Anyone applying for citizenship through Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme must submit their application through a Government-Authorised Agent.
Applicants cannot apply directly to the Dominica Citizenship by Investment Unit (CBIU).
An Authorised Agent acts on behalf of the main applicant throughout the application process, helping to prepare documentation, conduct initial checks, submit the application and communicate with the CBIU.
Choosing an Authorised Agent from the official CBIU list is therefore the first formal step in applying for Dominica Citizenship by Investment.
What is a Dominica CBI Authorised Agent?
An Authorised Agent is a person or entity licensed to act on behalf of a main applicant and their family in relation to a Citizenship by Investment application.
Authorised Agents must meet the requirements established under Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment Programme and are subject to oversight by the CBIU.
Their role is different from that of an ordinary immigration consultant, adviser or intermediary.
Only an officially recognised Authorised Agent can submit a Citizenship by Investment application to the CBIU.
Prospective applicants should therefore confirm that the person or company representing them appears on the official CBIU list of Authorised Agents.
Can I apply directly to the Dominica CBIU?
No.
The Citizenship by Investment Unit does not accept direct applications from prospective applicants.
All CBI applications must be submitted through an Authorised Agent.
This means an applicant should not send an application directly to the CBIU, even if they have already gathered the required documents or selected an investment option.
The Authorised Agent acts as the formal intermediary between the applicant and the CBIU throughout the application process.
What does an Authorised Agent do?
An Authorised Agent helps applicants understand and meet the requirements of Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment Programme.
Their responsibilities can include:
- explaining Programme eligibility requirements;
- discussing the available investment options;
- conducting initial Know-Your-Client checks;
- advising applicants on the required forms and supporting documents;
- checking that documentation is complete before submission;
- helping applicants understand notarisation, legalisation and translation requirements;
- submitting the application to the CBIU;
- communicating requests for additional information;
- supporting the applicant throughout the due diligence process;
- providing guidance following approval in principle; and
- assisting with the remaining steps required before naturalisation.
The Authorised Agent does not make the decision on an application.
Applications are assessed by the CBIU and are subject to the Programme’s due diligence and other eligibility requirements.
Things an Authorised Agent will never do
An Authorised Agent in Dominica plays a crucial role in guiding individuals through the application process. While these professionals provide invaluable assistance and support to applicants, there are certain actions that an authorised CBI Dominica agent will never engage in:
Misrepresentation: An Authorised Agent will never provide false or misleading information to applicants regarding the Dominica CBI Programme, eligibility criteria, investment options, or any other aspect of the application process.
Unauthorised Fees: An Authorised Agent will never charge unauthorised fees or hidden costs beyond what is stipulated by the Dominica Citizenship by Investment Unit (CBIU) for their services. Transparency in fee structures is essential. Agents may charge a discretionary legal processing fee which is determined by the agent.
Guaranteeing Approval: While Authorised Agents provide guidance and support throughout the application process, they will never guarantee the approval of an application. The decision ultimately rests with the government and is based on compliance with Programme regulations and Due Diligence checks.
Violating Regulations: Authorised Agents adhere to the strict regulations and guidelines set forth by the Dominica CBI Programme and will never knowingly violate these rules while assisting applicants.
Non-Disclosure of Information: Authorised Agents are committed to transparency and will never withhold essential information from applicants regarding their application status, requirements, or any other pertinent details related to the process.
Unethical Practices: Ethical conduct is paramount for an Authorised Agent. They will never engage in unethical practices such as bribery, fraud, or any other activities that could compromise the integrity of the CBI Programme. This includes undercutting prices or offering ‘discounts’.
How do I verify a Dominica Authorised Agent?
Before beginning an application, prospective applicants should check the official Dominica CBIU Authorised Agents list.
The CBIU maintains an up-to-date list of persons and entities authorised to act on behalf of Citizenship by Investment applicants.
Applicants should be cautious when dealing with anyone who claims to offer direct access to the Programme but does not appear on the official list.
Using an Authorised Agent provides applicants with a clear, regulated route for submitting their application to the CBIU.
Are Authorised Agents regulated?
Yes.
Authorised Agents must meet Programme requirements before they can be designated to act on behalf of applicants.
They are required to enter into an agreement with the CBIU and comply with the rules governing the Citizenship by Investment Programme.
Authorised Agents are also responsible for the activities of registered sub-agents and Licenced Promoters operating on their behalf.
The CBIU reviews Authorised Agents for compliance with their obligations before re-licensing.
This regulatory framework helps protect the integrity of the Programme and ensures that applications are submitted through recognised channels.
What happens after I choose an Authorised Agent?
Once an applicant has selected an Authorised Agent, the agent will usually begin by discussing the applicant’s circumstances, family composition and preferred investment option.
Dominica currently offers two qualifying Citizenship by Investment routes:
Economic Diversification Fund
Applicants can make a qualifying contribution to the Economic Diversification Fund (EDF).
The EDF supports national development priorities and public and private sector projects in Dominica.
Government-Approved Real Estate
Applicants can alternatively invest in a Government-Approved Real Estate Project.
Only real estate projects officially approved to participate in the Citizenship by Investment Programme can qualify under this option.
The Authorised Agent can explain the Programme requirements associated with each route so that the applicant understands the application and documentation requirements.
What documents will my Authorised Agent need?
The precise documents required depend on the applicant and their family circumstances.
Generally, applicants may need to provide documents relating to:
- identity and nationality;
- birth and civil status;
- residential address;
- education and employment;
- professional or business activities;
- criminal record;
- medical examination;
- banking and financial history;
- source of wealth;
- source of investment funds; and
- qualifying dependants included in the application.
Supporting documents must meet the Programme’s formatting and authentication requirements.
Documents may need to be submitted in English and may require notarisation, legalisation or certified translation.
The Authorised Agent helps applicants understand which requirements apply to their application.
What role does the Authorised Agent play in due diligence?
Authorised Agents form the first layer of the Programme’s due diligence process.
Before an application is submitted, the Authorised Agent conducts initial Know-Your-Client (KYC) checks and reviews the information and documents supplied by the applicant.
Once the application reaches the CBIU, further internal and external due diligence checks are conducted.
These may include verification of:
- identity;
- citizenship and residence history;
- criminal background;
- business and professional activities;
- source of wealth;
- source of funds;
- sanctions and watchlists;
- politically exposed person status; and
- adverse media.
Independent international due diligence agencies may also conduct background investigations.
Applicants should provide full, accurate and verifiable information throughout this process.
Do applicants have to attend an interview?
Yes.
Applicants aged 16 years and older are required to attend a mandatory interview as part of Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment process.
Interviews are generally conducted virtually through a secure platform.
Applicants must attend their own interview. An Authorised Agent or Licenced Promoter cannot attend the interview on their behalf.
The interview forms part of the wider due diligence process and provides an additional opportunity to verify information supplied in the application.
How does an Authorised Agent submit the application?
Once the forms, supporting documentation and applicable initial fees are ready, the Authorised Agent submits the application to the CBIU on behalf of the applicant.
The CBIU then reviews the application and coordinates the relevant internal and external checks.
If additional information or clarification is required, the request is generally communicated through the Authorised Agent.
Applicants should respond promptly and accurately to any requests for further information to avoid unnecessary delays.
How long does the Dominica citizenship application take?
Processing times vary depending on the completeness of the application, the applicant’s individual circumstances and the due diligence process.
As a general guide, most complete Dominica Citizenship by Investment applications are processed in approximately three to six months.
This is not a guaranteed timeframe.
Additional verification, incomplete documentation, enhanced due diligence or requests for further information can extend the application process.
Working closely with an Authorised Agent and providing complete and accurate documentation can help reduce avoidable delays.
What happens if my application is approved?
If the application satisfies the Programme requirements, the applicant receives approval in principle through their Authorised Agent.
The applicant can then proceed with the qualifying investment.
Applicants using the Economic Diversification Fund complete the required contribution, while applicants using the real estate route finalise their investment in a Government-Approved Real Estate Project and pay the applicable Government fees.
Once the required investment has been completed and the remaining Programme requirements have been satisfied, a Certificate of Naturalisation can be issued.
The new citizen can then apply separately for a Dominican passport.
Can a sub-agent submit my Dominica CBI application?
A prospective applicant may interact with a registered sub-agent or Licenced Promoter working with an Authorised Agent.
However, the Citizenship by Investment application itself must ultimately be submitted to the CBIU through an Authorised Agent.
Applicants should ensure that any intermediary they deal with is properly connected to an Authorised Agent recognised by the CBIU.
When in doubt, prospective applicants should consult the official CBIU website and verify the relevant Authorised Agent before proceeding.
Why should applicants use the official Authorised Agents list?
The official CBIU list provides applicants with a reliable way to determine whether an individual or company is authorised to act in relation to a Citizenship by Investment application.
This is particularly important because citizenship applications involve sensitive personal, financial and identity information.
Applicants should therefore verify their representative independently rather than relying solely on advertising, referrals or representations made by third parties.
Frequently asked questions about Dominica Authorised Agents
Do I need an Authorised Agent to apply for Dominica citizenship by investment?
Yes. Citizenship by Investment applications cannot be submitted directly to the CBIU. Applications must be submitted through a Government-Authorised Agent.
Where can I find Dominica’s official list of Authorised Agents?
The official list is maintained on the Dominica Citizenship by Investment Unit website. Applicants should verify their chosen representative against this list before proceeding.
Can an immigration consultant submit my CBI application?
Only a person or entity recognised as an Authorised Agent can submit an application to the CBIU. Other advisers or intermediaries may be involved only where permitted within the Programme’s regulated structure.
Does an Authorised Agent approve my application?
No. The Authorised Agent prepares and submits the application and acts as the applicant’s representative. The CBIU assesses the application and determines whether Programme requirements have been satisfied.
Does the Authorised Agent conduct due diligence?
The Authorised Agent conducts initial KYC checks and reviews the application before submission. The CBIU and independent due diligence agencies conduct additional checks as part of the formal assessment process.
Can my Authorised Agent attend my mandatory interview?
No. Applicants aged 16 and over must attend their mandatory interview themselves. Authorised Agents and Licenced Promoters cannot attend on an applicant’s behalf.
How long does a Dominica CBI application take?
Most complete applications are processed in approximately three to six months, depending on documentation, individual circumstances and due diligence requirements.
When do I make my qualifying investment?
The qualifying EDF contribution or final real estate investment is completed after the applicant receives approval in principle. The Authorised Agent guides the applicant through the applicable requirements.
Start your Dominica Citizenship by Investment application
Choosing an Authorised Agent is the first formal step in applying for citizenship through Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment Programme.
Applicants should always verify that their chosen representative appears on the official CBIU list of Authorised Agents before providing documentation, transferring funds or beginning an application.
The Authorised Agent can then guide the applicant through preparation, submission, due diligence, approval in principle and the remaining requirements for obtaining Dominican citizenship.