Frequently Asked Questions

The Commonwealth of Dominica is a Caribbean republic with a parliamentary democracy. The capital city is Roseau and the population is approximately 73,000. Dominica’s official language is English, although French Patois is also spoken. The local currency is the East Caribbean dollar, which is pegged to the United States dollar.

The Citizenship by Investment Programme allows reputable investors and their eligible family members to legally obtain citizenship in return for a significant investment in Dominica, as determined under the Commonwealth of Dominica Citizenship by Investment Regulations. Presently, there are two qualifying investments: a direct contribution to the Government (commonly known as the contribution to the Economic Diversification Fund route), starting at US$200,000 for a single applicant, or the purchase of pre-approved real estate at a minimum value of US$200,000.

A detailed breakdown of the steps for applying for citizenship can be found here.

Step 1 – Choose an Authorised Agent

Step 2 – Contact your Authorised Agent

Step 3 – Processing of application

Step 4 – Background checks

Step 5 – Payment of investment and issuing of certificates of naturalisation

“Authorised Agent” means a person –

(a) licenced by the Cabinet who has paid the Authorised Agent’s fee under paragraph 1(1) of Schedule 1 the CBI regs 2024; and

(b) is authorised to act on behalf of the main applicant in relation to a Citizenship by Investment application. A full list of Authorised Agents can be found here.

Any person who is: 

• at least 18 years of age 
• has a clean criminal record 
• has certified in writing that if granted citizenship of Dominica they will not within 5 years of receiving a certificate of naturalisation change or seek to change their name other than by marriage; and  
• has agreed be make the required minimum contribution  

may apply to become a citizen of Dominica pursuant to section 8 of the Commonwealth of Dominica Citizenship Act.  

Any applicant who: 

• has a criminal record other than for a minor offence 
• is the subject of a criminal investigation for which he/she was aware or ought to have been aware and failed to disclose 
• has been denied citizenship in any other country  
• has been denied a visa to the EU or the UK  
• has been denied a visa to a country with which Dominica has visa-free travel and has not subsequently obtained a visa to or residence permit for that country 
• is deemed a potential security risk to Dominica or any other country 
• has provided information which is false in any material respect on his or her application forms; or  
• is or has been involved in activity likely to bring disrepute to Dominica  

shall not be approved for citizenship of Dominica and if approved may be deprived of citizenship of Dominica.  

All CBI applications must be submitted to the CBIU through an Authorised Agent. For a list of Authorised Agents click here.  

There are explicit bans, limitations or enhanced due diligence requirements on applications from nationals of: Belarus, Iran, Northern Iraq, North Korea, Russia, Yemen and Sudan. For more information click here.  

The total cost will be made up of either (1) the contribution to the Economic Diversification Fund or (2) the investment in pre-approved real estate, plus fees relating to due diligence and the processing of the application. Some fees apply to both citizenship routes, while others depend on whether you choose to obtain citizenship through the Economic Diversification Fund option or the real estate option. For a breakdown of the applicable fees, please click here.

Yes, subject to the fulfilment of certain requirements, citizenship can be extended to your spouse, dependant children, dependant parents and grandparents. Fees vary according to the number of family members you include in your application for citizenship.

• A spouse of the main applicant.
• A child under 18 years of age of the main applicant or the spouse of the main applicant.
• A child of the main applicant or the spouse of the main applicant between 18 and 30 years who is in attendance at a recognised institution of higher learning and fully supported by the main applicant or the spouse of the main applicant.
• An unmarried daughter of the main applicant or the spouse of the main applicant who is under 25 years of age and is living with and fully supported by the main applicant or the spouse of the main applicant.
• A child of the main applicant or the spouse of the main applicant who is 18 of age or older and physically or mentally challenged and who is fully supported by the main applicant or the spouse of the main applicant.
• Parents or grandparents of the main applicant or the spouse of the main applicant above the age of 65 years who are substantially supported by the main applicant or the spouse of the main applicant.

Please note:

• A ‘child’ means a biological or legally adopted child
• By “18 to 30 years” it is intended that a child who is 30 can be included in an application, but not a child who has turned 31

Please contact an Authorised Agent for questions relating to which of your family members may be included in your application.

Once you receive citizenship of Dominica you will have the same right to live, work, and study in Dominica as any other citizen.

There is no wealth, gift, inheritance, foreign income, or capital gains tax in Dominica. As a citizen, you would be liable to pay personal tax if you resided in Dominica.