Dominica Citizenship by Investment Program Ultimate Guide
An Investor-Friendly Approach to Second Citizenship
Safe haven
For the whole family
$200,000
Minimum investments
$250,000
Family of four
6+ months
Obtaining period
Introduced by the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica in 1993, the Dominica Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Program offers foreign nationals a straightforward path to acquire Dominica citizenship by making a monetary contribution to the country’s economic development.
Two investments are available: A state fund donation and a government-approved real estate investment. Both options start at $200,000. This guide will discuss each element of Dominica’s citizenship program, including the following:
Dominica Citizenship by Investment Overview
Dominica introduced its citizenship by investment program into Section 101 of the Commonwealth of Dominica Citizenship Act in 2013 within the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Dominica. The Act allows the Dominica government to grant citizenship to foreign nationals who contribute to the country’s economy.
The Dominica Citizenship by Investment Unit (CBIU) is the government authority tasked with overseeing and regulating the country’s CBI program in accordance with the Nationality Act and standards set by governmental entities such as the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
In sections eight and nine of the Act, the government outlined two investment options deemed to enhance the country’s economic and social progress: A government fund contribution and purchasing real estate in approved projects.
The minimum investment threshold starts at $200,000, and applicants can include their children, spouses, parents, and grandparents in their applications.
Key Program Details
- Visa free countries: 135
- Visa free to EU Schengen Area: Yes
- Tax framework: No foreign income taxes
- Processing time: 6 to 9 months
- Minimum government fund contribution: $200,000
- Minimum real estate investment: $200,000
- Minimum total for one applicant: $210,000
- Minimum total family of four: $219,500
- Eligible dependents:
- Spouse
- Children under 30 or with disabilities
- Parents and grandparents over 65
- Passport validity:
- 10 years for citizens 16 and over
- 5 years for citizens under 16
- Visit or residency requirement: None
- Citizenship interview: Yes (virtual)
- Unique feature: Lowest investment requirement for single applicants
10 Benefits of the Dominica Citizenship by Investment Program
1
Ultimate plan B
Dominica second citizenship gives investors and their families the freedom and flexibility of global mobility. They can move freely among OECS member states and can seek assistance from several consular offices across four continents.
2
Extensive family inclusion
The main investors family are eligible to gain Dominican citizenship, including their spouse, dependent children, parents, and grandparents.
3
Dual citizenship
Dominica recognizes dual citizenship, allowing investors to retain their existing citizenship alongside Dominican citizenship.
4
Affordable Caribbean citizenship
Dominica offers the most affordable Caribbean citizenship program for single applicants, starting from an investment of just $200,000
5
Fast application process
It takes six to nine months to complete the application process and acquire Dominican citizenship.
6
Short minimum hold period
The minimum hold period for the real estate investment option is just three years compared to five to seven years in other Caribbean countries.
7
No residency requirements
Dominica citizenship by investment requirements does not require applicants to visit Dominica at any point during their application process, which can be completed remotely.
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 enhanced global mobility visa free access to 135 countries, including China, Hong Kong, Singapore, and the Schengen Area.
10
Best country for citizenship by investment
Dominica has received the honour of “Best Country for Citizenship by Investment” four times over recent years in the CBI Index Report, a study published annually by the Financial Times’ Professional Wealth Management (PWM) magazine in collaboration with CS Global Partners.
Dominica Citizenship Eligiblity Criteria
- 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
Since July 2023, investment applicants from the Islamic Republic of Iran must undergo enhanced due diligence procedures, which require paying higher fees for the due diligence process.
- Spouse
- Children of the main applicant or spouse
- Under 18 years old
- Between 21 and 30 who attend an institution of higher learning and are supported by the main applicant or spouse
- Unmarried daughters under 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 over 65
- Medical clearance: Prospective applicants must prove good health by taking comprehensive tests confirming they have no health conditions that put public health at risk.
- Police clearance: A clean criminal record in all countries of residence over the past ten years is required to complete the Dominica citizenship process.
- Belarus
- Northern Iran
- North Korea*
- Russia
- Sudan*
- Yemen
*Applicants must not have lived in these countries for at least ten years, possess substantial assets, or have performed any business-related activity there.
Banned Iraqi nationals refer specifically to nationals of northern cities, including Amedi, Dahuk, Erbil, Kirkuk, Lalish, Raniya, Soran, Sulaymaniyah, and Zakho.
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.
Joe Rice
Head of Caribbean Unit
Investment Options for Dominica Citizenship by Investment
The investment routes for obtaining citizenship under the Antigua CBI program start from $230,000 and include:
- Contribution to the Economic Diversification Fund (EDF)
- Approved real estate investment
1. Economic Diversification Fund donation
The Economy Diversification Fund (EDF) option allows investors to make a non-refundable contribution of $200,000 to qualify for citizenship. The minimum investment required increased by $50,000 for a family of up to four.
Money contributed to the EDF is used to support government-sponsored projects, public-private partnerships, and approved charitable initiatives.
The EDF option is designed for investors seeking the most affordable, fastest, and most straightforward route to qualify for citizenship by investment in Dominica.
Economic Diversification Fund | Single Applicant | Family of Up to Four | Additional (Under 18) | Additional (18 and over) |
Minimum Donation | $200,000 | $250,000 | +$25,000 each | +$40,000 each |
2. Pre-approved real estate investment
Applicants must invest in Dominica real estate in government-approved real estate projects. The real estate option typically takes the form of shares in luxury resorts and other high-end tourist accommodations. The minimum purchase value is $200,000, and investors must wait three years until they can recoup their investment funds.
Real Estate Investment | Single Applicant | Family of Up to Four | Additional (Under 18) | Additional (18 and over) |
Minimum Investment | $200,000 | |||
Government Application Fee | $75,000 | $100,000 | +$25,000 each | +$40,000 each |
Dominica CBI Government Fees and Charges
In addition to the minimum investment required and government application fee (for the real estate option), investors must pay fees to complete the citizenship process. Fees for the Grenada citizenship by investment include:
- Processing fee
- Due diligence fee
- Interview fee
- Certificate of Naturalization fee
Fee | Single Applicant | Spouse and Dependents (16 and over) | Additional (Under 16) |
Due Diligence Fee | $7,500 | $4,000 | N/A |
Processing Fee | $1,000 per applicant | ||
Interview Fee | $1,000 per applicant | N/A | |
Certificate of Naturalization | $500 per applicant | ||
Due diligence fees for Iranian applicants
Applicants who are Iranian citizens or residents must pay an enhanced due diligence fee.
- Main applicant: $25,000
- Spouse: $15,000
- Dependent aged 16 or over: $15,000
- Dependent aged 12 to 15: $10,000
New additions to the family
After gaining citizenship, the primary investor can apply for citizenship for qualified dependents. The following investment and fees apply.
Fee | Newborn Child | Future Spouse | |
Additional Investment | N/A | $50,000 | |
Due Diligence Fee | N/A | $4,000 | |
Government Fee | $2,000 | N/A | |
Application Fee | N/A | $1,000 | |
Certificate of Naturalization | $500 | ||
Agent Fee | $2,000 | $3,000 | |
Passport Fee | $60 | ||
Courier Charge | $150 | ||
Total | $4,710 | $55,710 | |
Estimated Citizenship Cost for a Single Applicant and Family of Four
Here is an example of the estimated Dominica citizenship cost through the cheapest investment route for a single applicant and a family of four, including government fees. The family example includes a primary applicant, spouse, and two children aged 5 and 17.
Fee | Single Applicant | Family of Four | |
Investment Required | $200,000 | $250,000 | |
Processing Fee | $1,000 | $4,000 | |
Due Diligence Fee | $7,500 | $15,500 | |
Interview Fee | $1,000 | $3,000 | |
Certificate of Naturalization | $500 | $4,000 | |
Total | $210,000 | $274,500 | |
Calculate the cost of citizenship for you and your family, including all associated fees.
Required Documents for Dominica Citizenship
- 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.
Step-by-Step Citizenship Application Process
1
Contact Authorized Agent
Contact an Authorized Agent licensed by the Dominica Citizenship by Investment Unit (CBIU) to submit your citizenship application.
2
Initial due diligence checks
Your licensed agent will perform preliminary due diligence checks to ensure a successful application.
3
Client agreement and retainer payment
Confirm the agreement with your licensed agent to submit your application by making a retainer payment.
4
Gather documents and complete forms
Gather necessary documentation and complete all forms.
5
Submit your application
Your dedicated Authorized Agent will submit your application on your behalf*.
6
Due diligence checks
The CBIU will process your application and carry out comprehensive due diligence checks.
7
Attend citizenship interview
The main applicant and dependents over 16 must attend a mandatory virtual interview with CBIU-approved professionals.
8
Receive Approval in Principle
Successful applicants will receive an approval letter from the CBIU within five to eight months stating their application has received pre-approval.
9
Make your investment
Once you have received your government approval letter, you must make your qualifying investment, pay the government administration fees, and send proof to the CBIU.
10
Receive citizen approval
You and your family will be granted citizenship by the CBIU.
11
Collect Certificate of Registration
The CBIU will issue your Certificate of Registration, which must be collected in person either in the country or at an approved Consulate or Embassy.
12
Full citizenship received
You are now a fully registered citizen of Dominica and can retrieve your citizenship certificate and Dominican passport.
*It is mandatory for licensed Caribbean immigration services (Authorized Agents) to submit citizenship applications on the behalf of applicants to the Dominica Citizenship by Investment Unit (CBIU).
Citizenship timeline
The Dominica citizenship processing time is about six to nine months, beginning from submitting the complete application to issuing citizenship documents.
Month 1 (preparation)
- Choose the qualifying investment
- Choose an Authorized Agent
- Prepare the required documents and submit to the CBIU
Months 4 (processing)
- The CBIU outsources background checks
- Complete the virtual interview
- Make the required investment
Months 5 to 8 (Approval)
- Pay the Dominica passport fee and obtain a Certificate of Registration
- Obtain a Dominica passport
Why choose Dominican CBI?
- There are 135 Dominica passport visa free countries, including the European Union, Hong Kong, Singapore, Russia, Thailand, and China.
- Diversify your assets and leverage several tax incentives, including no income tax on worldwide income, capital gains tax, or inheritance tax.
- Invest in the Caribbean through the most affordable Caribbean citizenship through a real estate purchase in high-end tourist accommodations.
- A Plan B for yourself and your family. A second citizenship offers alternatives in instances of global instability.
- The program has no in-person Caribbean citizenship interview or language test requirements.
- Visiting Dominica is not required to become a Dominican citizen, and it can also be renewed abroad.
- Investments in approved real estate projects to obtain Dominican citizenship can be resold for a profit after just three years.
- Retire in peace with lifetime Dominica citizenship. You and your family can move freely across seven OECS member states.
Compliance and Legal Structure
The Dominica Citizenship by Investment Act defines Dominica investment citizenship investment routes, thresholds, application processes, due diligence procedures, and applicant requirements before and after obtaining citizenship.
Core requirements include:
- Minimum investment amounts
- Due diligence procedures
- Application fees
- Application process and timeline
- Grounds for citizenship denial, revocation, and renouncement
- Rights and responsibilities of new citizens
Dual citizenship law
Dominica recognizes dual citizenship, allowing Dominica citizens to maintain multiple citizenships and preserve the right to vote, access social services, and maintain Dominica nationality and a passport.
Citizenship revocation
The Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica has the authority to cancel citizenship obtained through investment if it discovers any dishonesty or breaches of its rules.
Key amendments to the program
January 2014: Introduced real estate option.
May 2022: Lifted ban on Iranian applicants, provided they fulfill “no ties” eligibility criteria.
September 2022: Removed siblings and spouses of fully dependent parents as qualified dependents.
September 2023: Mandatory citizenship interview introduced for applicants 17 and over.
June 2024: Joined the Caribbean Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
July 2024: Raised the minimum price from $100,000 to $200,000 for a single applicant as per the MoU.
Dominica CBI Program Pros and Cons
Pros
Most affordable program: The $200,000 donation to the Dominica Economic Diversification Fund is the cheapest option to obtain Caribbean citizenship by investment.
Affordable real estate investment: Foreign nationals can gain citizenship by investment just $200,000 in government-approved real estate projects.
Short minimum hold period: The real estate purchase option requires investors to hold their properties for at least three years, making it the shortest minimum hold period in the Caribbean.
Cons
Limited family inclusion: Unlike several Caribbean programs, siblings are not eligible for Dominica dual citizenship.
Extreme weather: Dominica is vulnerable to hurricanes and adverse weather that can put real estate investment at risk.
Limited investment options: There are only two investment routes.
CBI criticism: Criticism of the Dominica citizenship investment program has led to Dominica passport holders no longer having visa free access to the UK and Ireland.
Dominica Economic Citizenship vs Other Caribbean Programs
The Dominica citizenship by investment program is one of five Caribbean second citizenship programs.
- Dominica: The most affordable economic citizenship for a solo investor.
- Antigua and Barbuda: The cheapest Caribbean citizenship program for families of six or more.
- Grenada: The only Caribbean island nation offering eligibility for the US E2 Visa Program
- St Kitts and Nevis: The fasted citizenship timeline and strongest Caribbean passport.
- St Lucia: The only fully recoverable investment route.
Dominica Passport Power Ranking
The Dominican passport is a relatively strong Caribbean passport that facilitates access to 135 visa free destinations. The passport ranks 76th on the Global Passport Index, and destinations passport holders can travel to without a visa include China, Russia, Thailand, Singapore, and EU Schengen countries. Dominica citizens also qualify to apply for a US Visitors Visa.
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 of obtaining Dominica citizenship starts at $200,000 for a single applicant and $250,000 for a family of up to four. The overall Dominica passport cost includes processing, due diligence, and passport fees.
While you cannot buy Dominica citizenship, you can apply to the Dominica economic citizenship program (also called the Dominica Investor Visa). Under the program, investors can receive Dominica citizenship in exchange for foreign investment in the country’s economic development fund (Dominica Economic Diversification Fund). In addition to a government donation, Dominica citizenship investment options include purchasing government-approved real estate.
The minimum investment required for obtaining Dominica citizenship by investment is $200,000 for the Dominica Economy Diversification Fund route and $200,000 for investing in approved real estate projects. In addition to the non-refundable contribution, you must pay the government, due diligence, and passport fees.
cbiu.gov.dm is the Dominica citizenship by investment official website for the Dominica citizenship unit (CBIU), the Dominican government authority responsible for overseeing the country’s economic citizenship program.
Dominica citizenship by investment extends to the main applicant’s family members, including dependent children and dependent parents and grandparents. Additionally, future generations of successful applicants can also become Dominica citizens.
The Dominica Golden Visa scheme, officially called the Dominican Citizenship by Investment Program, allows investors to gain Dominican citizenship and a Dominican passport by investing in the country’s economic growth through investments that support socio-economic initiatives.
Obtaining citizenship and a Dominica passport through citizenship by investment in Dominica takes between six and nine months.
For those who seek a “budget-friendly passport,” Dominican economic citizenship is worth it due to the low cost of the investment required, which starts from $200,000. The entire process to obtain full citizenship is relatively straightforward and takes just six and nine months to complete. Furthermore, successful applicants can rest assured that their economic contribution to the ‘Nature Island’ to acquire citizenship will fund public and private sector projects that will enhance the quality of their lives.
Although you can’t legally buy Dominica citizenship, you can ensure your investment and application is legally compliant by applying through an Authorized Agent, which is a mandatory process in the Dominica citizenship by investment program.
While the Dominican government grants citizenship at its discretion, the country’s citizenship program is a relatively straightforward path to qualify for citizenship in Dominica, provided investors fulfill the eligibility criteria outlined in the Dominica Citizenship by Investment Act.
An official Dominica citizenship Authorised Agent assists applicants in applying for citizenship by investment in the country by providing expert guidance and support to navigate the process legally. As a mandatory first step, they ensure compliance with program requirements by conducting an initial review of documents, submitting applications, and facilitating due diligence checks, liaising between the applicant and Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment Unit (CBIU).