The Dominica Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme does not permit applicants to submit their applications directly to the CBI Unit. Applicants must apply through an Authorised Agent that acts as an go-between for the investors and the CBI Unit.   

Authorised Agents are specialised experts who have the skills and experience needed to assist applicants through the application process and help prepare and submit the applicant’s files and documents to the CBI Unit.  

What is the role of CBI Authorised Agent in applying for Dominican citizenship?  

The Authorised Agent provides the main applicant with an application pack and assists them in completing the application forms and collecting all necessary documentation. The Agent walks the applicant through this administratively intensive process.  

The Authorised Agent performs Know-Your-Client (KYC) checks and collects KYC documents, including (but not limited to): passports of the main applicant, the spouse, and all dependants, and proof of address. 

KYC checks are the first steps in the due diligence process and include basic checks using the World-Check database (or an equivalent database). This allows agents to do an initial check to see any potential reputational issues for an applicant. Agents also perform desktop checks on the applicant.  

What is the difference between Authorised Agents and Promoters?  

Dominica  Authorised Agents are legally licensed by the CBI Unit and have a great deal of experience assisting applicants applying for second citizenship. They have the required skills to help individuals at every step of the process and provide professional advice and assistance preparing and submitting the application.   

Authorised Agents enlist the assistance of promoters and sub-agents who are located across the globe. These promoters and sub-agents support marketing the CBI programme in their region and assist individuals applying for Dominican citizenship.   

Promoters and sub-agents must be registered by an Authorised Agent and are responsible to the Authorised Agent for all their promotional and marketing activity.  They provide tailored advice to applicants on obtaining supporting documents, completing forms, and keeping in touch with the Authorised Agent.    

How can I check the credibility of a CBI Agent?  

Applying for economic citizenship is a significant investment, so ensure that you have done your own due diligence before signing on with an Agent. Here are some things you may wish to consider when choosing an Agent.  

The first and most important step in checking the credibility of a potential agent is to check our website for the updated list of Authorised Agents.  If the person or entity is listed on there, then you will know that this is an Authorised Agent who has been scrutinised by the CBI Unit. 

In addition, you may also want to: 

  • Verify the Agent through consultants, media, offices, and reviews.  It is worth researching their second office locations, particularly if you are applying from abroad. Check if the potential Agent has significant industry experience.  Find out if they are new in the industry, and how long they have held a licence for.    
  • Meet the Agent in person or on a video call and ask questions about the Programme. Do you find the Agent is as responsive as you would like your representative to be? Is the Agent communicative? Can the Agent speak or write in your native language?  

What is the role of the Dominica CBI Unit in the citizenship application process?  

The Dominica CBI Unit (sometimes shortened to CBIU) is the official Government body responsible for administering the CBI Programme. The Unit processes all the applications for citizenship by investment, ensuring all documents adhere to the Unit’s requirements and perform open-source checks on applicants and their dependants.   

The Unit also conducts internal checks and contracts independent due diligence firms to conduct further checks on applicants. These due diligence firms perform on-the-ground checks to verify the applicant’s information and supporting documents. They also check sanctions and wanted lists and provide a report on the applicants’ source of funds, political exposure, and identity. All these due diligence checks are handed over to the Unit for consideration.   

The Dominica Citizenship by Investment Programme 

Established in 1993, the Dominican CBI Programme is one of the oldest in existence.  

The Programme allows well-vetted investors and their families to either contribute to a government fund or invest in pre-approved real estate on the island in exchange for citizenship.  

Find out how you can  apply  for Dominican citizenship by investment and begin your path to global citizenship.   

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