Dominica is the “Nature Island of the Caribbean” is a green tropical forests, one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean with untouched nature with countless rivers and waterfalls, and emerald green mountains dropping dramatically into the turquoise sea. Dominica has world’s second-largest hot spring, with mountainous rainforests, home to many rare plants, animals, and birds.

Dominica Citizenship

Dominica has the oldest and most trusted “economic citizenship by investment” program since 1993,  which allows granting citizenship to those who make a contribution to the development of the country or in real estate. Dominica has the cheapest citizenship program in the world.

• Cheapest and most popular investment citizenship program in the world.
• No residency requirement to live in Dominica before or after citizenship.
• Irrevocable citizenship for life against one time investment.
• Passport within 3-4 months.
• Travel visa free to over 121 countries including UK, Ireland and EU schengen.
• No interviews or language tests
• No visit to Dominica to get citizenship.
• Passport issued with 10 year validity.
• Citizenship program open to all country nationals.
• Immediate citizenship for family and children.
• No interviews. No tests. No business experience or education/
• Permanent residence card live and work in Dominica.
• No wealth, gift, inheritance, foreign income or capital gains tax and no personal income tax for residents.
• No restriction on the repatriation of profits and imported capital for business.
• Confidential application process through authorized agents.

Eligible Investments

The Dominica citizenship-by-investment Programme is set out in the the legislation published pursuant to Section 101 of the Constitution and Sections 8 and 20 (1) of the Citizenship Act of Dominica. Under this scheme, you will need to make minimum investment under 2 citizenship routes

• USD 100,000 (National donation fund)
• USD 200,000 (Real estate)

1. Economic Diversification Fund 

One time contribution to National Donation Fund of Government.

• US$100,000 (one hundred thousand United States dollars) for the main applicant;
• US$150,000 (one hundred and fifty thousand United States dollars) for the main applicant and spouse;
• US$175,000 (one hundred and seventy-five thousand United States dollars) for the main applicant and up to three dependants;
• US$25,000 (twenty-five thousand United States dollars) for any additional dependant under the age of eighteen;
• US$50,000 (fifty thousand United States dollars) for any additional dependant eighteen years of age or older;

Additional costs

Application fee – $1000 per file
Interview fee – $1000 per interview

Due Diligence

• Main applicant – US$ 7,500
• Spouse – US$ 4,000
• Dependant aged 16 years or above – US$ 4,000

Payments can be made in USD, GBP and EUR

2. Dominica Real Estate

Applicant must buy a real estate for USD 200,000 in approved projects.

The Following additional Government Fees Are Applicable Under Real Estate For The Main Applicant And Any Accompanying Dependents:

If the application for Dominica citizenship by real estate investment is approved, the following government fees also apply:

• US$25,000 (twenty-five thousand United States dollars) for the main applicant;
• US$35,000 (thirty-five thousand United States dollars) for the main applicant and up to three dependants;
• US$50,000 (fifty thousand United States dollars) for the main applicant and up to five dependants;
• US$25,000 (twenty-five thousand United States dollars) for any additional qualified dependant;

Additional fee

In addition to the capital required for Dominica real estate investment, the following fees are also applicable:

• Processing fees – US$1,000 per application
• Due diligence fees – US$7,500 for the main applicant, US$4,000 for a spouse and US$4,000 for any dependants aged 16 or above.
  In some cases, enhanced due diligence fees may be required depending on current citizenship status, and other personal circumstances.
• Certificate of naturalisation fee – US$250 per person
• Mandatory Interview Fees – US$1000 per interview

Citizenship Procedure

STEP 1: Sign a retainer agreement with the agent and pay a small initial deposit (10%). The agent will do a compulsory due diligence check and will request for documents before starting the process. The authorized agent will sign client-professional agreement and ensuring the confidentiality of the documents and information.

STEP 2: Pay the agents service fee, due diligence, registration fee, application fees. Government fee is needed only for real estate. The agent will handle everything between Government and the Client. At this point on, the agent will check and verify all documents and will launch an application with CBIU for citizenship on behalf of the client.

STEP 3: CBIU unit in Dominica will take 60 to 90 days to arrive at a decision. Once the application is approved, they will issue “Letter of Approval” to the agent who will instruct you to pay the remaining investment amount the Government escrow account within 30 days of time.

STEP 4: CBIU verifies that the appropriate investment has been completed, a signed and notarized Oath of Allegiance will be submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Immigration and Labour

STEP 5: The client will be promptly issued a Certificate of Naturalization and you will receive a Dominica passport within 7 days. The agent will collect naturalization certificate and passport and will hand over to you.

Dominica Passport

Dominica passport is ranked 41st best passport in the world passport ranking with visa free access to 140 countries in the world (see below). Dominica citizens enjoy visa free travel to, Europe, China, Singapore, Switzerland etc.

Dominica Dominica passport is initially valid for 10 years and Dominica does NOT report your new citizenship status to other countries. You dont need to redo the investment when you renew your passport after expiry.

Dominica Real Estate

Investing in Dominica Real Estate for Citizenship

To qualify for citizenship under real estate, one must invest in government approved real estate property of atleast USD 200,000 for each main applicant. Two or more applicants may apply for citizenship together by purchasing one piece of real estate, provided that each main applicant contributes the minimum investment of USD 200,000 towards the investment. The real estate can be sold after 3 years and citizenship is not lost after selling the property .

Dominica has a stable real estate market which is expect to grow by 2.8% by the end of this year. Property costs start from $200,000 to $500,000. The minimum real estate investment $200,000 qualifies for Dominica passport and citizenship. Foreigners can freely acquire upto 1 acre of land for residential and 3 acres for commercial purposes. Rental yields are around 4-5% but can go up as high as 7% in capital Roseau around Castle Comfort and Wall House areas during peak season. Calibishie and Woodford Hill are very popular places to buy a real estate in Dominica among foreigners.

Please note only government approved real estate projects qualify for citizenship of dominica. It is possible to buy a share in real estate project (hotel, resort) starting from 200,000 dollars

How to buy real estate?

Step 1. Sign initial reservation form and pay initial deposit 10% of the real estate price.
Step 2: Initial application and required documents for citizenship through agent. You also have to pay due diligence fees ($7500). Investor will execute sale of purchase agreement.
Step 3: After 3-4 months, approval letter is given by Government and within 7 days you are required to pay the balance for real estate and government fees.
Step 4: The proof of ownership is handed over to Government and within 3-4 weeks you will be issued “citizenship certificate”.
Step 5: Using “certificate of citizenship” apply for Dominica passport which takes about 1 week.

Approved Real estate Developments

The following are Government approved real estate projects currently under construction in Dominica.

Cabrits Resort Kempinski

USD 220,000

Bois Cotlette Estate

starts from $250,000

Silver Beach Development

$200,000 onwards

Tranquility Beach

$200,000 onwards

Jungle Bay Villas

$200,000 onwards

Secret Bay Residences

$200,000 onwards

Citizenship by investment FAQS

Where is DOMINICA?

The Commonwealth of Dominica is a Caribbean republic with a parliamentary democracy. The capital city is Roseau and the population is approximately 70,000. The language is English. French Patois is also spoken and the currency is the East Caribbean Dollar.

Dominica should not be confused with “The Dominican Republic” which is a completely different country.

Dominica is the member of CARICOM, Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), the Commonwealth of Nations, United Nations, International Monetary Fund, World Bank and Organization of American States (OAS) and Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) in Canada.

What is Dominica Citizenship by investment program (CIP)?

The Citizenship by Investment Programme allows foreign investors to obtain full legal citizenship and passports for an investor and their family where that investor has made a significant investment in Dominica which qualifies under the Citizenship by Investment Regulations. Presently the qualifying investments are a contribution to the Government Fund of a minimum amount of US$100,000 or the purchase of a property to the value of US$200,000.

How do i travel to Dominica?

International travellers from Europe and the USA arrive in Dominica through transit hubs in Antigua, Barbados, St Maarten, Puerto Rico, Guadeloupe and Martinique. Dominica’s main and larger airport is Melville Hall (DOM) which accommodates commercial airlines and has an updated terminal. Canefield Airport (DCF) currently serves only courier services and private charters.

Where is Dominica passport recognized?

Everywhere. The passport that you obtain as a Citizen by Investment is a fully legal passport, and is universally recognised by all state parties to the UN.

Do i get right to vote in elections?

The citizenship of dominica will give you full right to vote in political elections.

What is “Certificate of naturalization”?

The cerificate of naturalization is the proof that you have become “Citizen of Commonwealth of Dominica”. Citizenship from Dominica is valid for lifetime. They will ask for this certificate when you apply or renew the dominica passport.

Do i need an address in Dominica to renew my passport?

No, you do not need an address in Dominica. You can renew your passport at Passport and Immigration Department in Dominica or through any Dominican Consulate and may simply give your primary residence as address.

How many dependents can be included in citizenship application?

Unlimited, as long as the family members are fully supported financially by main applicant.

Can i include brothers and sisters in family application?

No you may include, mother, father, spouse and children under family citizenship application.

Do i have to attend an interview?

There is currently no mandatory interview requirement for the Dominican Citizenship by Investment Program, however an interview may be required at the discretion of the government.

Does Dominica recognize dual citizenship?

Yes, the laws of Dominica recognise and allow dual citizenship and you are not required to renounce your other citizenships. Further more, Dominica does not notify authorities of your country of residence or citizenship on your Dominican citizenship. You are not required to reside in Dominica to keep your citizen’s status.

How do i reach Dominica by air and sea?

By Air: International flights from US and Europe are connected to the island through hubs in Antigua, Barbados, St. Maarten, Guadeloupe and Martinique. The Leeward Island Transport (LIAT) and Caribbean Star usually complete the Dominican leg. LIAT and American Eagle also provide connecting flights to the island out of Puerto Rico.

By Sea: A 300-seat catamaran operated by L’Express des Îles ferries passengers between Dominica, Guadeloupe, Martinique and St. Lucia. The ferry service in Dominica also includes 400 capacity Catamaran operated by Jeans, traverses from Guadeloupe to Dominica into the town of Portsmouth. Every year, hundreds of thousands of visitors arrive on the island from Cruise Ships berthed at the Bayfront, Woodbridge Bay, and Cabrits. Captains of Yachts and Sailboats can also anchor their private yacht at any of the island’s official ports, but they should check in with customs and immigration on arrival. see: http://www.dominica.dm/index.php/how-to-get-here

Where can i travel with my new dominican passport without obtaining visa in advance?

With a Dominican passport, you can travel visa-free to over 95 countries, including the UK, Singapore, Hong Kong and Ireland. You will have the right to live and work in Dominica at any time. As Dominica is a member of CARICOM, you can also live in any other member nation. Holders of a Dominican passport, like all Caribbean countries, do require a visa to enter the United States, as they are not a member of the Visa Waiver Program.

How many years is the Dominica passport valid?

All Dominican passports are valid for up to 10 years. Passports for children under 16 years old are issued for 5 years.

Can i travel to UK with Dominica passport?

You dont need UK visa with dominica passport for short visits less than 6 months for tourism, visiting friends/family, business trip for conferences or meetings. You can check here: https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa

Do i need a visa to travel to USA and Canada with dominica passport?

Yes, you will need a separate visa to visit these countries, despite holding Dominica passport.

How many days i can stay in Schengen countries with Dominica passport?

You can stay maximum upto 90 days in 180 day in schengen countries, combined under sliding window.

Can children from previous marriage apply under my present family application?

Yes, possible.

What are the required documents and forms?

• Disclosure Form
• Verification form
• Two (2) completed and notarized copies of Application Form 12 for each applicant
• One (1) professional reference
• Letter of Employment/ Financial Statements
• Recommendation from applicant’s Bankers
• Two (2) Personal references
• Police Record, with fingerprints, from country of birth and country of residence (if different) for each applicant sixteen (16) years and over. For children twelve to fifteen (12-15), sworn affidavit by parent that child does not have criminal record
• Eight (8) passport size photos for each applicant
• Marriage Certificate/Dissolution of Marriage if required
• Birth Certificate
• Medical Certificate
• Letter of recommendation from the head of the school/university for children between 12 and 18 years old
• Proof of payment of relevant fees.
• Affidavit of Source of Funds.
• Detailed Business Background Reports/Resume
• Notarized copies of University/College diplomas.

Why dominica is the most popular citizenship program in the world?

Over 5000 individuals apply for dominica passport every year. The Dominica citizenship program has raised over $200 million dollars, that has helped dominica to reshape its economy. The funds from citizenship program are spent on public and private sectors in Dominica economy such as tourism, agriculture, travel, schools, sports, research, education etc.. Dominica has sold over 12000 passports since 2003.

Dominica passport holders enjoy access to UK (scotland, ireland, wales), 26 European countries (Germany, France, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, Sweden, Denmark etc). Dominica passport holders are allowed to stay maximum 180 days in UK for business, tourism etc, and 90 days out of 180 days in EU schengen zone.

Other caribbean nations also run citizenship programs, but they are much more expensive, where with Dominica it is half the price . For example, Antigua costs ($200,000), St Kitts ($250,000), Grenada ($200,000), St Lucia ($200,000).

What is the reputation of Dominica passport?

Dominica passport is ranked 41st best passport in the world with visa free access to 119 countries in the world, according to the statistics from Henley restrictions index 2016. Dominica offers a good, easy second citizenship option and powerful second passport, cheapest of all citizenship programs running in Antigua, St Kitts, Grenada and St Lucia, Malta, Cyprus, Portugal.

Do i have to pay the investment amount again after the expiry of passport?

No. It is just one time investment. After expiry you can renew your Dominica passport just by paying a small passport fee ($38)

How does the Government donation fund work?

Donation route is the cheapest and fastest route to get the citizenship.

Applicants applying under the Government donation option must agree to pay the investment amount $100,000, specified by the program within 30 days of receiving an Approval in Principle letter from the Citizenship by investment unit (CBIU).

Will the price of dominica passport increase in the future?

It can. On July 28, 2016, Prime minister of Dominica, Roosevelt Skerrit, announced that current pricing remains unchanged, despite rumours that that prices will hike by $75,000

Could the citizenship be refused by Dominica?

Yes, it is possible. The granting of citizenship is a the sole discretion of the Government and the Council of ministers. The citizenship may be refused under the reasons.

• False or concealment of information in the application.
• Failing due diligence and background checks done by Government.
• Criminal record or financial fraud.
• Previous visa denial to a country with visa waiver agreements with.
• Country national subjected to international sanctions (OFAC).
• Disrepute to Dominica.

Those who are involved in organized crime, financial crimes, money laundering, or terrorism will be denied citizenship. The Government may also revoke citizenship after granting the passport.

Does Dominica report my citizenship to other countries?

No. The citizenship granted is fully confidential. The Government does not publish names of Citizenship by investment candidates and does not share it with other Governments.

Is it possible to get a diplomatic passport from Dominica?

Currently no. Diplomatic passport will not give you citizenship in Dominica. Diplomatic passports only issued to government employees for work-related travel officially representing Dominica. Carrying a diplomatic passport does not entitle someone to diplomatic immunity. Unless you have high level government or political contacts, it is not possible to get one.

Do i need visa to enter Dominica?

Please see: http://www.dominica.dm/index.php/entry-requirements

Does Dominica give citizenship against buying Government bonds?

No.

Is it possible to permanent residence card after getting citizenship in dominica?

Yes, however you wont need this as dominica passport is much more identification document than the permanent residence card. Please note in some cases, the authorities will ask for 5 years of living to give you the PR card.

What are tax consequences after becoming citizen of dominica?

Dominica has friendly tax regime, and citizens of dominica who dont live in the country, does not have any tax liabilities and enjoy a tax free foreign income status. There are no wealth, gift or inheritance taxes.

What are the benefits of incorporating an offshore company in Dominica?

Dominica is popular offshore company formation of IBC’s because of the high confidentiality of real owners and directors. There are no financial reporting requirement, noimport duties and no restriction on the repatriation of corporate profits or imported capital.

Do i have to travel to Dominica to submit the application?

There is no requirement to travel to Dominica as part of the application process, however we encourage individuals to visit Dominica. If an interview is required, it would usually be held in Dominica. However, should the applicant be unable to attend an interview in Dominica, interviews may be held at certain centres outside of Dominica, subject to the applicant paying the applicable costs.

Does the Government does background checks on individuals?

Dominica economic citizenship program will only accept individuals of outstanding character and repute in order to protect the integrity of the country. To ensure only credible persons of impeccable standing are given citizenship, the Government of Dominica performs a comprehensive due diligence procedure on all applicants older than 18 years of age through Interpol or other private detective agencies. Only individuals with no criminal record and whose funds have been legally derived will be permitted to acquire citizenship in the country.

What is the minimum required for real estate purchase?

USD 200,000 is the minimum. Dominica real estate minimum requirement very cheap almost half the price ,compared to St Kitts or Antigua, where they ask for $400,000 minimum.

Do i have to be resident in Dominica in order to obtain citizenship?

No. You do not have to reside in Dominica before or after citizenship is granted under the Programme.

Who is eligible to apply for citizenship under investment?

Applicants for citizenship must be at least 18 years of age, of good character, without criminal records and who are able and willing to make the required contribution. Applicants must engage an authorised agent who will assist them to prepare the required forms and supporting documents.

Can i change my name after becoming dominica citizen?

You can legally change surname via a Deed Poll procedure once they have been a citizen for more than one year

How much does the programme cost? What are the fees?

The total cost will be made up of the investment, and then other fees relating to the processing of the application. These will depend on whether you choose to obtain citizenship through the Government Fund option or the Real Estate Investment option.

Does citizenship of dominica extend to my spouse and children?

Yes, citizenship is extended to your spouse, dependent children and dependent parents. Fees for family members are provided with the application form.

Are there any restrictions on who can apply?

No. This citizenship scheme has no country restrictions. Nationals of Iran, Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan can also apply.

Is the investment amount refundable?

yes, the investment amount paid to government is refundable, only if the application is refused. However other fee and charges are not refundable.

Do i need to vist in person for Dominica citzenship?

No, usually the interviews are waived but you are welcome to visit Dominica anytime

Does dominica passport has lifetime validity?

Citizenship from Dominica is valid for life. The cerificate of naturalization is the proof that you have become dominica citizen. Dominica passport issued is valid for ten years at a time, and can be renewed for life since citizenship is permanent for life. Dominica passports issued to children under 16 years old are valid for a duration of 5 years.

All expiring Commonwealth of Dominica passport can be easily renewed for a small fee $40 at any Dominica consulate or embassy or at the Dominica passport office in capital Roseau. The agent can also help you to facilitate the renewal process. No requirement to come to Dominica in person. You also dont need to have local registered address in Dominica.

Do i need visa to visit USA and Canada as Dominica citizen? dominica passport?

Yes, visa is required for US, Canada.

Is dual citizenship allowed?

Yes, dual citizenship is allowed on dominica and there are no restrictions. However you will need to be careful with the immigration rules of your home country. In some countries dual nationalities are illegal or criminal offense. We askour clients to consult a immigration lawyer in your country and seek professional advice.

What are the must see places in Dominica?

The Trafalgar Falls, Emerald Pool, and Cabrits National Park are very popular. Dominica has an organized tour operations system for cruise visitors.

Does Dominica have beaches?

Dominica is mainly of lush tropical forests and waterfalls. Dominica is not a typical Caribbean destination of white sand beaches, however there are many beaches within coves with glistening volcanic sand along the island’s west coast. Beaches at Mero, Macoucheri, and Portsmouth are splendid.

What are the investment opportunities available in Dominica?

Fishing, green tourism, soft adventure projects, highend boutique hotels, exclusive villas and nature related activities, manufacturing, shipping, banking and insurance.

How do i renew my dominica passport after expiry?

Expired passports or those with no free pages can be easily renewed for a fee at the Passport and Immigration Department in Dominica or through any Dominican Consulate (with no need to personally travel to Dominica or to its Consulates).

Are there any other ways to get citizenship in Dominica besides investment route?

Yes, right by birth or blood or naturalize by living 7 years in Dominica.

How can i be sure that my passport will be renewed upon expiry?

As part of the laws of Dominica, citizens are entitled to a passport.

Can i renew my passport if i have already sold the real estate investment property?

Yes, as long as you held the property for the required number of years after obtaining your citizenship.

Are you an authorized agent of Dominica CIP?

We work with approved agents and lawyers authorized by Dominica citizenship by investment unit. “authorised agent” is a person licensed by the Government to act on behalf of applicants for Citizenship by Investment.

Who qualifies as dependents?

A dependent’ means:

• A spouse of the main applicant;
• A child under eighteen (18) years of age of the main applicant or his or her spouse;
• A child of the main applicant or his or her spouse between eighteen (18) and twenty five (25) who is in full time attendance at a recognised institution of higher learning after his or her eighteenth birthday and fully supported by the main applicant;
• An unmarried daughter of the main applicant who is under twenty five (25) years of age and is living with and fully supported by the main applicant;
• A child of the main applicant or spouse of the main applicant who is above the age of eighteen (18) years and physically or mentally challenged and who is fully supported by the applicant;
• Parents or grandparents of the main applicant or his or her spouse above the age of sixty five (65) years living with and fully supported by the main applicant.

A ‘’child’’ means a biological or legally adopted child of a main applicant, or of the spouse of the main applicant. For more information, contact an authorised agent for questions relating to which of your family members may be included in your application.

What is economic citizenship?

Foreign investor pays or donates cash to country’s economic fund or does a investment in the economic activity in that country. In exchange, citizenship is granted immediately within months, waiving the residency requirements and naturalizing them for citizenship against the monetary contribution.

What are the benefits of dominica citizenship?

Once citizenship of Dominica has been granted, you will have the all of the same rights as any Dominican citizen. You will have the right to live and work in Dominica at any time. As Dominica is a member of CARICOM, you can also live in any other member nation. With a Dominican passport, you can travel visa-free to over 95 countries, including the UK, Singapore, Hong Kong and Ireland.

Will i be liable to any taxes in Dominica?

There is no wealth, gift, inheritance, foreign income or capital gains tax. You are only liable to pay personal tax if you reside in the country.

Can i submit the citizenship application myself to the CIP unit?

No. Applications must be submitted through authorized agents.

How long does the application process take?

From submission of the required documents to the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica, the processing time is approximately 8-12 weeks.

How does the Dominica CIP compare to other citizenship by investment programs in other countries?

This reputable programme has been running since 1993 and is established and experienced in processing applications. It is the cheapest of all, quick processing times and offers the most affordable route to full, legal citizenship of any of the Citizenship by Investment Programmes in the world.