Migration authority clarifies birth in Dominican Republic does not grant automatic nationality

Santo Domingo.- The General Directorate of Migration (DGM) has reaffirmed that being born in Dominican territory does not automatically grant Dominican nationality to foreign nationals, especially those whose parents are in the country illegally or in transit. This clarification aligns with the Dominican Constitution and current immigration laws, including General Migration Law No. 285-04 and its regulations.

According to the DGM, only those who meet constitutional requirements receive a Dominican birth certificate, the official proof of nationality. Children 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. These children must be registered with their parents’ consulate, as required by law.

This legal stance is based on Article 18 of the Constitution and Article 28 of the Immigration Law, which excludes children of parents with irregular status from automatic citizenship. The DGM stressed that while all children are granted a legal identity in accordance with international human rights standards, this does not imply Dominican nationality or exempt them from immigration rules. As such, children born under these circumstances are considered foreigners under Dominican law and subject to the country’s immigration regulations.