How to get Married in the Dominican Republic

planner · 2014-10-01T14:36:13+02:00

At the request of some members I am opening this thread. FIRST GENERAL INFO :D Types of Marriages Marriages in the Dominican Republic fall generally into one of two categories: “Civil” marriages are those in which the parties themselves register the marriage with the Dominican government. The person officiating at the wedding ceremony is a government official, usually a Notary Public. It is the couple’s choice whether or not to hold a separate religious ceremony. “Canonical” marriages are those performed by a Roman Catholic priest. Following the ceremony, the church takes responsibility for registering the marriage with the appropriate Dominican government offices. Marriages in religious denominations other than Roman Catholicism are fully legal and permitted. However, only the Roman Catholic Church has the ability to register marriages on the couple’s behalf. In the case of wedding ceremonies in other denominations, both members of the couple must present themselves to the governmental registrar’s office to legalize the marriage. Details on this procedure follow below in the section under “Civil Marriages”. Civil Marriages Marriage in the Dominican Republic is a civil contract between a man and a woman who have freely agreed to marry and have the capacity to do so. In order to get married in the Dominican Republic, a man and woman must meet the following conditions: The parties must express their free will to marry; Men between 16 and 18 years old, or women between 15 and 18 years old may get married without the consent of their parents. Any required consent must be in writing and notarized, unless the person required to give this consent does so while attending the wedding ceremony; and A man younger than 16 and a woman younger than 15 may not get married, even with their parents’ consent, although a judge may grant an exception for significant reasons. No person may be married before a prior marriage is dissolved. A divorced woman cannot get married until 10 months after her divorce has become final, unless her intended husband is the same person she has divorced. The government official performing the civil ceremony has the authority, at the time of the ceremony, to waive any of the above requirements. Such a waiver must be made in writing and outline the basis of the waiver. The official performing the ceremony does so in the presence of the parties and witnesses. During the ceremony, the official asks the parties and witnesses whether either of the parties has been married previously, to each other or to other people. The party who has been married previously must supply the date of that marriage and the name of the person who officiated. The Marriage Certificate includes the complete names of the spouses, the evidence of their written consent, a declaration they have been united in matrimony and the date of the celebration and the signatures of the Officer, the spouses and the witnesses. After the celebration the marriage is registered in the appropriate civil registries. Civil marriage is dissolved by the death of one of the spouses or by divorce. Canonical Marriages A Canonical marriage performed by a Roman Catholic priest has the same legal effect as a civil marriage. As was stated in the introductory section above, however, there is a procedural difference, insofar as the priest in a Canonical marriage is responsible for transmitting the registration documents to the appropriate Dominican government office(s). Even if a civil ceremony has taken place prior to the Canonical ceremony, the officiating priest must still send a copy of the marriage certificate to the government registry. Matrimonial Property Laws Dominican law presumes that the parties in a marriage enjoy Community Property rights. However, if the parties choose to enter into a different type of agreement, this is permitted. Dominican law outlines a number of systems from which the parties may choose. The spouses may also amend any one of these systems or create one of their own, provided that the final agreement is in keeping with Dominican legal principles. When the parties opt for a system other than Community Property (such as Separate Property, outlined beginning on page 4 below), they must put this in writing and have it approved by a Dominican government official. Community Property Systems 1. Legal Community: This is the most common community property system in effect in the Dominican Republic. The following three features are present and essential: The existence of three types of properties -- common property, property owned by the wife, and property owned by the husband. Under legal community systems, all movable property and its earnings, as well as real estate property acquired during the marriage, are common property. The power of the husband over the administration/management of the estate, which cannot be ignored or restrained through any clause or matrimonial agreement; and The existence of guarantees for the woman against bad management of the property by the husband. These guarantees may include, among others, judicial division of the property and/or liens against any real estate owned by the husband. With regard to point (1) above, it is worth noting that “common property” is further sub-divided into “ordinary property” and “reserved property.” Ordinary property enters the marriage having belonged to one spouse or the other but, based on the marriage, becomes the property of both parties. Reserved property, on the other hand, is property that resulted from the personal work of the woman or from savings that arose from such work. Following the marriage, reserved property generally continues to be administered/managed by the woman, but legally it is the common property of both parties. 2. Reduced to the Earnings: Under this system, the composition of the common property varies, based on the respective debts (both present and future) of the spouses. Additionally, the value of their respective movable property (both present and future) is excluded from the common property. 3. Universal Community: All properties, present and future, are common property. The spouses equally agree under this system that only their present or future property will be common property. Note: It is possible for the spouses to reject any of the community property systems described above and instead choose their own system. However, it is important to note that doing this will not automatically grant the wife rights to administer her property or to receive its earnings. Property the wife brought into the marriage is considered as awarded to the husband for the purpose of meeting the expenses of the marriage. The spouses may, however, include in their property agreement a clause authorizing the wife to receive a part of her annual earnings for her personal living expenses and needs. Separate Property Systems Separate Property systems do not provide for common property, but rather for property owned by each one of the spouses and over which each one has administration/management, disposition and enjoyment rights. Nonetheless, the wife does not have the right to dispose of her properties without the consentof the husband or a judicial authorization. This system requires the spouses to contribute to the maintenance of their home. Furthermore, movable goods individually owned by each of the spouses are intertwined in reality and must be liquidated in the event the marriage is dissolved. A wife's property can be subjected to claims of creditors for her debts arising before and during her marriage, as well as debts related to the maintenance of a marital home incurred by either spouse, or in case of the insolvency of her husband. The husband, for his part, is responsible for his debts arising before or during the marriage and for the debts contracted by the wife when acting as representative of the marriage. One variation of the separation of property system is the dowry system. The dowry system is a system of separation in which the woman, instead of contributing some or all of her income to the couple's obligations, hands over some or all of her property to her husband, who has the administration and legal enjoyment of it. The wife possesses, in addition to the dowry property, property that is not affected by the home-related obligations, also called "paraphernalia." This type of property is enjoyed by the wife but cannot be disposed of without the consent of the husband or judicial authorization. SECOND here is the information for AMERICAN CITIZENS - taken from the US Embassy website: :D Legal Options For Marriage in the Dominican Republic The following information is for the guidance ONLY of civilian U.S. citizens contemplating marriage in the Dominican Republic. U.S. Diplomatic and Consular Officers DO NOT have the legal authority to perform marriages. Marriages CANNOT be performed within the Embassy or within a U.S. Consular Office in the Dominican Republic. General Requirements for Foreigners to Marry in the Dominican Republic In order to get married in the Dominican Republic, a man and a woman must be of a certain minimum age (16 for men, 15 for women), be legally eligible to marry, and be entering into the marriage contract of their own free will. Failure to comply with any of these basic criteria could mean that Dominican authorities will decline to register the marriage as legal. Additionally, foreigners who wish to get married in the Dominican Republic must comply with the following requirements and present the following documentation: The original passport and copies of the passport bio-page; Copies of last entries stamps; Proof of Dominican residence (if not a resident of the Dominican Republic, an additional fee applies and tourist card must be presented); Sworn declaration before a notary public, of being single and eligible to marry; the sworn declaration then needs to be legalized at the Offices of Procuraduría General de La República. If the Sworn declaration is done before a U.S. notary, it then needs to be legalized at the closest Dominican Consulate in the U.S. (In the past, the U.S. Embassy allowed U.S. citizens to swear such an affidavit of eligibility to marry before a U.S. consular officer. The Embassy discontinued this practice several years ago, however, because local officials were interpreting these documents as meaning that the Embassy had actually verified the content of the citizens’ statements, when in fact the consular officer was merely attesting to the fact that the individual in question had made the statement. U.S. citizens needing to comply with this requirement should instead present themselves to a Dominican notary –as specified above-.) Copy of foreign birth certificate and a legal translation of the certificate; central authorities in both the United States and the Dominican Republic now authenticate their own public documents, such as birth, death or marriage certificates, with a certificate of apostille (name of the authentication stamp). You can get your document apostille at the office of Vital Records in your state. If divorced, copy of the divorce certificate and legal translation of the certificate; 2 witnesses (not family). Additionally, Dominican law requires that notice of the intended marriage must be published prior to the ceremony. Fees Celebration of marriages at the Civil Registry Office “Oficialia Civil”: Both the bride and groom are foreigners not residents of the Dominican Republic - RD $20,000.00 One is a foreigner not resident of the Dominican Republic - RD $10,000.00 Both the bride and groom are foreigners residents of the Dominican Republic - RD $3,000.00 Celebration of marriages outside the Civil Registry Office (if the Civil Registry Officer goes somewhere else than the “Oficialia Civil” to celebrate the marriage): Both the bride and groom are foreigners not residents of the Dominican Republic - RD $20,000.00 One is a foreigner not resident of the Dominican Republic - RD $15,000.00 Both the bride and groom are foreigners residents of the Dominican Republic - RD $10,000.00 **For updated information on the fees, visit the Junta Central Electoral´s oficial fee webpage (information available only in Spanish)

Last activity 16 June 2024 by copescloud

60895 Views

297 replies

Post new topic

Eri76Serial expat07 December 2015 19:20:30

#121

357

Thanks planner,

It makes sense that residencia is required to apply for citizenship. Which country in the world will give you a citizenship if you don't even live on their territory ?

gypsy401Serial expat07 December 2015 22:13:26

#122

659

1/2 in jest .... have large box of tissues, close your eyes & open you wallet. If you are lucky, you will join the the small percentage of happily married folk. It ain't luck, it's patience & smarts.

Bob KVIP Member07 December 2015 23:14:26

#123

7675

Two boxes of tissues and two wallets (one for the new esposa and the other for the familia)

And you do not need to be living here full time to get your residency.

Bob K

2VPsoldierSerial expat30 July 2017 19:14:59

#124

553

So, if I were to be fortunate enough to even consider marrying and if she were a local lady, a Dominican National, I should become a resident first and the fees would be lower? All great info, and this, along with the info on applying for a Residence Visa is excellent. I would certainly appreciate referrals to trusted lawyers. I will be seeking to have my divorce documents translated and will start working on the steps. I will also be visiting the Canadian Consulate while in Puerto Plata and Moca late Sep/early Oct. As I hope to raise funds (Cdn and perhaps USD) for business I might wish to pursue, I will have to learn the rules for large amounts of money to be brought in (up to but not over $500,000). So much to think about but the first step is see the country, and meet the people.... it would wonderful if that included expats as well as the local folks that have invited me to stay with them where I plan on learning Spanish by being immersed in the language and culture!

plannerDominican Republic Expert30 July 2017 19:30:14

#125

17111

No the fees are the same,. that does not change.

The canadian consulate will not help you with business. In terms of bringing money in for business investment that is fairly simple and also qualifies you for residencia.

However, open forums are not a great place to talk about money. Keep that private my friend. stay general in those discussions.

2VPsoldierSerial expat31 July 2017 01:58:53

#126

553

Right - thanks.

plannerDominican Republic Expert31 July 2017 02:20:09

#127

17111

Residence and residencia are confusing you.

Bob is right uou do not need a residence to get residencia. Its the Spanish term, there is a whole thread about this.

plannerDominican Republic Expert31 July 2017 02:21:20

#128

17111

And for the record - still looking for.my Dominican husband so I can get citizenship!!!

A little help you guys???

the tinker40ViP01 August 2017 00:29:43

#129

1236

You are a gift from heaven.A treasure trove of innocence. After a 5 year difference in age, for every . If you have known her for 2 to 3 years, lived with her & know the true extant of her family, You may have a chance of a fruitful relationship, every , year beyond that is a 10% increase for the marriage to end in disaster for your relationship. Once the extant of your wealth is know, you become a huge target for those of lesser moral values. Oh, by the way I have a condo on a private island next to Mt. Duarte for sale cheap. I wish you well in the impending storm about to engulf you. I tell you fo tru meh son, tings are not de same road heah!! Doth spake the Tinker, formally Gypsy 401. Walk slowly, the price of the ticket for that ride can be prohibitive.

Bob KVIP Member01 August 2017 11:39:02

#130

7675

Glad to see you back

Bob K

Santanita2017Member07 August 2017 20:13:47

#131

but why is it usually "female monogamy" but male polygamy?

Santanita2017Member07 August 2017 20:15:16

#132

How sad it is that it's usually the male who has a wife and a mistress!

plannerDominican Republic Expert07 August 2017 21:01:38

#133

17111

Its the culture. You don't have to like it or participate in it. It is what it is.

I dont like it either but as long as it does not directly effect me, it is none of my business.

Bob KVIP Member08 August 2017 11:30:55

#134

7675

Planner is right it is just the way things work here. You don 't need to be part of it.

Bob K

Santanita2017Member08 August 2017 19:02:16

#135

Yet it hurts to see it! Probably a reflection of the economic situation.

plannerDominican Republic Expert08 August 2017 20:58:57

#136

17111

Nothing to do with economics at all. Its latino male machismo.

Bob KVIP Member09 August 2017 10:38:52

#137

7675

It is one of the many things that make this place "different" and "not like at home".

Bob K

TheGamaGroupRDNew member26 September 2017 06:47:42

#138

It is not the law. You have probably heard that from people who married Dominicans with families that have little economic means. It is a cultural believe to think that if you are a "gringo" you have a lot of money and you come to help the family of your love one!

Good Luck!

thecolonelBanned26 September 2017 12:23:35

#139

558

And easier, simpler way to get married would be like most of the locals do it. They just call each other 'esposos'....done. Us gringos can do that too.

the tinker40ViP26 September 2017 16:00:43

#140

1236

It isn't machisimo! The French & other Europeans have as a matter of course, affairs & outside lovers. Husbands, wives doesn't matter. No one calls that being "Macho"! It is the culture & that nature in the main doesn't require monogamy. Usually in nature it is the strongest & smartest that get more. Strengthens the genetics. Unfortunately, that no longer applies to humans. It worked for primitive man, but sadly is no longer a factor in the betterment of man kind. It is a normal part of life. Not yours maybe, but it is part of theirs'.

classygringoContributor06 September 2018 20:06:42

#141

156

Any recommendations on lawyers that handle prenuptial agreements? I went to a law office in Naco beautiful offices, they spoke great English and by appearances I was very impressed. However the further we got into specifics I could quickly tell they had no clue throughout the process and finally they admitted they had never actually done a prenup. Glad I vetted them well before hiring and paying their upfront fee they tried to get out of me. Also just curious does anyone know if a Dominican court ever ordered me to pay her alimony or part of my assets in an american bank would any american bank have to honor it ? Or would I be safe as long as I kept just a small amount in Dominican bank at risk to a divorce?

plannerDominican Republic Expert06 September 2018 21:00:16

#142

17111

Wow glad you found out!

Law here is territorial in nature. They can't touch assets that are not here! No jurisdiction in the USA on assets.

Let me ask my lawyer about prenups.

the tinker40ViP06 September 2018 23:16:49

#143

1236

If the question arises. do not marry. Any doubts, eve a small oe, postpone the commitment at all costs. True love never requires such documentation. Never swim in uncharted waters.

the tinker40ViP08 September 2018 16:51:31

#144

1236

Call Hipoloito Severio *** He speaks several languages, has represented many, many expats here on the North shoreHe handled my divorce years ago. Easy to talk to. Tell him the Gypsy (Tinker) referred you. He is very well connected. Good luck & welcome to the site.

bigbob20163Banned15 January 2019 13:48:17

#145

176

Santaanita 2017.

The answer to your question, is that MOST men, unlike MOST women, are not as devoted. And, in my personal experiences, many single and married women, have flirted with me knowing I was married. It is my personal belief, MOST (95%) women like to be noticed and admired, however, the majority (well over 50 %) of them are not looking for anything physical from men.

Men, on the other hand, see it as flirting and in our vulnerable, weak minds, and cave man libido, we get weak knees along with our weak minds, and want MORE. and I, having worked in Washington D. C. Where the women to men ratio was something like 8 or 9-1, hormones were bouncing off every monument and made it a monument(al), problem. I thought I was a sex symbol. Whatta place? I swore I died and went to "heaven"gate.

With that ratio, women were actually competing against each other. Just imagine the dynamics? How many would be sexually unsatisfied, notwithstanding, "alone" when they returned to their little dog or cat every night with no one to love, much less have someone to talk with? Talk about hormones and frustration? Possibly, that defines our nation's capital as the horniest piece of dirt, on planet earth.

You can place all the blame on men. But my dear, there is an old saying that still holds true. "It takes two, to tango"!

Your question would and could be equal or stopped completely, by one word.

It is perfectly ok for all women to simply say NO!

Respectfully submitted.

quadrant25Member30 May 2019 03:31:41

#146

Why the hell would any man in their right mind want to get married in this day and age.....especially marrying a local.

plannerDominican Republic Expert30 May 2019 10:19:03

#147

17111

Well that clearly is your opinion many others feel differently.

classygringoContributor03 June 2019 13:51:45

#148

156

I am planning on moving to DR in August of this year to Santo Domingo. I plan to marry a Dominican woman and apply eventually for citizenship. I am having trouble finding if it is legal for me to stay in the country while applying. Is there a way I can legally move there and stay in 3 months?

plannerDominican Republic Expert03 June 2019 14:12:30

#149

17111

Do what most do honey, simply pay the overstay fee when you leave. Next trip prepare all your documents for filing your residencia on the basis of family reunification.

classygringoContributor04 June 2019 22:24:00

#150

156

Thanks Honey

plannerDominican Republic Expert05 June 2019 10:35:24

#151

17111

AdelaideVldMember06 October 2019 00:57:00

#152

Hello, Planner! I found really interesting all the information provided, but what about someone from the European Union who wants to marry a Dominican? For the Residency Visa, do we need to wait a certain amount of time after the wedding? Can it be asked for in DR or should I go back to Europe just to ask for the visa in the Dominican Embassy of my country? Thank you and hope the thread is still opened ☺️

Guest2022Guest06 October 2019 02:26:10

#153

214245

Marriage is a route to residency and then citizenship.

It may seem odd that you have to apply under current rules fot residency in your own counyry after marriage, but ask yourself what are the rules in UK and realize this is not unusual.

Getting residency in a foreign land should be seen as a privelage granted to a qualifying group. Right now it remains relatively easy.

plannerDominican Republic Expert06 October 2019 17:39:09

#154

17111

I believe it's a 6 month wait after marriage. You go home to apply.

classygringoContributor07 October 2019 10:22:31

#155

156

When you say residency is easy in DR I may agree if you invest 200k in real estate or business then yes but other than that what are the other easy ways ? Just curious because I did not see any other pay unless you had a pension.

plannerDominican Republic Expert07 October 2019 12:49:02

#156

17111

Via a job, via marriage or family reunification or via pension income or investment.

classygringoContributor07 October 2019 17:36:00

#157

156

Lot Harder than it sounds. Just saying.

plannerDominican Republic Expert07 October 2019 17:59:37

#158

17111

The process is not easy,. O!

classygringoContributor09 October 2019 17:46:50

#159

156

Hey Tinker can you PM me Hipoloito Severio phone #. thanks

plannerDominican Republic Expert09 October 2019 19:21:12

#160

17111

Tinker isn't online anymore honey

Articles to help you in your expat project in Dominican Republic

Citizenship in the Dominican Republic
Suppose you got tired of renewing your residence permit. In that case, you simply want to commit to the ...
Traveling to the Dominican Republic
Before traveling to the Dominican Republic, whether for tourism, to work, to study, or to settle down, it is best ...
Retiring in the Dominican Republic
Many retirees, or those reaching retirement age, like to visit the Dominican Republic and end up falling in love ...
Getting married in the Dominican Republic
If you are wondering what it's like to get married in the Dominican Republic, this article is for you.
Death in the Dominican Republic
What customs and procedures are common when dealing with death in the Dominican Republic? Find more about it in ...
Divorce in the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic offers a number of types of divorce, the most common of which are divorce by mutual consent ...
Birth in the Dominican Republic
This article provides some information about the culture and the customs of Dominicans when giving birth and ...
Working in the Dominican Republic
If you are looking for a job in the Dominican Republic (DR), here are some tips and suggestions. Job hunting can ...