For the fourth consecutive year, Dominica has been ranked the best country for citizenship by investment in the CBI Index Report — the most prestigious study of citizenship by investment programs (CBI) in the world.
There are numerous reasons behind Dominica’s ongoing success. Praised for its optimal quality of life, fresh air, and beauty, Dominica is a fantastic destination for expats looking for a second home. Additionally, the Dominica citizenship by investment program offers a quick, affordable, and reliable path to acquiring a second citizenship in a tax-friendly country.
Ten Reasons Why Dominica Was Voted the Best Country for Citizenship by Investment
1. Affordability
The Commonwealth of Dominica’s CBI program is one of the most affordable second citizenship schemes. The minimum investment required to gain citizenship is significantly lower compared to other Caribbean citizenship programs and programs worldwide, making it accessible to a broader range of foreign investors.
2. Efficient processing
Dominica is known for its efficient and streamlined citizenship application process. The entire process for citizenship by investment applicants to obtain citizenship is just six to nine months, with no requirement to obtain a residence permit or maintain residency, provided all documentation of the primary applicant is in order.
3. Robust due diligence checks
The country has a strong reputation for its rigorous due diligence procedures, ensuring that only reputable applicants are granted citizenship and a second passport. This enhances the credibility and integrity of Dominica’s CBI program.
4. Attractive benefits
Economic citizenship in Dominica comes with a range of benefits, including a Dominica passport offering visa free or visa on arrival access to over 140 countries, including the Schengen Area, China, Singapore, and Hong Kong. This second passport and enhanced visa free access appeal to investors seeking dual citizenship.
5. Flexible investment options
The Dominica economic citizenship program offers several investment options, including a government fund contribution to the Economic Diversification Fund (EDF) and purchasing real estate in pre-approved real estate projects. This flexibility to obtain Dominica passports allows investors to choose the investment that best suits their financial strategy.
6. Economic and political stability
Dominica boasts a stable political environment and a growing economy, which provide a secure environment for foreign investment. The Dominican government is also known for its commitment to sustainable development and environmental conservation, and the government donation option contributes to the country’s development goals.
7. Quality of life
Dominica is known as the “Nature Island,” renowned for its natural beauty, pristine environment, and high quality of life. Its unspoiled landscapes, including rainforests, hot springs, and beaches, make it an appealing destination for a tranquil and healthy lifestyle for those seeking economic citizenship.
8. Family inclusion
The Dominica citizenship investment program provides eligibility for family members to obtain a Dominican passport, including a spouse, children, dependent parents, and dependent grandparents of the spouse and main applicant. After obtaining Dominica dual citizenship, applicants can pass on Dominican citizenship to future generations.
9. Government support
The Dominican government actively supports and promotes the CBI program, continuously working to enhance its attractiveness and efficiency. This proactive stance ensures that the program remains competitive and appealing to global investors.
10. Favorable taxes
Dominica doesn’t impose worldwide income tax, wealth tax, gift tax, inheritance tax, or capital gains tax, making the Dominican citizenship by investment program a worthy option for your global tax strategy. Additionally, unless located in one of two cities, a real estate purchase in Dominica is not subject to annual property tax.
About Dominica Citizenship by Investment
The Dominica citizenship by investment program was introduced into the Dominica Citizenship Act in 1993 to drive economic development in the country. While it’s not possible to buy Dominica citizenship, the economic citizenship program allows foreign nationals to obtain citizenship through a government fund donation or property investment.
Take a look at our Dominica Citizenship by Investment Ultimate Guide
Requirements for the Dominica Economic Citizenship Program
In only three short months, investors and their families can obtain a Dominica passport in exchange for a minimum donation of $200,000 in Dominica’s Economic Diversification Fund or an investment of $200,000 in pre-approved real estate. With no stay requirements and a focus on family reunification, the Dominica citizenship program undeniably offers a very appealing opportunity for dual nationality.
Main applicant requirements
- Be over 18 years old
- Have an outstanding character
- Have excellent health
- Hold no criminal record
- Pass a detailed background check
Eligible family members
- Spouse
- Children of the main applicant or spouse under 18 years old
- Children aged between 18 and 30 attending an institution of higher learning and supported by the main applicant or spouse
- Unmarried daughters under 25 supported by and living with the main applicant or spouse
- Mentally or physically challenged dependent children, supported by the main applicant or spouse
- Dependent parents and/or grandparents of the main applicant or spouse, over 65 years old
Investment options
Economic Diversification Fund option
The Dominica Economic Diversification Fund (EDF) is a special government fund established to receive financial contributions for funding special socio-economic projects, with the aim of driving development in the Caribbean island nation.
To obtain Dominican citizenship by investment, the main applicant must make a non-refundable contribution to the EDF. The contribution costs $200,000 for a single applicant and $250,000 for a family of up to four.
Additional family members require an extra donation of $25,000 (dependents under 18) or $40,000 (dependents 18 or older).
Pre-approved real estate option
The Dominica real estate investment option requires main applicants to invest at least US$200,000 in government-approved real estate, primarily shares in high-end tourist accommodation.
Although the economic contribution is the cheaper of the two options, the minimum investment threshold for obtaining citizenship remains the same regardless of the number of applicants. Government-approved real estate purchased to qualify for Dominica’s citizenship program must be held for at least five years.
Government fees: In addition to the required investment, applicants must pay processing fees, which include passport and due diligence fees for all applicants in the application.
Calculate the cost of citizenship for you and your family, including all associated fees
What other economic citizenship programs can I apply for?
Other Caribbean countries have also embraced CBI Programs, offering qualifying investors citizenship in exchange for an economic investment. The St Lucia CBI Program and the Antigua and Barbuda CBI Program, are, for example, fantastic due to their affordability and fast processes.
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 Dominica’s Rank as the Best Country for Citizenship by Investment
Is Dominica citizenship good?
Becoming a Dominica citizen is great, and the country has a well-regarded program that allows gaining a second citizenship in exchange for an investment. In 2021 the CBI Index, published by the Financial Times, for the fourth time voted Dominica “best country for citizenship by investment“.
Is Dominica a strong passport?
Yes, it is a strong passport, allowing visa free access to over 140 countries, including Europe’s Schengen Area, Russia, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Israel.
Where can Dominica passport holders travel visa free?
Countries allowing visa free travel for Dominican passport holders include China, Singapore, and Schengen countries. A Dominica passport facilitates Electronic Travel Authorization and visa on arrival access to countries like South Korea, India, Kenya, and Ghana.
How does Dominica program compare with others?
Comparing the Dominica citizenship by investment program (CBI) to European and Caribbean CBI programs highlights several benefits of Dominica’s program. Dominica is one of the Cheapest Caribbean countries to invest in, with the required donation to the Dominica Economy Diversification Fund being much lower than donation options to acquire citizenship in many other countries. Dominica is one of the best destinations for property investment to obtain economic citizenship, with one of the Caribbean’s lowest real estate prices per square meter.
What are the cons of Dominica's economic citizenship program?
While Dominica is the best country for single applicants to obtain citizenship by investment, with the lowest investment requirement, Antigua and Barbuda offer a cheaper program for large families. Foreign nationals can obtain a stronger second passport in St Kitts and Nevis, allowing visa free travel to the UK and all European Union countries, a benefit not provided by a Dominica passport. The nine- to six-month timeline to complete the entire process means it isn’t the fastest CBI program available. Additionally, the country doesn’t offer the investment route of investing in a government-approved business.
Are there any recent changes or updates to Dominica's citizenship by investment program in 2024?
A significant change to the Dominica CBI program was outlined in the Caribbean Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by five countries that offer Caribbean CBI programs, which came into effect on 30 June 2024. Agreements in the MoU included an increased minimum investment requirement of $200,000, enhanced due diligence standards, and improved transparency measures. While the bar has been raised to obtain Dominica citizenship by investment, the long-term benefits mean a more reputable economic citizenship program, enhanced global mobility, and sustainable economic development.
