Dominica’s economic citizenship program has been offered to investors willing to contribute $200,000 to the country’s economy since 1993. Enshrined in Dominica’s Constitution under Section 101, with additional legal basis in Sections 8 and 20 of the Dominica Citizenship Act, the program ensures a robust legal foundation, offering applicants greater credibility and security.
The Dominica Citizenship by Investment Program allows you to make a minimum non-refundable contribution of $200,000 to the country’s economy or invest at least $200,000 in shares of approved real estate projects to obtain Dominica passports for you and your family in six to nine months.
To be specific, the two investment routes to become a Dominica citizen include making a donation to the Dominica Economic Development Fund or investing in government-approved real estate developments, such as luxury resorts and condominiums. The property investment option provides the opportunity to see a return on your investment in three to five years.
Are you curious about how to obtain Dominican Citizenship by Investment? Then, dive into this guide concerning the program’s requirements, eligibility criteria to become a Dominican citizen, and the pros and cons of obtaining economic citizenship in the “Nature Island.”
About the Dominica Citizenship by Investment Program
What is citizenship by investment?
Citizenship by investment programs, also sometimes referred to as economic citizenship or golden visa programs, offer foreign investors the opportunity to receive citizenship of a country in exchange for an economic contribution to the nation’s development, usually in the form of either a donation to fund government projects or the purchase of real estate.
Some countries offer additional investment routes such as government bonds, donations to economic funds or educational institutions, or the creation of business enterprises. Citizenship can be extended to family members and is valid for life, passing down to future generations.
During the application, all documentation provided will go through the due diligence process. This is a vital step in an economic citizenship application, as it means the documents and information will be checked to confirm the identity, financial profile, and security profile of the applicant, as well as all family members aged 16 or over. This process is crucial to guarantee the credibility (and longevity) of an investment citizenship program.
What is Dominica’s citizenship by investment program?
Simply put, Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) is a program that allows foreign individuals to gain Dominican citizenship in exchange for a qualifying investment in the Caribbean island nation.
Often referred to as the Dominica Golden Visa or the Dominica Economic Citizenship Program, the scheme was established by the Dominican government to attract foreign investment and boost the country’s economic development in private and public sector projects.
The Dominica citizenship program is one of the most popular in the Caribbean and has been ranked the top country for citizenship by investment by the CBI Index for several years consecutively. Contributions start from $200,000, and a Dominica passport can be obtained within six to nine months.
Benefits of the Dominica Second Passport by Investment Program
Passports for the entire family
Quick citizenship application process
No tests required
Visa free travel to over 140 countries
No residency requirements
Great tax benefits
1. Safe life abroad: Having a Caribbean passport is the ultimate plan B for you and your family, providing flexibility and opportunities in times of economic and political uncertainty.
2. Family inclusion: You can include your entire family in the application to gain citizenship. These include Spouses, children, parents, and grandparents. Dual citizenship is recognized by Dominica, and since citizenship is lifelong, it will be passed down to future generations.
3. Quick process: The Dominica citizenship process is quick and takes between six to nine months to complete.
4. Flexible requirements: The application process for Dominican citizenship is simple and flexible, with no residency requirements or language tests. You don’t need a residence permit to live in the country. In addition, you can complete the entire process remotely from the comfort of your home and have your Dominica passports delivered to an address of your choice.
5. Visa free destinations: As Dominica passport holders, you and your family can travel visa free to over 140 countries, including EU Schengen Area countries, Russia, China, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
6. Most affordable for a single person: Obtaining Dominican citizenship by investment costs less than $250,000 in total (investment, application fees, and due diligence fees). There is no cheaper option in the Caribbean or in the world.
7. Tax optimization: Dominica citizens enjoy an attractive tax environment with no income, wealth, capital gains, or inheritance tax. In addition, Dominica has double taxation agreements with the US and CARICOM, meaning that there are no restrictions on the repatriation of profits or imported capital.
8. Best CBI program: Running since 1993, this is one of the best and most reliable Caribbean citizenship programs available. For four years in a row, Dominica has been ranked as offering the top citizenship by investment by the CBI Index — the most prestigious study of citizenship by investment schemes (CBI) in the world from Professional Wealth Management, the magazine published by the Financial Times.
Dominica Citizenship Investment Options
In order to qualify for Dominica citizenship, you must choose one of the two investment routes available:
1. Dominica Economy Diversification Fund (EDF)
The Dominica Economic Diversification Fund (EDF) was created in 1993 to support socio-economic initiatives and drive Dominica’s development. In order to acquire citizenship, you must make a non-refundable contribution of at least $200,000 to the fund. The minimum donation for the Economic Diversification Fund and additional costs will depend on the number of family members included in the application.
Economic Diversification Fund | Single Applicant | Family of Up to Four | Additional Dependent Under 18 | Additional Dependent Over 18 | |||
Minimum Donation | $200,000 | $250,000 | +$25,000 each | +$40,000 each | |||
Due Diligence Fee | $7,500 | $4,000 for each family member aged 16 or over | |||||
Application Fee | $1,000 per application | ||||||
Passport Fee | $500 per passport | ||||||
Oath of Allegiance | $250 per person | ||||||
2. Pre-approved real estate
This investment route requires you to invest at least $200,000 in Dominica government-approved real estate projects. Most of the options to purchase Dominica real estate and qualify for economic citizenship in Dominica include acquiring shares in high-end tourist accommodation. Approved real estate developments include:
- Anichi Resort & Spa
- The Residences at Secret Bay
- Jungle Bay Resort
- Ocean Edge Development
- Sanctuary Rainforest Eco Resort & Spa
The properties can be resold after three years, or five years if the buyer is also an applicant for the Dominica citizenship. For this option, there are also government fees, the value of which depends on the number of family members included in the application.
Pre-Approved Real Estate Investment | Single Applicant | Family of Up to Four | Additional Dependent Under 18 | Additional Dependent Over 18 |
Minimum Investment | $200,000 | |||
Government Application Fee | $75,000 | $100,000 | +$25,000 | +$40,000 each |
Due Diligence Fee | $7,500 | $4,000 for each family member aged 16 or over | ||
Application Fee | $1,000 per application | |||
Passport Fee | $500 per passport | |||
Oath of Allegiance | $250 per person | |||
Dominica Citizenship Document Requirements
Important information: The Dominica citizenship by investment official website, cbiu.gov.dm, states that applications for citizenship by investment are only handled by registered Authorized Persons. Furthermore, the list of required documents is not exhaustive, as the CIU may request additional supporting documentation from the applicant.
Dominica citizenship documents required
- Disclosure Form
- Fingerprint and Photograph Verification Form (to be completed in front of a fingerprinting officer)
- Medical Questionnaire and Certificate (to be completed by a licensed medical practitioner)
- Investment Agreement (EDF option only; to be completed by the main applicant only)
- Sales and Purchase Agreement – (real estate option only)
- Application Form completed and notarized copies
- Color copies of all passports held
- Birth Certificate
- Marriage Certificate/Dissolution of Marriage Certificate, if applicable
- Police records from the country of birth, country of citizenship, country of residence (if different), and any country in which the applicant has resided for more than six months in the past ten years, for each applicant 16 years and over. For children aged 12-15, a sworn affidavit by the parent that a child does not have a criminal record is required
- Color copy of your driver’s license
- Color copies of all identity documents/books or cards
- Color copies of all military service and discharge documents, if applicable
- Color copies of all documents evidencing a name change (other than through marriage), if applicable
- 8 passport-size photos
- Proof of residential address (lease agreement or utility bill)
- Color copies of university/college diplomas
- Letter of recommendation from the head of the school/university for children between 12 and 18 years old
- Notarized affidavit of support for each dependent aged 18 or over included in the application, with the exception of the spouse
- HIV test results (for all applicants aged 12 or above)
- Routine blood and urine test results
Supporting documentation
- Professional reference
- Letter of employment/financial statements
- 12 months of bank statements
- Notarized affidavit of the source of investments funds
- Detailed business background reports/resume/CV
- Letter to the Minister
- Proof of payment of relevant fees
Important note: Any color copies of documents must be notarized and legalized before they’re submitted. If any documents are not in English, they must be translated, notarized, and legalized prior to submission. Agents must inform applicants that their bank references and audited financial reports for the two most recent years are required by the bank in order to process the funds.
Certification of documents
Where a document is required to be produced in support of the application to the citizenship by investment program, it must be certified and authenticated in accordance with the law of the jurisdiction from where the document originates.
If you are interested in obtaining Dominica Citizenship by investment, why not arrange a chat with our Global Citizen Solutions team of experts? With up-to-date knowledge of all the most recent changes and trends in CBI programs, we can help you acquire your Dominica passport in just a few months.
Calculate the cost of citizenship for you and your family, including all associated fees.
How to Apply for Dominica Citizenship by Investment
1. Choose investment route
2. Prepare documents and forms
3. Submit your application
4. Receive approval from the CBIU
5. Make your investment
6. Become a Dominica citizen
- Choose your investment route: Decide which of the investment routes is best for you, either making a non-refundable contribution to the Economic Diversification Fund or purchasing real estate.
- Prepare documents and forms: Complete all the application forms and necessary documents as provided by Global Citizen Solutions.
- Submit your application: Your dedicated specialist will submit the application on your behalf*.
- Receive Dominica Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) approval of application: Within an average of six months of applying, you will receive a confirmation letter with the status ‘approved in principle’.
- Make your investment: Make the investment, pay the additional fees, and send proof to the CBIU.
- Become a citizen: You and your family will be granted citizenship and receive your Dominican passports at an address of your choice.
*The Citizenship by Investment Unit doesn’t accept applications directly from applicants, but only from Authorized Agents who are approved. These agents will provide the forms and submit the application.
Important note: As per an announcement made on 19 July 2023, applicants to Dominica’s CBI Program are required to participate in mandatory personal interviews, effective immediately. These interviews can be conducted in person or virtually, forming part of due diligence.
Dominica Citizenship by Investment Cost
The minimum price for a single applicant to buy citizenship in Dominica, including all government fees, is broken down below.
Diversification fund option: $208,810
$200,000 – monetary contribution to Dominica Economic Diversification Fund
$7,500 – due diligence fee
$1,000 – processing fee
$250 – naturalization fee
$60 – passport fee
Pre-approved real estate option: $283,810
$200,000 – real estate investment (recoverable)
$75,000 – additional government fee
$7,500 – due diligence fee
$1,000 – processing fee
$250 – naturalization fee
$60 – passport fee
Please note that there are applicable Government fees for this option.
Dominica CBI Compliance and Monitoring
The Dominica Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) serves as the official regulatory body managing the nation’s CBI scheme. In ensuring adherence to global standards, the Unit collaborates with authorities entities like the European Union, the US Treasury, and the OECD to uphold anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) regulations, alongside monitoring the conduct of authorized agents.
In response to recent scrutiny and travel limitations imposed on approved candidates of citizenship by investment in Dominica, the government of Dominica has revamped its compliance and due diligence endeavors. This commitment is underscored by Dominica Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit’s signing of a Memorandum of Understanding agreement with the leaders of all Caribbean nations that provide citizenship by investment and being the first Caribbean country to implement the changes outlined in the agreement.
Why Choose a Dominican Passport by Investment?
You should have a Dominican passport by investment if:
- You are seeking global mobility. There are 140 Dominica passport visa free countries, including the European Union, Hong Kong, Singapore, Russia, and China.
- You are considering diversifying your assets and looking for a place where you can enjoy several tax breaks. In Dominica, there is no income tax on worldwide income, capital gains tax, or inheritance tax.
- You want to invest in high-end tourist real estate and benefit from the thriving tourism industry in the Caribbean.
- You are looking for a Plan B for yourself and your family. A second citizenship offers alternatives in instances of global instability.
- You are making plans to retire in a peaceful, sunny paradise. With Dominica citizenship, you and your family have free movement in seven Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) member states and ease of access across 15 member states of the Caribbean Community (Caricom).
Does Dominica allow dual citizenship?
Yes, Dominica allows dual citizenship, so you will be able to maintain your current passport once you obtain Dominican citizenship. Of course, you will need to check whether the country in which you currently have citizenship also permits dual nationality.
Dominica Citizenship Program Pros and Cons
Here you can find the advantages and disadvantages of the Dominica CBI program in comparison to the other Caribbean programs: Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Lucia. In short, Dominica is a solid and affordable program with few bells and whistles. And that’s the appeal.
Pros
Small investment sum: It’s the most affordable second passport for a single applicant. It costs less than $210,000 in total program costs (investment plus government and application fees).
Trusted investment program: The investment program is one of the long-running and is reliable. Since launching in 1993, Dominica has been voted the best CBI program in the CBI Index study for four years in a row.
Travel freedom: Having a Dominica second passport offers greater global mobility. Not all Caribbean passports give visa free travel to Russia and China, as Dominica does. All five Caribbean programs allow visa free travel to the EU, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Additionally, Dominica’s diplomatic reach extends to 17 embassies and consulate generals worldwide, with a notable concentration of 14 offices in North America and Europe.
Access to long-term US visas: Dominica nationals can apply for a ten-year B-1/B-2 Visa to the US, which allows you to stay in the country for up to 180 days in a year.
Cons
Limited family inclusion: Compared to the other Caribbean programs, Dominica citizenship by investment requirements for family members are relatively straightforward and accessible. Siblings can’t be included in the application, and parents and grandparents must be over 65 years old (compared to the 55 age threshold of countries such as Antigua and Barbuda). Children over 18 and under 30 years old must be in education or, if they are women under 25, unmarried and supported by the family.
Extreme weather: Dominica is vulnerable to hurricanes, such as Maria, which devastated the island in 2017. That may be a concern if you are planning to make a real estate investment.
Limited investment options: There are only two investment routes; a real estate purchase or government donation.
CBI criticism: Criticism of the Dominican citizenship by investment program has had detrimental effects on the country’s reputation and credibility. A Dominica passport no longer allows the holder visa free access to the UK and Ireland. Furthermore, the EU has highlighted instances of non-compliance in Dominica’s economic citizenship program, which may affect visa free travel to the region in the future.
External political influence: Caribbean CBI is relatively affordable but governments are still influenced by Western powers. Although the governments of the US, Canada, and the UK lack the authority to shut down these programs, they undoubtedly wield some influence over their operation.
About Dominica
Known as the “Nature Island of the Caribbean”, Dominica is a former British colony known for its stunning and well-preserved nature. The Caribbean island nation is covered in endless rivers, waterfalls, rainforests, lush green mountains, and volcanoes, all ready for you to explore.
It has a population of around 71,000 people. The Official language is English, but Dominican French Creole is also spoken. Dominica is home to the world’s first long-distance hiking trail, the Waitukubuli National Trail (WNT), which is about 183km and split into 14 sections. It is also home to the world’s second-largest boiling lake.
Despite the similar names, Dominica is a completely separate country from the Dominican Republic, which is a former Spanish colony in the Greater Antilles, near Cuba. The Commonwealth of Dominica is much smaller and lies in the Lesser Antilles.
Dominica is also regarded for focusing on eco-tourism and sustainability, having invested in numerous eco-resorts (such as Jungle Bay Resort), conservation programs (such as the Mountain Chicken Recovery Program), and sustainable practices (such as banning single-use plastic).
Why use Global Citizen Solutions?
Global Citizen Solutions is a multidisciplinary firm offering bespoke residence and citizenship solutions in Europe and the Caribbean. In a world where the economy and politics are unpredictable, having a second citizenship opens up opportunities and creates flexibility for you and your family.
So, why work with Global Citizen Solutions to obtain Caribbean citizenship?
- Global approach by local experts: We are corporate members of the Investment Migration Council, with local expertise in all five Caribbean CBI programs.
- 100 percent approval rate: We have never had a case rejected and will offer you an initial, free-of-charge, due diligence assessment before signing any contract.
- Independent service and full transparency: We will present to you all the investment options available, and all expenses will be discussed in advance, with no hidden fees.
- An all-encompassing solution: A multidisciplinary team of immigration lawyers, investment specialists, and tax experts will take into consideration all your and your family's mobility, tax, and lifestyle needs.
- Confidential service and secure data management: All private data is stored within a GDPR-compliant database on a secure SSL-encrypted server.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dominican Citizenship by Investment
How to get Dominica citizenship by investment?
To obtain citizenship through the Dominica citizenship investment program, you have two options: Make a government fund contribution or make a real estate investment worth at least $200,000 in government-approved real estate projects. To qualify for the investment program, you must be over 18 years old, provide proof of outstanding character, be in excellent health, and hold a clean criminal record.
After passing a detailed background check by the Investment Unit and partaking in a mandatory interview, you and your family will receive a Dominica passport within six to nine months. Benefits of a Dominica second passport include visa free travel to over 140 countries, such as the European countries in the Schengen area, Hong Kong, Singapore, Russia, and China.
What is the Dominica Golden Visa cost?
The Dominica Citizenship by Investment Program is sometimes called the Dominica Golden Visa. The cost of obtaining citizenship starts from $200,000 if you are a single applicant and choose to make a donation to the country’s Economic Diversification Fund. The real estate investment option has a minimum investment threshold of $200,000, plus additional fees such as application fees and passport fees. The minimum investment amount is non-refundable if your application is rejected.
Is it possible to have Dominica dual citizenship?
Yes, Dominica recognizes dual citizenship, meaning you can keep your existing citizenship and also be granted Dominica nationality through the Dominica economic citizenship program (sometimes also called Dominica Golden Visa).
Is a Dominica passport good?
A Dominica passport is an excellent passport to own. It holds numerous benefits, like visa free travel to over 140 countries, with a Dominica Global Passport Index ranking of 78th for its travel freedoms. You can acquire this passport if you invest in Dominica via the country’s Citizenship by Investment Program.
What is the Dominica citizenship by investment program?
It is a way for investors to receive Dominica citizenship and a Dominica passport in exchange for investing in the Dominica. The applicant can choose between making a donation starting at $200,000 or purchasing real estate worth a minimum of $200,000. Dominica passport holders have visa free access to over 140 countries around the world, among other benefits. Dominica’s CBI program is rated as one of the best value options in the Caribbean.
Can I live in Europe with a Dominica passport?
Having Dominica citizenship, you will have visa free access to all the European Union countries and stay there for up to 90 days. If you plan to stay longer in any of those places, you will need to apply for a visa. Regarding the UK, Dominican citizens are now required to obtain a visa to enter the country.
Can I sell my investment in Dominica?
Yes, if you chose the Dominica CBI real estate option – investing in shares of pre-approved properties – you can sell these shares after three years. However, this period increases to five years if the buyer is also applying to acquire Dominican citizenship by investment.
Does my Dominica citizenship extend to my family?
Yes, it is possible to include family members in the Dominica citizenship by investment application. Children under 18 and spouses are eligible, along with dependent children aged between 18-30 attending a higher education institution, unmarried daughters under 25 supported by and living with the applicant or spouse, mentally and physically challenged dependent children, plus dependent parents and grandparents above 65.
How do I get Dominica citizenship for $50,000?
The Dominica citizenship $50,000 threshold refers to the Dominica Entrepreneur Visa, launched in 2020. This is a visa program separate from the Citizenship by Investment Program, as it has different requirements: At first, you must make a minimum investment of $50,000 in a government-approved business. Then, after two years, you can be granted citizenship, provided you live in the country for three months each year.
How to become a citizen of Dominica?
There are four ways to acquire Dominica citizenship. According to the Commonwealth of Dominica Citizenship Act, a person can become a Dominica citizen by being born in Dominica or having a Dominican parent, marriage to a Dominican national, living in Dominica for seven years, or investing in the country.
Can you buy a Dominica passport?
It isn’t possible to buy Dominica citizenship or a Dominican passport. However, the Dominica economic citizenship program allows you to make an economic contribution to the country’s government fund to qualify for citizenship and a Dominican passport.
Is Dominican citizenship worth it?
For many investors, obtaining Dominican citizenship by investment is worth it due to expanded visa free access to numerous countries, access to economic opportunities, and the option to live in a Caribbean paradise. Furthermore, Dominica second citizenship offers enhanced protection, and Dominica employs a favorable tax regime that does not impose worldwide income, capital gains, wealth, or inheritance taxes.
The best option for a ‘budget passport’ also points to the Commonwealth of Dominica’s CBI program, with it remaining the world’s most affordable country to obtain second citizenship. The country’s program has low admin and legal fees alongside an appealing $200,000 minimum investment amount, as well as a $50,000 donation option to obtain an entrepreneur visa.
Do I need to reside in Dominica before or after obtaining citizenship?
The Dominica investor visa has no requirements for investment applicants to visit or reside in Dominica to qualify for citizenship by investment.
