In the last five years, Cubans have established themselves as the foreign community with the highest number of naturalizations in Dominican Republic, even surpassing Haitians, whose migratory presence had historically been the largest in that Caribbean country.
According to official figures from the National Open Data Portal, between 2019 and 2024 a total of 2,302 foreigners acquired Dominican citizenship. Of these, 309 are Cubans, placing the community from the island at the top of the list of new Dominican citizens; followed by Venezuelans, with 294; and Colombians, with 214.
In a context where regional mobility has been influenced by economic, political, and social crises, the data reflects the increasing presence of Cubans in the social and legal life of the Dominican Republic.
While Cubans lead the statistics, Haitians, with only 104 naturalizations in that same period, fall behind despite being the largest foreign community in Dominican territory.
Obstacles for Haitians: the lack of documentation
The former legal advisor of the General Directorate of Migration, Juanquicito Bocio Familia, explained in statements to the Dominican press that the differences between the communities are closely related to migration policies and the socioeconomic conditions of their origin.
“The country's immigration policies have played a key role for Cubans and Venezuelans compared to Haitians, who face structural obstacles in attaining Dominican citizenship status,” Bocio pointed out.
One of the main factors that limits the naturalization of Haitians is the lack of valid documents, both in Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
"This greatly complicates the naturalization process, which requires the submission of numerous documents, all of this because obtaining documents in Haiti is a long and complicated process," she added.
The challenges are significant: In several rural areas of Haiti, many people lack birth certificates or identification documents, which hinders their access to legal processes for regularization and naturalization in Dominican territory.
This is compounded by natural disasters that have occurred in the last two decades, leaving thousands of Haitian citizens without basic documents to verify their identity.
Cuba and Venezuela: Migration as a Means of Escape
In the case of Cuba, the situation is different. The political restrictions imposed by the Cuban regime and the quest for better living conditions are the main reasons that have driven thousands of Cubans to leave the island in recent years.
The geographical proximity, migration facilitation, and the presence of family and community networks have made the Dominican Republic a frequent destination for Cubans seeking not only economic opportunities but also greater freedom.
Meanwhile, Venezuelans are also among the main groups of naturalized citizens.
Her situation is a reflection of the deep economic and social crisis that has hit Venezuela, leading to a massive migration to various countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, including the Dominican Republic.
What other countries are on the list?
In addition to Cubans and Venezuelans, data from the National Open Data Portal indicates that other nationalities that have stood out in the naturalization process in the Dominican Republic between 2019 and 2024 include: Colombia (214), Spain (185), Italy (144), the United States (125), France (82), and Russia (66).
The year 2019 saw the highest number of naturalizations granted in the analyzed period, reflecting the influence of political and migratory dynamics prior to the pandemic and the health restrictions that impacted migration flows in the region.
The figures confirm a rising phenomenon: the Dominican Republic has become a strategic point for migrants from the Caribbean and South America, especially for Cuban citizens who see this country as a platform to settle or even seek routes to more distant destinations.
The trend also highlights how structural factors, such as the lack of documentation and institutional instability in countries like Haiti, limit the legal options for their citizens compared to other communities that are able to adapt more easily to the demands of the Dominican migration system.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Naturalization of Cubans in the Dominican Republic
Why do Cubans lead naturalizations in the Dominican Republic?
Cubans lead naturalizations in the Dominican Republic due to geographic proximity, migration facilitation, and the family networks present in the country, which provide them with better economic opportunities and greater freedom compared to the political restrictions in Cuba.
What are the main obstacles to the naturalization of Haitians in the Dominican Republic?
Haitians face significant obstacles to naturalization in the Dominican Republic due to the lack of valid documents, which complicates the regularization process. Additionally, natural disasters have destroyed civil records in Haiti, further complicating the acquisition of the necessary documentation.
What other nationalities stand out in the naturalization process in the Dominican Republic?
In addition to Cubans, other nationalities that stand out in the naturalization process in the Dominican Republic between 2019 and 2024 are Venezuelans (294), Colombians (214), Spaniards (185), Italians (144), Americans (125), French (82), and Russians (66).
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