Dominica Citizenship by Investment – The Ultimate Guide by Experts
An Investor-Friendly Approach to Second Citizenship
Safe haven
For the whole family
$100,000
Minimum investments
$220,000
Family of four
2+ months
Obtaining period
Introduced by the Dominica government in 1993, the Dominica Citizenship by Investment Program offers investors a quick and easy way to acquire Dominica citizenship. By making a government fund contribution of at least $100,000 to the Economic Development Fund or investing at least $200,000 in government-approved real estate projects, you and your family can obtain a Dominica passport in just a few short months.
In this guide, we’ll discuss each aspect of the Dominica citizenship program, from the eligibility criteria and cost to the application process and document requirements. So, if obtaining a second passport in a beautiful Caribbean country interests you, keep reading to find out everything you need to know.
Why choose a Caribbean passport?
- To access greater global mobility. As a Dominica passport holder, you can enjoy visa-free travel to more than 140 countries, including China, Hong Kong, Russia, the Schengen Zone, and Singapore.
- To obtain second citizenship for yourself and your family members in a country that offers stability and opportunity.
- To benefit from a favorable tax environment. Dominica has no income tax on worldwide income, capital gains tax, or inheritance tax, providing an optimal environment for you to diversify your investment portfolio.
- To benefit from Dominica’s thriving tourism industry by making a high-end tourist real estate investment to obtain Dominican citizenship by investment.
- To enjoy your golden years of retirement in a peaceful, bright, and beautiful slice of Caribbean paradise.
Citizenship by Investment - What You Need to Know
Citizenship by investment is a term used to refer to programs that offer investors a route to obtain citizenship of a country by making a financial contribution to its economy. Also known as economic citizenship or golden visa programs, there are five Caribbean countries that offer citizenship by investment (CBI) programs: Antigua and Barbuda, the Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Lucia.
Each of these countries has a Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) that oversees and regulates its CBI program in accordance with each country’s laws. The Unit processes each application by a foreign national, assessing the documentation provided and conducting stringent due diligence checks to confirm the identity, financial profile, and security profile of all applicants aged 16 and over. This due diligence process is a crucial step in maintaining the program’s credibility and ensuring its longevity.
The investment routes under a Caribbean citizenship by investment program are generally a non-refundable donation to a government fund or a real estate investment. Some Caribbean citizenship by investment programs offer additional options, such as creating a business enterprise, contributing to an educational institution, or even government bonds. Family members can be included in your application, and once granted, citizenship is lifelong and can generally be passed down to future generations.
10 Benefits of the Dominica Citizenship by Investment Program
1
Ultimate plan B
Having a second citizenship gives you and your family the freedom and flexibility of global mobility. You also have more residence options that align with your personal requirements: With Dominica citizenship, you and your family can live in any member state of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).
2
Citizenship for the entire family
The privileges of Dominica citizenship extend to your family, as your spouse, dependent children, parents, and grandparents can be included in your application.
3
Dual citizenship
Dominica recognizes dual citizenship, meaning you can retain your existing citizenship and Dominica nationality. Additionally, Dominica citizenship is lifelong and can be passed down to future generations.
4
Affordable investment options
5
Fast application process
Your application will be processed, and citizenship granted within an average of three months.
6
Tax optimization
7
No residency requirements
8
No language tests or academic requirements
Applicants to the program are not required to sit and pass any language tests or meet any kind of academic requirements.
9
Visa-free travel
Dominica passport holders enjoy visa-free access to over 140 countries. These visa-free destinations include China, Hong Kong, and Singapore, as well as the Schengen Zone.
10
Best country for citizenship by investment
Dominica’s citizenship program has been active since 1993 and is considered one of the most reliable citizenship programs out there. The CBI Index has ranked Dominica as the best country for citizenship by investment not once, not twice, but four years in a row. To give you some context, the CBI Index is the most prestigious study of CBI programs around the world. The study is published annually by the Financial Times’ Professional Wealth Management (PWM) magazine in collaboration with CS Global Partners.
Dominica: Your gateway to international travel
Dominica has two regional airports: Douglas-Charles Airport, previously known as Melville Hall, and Canefield Airport. As these are not international airports, you must take a connecting flight from a nearby island, such as Antigua, Martinique, or Puerto Rico. Another option is to travel to Dominica by ferry. The ferry system operates between Dominica and several of its neighboring islands, making it easy to travel between them.
To get around the island itself, you can travel by taxi or car. The island’s public transportation system offers a network of minibuses that stop anywhere along the main street for those who flag them down.
Who can obtain Dominica citizenship?
To apply for the Dominica economic citizenship program, the primary applicant must:
- Be over 18 years of age
- Be of excellent character
- Be in excellent health
- Have a clean criminal record
- Pass a stringent background check
- Partake in a mandatory virtual interview
To ensure that your application will be successful, our team at Global Citizen Solutions offers an initial due diligence check – free of charge.
As the primary applicant, you can include the following family members in your application for Dominica citizenship:
- Spouse
- Children of the main applicant or spouse under 18 years old
- Children between the ages of 21 and 30 who attend an institution of higher learning and are supported by the main applicant or spouse
- Unmarried daughters younger than 25 who are supported by and living with the main applicant or spouse
- Mentally or physically challenged children who are dependent on and supported by the main applicant or spouse
- Dependent parents and grandparents of the main applicant or spouse who are older than 65 years of age
Get in touch with a Citizenship by Investment Specialist
Our team of industry-leading experts will help you with everything from filing your immigration application to providing professional legal and tax advice. We are wholly committed to your success.
Investment Options for Dominica Citizenship
To obtain a Dominica passport under the Dominica Citizenship by Investment Program, you can choose between the following two investment routes: A government donation or investing in real estate projects.
Option 1
Economic Diversification Fund (EDF)
The Dominica Economic Diversification Fund, established in 1993, is used to support socio-economic projects on the island and further its growth and development. Under this option, you must make a non-refundable donation to the EDF. The donation amount will depend on the number of dependents included in the application, as seen in the table below. In addition to this, you must pay due diligence fees, application fees, passport fees, and a fee for the Oath of Allegiance.
Single applicant | Applicant & spouse | Family of up to four | Additional dependent under 18 | Additional dependent over 18 | |
Minimum donation | $100,000 | $150,000 | $175,000 | $25,000 each | $50,000 each |
Due diligence fee | $7,500 | $4,000 for each dependent aged 16 and over | $4,000 for each dependent aged 16 and over | $4,000 for each dependent aged 16 and over | $4,000 for each dependent aged 16 and over |
Processing fee | $1,000 per application | $1,000 per application | $1,000 per application | $1,000 per application | $1,000 per application |
Passport fee | $500 per passport | $500 per passport | $500 per passport | $500 per passport | $500 per passport |
Oath of Allegiance | $250 per person | $250 per person | $250 per person | $250 per person | $250 per person |
Interview fee | $1,000 per interview | $1,000 per interview | $1,000 per interview | $1,000 per interview | $1,000 per interview |
Option 2
Pre-approved real estate
If you prefer to invest in real estate, the minimum investment amount is $200,000. You must invest in government-approved real estate, much of which takes the form of shares in high-end tourist accommodation. In addition to the qualifying investment amount, you must pay fees, including government fees, due diligence fees, etc.
You can resell the property after three years if the buyer is not a Dominica CBI program applicant. However, if the buyer is also a Dominica CBI applicant, you can only resell the property after five years.
Single applicant | Family of up to four | Family of up to six | Additional dependent | |
Minimum investment | Option 1: $220,000 in shares | Option 1: $220,000 in shares | Option 1: $220,000 in shares | Option 1: $220,000 in shares |
Government fee | $25,000 | $35,000 each | $50,000 each | $25,000 each |
Processing fee | $1,000 per application | $1,000 per application | $1,000 per application | $1,000 per application |
Passport fee | $500 per passport | $500 per passport | $500 per passport | $500 per passport |
Due diligence fee | $7,500 | $4,000 per family member aged 16 or over | $4,000 per family member aged 16 or over | $4,000 per family member aged 16 or over |
Interview fee | $1,000 per interview | $1,000 per interview | $1,000 per interview | $1,000 per interview |
Enhanced due diligence
From 17 July 2023, Enhanced Due Diligence will be conducted on citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran. This means that all Iranian applicants must pay the following enhanced due diligence fees:
- Main applicant: $25,000
- Spouse: $15,000
- Dependent 16 and older: $15,000
- Dependent aged 12 to 15: $10,000
These enhanced due diligence fees include the standard due diligence fees outlined in the tables above, meaning applicants to not need to pay the standard due diligence fees in addition to the enhanced due diligence fees.
Calculate the cost of citizenship for you and your family, including all associated fees.
Dominica CBI Pros and Cons
Pros
Affordable investment
A Dominica passport by investment is the most affordable option for an individual applicant at less than $110,000 in total.
The best CBI program in the world
For four years in a row, Dominica has earned the title of the best CBI program in the world, according to the prestigious study conducted annually by the CBI Index.
Visa-free destinations
While all of the Caribbean programs provide visa-free access to over 140 countries, not all of them provide this access to China and Russia. Owning a Dominica passport gives you visa-free access to these two countries, as well as Hong Kong, Singapore, the Schengen Zone, and more.
Ten-year visa to the US
Being a Dominica citizen means you can apply for a ten-year B-1/B-2 visa to the US. With this visa, you can stay in the country for up to 180 days each year, attend business conferences and meetings, receive medical treatment at any clinic in the US, and travel.
No stay requirements
The entire application process can be completed online, and Dominica does not require you to visit the country to maintain your citizenship status.
Dual citizenship
Dominica recognizes dual citizenship, so you will not have to renounce other citizenships to obtain Dominica citizenship.
Favorable tax environment
Dominica citizens benefit from several corporate tax incentives and tax relief benefits, such as no tax on dividends, interest, or royalties from abroad. Additionally, they don't pay taxes on capital gains or inheritance.
The right to live in Dominica
The country's warm climate, beautiful natural landscape (including waterfalls and lakes), and vibrant culture make it an attractive island to live on. You can also live in any member state of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).
Cons
There are a few drawbacks to consider when it comes to Dominica's Citizenship by Investment Program. Whether these are significant enough to deter you from the program will depend on your individual circumstances and the expectations you have of a citizenship by investment program.
Limited family inclusion
Compared to the four other Caribbean CBI programs, Dominica is less inclusive in its requirements for family members who can be included as dependents. Siblings may not be included, nor can parents or grandparents who are not older than 65. Other Caribbean programs, such as Antigua and Barbuda, have a lower age threshold of 55, while others, such as Grenada, allow the inclusion of siblings. Additionally, children between the ages of 18 and 30 must be studying at an educational institution, while female children under 25 must be unmarried and fully supported by the principal applicant or spouse to be eligible for inclusion.
Weather conditions
Thanks to its location within the Caribbean, Dominica is at risk of earthquakes, floods, landslides, and hurricanes. This is an important factor to consider when investing in real estate or planning to reside on the island.
Limited investment routes
Dominica only offers two investment routes: a donation to a government fund or a real estate investment. Other Caribbean citizenship programs offer more options, which may be more attractive to some investors.
No UK access
Dominica passport holders no longer have visa-free access to the UK and will need to apply for a visa to visit there. If travel to the UK is important to you, such as for your job, then you may prefer one of the other Caribbean CBI programs.
Step-by-Step Application Process
After making your decision to pursue Dominica citizenship by investment, Global Citizen Solutions team of experts will take you through each step of the application process, as outlined below:
1. Choose the right investment route for you
A donation to the Economic Diversification Fund or a real estate investment.
2. Preparation of documents
Global Citizen Solutions will provide you with all the necessary forms you need to complete for your application. In addition to this, you must collect all the supporting documents required to submit your application.
3. Submit your application through an agent
Dominica's Citizenship by Investment Unit (CBIU) does not accept applications submitted directly by applicants. Instead, the Unit requires you to submit your application through an Authorized Agent. As such, Global Citizen Solutions will submit your application on your behalf.
4. Receive approval from the CBIU
After careful consideration of your application, the CBIU will make a decision. This involves a thorough due diligence check and a mandatory virtual interview for applicants. Successful applicants will receive a confirmation letter stating that their application is 'approved in principle'. This takes an average of three months.
5. Fulfilment of investment condition
Once you have received your confirmation letter, you will need to make your qualifying investment, pay the additional fees, and send proof of payment to the CBIU.
6. Become a Dominica citizen
Once you have made your payment, you and your family will be granted citizenship of the Commonwealth of Dominica. You will then receive your Dominica passports at an address of your choice.
Documents Required for Citizenship by Investment
- Disclosure form
- Fingerprint and Photograph Verification form (must be completed in the presence of a fingerprinting officer)
- Medical questionnaire and certificate (must be completed by a licensed medical practitioner)
- Investment Agreement (required for the EDF option and must be completed by the main applicant only)
- Sales and Purchase Agreement (real estate option only)
- Completed application form (with notarized copies)
- Color copies of all passports held
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate/Dissolution of marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Police records for each applicant aged 16 and over from:
- Country of birth
- Country of citizenship
- Country of residence (if different)
- Any country in which the applicant has resided for over six months in the past ten years
- A sworn affidavit by the parent that a child has no criminal record (for children aged 12-15)
- Color copy of driver’s license
- Color copies of all identity documents/books/cards
- Color copies of all military service and discharge documents (if applicable)
- Eight passport-sized photos
- Proof of residential address (e.g., lease agreement, utility bill, etc.)
- Color copies of university/college diplomas
- Letter of recommendation from the head of the school/university (for children aged between 12 and 18)
- Notarized affidavit of support for each dependent aged 18 and over included in the application (not applicable for spouse)
- HIV test results (applicants aged 12 and over)
- Routine blood and urine test results
- Bank statements for 12 months
- Detailed business background reports/resume/CV
- Letter of employment/financial statements
- Letter to the Minister
- Notarized affidavit of the source of funds
- Professional reference
- Proof of payment of relevant fees
All color copies of documents must be notarized and legalized before being submitted. Any documents not in English must be translated, notarized, and legalized before being submitted.
Any documents submitted in support of the application for citizenship by investment must be certified and authenticated according to the law of the jurisdiction from which they originate.
As you can see, Dominica citizenship by investment is a fantastic option to obtain a second citizenship in the Caribbean and benefit from the numerous advantages of being a Dominica passport holder. Whether you’re looking to secure your family’s future, enjoy travel flexibility as a digital nomad or businessperson, or spend your golden years of retirement in paradise, Dominica is sure to be the ideal choice for you.
Tax Benefits in Dominica
In addition to acquiring a Dominica passport, the Dominica citizenship program creates a route for investors to enjoy the nation’s favorable tax policies. Dominica is considered by many to be a tax haven thanks to its favorable tax environment. Non-residents must pay tax on income received from sources within the country only, while tax residents are eligible for reductions in tax on annual income.
Tax treaties
Dominica also has Double Tax Treaties (DTTs) with Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Guyana, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Switzerland, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica and Tax Information Exchange Agreements (TIEAs) with several other countries.
Value Added Tax (VAT)
Value Added Tax – VAT – in Dominica is charged at a rate of 15 percent. Hotels and diving companies can benefit from a reduced rate of 10 percent, and some goods – such as flour, milk, rice, and sugar – are VAT-exempt. Furthermore, VAT is not charged on financial services, rent, or the sale of real estate. Dominica also offers tax waivers and incentives, including generous tax holidays.
Why choose Dominica?
Dominica is known as the “Nature Island of the Caribbean” for a reason. With its staggering biodiversity and seemingly endless rivers, waterfalls, rainforests, lush green mountains, sandy beaches, and awe-inspiring volcanoes, Dominica boasts a wealth of well-preserved nature just waiting to be explored.
Popular among many – including digital nomads and retirees – Dominica is home to Waitukubuli National Trail (WNT), the Caribbean’s first long-distance hiking trail of 183 km (115 miles). This beautiful island is also home to the world’s second-largest boiling lake. This lake is a flooded crack in the earth from which hot gases escape as a means to vent the molten lava below. About two-thirds of Dominica is rainforest, and there are 365 rivers across the island. You’ll also find 200 species of birds on this tiny island nation that is also home to the “mountain chicken” – also known as the Giant Ditch Frog.
With a population of over 71,000 people, Dominica offers plenty to those looking to invest or visit. The official language is English, making it fairly easy for foreigners to communicate and assimilate, but Dominican French Creole is also spoken on the island. The country uses the East Caribbean Dollar and has a hot, tropical, and humid climate.
When looking for activities to keep you entertained, Dominica has plenty to offer, from hiking and cycling to kitesurfing and spending time on the beach. The island grows a variety of fresh fruit, including bananas, pineapples, coconuts, and mangoes.
Finally, many Caribbean nations are known for their festivals, and Dominica is no different. Dominica’s Carnival – or Mas Dominik – is a celebration of movement, music, color, and culture that people from all over flock to experience. In Dominica, Carnival season typically begins in January with an almost daily schedule of events that lead up to Mas Dominik. Other signature festivals held on the island are Jazz ‘N Creole and the World Creole Music Festival, which take place in April and October respectively.
Dominica in Pictures
Why work with Global Citizen Solutions?
- 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 of 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.
- Authorized International Marketing Agent. Global Citizen Solutions is licensed by the Antigua and Barbuda government to promote the country’s CBI program and act as a CIP International Marketing Agent for Antigua and Barbuda.
Get in touch with a Caribbean Citizenship by Investment specialist
Frequently Asked Questions About Dominica Citizenship by Investment
The cost to obtain Dominica citizenship through the Dominica Citizenship by Investment Program will vary depending on your investment route. The minimum investment starts from $100,000 for a single applicant under the Economic Diversification Fund option. The real estate investment option starts from $220,000. However, the overall cost includes processing fees, due diligence fees, and passport fees, which can vary depending on the number of family members included in the application.
While you cannot buy Dominican citizenship, you can apply to the Dominica economic citizenship program (also called the Dominica passport program). Under the program, investors can receive Dominica citizenship in exchange for making a qualifying economic investment in the country. The minimum investment is a $100,000 non-refundable contribution to the Economic Diversification Fund.
Five Caribbean countries offer citizenship by investment programs: Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Lucia. They encourage foreign investment in their countries by offering investors and their families the chance to gain citizenship in exchange for a qualifying economic investment. The Citizenship by Investment Unit for each country conducts due diligence checks and successful applicants enjoy greater visa-free travel, tax benefits, dual citizenship, and more. Each program includes additional fees, such as due diligence fees and government fees.
Yes, the Dominica Citizenship by Investment Program allows the main applicant to include eligible family members, including dependent children and dependent parents and grandparents, to obtain Dominican citizenship. Citizenship can also be passed down to future generations, and in Dominica, dual citizenship is recognized.
Obtaining citizenship through the Dominica citizenship investment program costs a minimum of $100,000, which is the required non-refundable contribution to the Economic Diversification Fund. The real estate investment option requires an economic contribution of at least $220,000. Both investment options include additional fees, such as government fees.
It takes between two and three months to obtain citizenship and a Dominica passport through the Dominica Citizenship by Investment Program.