Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme has operated since 1993, making it one of the world’s longest-running economic citizenship programmes.
Through the Programme, eligible individuals and families can apply for citizenship by making a qualifying contribution to the Economic Diversification Fund (EDF) or investing in Government-approved real estate.
However, applying for citizenship involves more than making an investment. Applicants must meet the Programme’s eligibility requirements, undergo comprehensive due diligence and submit their application through an Authorised Agent.
Below, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment Programme, from investment requirements and mandatory interviews to application procedures and processing times.
Dominica CBI FAQs: Investment options
How can I invest in Dominica through the CBI Programme?
Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment Programme currently offers two qualifying investment options:
1. Economic Diversification Fund
The Economic Diversification Fund (EDF) is a government fund established to support Dominica’s national development.
The minimum qualifying contribution is currently US$200,000 for a single applicant.
Contribution requirements differ depending on the number and eligibility of dependants included in an application. Applicants must also pay applicable processing, due diligence and other Government fees.
Funds contributed through the EDF support areas of national development including infrastructure, healthcare, education, tourism, agriculture and other public and private sector initiatives.
2. Government-approved real estate
Applicants may alternatively invest at least US$200,000 in an Approved Real Estate Project.
Only real estate developments officially approved for participation in the Citizenship by Investment Programme qualify for this investment route.
Approved projects have included hotels, resorts and other tourism-related developments.
Unlike an ordinary property purchase in Dominica, investing in an Approved Project provides a qualifying route to citizenship, subject to the applicant successfully meeting all other Programme requirements.
The qualifying property must generally be held for at least three years. If the property is subsequently sold to another Citizenship by Investment applicant, it must have been held for at least five years before it can qualify the subsequent purchaser.
Applicants should consult the CBIU’s official list of Approved Real Estate Projects before considering this option.
Is real estate a viable CBI investment option?
The real estate route can appeal to applicants who prefer to acquire an interest in a tangible asset rather than make a non-refundable contribution to the EDF.
Government-approved developments have contributed to Dominica’s tourism and hospitality sector, including hotels, resorts and eco-focused developments.
However, Government approval confirms that a project is eligible to participate in the Citizenship by Investment Programme. It should not be regarded as a guarantee of financial performance, rental income or capital appreciation.
Applicants should therefore consider both the citizenship requirements and the commercial terms of any real estate investment carefully and obtain appropriate independent professional advice where necessary.
What are the benefits of Dominica citizenship?
Successful applicants become citizens of the Commonwealth of Dominica and enjoy the rights associated with Dominican citizenship, including the right to live, work and study in the country.
Dominica also permits multiple citizenships, meaning applicants are generally not required to relinquish their existing citizenship where the laws of their home country also permit it.
Citizenship is granted for life and may provide eligible applicants and their families with greater long-term personal, family and international planning flexibility.
Individual tax circumstances vary considerably according to factors including tax residence, source of income and the laws of other jurisdictions. Applicants should therefore obtain independent tax advice rather than assuming that obtaining Dominican citizenship automatically changes their tax obligations.
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Dominica CBI FAQs: Applicant requirements
Can I apply for Dominica citizenship on my own?
No.
Citizenship by Investment applications cannot be submitted directly to the Dominica Citizenship by Investment Unit by applicants.
Every application must be prepared and submitted through a Government-authorised CBI Agent.
Authorised Agents help applicants prepare the required forms and supporting documents, communicate with the CBIU and guide applicants through the application process.
Applicants should always verify that the individual or firm assisting them appears on the CBIU’s official list of Authorised Agents.
Is there a mandatory interview for Dominica CBI applicants?
Yes.
All applicants aged 16 years and older are required to attend a mandatory interview as part of Dominica’s enhanced due diligence procedures.
Interviews are generally conducted virtually through a secure platform and applicants are contacted by authorised interviewers to arrange the interview.
Applicants must attend the interview themselves. Authorised Agents and Licensed Promoters cannot attend or complete the interview on an applicant’s behalf.
Applicants should have the required identification and any supporting documents requested for the interview available.
The interview may be conducted in the applicant’s native language or another language selected by the applicant.
The current mandatory interview fee is US$1,000 per interview.
What does Dominica’s due diligence process involve?
Due diligence is a fundamental part of the Citizenship by Investment application process.
Applications are reviewed by the CBIU and are also subject to independent background checks conducted by specialist international due diligence firms.
Applicants must provide accurate information about matters including their identity, personal history, source of funds, business activities and financial background.
The current standard due diligence fees are:
- Main applicant: US$7,500
- Each dependant aged 16 or over: US$4,000
Enhanced due diligence and additional fees may apply in certain circumstances.
Providing complete, accurate and transparent information is essential throughout the process.
Dominica CBI FAQs: Working with an Authorised Agent
What does an Authorised Agent need from an applicant?
An Authorised Agent guides the applicant through the documentation and submission requirements of the Programme.
While individual requirements can vary according to an applicant’s circumstances, the application process generally involves:
- Selecting a Government-authorised CBI Agent.
- Choosing between the Economic Diversification Fund and Approved Real Estate investment routes.
- Completing the official application forms.
- Gathering the required supporting documentation.
- Completing the required medical examination.
- Providing evidence relating to identity, finances and source of funds.
- Submitting the complete application to the CBIU through the Authorised Agent.
- Undergoing due diligence and attending the mandatory interview where applicable.
- Responding to any additional information requests through the Authorised Agent.
- Following approval in principle, completing the qualifying contribution or investment and any outstanding Government requirements.
Applicants using the real estate route will also need to complete the documentation associated with their investment in an Approved Project.
What role does an Authorised Agent play during the application?
The Authorised Agent acts as the applicant’s official intermediary with the Dominica Citizenship by Investment Unit.
The Agent helps ensure that application forms and supporting documentation are prepared correctly, submits the application to the CBIU and manages correspondence relating to the application.
This is an important distinction: an Authorised Agent assists with the process, but does not determine whether citizenship will be granted.
All applications are independently assessed by the CBIU and remain subject to the Programme’s due diligence and eligibility requirements.
How long does a Dominica citizenship application take?
Most applications are processed in approximately three to six months, depending on the completeness of the documentation, the applicant’s circumstances and due diligence timelines. Processing times may vary, and additional information or enhanced due diligence can extend the process.
Working closely with an Authorised Agent and providing complete and accurate documentation can help reduce avoidable delays.
Is the Dominica CBI application process confidential?
Citizenship by Investment applications are handled confidentially.
However, information may need to be shared with authorised due diligence agencies, Government authorities and relevant international partners where necessary to conduct the checks required under the Programme.
Applicants should provide full and accurate information throughout the process and should discuss any questions regarding documentation or confidentiality with their Authorised Agent.
Start your Dominica CBI application through an Authorised Agent
Applying for citizenship through Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment Programme requires careful preparation, complete documentation and successful due diligence.
An Authorised Agent is the official starting point for every CBI application and can guide prospective applicants through the Programme’s requirements, investment options and submission process.
Before beginning an application, always verify that your chosen representative appears on the official CBIU list of Authorised Agents.