Dominica Citizenship by Investment Programme

Established in 1993, Dominica’s Citizen by Investment Programme is one of the fastest, longest-running and most affordable CBI schemes in the world. Dominican citizenship can be obtained in exchange for a significant financial investment in the country’s infrastructure.

The programme aims to boost foreign economic contributions to Dominica, in order to expand its economy and meet the demands of the modern competitive global market. Applicants can make a donation towards major development projects in both the public and private sectors, or invest in government-approved real estate.

Gaining citizenship also ensures that an individual has access to all the rights, responsibilities, and privileges defined by Dominican law. Citizens are able to call upon Dominica for assistance and protection and access any diplomatic establishments abroad. Unlike other CBI programmes, there are no minimum stay requirements, which means that applicants are able to become Dominican citizens without visiting the country.

Dominican citizens enjoy minimal taxation, engage in duty-free trading across the Caribbean with full exemption from import duties. The East Caribbean dollar currency is pegged to the US dollar at a fixed rate.

• Donation
  The Government of Dominica introduced the Economic Diversity Fund (EDF) to fund national development in the country. A non-refundable donation could be used to fund anything, from building schools and hospitals to specific projects in sectors like tourism and agriculture. The minimum investment is US $100,000 for the main applicant. Additional fees will apply to any dependent applications. Government fees are not applicable to the donation option, making this the most cost effective way for individual applicants to apply.
• Real Estate Investment
  Government-approved real estate includes hotels, spas, and villas. A minimum investment of US $200,000 must be made in one of these properties to qualify for this programme. Furthermore, the applicant must hold on to the property for at least 3 years to secure lifetime citizenship.

Government fees apply to any real estate investment, starting at $25,000 for a single applicant, and increasing to US $70,000 for a family of 7. Though this is a more expensive option, it could prove to be financially lucrative, given Dominica’s impressive tourism industry.

Click here for more information on how to apply for Dominica’s CBI scheme.

Personal Requirements

Applicants to the Dominica Citizenship by Investment Program must be at least 18 years old, in good health, and have no criminal record. They are also required to officially commit to the investment and be able to demonstrate outstanding character and repute.

How the process works

With the help of an Authorised Agent, applicants will need to prepare a series of required documents, including a passport, birth certificate, and police record. These must be notarised and legalised prior to submission. Applicants will also have to attend a medical examination and reserve a property through a sales and purchase agreement if they are investing in real estate.

Following a due diligence check, the CBIU will make a recommendation to the Government, provided they are satisfied. The Authorised Agent will be informed on the outcome of the government’s decision. Successful applicants will be instructed to either donate to the EDF or make the payment to invest in the relevant real estate property. After the CIBU receives proof of payment, they will issue a certificate of registration, which serves as evidence of citizenship, and can be used to apply for a Dominican passport.

The Citizenship by Investment Programme is detailed in the regulations published in accordance with Section 101 of the Constitution and Sections 8 and 20 (1) of the Citizenship Act. Read our guide for more information on all relevant legislation regarding the Dominica Citizenship by Investment Programme.

Please be advised that applications from citizens of Iran, North Korea and Sudan will only be accepted where such persons (1) have not lived in these countries for the last 10 years, (2) have no substantial assets there, and (3) are not performing and have not performed any business or similar activity, in whole or in part, in or with these countries.

All applications from citizens of Iran, North Korea, Sudan and Syria are subject to enhanced due diligence. The cost of this will have to be borne by the applicant as part of their due diligence fees.