Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme offers eligible applicants two routes to citizenship: a contribution to the Economic Diversification Fund (EDF) or an investment in Government-Approved Real Estate.
For applicants who prefer to acquire an interest in a tangible asset, the real estate option provides a structured route to Dominican citizenship through approved developments.
However, not every property purchase in Dominica qualifies.
Applicants choosing this route must invest at least US$200,000 in a Government-Approved Real Estate Project, meet the Programme’s eligibility and due diligence requirements, and pay the applicable Government and processing fees.
This guide explains how Dominica Citizenship by Investment through real estate works, including the investment requirements, costs, holding period and application process.
How does Dominica Citizenship by Investment through real estate work?
The real estate option allows an eligible applicant to apply for Dominican citizenship by purchasing an interest in a development that has been officially approved to participate in the Citizenship by Investment Programme.
The minimum qualifying investment is US$200,000.
Importantly, buying an ordinary house, apartment, villa or parcel of land in Dominica does not automatically qualify someone for citizenship.
The property must form part of a Government-Approved Real Estate Project recognised under the CBI Programme.
Approved developments have included hotels, resorts, eco-focused developments and other tourism-related projects.
Applicants should always consult the CBIU’s current list of Approved Real Estate Projects before proceeding with an investment.How much do you need to invest in Dominica real estate for citizenship?
The minimum qualifying real estate investment is US$200,000.
This investment amount is separate from the Government, due diligence and other Programme fees that may apply to the citizenship application.Dominica CBI real estate Government fees
Once an application through the real estate investment option has received approval in principle, the following Government fees apply:
- US$75,000 for the main applicant
- US$100,000 for a main applicant and up to three dependants
- US$25,000 for each additional dependant under 18
- US$40,000 for each additional qualified dependant aged 18 or older
Additional application fees
Applicants must also account for applicable Programme fees, including:
- Processing fee: US$1,000 per application
- Due diligence fee: US$7,500 for the main applicant
- Due diligence fee: US$4,000 for each dependant aged 16 or older
- Mandatory interview fee: US$1,000 per interview
- Certificate of Naturalisation fee: US$500 per person
Enhanced due diligence requirements and additional fees may apply in certain circumstances.
The total cost of a Dominica Citizenship by Investment real estate application will therefore depend on factors including the number and ages of the dependants included in the application and whether enhanced due diligence is required.
Applicants should work with an Authorised Agent to establish the applicable costs for their individual circumstances.What property qualifies for Dominica Citizenship by Investment?
Only real estate that has been formally approved for participation in Dominica’s CBI Programme can be used to satisfy the real estate investment requirement.
This distinction is important.
A property can be legally available for purchase in Dominica without being eligible for the Citizenship by Investment Programme.
Applicants should therefore verify that the development appears on the CBIU’s official list of Approved Real Estate Projects.
Government approval confirms that the development is eligible to participate in the CBI Programme. It should not, however, be interpreted as a guarantee of investment performance, rental income or capital appreciation.
Prospective investors should consider the commercial terms of the particular investment carefully and obtain appropriate independent professional advice where required.How long must you hold CBI real estate in Dominica?
A qualifying real estate investment must generally be held for at least three years from the date Dominican citizenship is granted.
There is an additional rule where the property is subsequently sold to another Citizenship by Investment applicant.
For that property to qualify the subsequent purchaser under the Programme, it must have been held for at least five years from the date citizenship was granted to the original investor.
The holding period is therefore an important consideration when evaluating the real estate route.How to apply for Dominica citizenship through real estate
Applications for Dominica Citizenship by Investment cannot be submitted directly to the Citizenship by Investment Unit by an applicant.
They must be submitted through an Authorised Agent.
The process generally follows these stages.
Step 1: Choose an Authorised Agent
Applicants must work with an Authorised Agent recognised by the Dominica Citizenship by Investment Unit.
The Authorised Agent assists with the application, documentation and communication with the CBIU throughout the process.
Applicants should verify their chosen agent against the official CBIU list before beginning an application.
Step 2: Consider an Approved Real Estate Project
Applicants intending to use the real estate route must select an investment from the current list of Government-Approved Real Estate Projects.
The terms, ownership structure and commercial arrangements may differ between developments, so applicants should review the individual investment carefully.
Step 3: Prepare and submit the citizenship application
The Authorised Agent assists the applicant in compiling the documentation required for submission.
Applicants and qualifying dependants must satisfy the Programme’s eligibility requirements and provide the required documentation and information.
Applicable processing and due diligence fees are also paid as part of the application process.
Step 4: Complete due diligence and the mandatory interview
Dominica applies due diligence procedures to applicants under its Citizenship by Investment Programme.
Background checks are undertaken as part of the assessment process, and applicants aged 16 and over are subject to mandatory interviews.
Enhanced due diligence may also apply depending on an applicant’s individual circumstances.
Step 5: Receive approval in principle
The CBIU reviews the application and the findings of the due diligence process.
If the application satisfies the Programme requirements, the applicant may receive approval in principle.
Receiving approval in principle is not the same as receiving citizenship. The applicant must still satisfy the investment and applicable Government fee requirements.
Step 6: Complete the qualifying real estate investment
Following approval in principle, the applicant completes the required investment in the Approved Real Estate Project and pays the relevant Government fees.
Evidence that the investment requirements have been satisfied is provided through the appropriate process.
Step 7: Receive citizenship
Once all Programme requirements have been fulfilled, successful applicants receive their Certificate of Naturalisation.
They may then apply separately for a Dominican passport.Can family members be included in a Dominica CBI real estate application?
Eligible dependants may be included in an application alongside the main applicant, provided they meet the Programme’s current dependant requirements.
The number and ages of the dependants included can affect the Government and due diligence fees payable.
Applicants considering a family application should discuss their family composition with an Authorised Agent before submitting an application to confirm which relatives qualify and the associated costs.Real estate investment versus the Economic Diversification Fund
Real estate is one of two investment options available through Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment Programme.
Applicants may alternatively make a qualifying contribution to the Economic Diversification Fund (EDF).
The two routes differ fundamentally.
The EDF involves a non-refundable contribution supporting Dominica’s national development, while the real estate route involves acquiring an interest in a Government-Approved Real Estate Project.
Both routes remain subject to the Programme’s eligibility requirements and due diligence procedures.
Applicants should consider their circumstances, family composition and objectives when deciding which route is appropriate for them.What should investors consider when choosing an Approved Real Estate Project?
CBI eligibility is only one part of a property investment decision.
Before investing, applicants may wish to understand factors including:
- the type of ownership or interest being acquired;
- the development and management arrangements;
- ongoing fees or charges;
- any rental programme or revenue-sharing arrangements;
- the minimum CBI holding requirements;
- resale provisions and restrictions; and
- the overall commercial terms of the investment.
Government approval confirms that a development can participate in the Citizenship by Investment Programme. It does not guarantee a particular financial return or investment outcome.
Independent legal, tax or financial advice may therefore be appropriate depending on an applicant’s circumstances.Start your Dominica real estate citizenship application
Dominica’s real estate investment option provides a defined pathway for eligible applicants who want to combine an application for citizenship with an investment in Government-Approved Real Estate.
The key requirements are straightforward: applicants must invest at least US$200,000 in an Approved Real Estate Project, successfully satisfy the Programme’s due diligence and eligibility requirements, pay the applicable fees and comply with the required holding period.
Applications must be submitted through an Authorised Agent.
Prospective applicants can review the CBIU’s official list of Approved Real Estate Projects and contact an Authorised Agent to begin the application process.Frequently asked questions about Dominica CBI real estate
How much real estate must I buy to qualify for Dominica citizenship?
Applicants must invest at least US$200,000 in a Government-Approved Real Estate Project. Government, due diligence and other applicable Programme fees are additional.
Can I buy any property in Dominica and qualify for citizenship?
No. Only investments made in real estate projects officially approved to participate in Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment Programme qualify under the real estate option.
How long must I keep my property after receiving Dominican citizenship?
The qualifying investment must generally be held for at least three years from the date citizenship is granted. If the property is later sold to another CBI applicant and is intended to qualify that purchaser for citizenship, it must have been held for at least five years.
Can my family apply with me?
Eligible dependants can be included in a Citizenship by Investment application, subject to the Programme’s current dependant eligibility requirements.
Do I have to travel to Dominica to apply?
Applications are submitted through an Authorised Agent. Applicants should consult their Authorised Agent regarding the current application, interview and documentation requirements applicable to their circumstances.
Do all applicants undergo due diligence?
Yes. Applicants are subject to the Programme’s due diligence requirements. Mandatory interviews apply to applicants aged 16 and over, and enhanced due diligence may be required in certain circumstances.
Does an Approved Real Estate Project guarantee an investment return?
No. Government approval confirms that a project is eligible to participate in Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment Programme. It does not guarantee rental income, capital appreciation or other financial returns.