Acquiring Citizenship by Investment in Dominica - The Ultimate Guide
In an uncertain world increasing numbers of people are looking for the security of a second citizenship for themselves and their families. A second passport can provide increased freedom to travel internationally, peace of mind, as well as enhanced financial security. Several Caribbean island nations offer citizenship to eligible applicants including the island of Dominica.
We put together this guide for investors wondering how to get citizenship of Dominica and considering applying for the island’s Citizenship by Investment Program. The Dominica Citizenship by Investment Program enables qualifying investors to apply for full citizenship in exchange for a significant investment in the nation’s economy. There are several approved investment routes available to investors. Our guide covers all aspects of the program from eligibility requirements, investment options and application costs through to the benefits of citizenship.
Introduction
Since 1993 the Commonwealth of Dominica has operated a Citizenship by Investment Program.
Established in Dominican law, the Citizenship by Investment Program enables eligible applicants to acquire full, legal citizenship of Dominica for both themselves and close family members via a contribution to the island nation’s economy.
Management of this Citizenship program is overseen by the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CBIU) within Dominica’s Ministry of Finance.
Dominica’s Citizenship program has been consistently highly ranked by independent analysts and offers good value for money, whether applying as a single applicant or a family.
“Dominica’s Citizenship program has been consistently highly ranked by independent analysts and offers good value for money, whether applying as a single applicant or a family”
Benefits
Full Citizenship for Life
Successful applicants become full citizens with the right to live and work in Dominica and in other CARICOM (Caribbean Community) countries. Dominican citizens also enjoy all the rights and privileges of citizenship of a Commonwealth country in the UK and other Commonwealth countries.
No Residency Requirement
Successful applicants are not required to permanently reside in Dominica but the option is available.
Visa-Free Travel Worldwide
Successful applicants receive a Dominican passport which offers visa-free or visa on arrival access to over 140 countries worldwide, including the EU-Schengen area, the UK, Hong Kong, Singapore, Russia and many others.
Financial Advantages
Dominica’s attractive tax regime offers freedom from inheritance tax, capital gains tax and wealth tax.
Fast Track Application Process
Thanks to a straightforward application process you could receive your new Dominican passport in 4 to 6 months.
Family-Friendly Program
The program allows for family members to apply together, including spouses, children, parents and grandparents of the main applicant.
Dual Citizenship Permitted
Dominica recognizes dual citizenship so there is no requirement under Dominican law for applicants to give up their current citizenship.
Requirements
Applicants for citizenship of Dominica must meet the following requirements:
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must be able of good character with no criminal record
- Must be able to make at least the required minimum investment
The following family members of the main applicant (or the main applicant’s spouse) can be included in the application:
- Spouse
- Dependent children aged under 18 the main applicant (or the main applicant’s spouse)
- Children aged 18 to 30 who are financially dependent on the main applicant
- Children aged 18 or over who are physically or mentally disabled, living with and fully supported by the main applicant
- Parents or grandparents of the main applicant (or the main applicant’s spouse) who are aged 55 or older and financially dependent
- Unmarried siblings of the main applicant (or the main applicant’s spouse)
Investment Options
- 1 Option 1 Real Estate Investment
An investment in Dominica real estate authorized by the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica (N.B. the property must be held for a minimum of 3 years).
Minimum investment: US $200,000.
Search our Dominica Citizenship by Investment real estate for approved properties in Dominica.
- 2 Option 2 Financial Investment
A non-refundable financial contribution to Dominica’s Economic Diversification Fund (EDF).
Single applicant: US $100,000
Main applicant and spouse: US £175,000
Main applicant with up to three family members: US $200,000
Per additional dependent: US $25,000
Application Process
The application process involves the following steps:
- 1 Compile Application
Complete all required forms for the Dominican Citizenship by Investment Program in the English language and gather together all required supporting documents with the guidance and support of an authorized Agent. We can introduce you to a qualified and authorized Agent with experience of handling citizenship applications.
- 2 Submit Application
Submit application to the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CBIU) via an authorized Agent for review and due diligence.
- 3 Application Review & Determination
The application will be thoroughly reviewed by the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU). Applicants may be required to attend an interview. Strict due diligence (including AML (anti-money laundering), CTF (counter-terrorism financing) and criminal record checks will be conducted by multiple organizations including the CIU, international due diligence firms and regional and international law enforcement agencies. Approval in principle or rejection is usually provided within a period of 90 days.
- 4 Conclude Investment
If approved, applicants are required to pay the balance of the required investment and the remaining fees.
- 5 Citizenship Granted
The passport(s) will then be made available for collection either in Dominica or at an Embassy or Consulate, usually within a period of 30 days. At this time successful applicants will take an oath of allegiance.
Real Estate
Searching for real estate approved for the Dominica Citizenship by Investment Program? Several of our property listings in Dominica are approved projects under the CIP program.
Several of the listings on our site are officially approved projects which means that an investment in one of them provides eligibility to apply for citizenship of Dominica.
Search our Dominica Citizenship by Investment real estate options or contact us to discover your options.
Costs & Fees
Government Fees for the real estate route:
- Main applicant: US $25,000
- Main applicant + up to 3 dependents: US $35,000
- Main applicant + up to 5 dependents: US $50,000
- Main applicant + up to 6 dependents: US $70,000
- Sibling of the main applicant or spouse aged 18 to 25: US $50,000
- Sibling of the main applicant or spouse aged under 18: US $25,000
Government Fees for the financial contribution route:
- Main applicant: US $100,000
- Spouse of the main applicant: US $50,000
- Sibling of the main applicant or spouse aged 18 to 25: US $50,000
- Each additional dependent (excluding the spouse/siblings aged 18 to 25 of the main applicant or spouse): US $50,000
- Family of four (excluding siblings of the main applicant or spouse): US $175,000
Applicants are also responsible for due diligence and processing fees.
Find Out More
We would be delighted to discuss your options and consider whether the Dominica Citizenship by Investment Program would be a good fit for you.
To request a telephone callback, please complete the contact form and a specialist citizenship advisor will be in touch as soon as possible.
We look forward to hearing from you.