Dominica Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program has become a leading choice for investors and high-net-worth individuals seeking a second citizenship in a stable and well-regulated country. Known as the Nature Island of the Caribbean, Dominica has earned global recognition for the transparency, professionalism, and compliance of its CBI program. The program is praised for its high standards, fast processing times, and strong dedication to sustainable development.
The country has emerged as a reputable leader in the industry due to its stunning natural beauty, economic and political stability, safety, proximity to main global markets, and unmatched business opportunities. Investing in Dominica’s citizenship means joining a community that values conversation, resilience, and worldwide connectivity.
In this article, we will explore the key benefits, eligibility criteria, and investment options that make Dominica’s citizenship a unique choice for those seeking security, flexibility, and global mobility. Investors considering a second passport can discover in this guide why Dominica might be the ideal option.
Dominica’s CBI Program in Brief
Dominica citizenship by investment program, launched in 1993, is considered one of the most long-standing and popular options globally. Investors making a substantial financial investment in the country’s economy can acquire Dominica’s citizenship. The program’s primary purpose is to attract foreign investments, stimulate economic growth, and address the challenges of today’s competitive international market. Investors have the option to support major development initiatives in both the public and private sectors or invest in a government-approved real estate project, with an opportunity to return the money in 5 years by selling the property.
The application process for this program is cost-effective, fast, and straightforward, as it can be provided within 6 to 8 months. When applying for this program, dependent children up to the age of 30, parents, and grandparents can be included under one application. Dominica’s citizenship is granted for life and irrevocable, and dual citizenship is allowed. Applicants can choose between two primary investment options:
- The Economic Diversification Fund (EDF) option: This is a non-profit fund subject to parliamentary oversight and audited by an internationally recognized accounting firm to ensure transparency. It allows applicants to obtain economic citizenship by contributing $200,000 to support social-economic projects that enhance national development, including schools, hospitals, and various sectors like tourism and agriculture.
- Real Estate Investment: To obtain Dominican citizenship through the real estate option, an applicant must invest a minimum value of $200,000 in a government-approved property and maintain it for 5 years.
Major Benefits of Dominica’s Citizenship
Dominica’s passport provides its holders a lot of benefits, including:
- Free-Visa Access to Europe and Asia: Dominica’s passport is currently ranked 31st among global passports, providing visa-free access to 145 countries. Passport holders can enter countries such as Singapore, the United Kingdom, Russia, and the entire European Union without a visa, and this allows instant access to world-class destinations.
- B-1/B-2 visa to the US: Dominica passport holders can get a 10-year B-1/B-2 visa to the United States, which allows investors to stay in the country for up to 180 days a year to attend business meetings and conferences, travel, and get medical treatment.
- Tax incentives: Dominica doesn’t impose any taxes on wealth, gifts, capital gains, or inheritance. Non-tax residents pay taxes only on income generated in Dominica. There are several corporate tax incentives, duty-free trading within the Caribbean, and relief from import duties.
- Family Inclusion: Applicants can include spouses, parents, or grandparents over 65 and dependent children under the age of 30.
- Straightforward process: Obtaining Dominica’s citizenship and passport takes 6 to 8 months. The procedure is done remotely through authorized agents, and investors are not required to visit the country before or after acquiring citizenship. Applicants don’t need to pass any language or history tests.
- No Residency requirements: investors can maintain their citizenship without any need to stay or reside in Dominica.
- Dual Citizenship: Dominica recognizes dual citizenship, so investors must not renounce other citizenships if other countries allow having several passports too.
- Affordable investment threshold: Dominica’s CBI program mandates applicants to contribute $200,000 to the EDF, which is one of the lowest investment thresholds in the Caribbean.
- An ideal place to live and work: The paradise island with its white sandy shores, warm climate, vibrant culture, macroeconomic stability, world-class health care, high level of medical institutions, burgeoning education system, and numerous entertainment activities, offers rich and fertile land for families to live, work, and savor life.
- Investment Returns: Applicants investing in authorized real estate projects, can sell their shares after 5 years of ownership, and get the invested money back.
- Dominica has a peaceful and ecologically rich environment. It is committed to sustainability and preserving its natural wonders, such as the UNESCO-listed Morne Trois Pitons National Park.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment Program, applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have a clean criminal record
- Agree in writing not to change their name within five years of naturalization, except through marriage
- Commit to making the required minimum financial contribution
- Pass a strict due diligence process and a detailed background check
Ineligibility Criteria
Applicants will be disqualified if they:
- Have a criminal record (excluding minor offenses)
- Are under criminal investigation without disclosure
- Have been denied citizenship in another country
- Have been denied a visa to the EU, UK, USA, Canada, or countries with visa-free travel to Dominica, without subsequently securing a visa or residency
- Are deemed a potential security risk or have submitted false information
- Have engaged in activities likely to damage Dominica’s reputation
- Applications from nationals of Belarus, Iran, Northern Iraq, North Korea, Russia, Yemen, and Sudan are subject to additional scrutiny, limitations, or explicit bans.
Dominica Citizenship by Investment Requirements:
Dominica welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds who demonstrate good character and financial stability. Applicants must generally have no criminal record and meet the investment criteria. The CBIU’s stringent due diligence process, including a mandatory interview, ensures that successful applicants contribute positively to the country.
- Minimum Investment Thresholds
Applicants must either contribute $200,000 to the EDF to contribute to Dominica’s economic growth or invest $200,000 in government-approved in addition to payment of applicable government fees.
- Family Inclusion
Applicants are allowed to include a spouse, dependent children who are under the age of 30, parents, and grandparents over 65.
- Clean criminal record
It is mandatory for all applicants to undergo a thorough background check to ensure they meet the program’s high standards of integrity.
- Proof of Legal Income
Applicants must prove that the funds used for the investments were obtained legally and meet international financial regulations. They should provide financial documentation verifying the legal source of income used for the investment funds.
- Due Diligence Process
A non-refundable due diligence fee should be paid for an extensive due diligence process to preserve the program’s reputation and transparency.
- Good Health
Applicants are required to have a clean bill of health, which means no serious communicable diseases to ensure the well-being of both the applicant and the nation’s residents.
Documents Required for Dominica Citizenship by Investment Application
Personal Documents
To ensure a swift application process for Dominica citizenship, applicants must submit the following documents:
- Valid international and internal passports for all applicants.
- Birth certificates for each applicant.
- Documents proving all obtained degrees, diplomas, or certificates for higher education for all applicants.
- Marriage or divorce certificates (if applicable).
- Police clearance certificates for applicants over 14.
- Residence permits for all applicants (providing a recent utility bill)
- Passport-size photos for all applicants
- CVs or business biographies for applicants over 18.
Financial Documents
- Proof of funds verifying the legal source of the investment, such as a certificate of income, salary statements, statements from the corporate registry, a certificate of incorporation, or tax declarations for the main applicant.
- Bank statements for the last 12 months for the main applicant.
- Recommendation from the bank for the main applicant.
- Letters of employment verification for the main applicants and their spouses.
- Professional and personal recommendations for the main applicant.
- If the investor buys real estate, he should provide a contract of sale, a reservation contract, a contract for escrow, and a deposit.
- Comprehensive medical examination reports confirming all applicants are free from contagious diseases.
- All required documents must be properly notarized before submission.
Investment Options
Dominica citizenship program is one of the most affordable options in the Caribbean, providing investors with two investment routes.
Option 1: Non-refundable contribution to the Economic Diversification Fund
This non-refundable contribution supports public and private development projects in Dominica. The EDF is a non-profit fund subject to parliamentary oversight and audited by an internationally recognized accounting firm to ensure transparency. The investment is catered to different family sizes, starting at $200,000 for a single applicant, and increases with the number of family members. Applicants are also required to pay for the application, due diligence, and processing fees.
Donation Amount
| Main Applicant | $200,000 |
| Main Applicant & up to three dependents | $250,000 |
| Additional Dependent under the age of eighteen | $25,000 |
| Additional Dependent eighteen years or older | $40,000 |
Additional Fees
| Processing Fee (Per application) | $1, 000 |
| Due Diligence Fee (Main applicant) | $7,500 |
| Due Diligence (Spouse) | $4,000 |
| Due Diligence (Dependents over 16 years) | $4,000 |
| Naturalization Certificate | $500 |
| Passport Fee | $60 |
Due diligence fees for Iranians:
| Main Applicant | $25, 000 |
| The Spouse | $15,000 |
| Dependent 16 years of age and over | $15,000 |
| Dependents 12 to 15 years of age | $10,000 |
Option 2: Real Estate Investment
To qualify for citizenship in Dominica under the real estate option, an applicant must purchase authorized real estate to the minimum value of $200,000 which may be resold after 5 years. Additionally, applicants must pay non-refundable government fees.
Investment Amount
| Investment Amount | $200,000 |
Government Fees
| Main Applicant | $75,000 |
| Main Applicant & up to three dependents | $100,000 |
| Dependant (above 18 years old) | $40,000 |
| Dependant (Below 18 years old) | $25,000 |
Additional Fees
| Processing Fee (Per application) | $1,000 |
| Due Diligence (Main applicant) | $7,500 |
| Due Diligence (Spouse) | $4,000 |
| Due Diligence (Dependents over 16 Years) | $4,000 |
| Naturalization Certificate | $500 |
| Passport Fee | $60 |
How to Obtain a Dominica Citizenship?
Step 1: Choose an Authorized Agent
The process of applying for Dominica citizenship begins by identifying an authorized agent from the list provided by the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CBIU). Only licensed professionals are allowed to apply on behalf of the main applicants. The CBIU does not accept direct applications, so it is important to select an authorized agent to lead investors through the application process.
Step 2 – Sign a Service Agreement with the Authorized Agent
Applicants should enter into a service agreement with an authorized agent and discuss the documents required for the application. The agent will assist in preparing the necessary forms, arranging a medical examination, and gathering all supporting documents. All paperwork must be in English and properly notarized. If the applicant chooses the real estate investment route, the Authorised Agent will help in securing a property through a sale and purchase agreement.
Step 3 – Processing of application with all documents prepared
The authorized agent will submit the application to the CBIU and act as a representative throughout the process. They will handle all communications and respond to any inquiries from the CBIU, ensuring a smooth and efficient submission process.
Step 4 – Background checks
The investor’s application will undergo a thorough due diligence check to verify the information provided. All applicants aged 16 and older are required to attend a mandatory interview as part of this process. The CBIU will review the application based on the due diligence findings and the interview and notify the applicant of the outcome through his authorized agent. The applicant will receive a status update indicating whether your application has been approved in principle, delayed for further review, or denied.
Step 5 – Payment of investment and issuing of Certificates of Naturalisation
If the investor’s application is approved in principle, he will receive instructions to complete the required investment payment—either to the Economic Diversification Fund or for the real estate property. Once proof of payment is confirmed, the CBIU will issue the Certificate of Naturalisation. This certificate serves as official proof of Dominican citizenship and can be used by the investor or his authorized agent to apply for a Dominican passport.
What To Look For in an Authorized Agent?
When selecting an authorized agent to handle the application, applicants should consider the following:
- Authorization: Ensure the agent is on the official CBIU list of authorized a Working with an authorized agent guarantees that they are accredited to manage the application process legally and competently.
- Experience and reputation: Look for an authorized agent with a proven track record in the investment migration industry. Experienced agents can provide valuable insights, anticipate challenges, and streamline your application.
- Transparency and communication: A trustworthy Authorised Agent will offer transparent guidance on fees, requirements, and timelines. They should be able to answer your questions, keep you updated on your application’s progress, and address any concerns promptly.
- Due diligence: Choose an authorized agent who prioritizes thorough due diligence. As this is a cornerstone of the Program, your agent should have a rigorous approach to background checks and compliance, ensuring that all legal requirements are met.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before taking any investment risk, investors looking to acquire second citizenship may have several concerns and questions.
- How long does it take to obtain Dominica’s citizenship?
Acquiring Dominica citizenship may take 6 to 8 months, depending on the application details and the due diligence results. The process involves signing an agreement with an authorized agent, collecting documents, passing the due diligence process, undergoing a mandatory interview, and making a non-refundable contribution to EDF or investing in an approved real estate project.
- Who is the Program administered by?
The Citizenship by Investment Unit (CBIU), is responsible for overseeing the Program. The CBIU ensures efficient processing, transparent management, and rigorous due diligence while exploring opportunities for continuous improvement.
- What is checked during the Due Diligence process?
Due diligence is an important step in the Dominica citizenship by investment program. The CBI unit investigates the reputation, financial history, and background of the applicant. The documents submitted are analyzed in detail, and the information is verified against international databases.
- Who can get citizenship with the investor?
The investor can include a spouse, children under 30, parents, and grandparents in the citizenship application. Family members get Dominica’s citizenship at the same time as the investor.
- Can I live in Europe with Dominica’s passport?
Dominica’s passport allows its holders to stay in the Schengen countries for 90 days only within 180 days.
- Is Dominica’s passport strong?
Dominica’s passport is ranked in the 31st place, which allows holders to travel freely to 145 countries and territories around the world. The passports are valid for 10 years and can be renewed indefinitely because citizenship in the country is never revoked. Even if the Caribbean economic citizenship program is eventually phased out, anyone granted citizenship under the scheme will keep their second nationality and passport. Dominica’s passport that has expired can be easily renewed for a small fee at any Dominica consulate, embassy, high commission office, or at the Dominica passport office in Roseau, the nation’s capital.
- What’s the duration of real estate investment retention in the Dominica citizenship program?
The real estate investment in the Dominica citizenship program is a five-year holding period before it can be resold to keep the integrity of the program and the long-term good of the country.
- Is it easy to get Dominica citizenship?
The application process for Dominica citizenship program is cost-effective, fast, and straightforward, with no physical residency requirements, and applicants do not have to visit the island nation before or after applying. It is estimated that the process will take between 6 to 8 months from the submission of the application to the issuance of the passport, assuming there are no areas of concern with the application.
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