Real Estate Investment is on the rise in Dominica. This article explores the real estate investment option, including the benefits, investment costs, how to apply, and a comprehensive list of all available properties or developments.
There are currently two investment options via Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment Programme. These are the Direct Contribution option and the Real Estate Investment option respectively. Let’s look at real estate investment in Dominica and why investors should consider it.
Dominica – belong to the best
Known as ‘The Nature Isle of the Caribbean’, Dominica is one of the most beautiful islands on the planet. Sitting halfway along the Eastern Caribbean archipelago, Dominica is located just a few miles from Martinique to the south and Guadeloupe to the north. Stretching 751 km (290 square miles), the island boasts 148 km (91 miles) of uninterrupted coastline.
Additionally, a tropical, untouched paradise, with rugged, volcanic mountains, Dominica’s landscape boasts everything from waterfalls to mud ponds, as well as an array of exotic fauna. It’s no wonder that the country attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors a year.
Therefore, it makes sense that so many people want to take up permanent residence on this idyllic island, which is where the Dominica Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme can help.
Dominica CBI Programme
Launched in 1993 — making it one of the world’s longest-running economic citizenship programmes — Dominica’s CBI Programme allows investors to move, work, and even set up a business in Dominica.
Today, government-backed property developments offer unique opportunities such as investing in hotels and luxury resorts. As part of the CBI program, applicants must hold selected properties for a minimum of three years and buy them for a minimum of US$200,000.
Benefits of real estate investment in Dominica
For those who meet Dominica’s Programme requirements, the idyllic Caribbean island offers one of the best standards of living in the region. Dominica is politically and economically stable, with a low crime rate and rich investment opportunities.
Other benefits include:
- Full residence status — including working rights.
- Joining a global community that transcends Dominica’s land borders.
- Minimal taxation, with no wealth, gift, inheritance, foreign income, or capital gains tax.
- The ability to hold multiple citizenships.
- Knowing that you have personally contributed to the prosperity of a peaceful, welcoming country, which you can call home for life.
Real Estate Investment in Dominica – How much does it cost?
To qualify for Dominican citizenship under the real estate investment option, investors must, in addition, purchase authorized property worth at least US$200,000 for the main applicant and any number of qualifying dependants.
Real estate must be held for either three years from the date citizenship is granted or, if the future purchaser is also a citizenship by investment applicant, five years from the date citizenship is granted.
If an application for Dominican citizenship by real estate investment is approved, the following government fees also apply:
- Main applicant – US$25,000
- For a main applicant and up to three dependants – US$35,000
- Main applicant and up to five dependants – US$50,000
- Any additional qualified dependant – US$25,000
In addition to the capital required for Dominican real estate investment, the following fees are also applicable:
- Processing fees – US$1,000 per application
- Due diligence fees – US$7,500 for the main applicant, US$4,000 for a spouse and US$4,000 for any dependants aged 16 or above
Application Process
The Dominica Citizenship by Investment Unit (CBIU) has streamlined the application process into five straightforward steps. From submission of the application to an approval in principle, applicants are generally expected to wait three months.
Step One: Applicants interested in investing in the real estate option must choose from the list of pre-approved real estate projects.
Step Two: Applicants must choose an authorised agent or an official promoter listed on the official CBIU website that will help them through the whole process. Agents will assist with the documentation and act as a go-between them and the CBI Unit.
Step Three: The agent will submit the application after the due diligence fees are paid. The application will undergo a multi-tiered due diligence process. All applicants who are 16 years of age and over are required to attend a mandatory interview.
Step Four: If the application is approved in principle, it is time to make the investment. The transaction occurs between the investor and the real estate developer in the form of a purchase and sale agreement. The applicant must also pay government fees.
Step Five: At this stage, applicants will receive their Dominican citizenship. Thereafter, they will be able to apply for their new passport.
Real Estate Projects
Many real estate properties are approved by the government, offering investors options such as villas, hotels, luxury resorts, eco-lodges, and condos. Some of the most popular Real Estate Investment in Dominica options are Portsmouth, Soufriere, Salisbury, and around the capital Roseau.
Dominica has been preserved from mass tourism which is why the real estate market is so luxurious, composed of family villas and beautiful hotels amongst the lush rainforests. Approved projects on offer include a variety of options such as buying shares in hotels and luxury resorts.
Anichi Resort & Spa
Anichi Resort & Spa, currently under construction, is a luxury boutique and all-inclusive hotel situated on Dominica’s picturesque Picard Beach. This resort is branded by the Autograph Collection, owned by Marriott International.
The resort is being built on 12 acres of land and will host 128 rooms, a lagoon swimming pool, an infinity pool, world-class restaurants, a business centre, and more. It was also listed among the top ten most anticipated Caribbean hotels for 2019 by Forbes.
Overlooking a picturesque beach, the resort will tastefully blend its modern architecture with the landscape’s tropical foliage.
Grande Anse Timbo’s Downtown
Timbo’s is a chic Dominican hotel brand with an appealing international flavour. Grande Anse is poised to develop another winner under the Timbo’s brand, namely Timbo’s Downtown – Timbo’s
Seaside. This luxury boutique hotel will be located in the city of Roseau and is anticipated to become the hotspot for business lodgings and luxury leisure in Dominica’s capital.
InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa
The InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa was the first Dominican real estate project to be approved under the Citizenship by Investment Programme. Formerly branded Cabrits Resort and Spa, the hotel opened its doors in October 2019. It is located near Portsmouth and is surrounded by Cabrits National Park, offering sublime views of the tropical forest and the sea. The resort offers travellers a unique and luxurious experience, including four outdoor pools, expansive spa, and gourmet restaurants.
Jungle Bay Resort
Sustainably designed in harmony with nature, Jungle Bay Villas is an eco-friendly resort with 120 premium class villas, featuring décor by local artisans that offer a welcoming ambiance with an authentic sense of place. It is the ideal spot for those who want to commune with nature and discover themselves. The Caribbean nature resort offers a dynamic collection of adventure, spa pampering, wellness, Yoga, gourmet cuisine, local culture, and history.
This leading Dominican luxury hotel ranked #3 on “Trip Advisor’s Top 25 Caribbean Hotels” and has an established international reputation for its ecologically friendly features and its high level of customer service standards.
Ocean Edge Development
Ocean Edge Hotel is designed to be a 31-room, four story fusion of traditional and modern architecture that reflects Dominica’s image, international product and service offerings. It is designed with high ceilings, expansive living spaces, and seamless indoor-outdoor experiences. The hotel will consist of a presidential suite, three executive suites, and 27 oceanfront rooms with each room offering sweeping views of the picturesque Caribbean Sea. Amenities on offer will include a spa, games room, fitness centre, conference room, and two restaurants. The hotel will also boast a pier on the waterfront to facilitate marine lifestyle and boating experiences.
Sanctuary Rainforest Eco Resort & Spa
Situated in the rainforest of Morne Trois Pitons National Park, the Sanctuary Rainforest Eco Resort & Spa will feature luxurious eco-villas, private balcony jacuzzis and swimming pools. Built after Hurricane Maria devastated the country, the resort has been structurally designed to withstand earthquakes and Category 5 hurricane-force wind. Extending across 10 acres of diverse flora and fauna, Sanctuary Rainforest Eco Resort & Spa beckons visitors to indulge in what will embody the true essence of the Nature Isle.
The Residences at Secret Bay
The exclusive six-star, all-villa Relais & Châteaux rainforest resort and residences sit atop a 200-foot cliff, offering expansive views of the Caribbean Sea and access to three secluded and swimmable beaches. The clifftop multi-villa estates represent architectural masterpieces seamlessly integrated into the natural landscape, reflecting Secret Bay’s dedication to environmental preservation.
Secret Bay has been praised for its ability to effortlessly capture the luxury of time and space along with its artful fusion of high design, local craftsmanship, commitment to sustainable development
through numerous green and eco-friendly initiatives and a reputation for authentic guest experiences customcurated to personal preference. Secret Bay Dominica has been named Travel and Leisure’s No #1 Resort in the Caribbean, Bermuda and The Bahamas for 2022. The resort topped the World’s Best Awards reader’s survey for the second time in three years in the region.
Tranquility Beach Resort
Tranquility Beach is a prestigious, environmentally conscious residential resort with first-class accommodation and contemporary architecture. The five-star ultra-luxury resort will feature 99 rooms and abundant ultra-luxury amenities for people looking to escape into the lap of nature. It will comprise one and two-bedroom condominium suites, studio suites, and one, two and three-bedroom villas upon completion. It will also feature amenities like a spa, fine dining restaurant, and a large swimming pool.
The resort complements the sustainable, eco-tourism principles of the Caribbean Island country of Dominica. Subsequently, this pays keen attention to responsible travel.
Real Estate Investment in Dominica is a great CBI option with excellent value for potential investors. If you’d like this information on hand, then you can download the Dominica Real Estate Brochure below.
Click here to download the Real Estate Investment Brochure
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