How is the EDF option different from the real-estate option?

Both routes lead to the same Dominican citizenship, but the mechanics differ. The Economic Diversification Fund is a straightforward non-refundable contribution to the state and does not involve owning, maintaining or reselling any asset; the separate government fees that apply to real-estate applicants are not charged on the EDF route. The real-estate option instead requires purchasing a unit in a government-approved project and holding it for a minimum period before resale. EDF is often simpler and faster to settle; real estate offers a potentially recoverable asset.