' consulate" (Dominican Today 2025-07-14, italics in original).

Reuters indicates that political figures in the country claim that Haitian migrants are "fueling insecurity" (2025-01-28). According to Amnesty International, there is "widespread and structural" racial discrimination in Dominican Republic, especially against Dominicans of Haitian descent and Haitian asylum seekers, and racial profiling is "common[ly]" used in immigration operations (2025-04-28, 151). The Global Justice Clinic (GJC) [1] reports that Dominican authorities are "arbitrarily arresting and detaining people they perceive to be Haitian, regardless of their legal status" (2025-06, 11).

According to Amnesty International, accounts from both NGOs and victims describe immigration raids by Dominican authorities, including warrantless ones, as frequently violent with "excessive use of force" (2025-04-28, 151). Cited in a BBC Mundo article, the Director of an NGO called Caminante [2] said that many Haitians in the Dominican Republic are [translation] "'in hiding'" (BBC 2024-10-09). She added that this is because Dominican authorities are also targeting individuals [translation] "'who have a passport or residence permit, which in many cases has expired and they cannot renew it'" (BBC 2024-10-09). Amnesty International notes that the Dominican government suspended the renewal of study, work, and residence visas for Haitians for "months" in 2023 (2024-08-28). Fragomen, an immigration law firm with offices in multiple countries (Fragomen n.d.), indicates that the application and renewal of residence permits for Haitian nationals by the DGM resumed on 30 April 2024 (2024-04-30). It added, however, that visa applications and processing for Haitians by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores, MIREX) remain "suspended until further notice" (Fragomen 2024-04-30).

The information in the following paragraph was provided by a Dominican law firm that provides legal services and publishes articles on various areas of law, including immigration law, in correspondence with the Research Directorate:

While there is a "comprehensive legal framework governing immigration procedure in the Dominican Republic," its application on the ground "may vary and is subject to administrative discretion." Elements such as "procedural requirements, documentary standards, interpretation of eligibility criteria, and processing timelines" change according to

• internal administrative policies that are not formally published,
• changes in leadership or operational directives within the [DGM],
• the specific immigration office or officer handling a case, [and]
• periodic enforcement campaigns or political priorities.
  
  

As a result, "simila[r]" applicants governed by the same legal provisions may experience different "treatment or outcomes," even though this variability is not "expressly" permitted by the law. Haitian temporary and permanent residents, in particular, "face heightened and distinct barriers that go beyond the statutory framework," such as

• greater difficulty obtaining or validating civil registry documents from Haiti due to institutional instability and record-keeping challenges;
• stricter documentary scrutiny and higher rejection rates, even for formally compliant applications;
• inconsistent recognition of Haitian identity or civil status documents;
• longer processing times and prolonged administrative silence; [and]
• increased vulnerability to discretionary denials or procedural suspensions. (Law firm 2026-02-04)
  
  

The GJC cites a case reported in December 2024 by Cachicha News, "a Dominican news agency," in which a Black Dominican was apprehended because he was perceived to be Haitian (2025-06, 11, 32). In another incident reported to the GJC, an anonymous source indicated in November 2024 that a Black man was apprehended by Dominican National Police (Policía Nacional) outside of his residence in Las Terrenas (GJC 2025-06, 11, 32). Although the man had presented his identity document and a "valid temporary residence card," he was taken to "a police station in a truck filled with other Black men" (GJC 2025-06, 11). The man was stripped of his personal belongings and detained "in a small room with 38 other people and no access to food, water, or bathroom facilities" (GJC 2025-06, 11).

A BBC Mundo article reported on the case of a Dominican citizen of Haitian descent who told Hoy, a local media organization, that he was apprehended in October 2024 while walking outside his residence (BBC 2024-10-09). The authorities did not allow him to show his identity document; instead, he was detained for [translation] "'hours'" without apparent cause (BBC 2024-10-09). The DGM reported to BBC Mundo that 1,100 arrests were made during a single day in the capital and in the provinces of Santo Domingo, Santiago, and La Altagracia (BBC 2024-10-09).

Reuters indicates that many Haitians are entering the Dominican Republic in order to access medical services which have become scarcer in Haiti, including to give birth (2025-01-28). The Associated Press (AP) notes that Dominican President Luis Abinader announced that as of 21 April 2025, hospital staff will be "required to ask patients for their identification, work permit and proof of residence" prior to receiving treatment (2025-04-07). Should a patient be unable to produce any of those documents, "they will receive medical attention and then be deported immediately" (AP 2025-04-07). The article adds that Abinader stated that a migration officer would be posted "at every hospital to ensure compliance" (AP 2025-04-07). AFP reports that by late April 2025, Dominican authorities had launched immigration raids on public hospitals "to arrest undocumented pregnant women and mothers with newborns in a crackdown on arrivals from neighboring Haiti" (2025-05-05).

According to news sources, the Dominican Republic announced in 2024 that it will deport 10,000 Haitian migrants a week (AP 2025-04-07; BBC 2024-10-09). Reuters reports that authorities deported "over" 200,000 Haitians in 2024 (2025-01-28). Spanish news agency Agencia EFE (EFE), citing official figures, reports that from October 2024 to October 2025, Dominican authorities deported over 370,000 Haitians (2025-10-16). The Director of a local organization called the Centre for Migration Observation and Social Development in the Caribbean (Centro para la Observación Migratoria y el Desarrollo Social en el Caribe) indicated to BBC Mundo that given the number of arrests being made by Dominican authorities, [translation] "'it is impossible'" that due process is being followed for each case (BBC 2024-10-09).

1.2. Immigration Legislation

The General Law on Migration No. 285-04 (Ley General de Migración No. 285-04) provides the following on immigration categories:

[translation]

THE VARIOUS IMMIGRATION CATEGORIES FOR RESIDENCE

…

Art. 30: A foreign national who, based on the activity they will carry out and/or their circumstances, enters the country intending to settle or reside in Dominican territory, will be considered a Resident.

Art. 31: For immigration purposes, the category of Resident is divided into Permanent and Temporary:

1. A foreign national who, based on the activities they will carry out and/or their circumstances, enters the country intending to settle or reside permanently in the Dominican territory is considered a Permanent Resident.
2. A foreign national who, based on the activities they carry out and/or their circumstances, enters the country intending to reside in Dominican territory for a specific period—limited to the duration of those activities—is considered a Temporary Resident. (Dominican Republic 2004)
   
   

The law adds the following regarding authorized periods of stay in the country for temporary and permanent residents:

[translation]

PERIODS OF RESIDENCY AND CANCELLATION OF RESIDENCY

Art. 39: The authorized length of residency for foreign nationals admitted as permanent and temporary residents will be as follows:

Permanent residents have the right to live in the country indefinitely, unless their residency is cancelled and their departure is ordered based on the grounds set out in this law and its regulations.

Temporary residents may reside in the country for a period of up to one year, with annual renewals permitted, for as long as the activities that justified their admission continue. (Dominican Republic 2004)

Additionally, Law No. 285-04 identifies the following ways to apply for temporary or permanent residence from within the country and from abroad:

[translation]

PROCEDURE AND DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED FOR ADMISSION AS A PERMANENT RESIDENT OR TEMPORARY RESIDENT

Art. 44: Foreign applicants must file their application for temporary residence or permanent residence to the General Directorate of Immigration, along with all documentation required for this purpose by the regulations of this law and the administrative provisions issued for this purpose. Applicants who are outside the country may initiate the residence process from abroad through the consulates of the respective Republic.

Art. 45: Foreign nationals who enter the country with a residence visa shall apply to the General Directorate of Immigration for temporary or permanent residence, complying with the requirements set forth in this law and its regulations.

Paragraph: For the purposes of this article, a foreign national must request an extension of their authorized residency from the General Directorate of Immigration if the initial period is insufficient to complete the residence application process. Such an extension may not exceed thirty (30) days, but may be renewed at the discretion of the competent authority upon a well-founded request from the applicant. (Dominican Republic 2004)

2. Temporary Residence

Law No. 285-04 provides the following regarding the categories of temporary residents:

[translation]

TEMPORARY RESIDENTS

Art. 35: Foreign nationals who qualify under the following subcategories are admitted as Temporary Residents:

1. Scientists, professionals, journalists, specialized personnel, athletes, and artists hired by public or private institutions that carry out activities in the country.
2. Businesspeople, investors, merchants, industrialists, and management personnel of domestic or foreign companies established in the country to attend to their business investments.
3. Technicians, artisans, and workers who are highly qualified in their trade.
4. Religious persons belonging to churches, orders, or congregations recognized in the country, who come to carry out activities related to their faith, teaching, or charitable work.
5. Political asylum seekers in accordance with current legislation.
6. Refugees in accordance with current legislation.
7. Spouses and children of the persons mentioned in the previous sections of this article.
8. Foreign nationals not covered by the previous categories with special authorization from the Director General of Immigration, who will evaluate the proposed activity and its potential benefits for the country.
9. Foreign nationals who enter the national territory with a Residence visa—they must complete the corresponding procedures to formalize their Dominican residence once inside the country. (Dominican Republic 2004)
   
   

The law adds the following provisions regarding asylum seekers and refugees who enter the Dominican Republic as temporary residents:

[translation]

Art. 47: The entry and residency of foreign nationals admitted as temporary residents under the subcategories of political asylum seekers or refugees shall be governed by the provisions of the agreements and treaties signed by and in force for the Dominican Republic.

Art. 48: In the case of stateless persons, asylum seekers, refugees, or persons who, for justified reasons, lack the documents required for entry to the country, the Director General of Immigration, in coordination with the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, may issue a well-founded resolution exempting them from submitting certain required documents. (Dominican Republic 2004)

According to the DGM website, the "Ordinary Temporary Residence" (RT-9) permit for foreign nationals is valid for 1 year (Dominican Republic n.d.a).

2.1. Requirements for Temporary Residence

The DGM lists the requirements to apply for a temporary residence permit as follows:

• Passport with a minimum validity of six (6) months. …
• Residence Visa (RS).
• Last entry stamp after the residence visa has been granted.
• Birth certificate legalized and apostilled by your country of origin and translated into Spanish by a court interpreter. (The translation must be … apostilled if it comes from abroad.)
• Four (4) recent photographs, from the same set: two (2) from the front and two (2) from the right side of the photo, 2×2 in size, without jewelry or accessories and with ears uncovered, with a white background. Upload in JPG format[.]
• Certificate of No Criminal Record from your country of origin or the country where you have resided in the last five (5) years, legalized, apostilled, and translated into Spanish by a court interpreter. The translation must be apostilled. (If coming from abroad).
• Marriage certificate, declaration of single status, or proof of cohabitation, apostilled or legalized and translated into Spanish by a court interpreter and apostilled. The translation must be apostilled (if coming from abroad).
• [Insurance] policy contracted with an insurer authorized by the DGM.
• Medical examinations, in one of the institutions authorized by the DGM.
• Submit financial solvency documents. Requirements include a financial certificate, a bank statement with a minimum balance of 300,000 [Dominican] pesos [(DOP)] [C$6,558]. If the account is more than three months old, you must attach the duly stamped transactions, or a property deed, along with your legal status certificate[; e]verything must be Dominican. If you are married to a Dominican, the account must have a minimum balance of [150,000 DOP].
• If a foreigner has acquired a nationality other than their nationality of origin and wishes to become a resident with this acquired nationality, they must submit, in addition to their birth certificate … , a copy of their naturalization certificate certified by the Department of Naturalization that issued it, apostilled, and translated into Spanish if it is in another language. (The translation must also … apostilled if it comes from abroad.)
• In the case of a name change, the foreigner must submit the certificate authorizing the name change, apostilled, and translated into Spanish if it is in another language.
• Valid Certificate of No Criminal Record, with QR code issued by the Attorney General's Office, if you have been residing in the Dominican Republic for six (6) months.
• In the event of theft or loss of the Residence Card [Carnet de Residencia], the user must complete and submit to the DGM: Application Form for Loss; two (2) 2" x 2" photographs, without jewelry or accessories and with ears uncovered, and a Loss Certification issued by the National Police together with payment of the fee corresponding to this service. In the event of damage, the user must present the damaged card as a replacement for the National Police Certification.
• Automatic expiration of applications without online action: Any application initiated through the Directorate General of Migration's digital platform that remains without user action for 90 calendar days will be automatically considered expired. This measure applies to all immigration categories and online services. In such cases, the interested party must initiate a new application.
• Affidavit of Insurance for adult children. (Dominican Republic n.d.a, hyperlink omitted)
  
  

2.2. Procedure for Temporary Residence

The DGM lists the following steps to follow to obtain a temporary residence permit:

1. Enter the DGM services portal. ( https://personal.migracion.gob.do )
2. Register your username and password in the system. (If you have already registered, enter your previous username and password.)
3. Service selection:
   3.1- Choose the "APPLICATION LIST" option.
   3.2- In the "AVAILABLE SERVICES" option, select the LOCATION-OFFICE where you will receive the service.
   3.3- From the "LIST OF SERVICES[,]" choose the service you will request.
   3.4- Complete all the information required in the "APPLICANT INFORMATION QUESTIONNAIRE[.]"
4. Scanned documents must be in JPG format for the online application.
5. The medical examination must be performed within three (3) days after payment (including the day of payment), otherwise you will have to make the payment again. You must wait (10) ten days to know the results of the same.
6. All documents deposited with the DGM must be original and must be notarized, legalized and apostilled, as appropriate. (Dominican Republic n.d.a, emphasis in original)
   
   

Submitting an application for a temporary residence permit with the DGM costs 14,000 DOP [C$306] and the processing time is 90 calendar days (Dominican Republic n.d.a).

Article 75 of Law No. 285-04 indicates that a residence card is issued to temporary residents of the Dominican Republic [see section 6 of this Response] (Dominican Republic 2004).

2.3. Renewal of Temporary Residence

According to the DGM, an Ordinary Temporary Residence permit can be renewed for a period of 1 year by foreign residents who possess an Ordinary Temporary Residence Card (Dominican Republic n.d.b). The renewal application must be made 45 days ahead of the card's expiry (Dominican Republic n.d.b).

The DGM lists as follows the documents required to renew a temporary residence permit:

• Original and two (2) copies of the Temporary Residence renewal application letter addressed to the DGM; and a duly completed Temporary Residence renewal form on our website.
• Passport with a minimum validity of six (6) months.
• Original Temporary Residence card and one (1) copy of it.
• Original Personal Identity Card, and one (1) copy of it. The original is returned to the foreigner after verification.
• Certification of No Criminal Record from the Dominican Republic, issued by the Attorney General's Office. Original and one (1) copy.
• Two (2) frontal photographs, 2×2 in size, without jewelry or accessories and with ears uncovered, with a white background. In JPG format (Direct Upload).
• [Insurance] policy contracted with an insurer authorized by the DGM.
• If a minor under 18 years of age is renewing their license, parents must obtain [an insurance] policy issued in their name.
• If the applicant is a retiree or pensioner, in addition to the security policy, they must submit a bank certification indicating the amount received from the government, official agency, or private company of foreign origin where they worked, duly translated into Spanish by a court interpreter. This certification must contain the applicant's general information, especially their passport and national identity document numbers from their country of origin, length of service with the company, position held, and the amount received as a pension or retirement benefit, which they will use to support themselves in the Dominican Republic.
• In the event of theft or loss of the Residence Card, the user must complete and submit to the DGM: Application Form for Loss; two (2) 2″ x 2″ photographs, without jewelry or accessories and with ears uncovered, and a Loss Certification issued by the National Police together with payment of the fee corresponding to this service. In the event of damage, the user must present the damaged card as a replacement for the National Police Certification.
• Automatic expiration of applications without online action: Any application initiated through the Directorate General of Migration's digital platform that remains without user action for 90 calendar days will be automatically considered expired. This measure applies to all immigration categories and online services. In such cases, the interested party [must initiate a new application]. (Dominican Republic n.d.b, hyperlink omitted)
  
  

In addition, the website indicates the following steps to complete a temporary residence renewal:

1. Enter the DGM services portal.
2. Register your username and password in the system. (If you have already registered, enter your previous username and password.)
3. Service selection:
   3.1- Choose the "APPLICATION LIST" option.
   3.2- In the "AVAILABLE SERVICES" option, select the LOCATION-OFFICE where you will receive the service.
   3.3- From the "LIST OF SERVICES[,]" choose the service you will request.
   3.4- Complete all the information required in the "APPLICANT INFORMATION QUESTIONNAIRE[.]"
4. Scanned documents must be in JPG format for the online application.
5. The medical examination must be performed within three (3) days after payment (including the day of payment), otherwise you will have to make the payment again. You must wait (10) ten days to know the results of the same.
6. Present the DGM with the original documentation plus a complete set of copies.
7. All documents in another language must be translated into Spanish by the Dominican consulate in the applicant's country of origin or by a court interpreter in the Dominican Republic.
8. All documents submitted to the DGM must be original and must be duly notarized, legalized and apostilled as appropriate. (Dominican Republic n.d.b, emphasis in original)
   
   

Applicants who do not possess a National Identity Card or Residence Card [due to loss or theft] must include in their document submission to the DGM "a report filed with the National Police, specifying the location" (Dominican Republic n.d.b). Additionally, for minors under the age of 18 renewing their residence permit, the parents must obtain an insurance policy issued in the child's name (Dominican Republic n.d.b).

A temporary residence permit renewal application costs 7,000 DOP and the processing time is 30 business days (Dominican Republic n.d.b). Submission of the required documents and payment of the application fees must be completed in person (Dominican Republic n.d.b).

3. Permanent Residence

The General Law on Migration No. 285-04 states the following regarding permanent residence in the Dominican Republic:

[translation]

PERMANENT RESIDENTS

Art. 33: Foreign nationals who qualify under the following categories are admitted as Permanent Residents:

1. Immigrants. This refers to foreign nationals who possess professional qualifications, trades, or occupations that are required for the country's development or that meet personnel requirements that are not satisfied domestically.
2. Investors. Foreign nationals who invest their own assets in activities of national interest are considered investors, with minimum investment amounts established by regulation. Retirees, pensioners, and rentiers are foreign nationals who can demonstrate a regular and permanent income from external sources sufficient to support themselves in the country, with minimum income levels also set by regulation.
3. Foreign relatives of Dominican nationals or of foreign nationals who are permanent residents in the country, relatives being understood to mean spouses and minor and/or unmarried children. (Dominican Republic 2004)
   
   

The law also includes provisions for changing one's immigration status from temporary to permanent resident:

[translation]

CHANGES IN IMMIGRATION STATUS

Art. 61: Foreign nationals admitted as temporary residents may request a change to another subcategory listed in Section VI of this law, or apply to change their status to permanent resident.

Art. 62: Foreign nationals admitted as temporary residents may request a change of category while they are in the national territory. Foreign nationals admitted as "non-residents" under the subcategories of temporary workers or border residents may only apply for Dominican residency after returning to their country of origin and submitting an application at a Dominican consulate, once they have met all the necessary requirements.

Art. 63: The decision approving the change of immigration category shall extend to spouses and unmarried minor children.

Art. 64: The General Directorate of Immigration may extend the period of residency while the change of immigration category is being processed. (Dominican Republic 2004)

According to the DGM website, a holder of an Ordinary Temporary Residence Permit who has renewed their 1-year temporary residence 4 times may request to change their immigration status to permanent residence (RP-1) (Dominican Republic n.d.c). The Regulation for Implementation of the General Migration Law, Decree No. 631-11 (Reglamento de Aplicación de la Ley General de Migración, Decreto No. 631-11) includes the following provisions:

[translation]

Permanent residents

ARTICLE 50- Foreign nationals applying for Permanent Residence through the General Directorate of Immigration must provide proof of their last place of residence. Applications must be submitted forty-five (45) days before completing five (5) years of Temporary Residence, with annual renewals. Once the General Directorate of Immigration admits the foreign national as a Permanent Resident, it issues a Permanent Residence card valid for one (1) year. After this period, a card valid for four (4) years and renewable for similar periods will be issued, as established in Article 75 of the Law. (Dominican Republic 2011, emphasis in original)

3.1. Requirements for Permanent Residence

The DGM website lists the following requirements to apply for a permanent resident permit:

• Passport with a minimum validity of six (6) months.
• Temporary Residence Card, original and copy.
• Personal Identity Card, for verification and copying only.
• Four (4) recent photographs, from the same set, size 2×2: two (2) from the front and two (2) from the right profile, without jewelry or accessories and uncovered ears, with a white background, in JPG format (DIRECT UPLOAD).
• Certificate of No Criminal Record, issued by the Attorney General's Office, valid and with QR code.
• Documents that prove your own financial solvency (bank letter for an amount of [150,000.00 DOP] [C$3,278] and movements of the last three (3) months, title deed with legal status of the property, investment or savings certificate, etc.).
• An [insurance] policy contracted with an insurer authorized by the DGM (General Directorate of General Insurance), in the event of insufficient solvency …
• Medical examinations, in one of the institutions authorized by the DGM, (if applicable).
• In the event of theft or loss of the Residence Card, the user must complete and submit to the DGM: Application Form for Loss; two (2) 2" x 2" photographs, without jewelry or accessories and with ears uncovered, and a Loss Certification issued by the National Police together with payment of the fee corresponding to this service. In the event of damage, the user must present the damaged card as a replacement for the National Police Certification.
• Automatic expiration of applications without online action: Any application initiated through the Directorate General of Migration's digital platform that remains without user action for 90 calendar days will be automatically considered expired. This measure applies to all immigration categories and online services. In such cases, the interested party must initiate a new application.
• Letter requesting a change of category addressed to the Director General of Migration. (Dominican Republic n.d.c, hyperlink omitted)
  
  

3.2. Procedure for Permanent Residence

According to the DGM website, the procedure to obtain a permanent resident permit is as follows:

1. Enter the DGM services portal.
2. Register your username and password in the system. (If you've already registered, enter your previous username and password.)
3. Service selection:
   3.1- Choose the "APPLICATION LIST" option[.]
   3.2- In the "AVAILABLE SERVICES" option[,] select the LOCATION-OFFICE where you will receive the service.
   3.3- From the "LIST OF SERVICES[,]" choose the service you will request.
   3.4- Complete all the information required in the "APPLICANT INFORMATION QUESTIONNAIRE"[.]
4. Scanned documents must be in JPG format for the web application.
5. The medical examination must be performed within three (3) days after payment (including the day of payment), otherwise you will have to make the payment again. You must wait (10) ten days to know the results of the same.
6. All documents submitted to the DGM must be original and must be notarized, legalized and apostilled, as appropriate. (Dominican Republic n.d.c, emphasis in original and hyperlink omitted)
   
   

A permanent residence permit application costs 16,800 DOP [C$366] and takes 90 business days to process (Dominican Republic n.d.c). Submission of the required documents and payment of the application fees must be done in person (Dominican Republic n.d.c).

Finally, Law No. 285-04 adds the following regarding obtaining a permanent residence card:

[translation]

Art. 46: Any foreign national who has legally resided in the country for a period of 10 years or more as a permanent resident shall be granted a definitive residency card, subject only to the payment of taxes required by law. (Dominican Republic 2004)

Another DGM webpage indicates that successful permanent residence applicants are issued a Permanent Resident Card valid for 1 year and renewable for 4 years at the end of the initial period (Dominican Republic n.d.d).

3.3. Renewal of Permanent Residence

Decree No. 631-11 indicates the following regarding the renewal of a permanent residence permit:

[translation]

ARTICLE 51.- Permanent Residence must be renewed at the end of the first year, and all subsequent renewals will be for a period of four (4) years. ...

...

PARAGRAPH III. The application to change to the category of Permanent Resident may be submitted after five (5) years of Temporary Residence.

ARTICLE 52.- Any foreigner who has acquired Permanent Resident status in accordance with the Law and these Regulations may apply for naturalization after two (2) years of continuous residence following the granting of Permanent Residence, following the procedure established in Naturalization Law No. 1683. (Dominican Republic 2011, emphasis in original)

According to the DGM, after completing 1 year with a permanent residence status, the holder may renew their permanent resident permit and card for a 4-year period (Dominican Republic n.d.d). Permanent residents whose cards are expired or about to expire within 45 days may begin the renewal application process (Dominican Republic n.d.d).

According to the DGM, the following elements are required to renew a permanent residence permit:

• Passport with a minimum validity of (6) months.
• Permanent Residence Card, original and copy.
• Personal Identity Card, for verification and copying only.
• Two (2) recent photographs, front-facing, 2×2 in size: front-facing, without jewelry or accessories and ears uncovered, with a white background. In JPG format[.]
• Certificate of No Criminal Record, issued by the Attorney General’s Office, valid and with QR code. Medical examinations, at one of the institutions authorized by the DGM. If applicable.
• Financial solvency: bank certification, vehicle registration and/or property title with certification of charges and liens.
• In the event of theft or loss of the Residence Card, the user must complete and submit to the DGM: Application Form for Loss; two (2) 2″ x 2″ photographs, without jewelry or accessories and with ears uncovered, and a Loss Certification issued by the National Police together with payment of the fee corresponding to this service. In the event of damage, the user must present the damaged card as a replacement for the National Police Certification.
• Automatic expiration of requests without online action: Any application initiated through the General Directorate of Migration's digital platform that remains without user action for 90 calendar days will be automatically considered expired. This measure applies to all immigration categories and online services. In such cases, the interested party must initiate a new application. (Dominican Republic n.d.d)
  
  

4. Definitive Residence

According to the DGM, a permanent resident of the Dominican Republic who has lived in the country for at least 10 years may apply to change their immigration status to Definitive Resident (RD-1) (Dominican Republic n.d.e). Definitive Residence allows a permanent resident to extend their residence permit for another 10 years and to obtain a [Definitive] Residence Card on the payment of applicable taxes (Dominican Republic n.d.e).

4.1. Requirements for Definitive Residence

The DGM indicates the following requirements to apply for a definitive residence permit:

• Passport with a minimum validity of (6) months.
• Permanent Residence Card, original and copy.
• Personal Identity Card, for verification and copying only.
• Two (2) recent photographs, 2×2 in size: front-facing, without jewelry or accessories and ears uncovered, with a white background. In JPG format (Direct Upload).
• Certificate of No Criminal Record, issued by the Attorney General's Office, valid and with QR code.
• In the event of theft or loss of the Residence Card, the user must complete and submit to the DGM: Application Form for Loss; two (2) 2″ x 2″ photographs, without jewelry or accessories and with ears uncovered, and a Loss Certification issued by the National Police together with payment of the fee corresponding to this service. In the event of damage, the user must present the damaged card as a replacement for the National Police Certification.
• Automatic expiration of applications without online action: Any application initiated through the Directorate General of Migration's digital platform that remains without user action for 90 calendar days will be automatically considered expired. This measure applies to all immigration categories and online services. In such cases, the interested party must initiate a new application. (Dominican Republic n.d.e)
  
  

4.2. Procedure for Definitive Residence

The DGM states that the following steps make up the procedure for a definitive residence permit application:

1. 1- Enter the DGM services portal.
2. 2- Register your username and password in the system. (If you've already registered, enter your previous username and password.)
3. 3- Service selection:
   3.1- Choose the "APPLICATION LIST" option[.]
   3.2- In the "AVAILABLE SERVICES" option[,] select the LOCATION-OFFICE where you will receive the service.
   3.3- From the "LIST OF SERVICES[,]" choose the service you will request.
   3.4- Complete all the information required in the "APPLICANT INFORMATION QUESTIONNAIRE"[.]
4. 4- Scanned documents must be in JPG format for the web application. (Dominican Republic n.d.e, emphasis in original, hyperlink omitted)
   
   

A definitive residence permit application costs 28,000 DOP [C$606] and the processing time is 30 business days (Dominican Republic n.d.e). Submission of the required documents, payment of the application fees, and the issuance of the card must be completed in person (Dominican Republic n.d.e).

4.3. Renewal of Definitive Residence

Information on renewal of definitive residence could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response.

5. Rights and Obligations of Temporary and Permanent Residents

The General Law on Migration No. 285-04 indicates the following regarding the rights and obligations of foreign nationals in the Dominican Republic:

[translation]

RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF FOREIGN NATIONALS

Art. 22: Foreign nationals authorized to reside in the national territory shall enjoy the same civil rights as those granted to Dominicans under treaties with the foreign national's country of origin.

Art. 23: Foreign nationals to whom the government has granted permission to establish domicile in the Republic shall enjoy all civil rights while residing in the country.

Art. 24: Administrative and judicial proceedings involving foreign nationals shall respect the insurances established by the Constitution, international conventions, and laws in force.

Art. 25: Foreign nationals authorized to reside in the country must obtain, maintain and carry a valid immigration identification document and present it to the competent authority upon request.

Art. 26: Foreign nationals authorized to work, in accordance with their entry category or subcategory, shall be entitled to the protections provided by the applicable labour and social laws.

Art. 27: When deportation or expulsion of foreign nationals is warranted, it shall be carried out with due respect for human rights, in accordance with the laws in force and the agreements ratified by the Dominican Republic. (Dominican Republic 2004)

The same law provides the following regarding the right to conduct remunerated activities as a temporary or permanent resident:

[translation]

OVERSIGHT OF RESIDENCY

Art. 98: Foreign nationals admitted as permanent residents may perform any type of paid work or activity, whether self-employed or as an employee, unless they fall under the subcategory of retirees, pensioners, or rentiers, who must be authorized by the General Directorate of Immigration and the Secretary of State for Labour. This provision does not exempt foreign nationals from complying with obligations under special laws, such as revalidating professional qualifications or obtaining licences to practise regulated professions.

Art. 99: Foreign nationals admitted as temporary residents may engage in paid or lucrative activities during the authorized period of residency, in accordance with the terms established in this law and its regulations, with the exception of individuals included in the subcategory "relatives of temporary residents," who must have express authorization from the General Directorate of Immigration. (Dominican Republic 2004)

6. Entry Requirements, Particularly for Haitian Nationals

The General Law on Migration No. 285-04 provides the following:

[translation]

SECTION XIII:

ON THE ENTRY, REGISTRATION, EXIT, AND RE-ENTRY OF FOREIGN NATIONALS

Art. 65: The entry of nationals and foreign nationals into the national territory shall only occur through the places specially authorized for that purpose. An authorized place is understood to be that which is under the control of the immigration authorities and has been so determined by the competent authorities.

Paragraph: The authorized places may be temporarily closed to the transit of persons when circumstances make this measure advisable.

Art. 66: All foreigners, regardless of their category of admission, shall be subject upon entering the country, to the relevant immigration control, which shall be under the charge of the authority of the Directorate General of Immigration. The regulations of this law and the resolutions of the competent bodies shall establish the documentation that foreign nationals in the different admission categories and subcategories must present at the time of their immigration control inspection upon entry.

Art. 67: Every foreign national who is admitted into the country shall be issued a special entry card establishing their immigration status, which they shall keep until their immigration status changes, or they leave the country.

Art. 68: It is illegal for a foreign national to enter the national territory under any of the following circumstances:

1. Entry into the country through a place not authorized for such purposes or evading immigration control at entry.
2. Entry with false or incomplete documentation.
3. Entry into the country with genuine but fraudulently obtained documentation.

Art. 69: When a foreign national's entry into the country is declared illegal, in accordance with the provisions of this law, the General Directorate of Immigration shall proceed with their deportation.

REGISTRATION OF FOREIGN NATIONALS

...

Art. 71: Within thirty (30) days of entering the country with a residence visa, a foreign national must appear before the General Directorate of Immigration in order to complete the residency application process and proceed with registration.

...

Art. 72: The Registry of Foreign Nationals shall include information on the first and last names, photograph, and fingerprints of each foreigner to be registered, in addition to their nationality, date of birth, sex, marital status, date of entry, domicile, profession, activity to be carried out in the country, and financial standing.

Art. 73: Foreign nationals admitted as permanent or temporary residents must notify the General Directorate of Immigration of any change of address or activities within thirty (30) days of such change, failing which they will be subject to the corresponding penalties.

...

Art. 75: Once registration in the Registry of Foreign Nationals is complete, the General Directorate of Immigration shall deliver the following documents:

1. Foreign nationals admitted as temporary residents will be issued a card valid for the authorized period of residency—one year. At the end of this period, they will be issued a card valid for four (4) years, which can be renewed for similar periods.
2. Foreign nationals admitted as temporary residents will be issued a card valid for the authorized period of residency.
3. The foreign national admitted as a temporary worker shall be issued a card valid for the authorized period of stay.

…

Art. 77: No means of international transportation may leave the national territory without first having undergone a full review of the documents of all its passengers and crew, by the appropriate immigration control authorities.

Art. 78: In order to leave the country, foreign nationals, regardless of the immigration category for their stay, must possess valid passports or, in the absence thereof, travel documents that duly identify them, or other documents accepted by the General Directorate of Immigration that prove their identity.

Art. 79: The General Directorate of Immigration may issue a special re-entry permit, valid for up to six months, to a foreign national who is in the process of obtaining a temporary or permanent residence card and whose file is still being processed due to circumstances beyond their control.

Paragraph: A six-month re-entry permit may also be granted to any foreign national who is a temporary or permanent resident and who can demonstrate the need to leave the country for a period longer than the validity of their residence permit. In such cases, the validity of the re-entry permit will be calculated from the date the residence permit expires.

Art. 80: When the Secretary of State for the Interior and Police or the Director General of Immigration bans a foreign national from re-entering, that individual may only re-enter the national territory once the authority that imposed the ban has lifted it. (Dominican Republic 2004)

Regarding those not permitted to enter the country, Law No. 285-04 has the following provisions:

[translation]

NON-ADMISSION

Art. 15: Foreign nationals shall be denied entry into the national territory if they present with any of the following impediments:

1. They have an infectious or contagious disease that, due to its severity, poses a risk to public health.
2. They have a mental disorder of any nature that significantly impairs behaviour, making them incapable of being held responsible for their actions or likely to cause considerable familial or societal harm.
3. They have a chronic physical or permanent mental limitation or a chronic illness that prevents them from practising the profession, trade, industry, or art for which they seek entry into the country.
4. They profit from prostitution, human or organ trafficking or illegal drug trafficking, or are addicted to drugs or promote their use.
5. They lack a profession, trade, industry, art, or other lawful means of livelihood; or, due to poor work habits, habitual drunkenness or vagrancy, their integration into society is considered doubtful; or they exhibit any other condition indicating that they may become a burden on the State.
6. They have been convicted of, or are being prosecuted for, common offences classified as criminal under national law.
7. They have a criminal record, unless the offences committed do not indicate that the offender poses a danger that would make their integration into Dominican society inadvisable. The following will be assessed for this purpose: the nature of the offences committed, the sentence imposed, recidivism, and whether the sentence or criminal action is still enforceable.
8. They are a member of any terrorist group or organization that promotes violent overthrow of the democratic system, seeks to suppress the rights and institutions enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic, and/or by any means promotes doctrines that threaten the order and security of the State, its citizens, or the stability of the government and social order.
9. They have previously been deported or expelled and do not have authorization to re-enter, or are expressly prohibited from entering the Republic under orders issued by the competent authorities.

Art. 16: Foreign nationals who meet any of the following conditions may be admitted into the national territory:

1. Those included in paragraphs 1, 2, and 3 of the previous article when they are part of a family migration group or intend to join one already established in the country, in which case the following must be evaluated:
1. The severity of the illness they suffer from;
2. The economic and moral conditions and the ability to work, assessed in relation to the family group of which they are a part;
3. The family ties that bind them to the family group and whether or not the latter are nationals of the country.
2. Individuals who are ill, when they apply to enter the country for the purpose of receiving treatment for their illness in specialized public or private institutions, subject to confirmation by the General Directorate of Immigration that the aforementioned entities have accepted them. (Dominican Republic 2004)
   
   

7. Expiry, Loss or Revocation of Residence Status

The information in the following 4 paragraphs was provided by the law firm:

In Dominican law, "expiration of a temporary or permanent residency permit does not, in itself, equate to automatic loss of legal residency status." Law No. 285-04 and its implementing regulations, Decree No. 631-11, differentiate between "the validity period of a residence permit and the underlying legal right to remain once such status has been lawfully acquired," although the permit holder is required to renew their permit to maintain their residence status in accordance with article 42 of Law No. 285-04.

In practice, this means that a foreign national whose permit has expired remains a resident in legal terms so long as they pursue the renewal process within the timeframes permitted under the law, and in accordance with the administrative rules established by the migration authorities. The expiration date affects the document's validity as evidence of status, but it does not ipso facto annul the underlying residency category legal entitlement.

It is also important to distinguish between expiration due to administrative timing and revocation or cancellation by authorities: the latter—when formally executed by DGM for cause—constitutes a different legal event with separate consequences under the law.

Therefore, an expired permit typically requires a renewal application rather than a new residency process, provided the individual is otherwise eligible and has complied with renewal requirements. Failure to seek timely renewal does not yet imply an automatic legal extinguishment of previously recognized residency. (Law firm 2026-02-04).

The DGM website states that a re-entry permit can be requested by the holder of an expired residence permit from abroad, valid for 3 or 6 months (Dominican Republic n.d.f). The requirements to apply for a re-entry permit are as follows:

• Communication addressed to the Director General of Migration.
• Consular Power.
• Copy of the Residence Card, expired.
• Copy of the Personal Identity Card.
• Copy of the Passport personal data sheet with a minimum validity of (18) months.

…

Note: The communication addressed to the DGM Director General requesting the service must be justified explaining the reason why he did not return to the country before the expiration of his residence. (Dominican Republic n.d.f, emphasis in original)

The same source describes the following steps to process an application for a re-entry permit should one's residence permit have expired while abroad:

1. Enter the DGM service portal.
2. Register your username and password in the system. (If you have previously registered, enter your previous username and password).
3. Service Selection:
   3.1- Choose the "APPLICATION LIST" option
   3.2- In the "AVAILABLE SERVICES" option, select the LOCATION-OFFICE where you will receive the service.
   3.3- From the "LIST OF SERVICES[,"] choose the service you will request.
   3.4- Complete all the information required in the "INFORMATION QUESTIONNAIRE FOR APPLICANT".
4. The scanned documents must be in JPG format for the application via web.
5. The medical examination must be carried out within three (3) days after payment (including the day of payment), otherwise you must make the payment again. You must wait (10) ten days to know their results.
6. All documents deposited in the DGM must be original and must be notarized, legalized and apostilled, as appropriate. (Dominican Republic n.d.f, emphasis in original and hyperlink omitted)
   
   

The fee to apply for a re-entry permit is 9,800 DOP [C$215] and the processing time is 5 business days (Dominican Republic n.d.f).

According to the General Law on Migration No. 285-04, the following circumstances may result in the cancellation of a stay or residence status:

[translation]

PERIODS OF RESIDENCY AND CANCELLATION OF RESIDENCY

…

Art. 42: The General Directorate of Immigration will revoke the residence of foreign nationals admitted under any category and subcategory if it is proven that they obtained entry or residence in the country through false statements or documents, or if, after entry, it is established that they were subject to any admission impediments under this law.

Art. 43: When a foreign national's residency is cancelled, they lose their granted immigration status and must either regularize their status or leave the country in accordance with this law and its regulations. (Dominican Republic 2004)

The law also includes the following provisions on deportation and expulsion:

[translation]

DEPORTATION

Art. 121: The Director General of Immigration shall order the deportation of a foreign national in the following cases:

1. If they entered the country clandestinely and are residing there illegally.
2. If they obtained entry into or residency in the country through false statements or documents, or if it is proven that they fraudulently obtained either false or genuine documents to enter or reside in the country.
3. If they are residing in the country after the authorized period of residency expires, or if, after their residency is cancelled, they do not leave the country prior to the deadline set by the General Directorate of Immigration.

...

EXPULSION

Art. 122: The Secretary of State for the Interior and Police, through the General Directorate of Immigration, shall order the expulsion of a foreign national in the following cases:

...

4. When, during the first five years of residence in the country, they are convicted of a criminal offence, or when, after that period, they are convicted of offences that demonstrate a level of dangerousness incompatible with their integration into Dominican society.

5. Expulsion shall be carried out in addition to any penalty imposed when the individual's conduct constitutes an offence under the Criminal Code.

6. When, regardless of their immigration status in the country, they become a burden on the State, or engage in conduct that offends morality and good customs, thereby becoming a harmful element to society.

... (Dominican Republic 2004)

The law stipulates that expulsion may not be ordered under the following circumstances:

[translation]

Art. 123: The deportation or expulsion of a foreign national, as outlined in the preceding articles of this law, shall not be ordered in the following cases:

1. When the foreign national has been married to a Dominican spouse for more than 10 years or has duly-declared children who are Dominican citizens by birth.
2. When the foreign national has legally, peacefully, and continuously resided in the country for more than 10 years, beginning from their lawful entry.

... (Dominican Republic 2004)

Finally, the law indicates that the following measures are taken in the case of deportation and expulsion:

[translation]

MEASURES RELATED TO DEPORTATION AND EXPULSION

Art. 124: Prior to enforcing deportation or expulsion, the General Directorate of Immigration shall confiscate from the foreign national any document or documents issued by the competent national authorities that prove the foreign national's immigration status in the country.

Art. 125: Final deportation or expulsion orders and cases of non-admission provided for in Article 120, paragraphs 2 and 4, shall be communicated to the State security agencies, the Central Electoral Board, and the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. The latter shall in turn notify accredited embassies and consulates abroad to ensure that visas are not granted to foreign nationals subject to these measures. (Dominican Republic 2004)

According to the law firm, Dominican residence permits

may be revoked when the immigration authorities determine that the application was supported by inconsistent, incomplete, or contradictory documentation, or when it is established that the permit was obtained through the use of illegally obtained, altered, or fraudulent documents. (Law firm 2026-02-04)

The source added that in practice, decisions to revoke residence permits may follow "administrative review, audits, inter-institutional verification, or investigations revealing document irregularities" (Law firm 2026-02-04). Once a residence permit is revoked by the authorities, its holder may face "administrative penalties, removal procedures, or future restrictions, depending on the severity of the infraction and the discretion of the authorities, without prejudice to any applicable criminal liability under Dominican law" (Law firm 2026-02-04).

7.1. Recourse and Possibility of Recovering Residence Status

Law No. 285-04 indicates the following regarding the recourse available to foreign nationals who are subject to deportation or expulsion orders:

[translation]

HUMAN RESOURCES

...

Art. 138: Foreign nationals with legal status in the country who receive a deportation or expulsion order may resort to the legal procedures provided for by the laws of the country.

Art. 139: Expulsion may be ordered without the possibility of appeal in cases of absolute urgency when the security of the State or public safety is at stake. (Dominican Republic 2004)

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. Please find below the list of sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

Notes

[1] The GJC of the Center for Human Rights and Global Justice at the New York University School of Law is a law clinic which partners with "social movement organizations and community partners to prevent, challenge, and redress human rights violations" and has projects focusing on Haitian immigrants and migrants (GJC 2025-06, 2). ^[back]

[2] Caminante is "an NGO that supports children and works with immigrant children in the Boca Chica area," a community 30 km east of the Dominican capital (BBC 2024-10-09). ^[back]

References

Agence France-Presse (AFP). 2025-05-05. "Dominican Republic Reports Sharp Rise in Haitian Migrant Deportations." [Accessed 2026-01-19]

Agencia EFE (EFE). 2025-10-16. "Dominican Republic Deports Record over 370,000 Haitians, Raising Rights Concerns." [Accessed 2026-01-09]

Amnesty International. 2025-04-28. "Dominican Republic." The State of the World's Human Rights: April 2025. [Accessed 2026-01-12]

Amnesty International. 2024-08-28. "President Luis Abinader's Second Mandate Must Prioritize Respect for Human Rights and Put an End to Racist Migration Policies." [Accessed 2026-01-19]

Associated Press (AP). 2025-04-07. Martín Adames Alcántara. "The Dominican Republic Will Crack Down Harder on Migrants as Haitians Flee Violence." [Accessed 2026-01-09]

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). 2024-10-09. BBC Mundo. Leire Ventas. "'Se lo llevaron como a un animal': la deportación 'a gran escala' de haitianos en República Dominicana y las críticas que despierta." [Accessed 2026-01-12]

Dominican Republic. 2011. Reglamento de Aplicación de la Ley General de Migración, Decreto No. 631-11. Excerpts translated by the Translation Bureau, Public Services and Procurement Canada. [Accessed 2026-01-08]

Dominican Republic. 2004. Ley General de Migración No. 285-04. Excerpts translated by the Translation Bureau, Public Services and Procurement Canada. [Accessed 2025-12-23]

Dominican Republic. N.d.a. Dirección General de Migración (DGM). "Ordinary Temporary Residence (RT-9)." [Accessed 2025-12-19]

Dominican Republic. N.d.b. Dirección General de Migración (DGM). "Ordinary Temporary Residence Renewal (RT-9)." [Accessed 2025-12-19]

Dominican Republic. N.d.c. Dirección General de Migración (DGM). "Permanent Residence Application (RP-1)." [Accessed 2026-01-06]

Dominican Republic. N.d.d. Dirección General de Migración (DGM). "Permanent Residence Renewal (RP-1)." [Accessed 2026-01-06]

Dominican Republic. N.d.e. Dirección General de Migración (DGM). "Definitive Residence (RD-1)." [Accessed 2026-01-06]

Dominican Republic. N.d.f. Dirección General de Migración (DGM). "Permission of Reentry by Expiration of Permanent Residence." [Accessed 2026-01-13]

Dominican Today. 2025-07-14. "Migration Authority Clarifies Birth in Dominican Republic Does Not Grant Automatic Nationality." [Accessed 2026-02-02]

Fragomen. 2024-04-30. "Dominican Republic: Suspension of Visas and Border Closures for Haitians." [Accessed 2026-01-19]

Fragomen. N.d. "About Fragomen." [Accessed 2026-01-19]

Global Justice Clinic (GJC), Center for Human Rights and Global Justice, New York University (NYU) School of Law. 2025-06. Racial Profiling and Mass Deportations: Rights Abuses of People of Haitian Descent in the Dominican Republic. [Accessed 2026-01-09]

Law firm, Dominican Republic. 2026-02-04. Correspondence with the Research Directorate.

Reuters. 2025-01-28. "Dominican Republic Ramping up Deportation of Haitian Migrants." [Accessed 2026-01-09]

Additional Sources Consulted

Oral sources: Law firms in the Dominican Republic (3).

Internet sites, including: Bertelsmann Stiftung; Center for Strategic and International Studies; The Conversation; Diario Libre; Dominican Republic – embassy in Ottawa; Freedom House; The Guardian; HaitiLibre; The Haitian Times; Human Rights Watch; Minority Rights Group; National Public Radio; Organization of American States – Inter-American Commission on Human Rights; UN – Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights, ReliefWeb.