Disadvantages of obtaining Dominican residency

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Alltimegreat

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Nov 16, 2012
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As I've described in a prior post, I will be eligible to apply for Dominican citizenship in early 2013 (just need to renew my permanent residency first). Assuming that I pass the Spanish-language interview, I'm wondering if obtaining citizenship could possibly entail any disadvantages, such as citizenship renewal fees or any requirements to file tax returns or pay taxes on foreign-earned income. (I will not be living in the Dominican Republic and will not have any income stemming from there.)

Does anyone have any information, experiences or input on this matter they could to share? I would really like to hear your thoughts.

Edit: Title of post should read "Disadvantages of obtaining Dominican CITIZENSHIP"
 
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j&t's future

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Information from the British Embassy in Santo Domingo dated 14 July, 2011...
If you have dual nationality and are imprisoned in the country of your other nationality the British Consul cannot assist you formally, under international law. However, Consular staff will provide whatever informal assistance the local authorities will allow. Your relatives and friends can contact the above address for advice from the FCO in London.

Help if you are arrested or detained
 
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donP

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It needs to be considered well.

Alltimegreat said:
"Disadvantages of obtaining Dominican CITIZENSHIP"
Click to expand...

I suppose your country of origin allows a second passport, right?

IMO, The only advantage of a Dominican citizenship is that you won't need to renew your residency permits and/or not have to pay a tourist visa when entering the country.

The disadvantage is that the embassy of your "home country" cannot help you much in case you need it.
Your local citizenship would have priority...


donP
 
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Expat13

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donP said:
I suppose your country of origin allows a second passport, right?

IMO, The only advantage of a Dominican citizenship is that you won't need to renew your residency permits and/or not have to pay a tourist visa when entering the country.

The disadvantage is that the embassy of your "home country" cannot help you much in case you need it.
Your local citizenship would have priority...


donP
Click to expand...

So this is not just the UK, but all/most countries?
 
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donP

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Expat13 said:
So this is not just the UK, but all/most countries?
Click to expand...

I think it is a rule of international diplomacy.

But it certainly applies to German citizens (for whom it is very difficult anyway to obtain a second citizenship of a non-European country).

donP
 
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travel1000

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Jan 31, 2007
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you do not have any disvantage

first, you do not live in Dr. you do not worry about diplomatic protection. but anyway, diplomatic protection just illusion anyway. if you are not important person, the protection maybe visit you in Jail. German can get second citizenship with government approval.
 
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donP

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Almost Impossible

travel1000 said:
German can get second citizenship with government approval.
Click to expand...

The hurdle is so high, that hardly ever one can obtain it.
I know of one person only (in DR) who was able to get it (because otherwise the person could not have performed a certain profession for which the Dominican citizenship was an inalienable requirement).

donP
 
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SKY

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I have DR citizenship, and I can tell you it has done nothing but good for me here. Also there is no BS with renewing anything. Only your Cedula every 10 years, and your DR Passport every six. Definitely worth getting.
 
bob saunders

bob saunders

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donP said:
The hurdle is so high, that hardly ever one can obtain it.
I know of one person only (in DR) who was able to get it (because otherwise the person could not have performed a certain profession for which the Dominican citizenship was an inalienable requirement).

donP
Click to expand...

Really? I know a number of German. Canadian dual citizens.
 
S

SKY

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The only hurdle to DR citizenship once you have Permanent Residency is the fee you pay a good lawyer.
 
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donP

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Dual Citizenship Limited

bob saunders said:
Really? I know a number of German. Canadian dual citizens.
Click to expand...

Many countries allow a second citizenship.

I was only refering to Germans trying to obtain the Dominican citizenship and at the same time keeping their German passport.

Since 2007 Germans can acquire another EU (and Swiss) citizenship without any permission (= "Beibehaltungsgenehmigung").

If those Germans you know live here and hold a Dominican passport as well, I'd appreciate their contact.

donP
 
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Expat13

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Keep in mind that some of the benefits of having residency requires a cedula to take full advantage...BUT, The cedula has to be entered into their system for that to occur... There in lies the problem... In true Duminican fashion, dont expect that to be a given. When I have produced my Cedula for bank accounts, insurance etc. it doesnt register in the system! It has been 9 months since I received it so I expect it will be expired before its ever active...
And YES its a real one done by me and reputable law firm at the appropriate offices- I was there through the (expedited lol) 18 month process. They can initiate all kinds of first worldish procedures but they will never figure out how to truly implement them.
 
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judypdr

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No one has answered the question about financial disadvantages, i.e. DR taxes on foreign income. For example, would taxs be due on U.S. social security or interest income?
 
Abuela

Abuela

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Expat13 said:
Keep in mind that some of the benefits of having residency requires a cedula to take full advantage...BUT, The cedula has to be entered into their system for that to occur... There in lies the problem... In true Duminican fashion, dont expect that to be a given. When I have produced my Cedula for bank accounts, insurance etc. it doesnt register in the system! It has been 9 months since I received it so I expect it will be expired before its ever active...
And YES its a real one done by me and reputable law firm at the appropriate offices- I was there through the (expedited lol) 18 month process. They can initiate all kinds of first worldish procedures but they will never figure out how to truly implement them.
Click to expand...
It is my understanding the DGII has two data bases for cedulas,vota & non vota. Some institutions only have the vota in their computer systems so an expats cedula never shows up. Make sure the institution is checking the no vota. This may be the problem.
 
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D.Rep

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You need to check what is the case in your home country. If you can have two then take it, but in a lot of countries they have the regulation that when you apply for a second one then you will lose automatically per law your first nationality. Maybe that will not be recognized soon, but in a view years when it will be important that that could fire back to you.
So you should investigate your situation carefully.
 
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arrugala

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ONE GREAT ONE IS ...... If you ever lose a passport ! And are travelling , you have another way to travel onwards ! If you have an airline ticket and , you misplace your ,only passport you could lose thousands in ticket hotel accomadations .....
 
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