Dominica Citizenship
The Government of Dominica has legally established long running citizenship by investment program since 1992 enables individuals to receive a Dominican passport . Applicants can choose between two investment options (either the Economic Diversification Fund (EDF) or Real estate option) and make the required investment. Investment starts with a minimum contribution of US$200,000 to the EDF for a single applicant. The estimated processing time takes only 3-4 months.
Launched in 1993, the Citizenship by Investment Programme in Dominica stands out as one of the most popular and most affordable CBI program globally. Individuals can acquire Dominican citizenship by making a substantial financial investment aimed at enhancing the nation’s infrastructure.
Benefits
- World’s oldest economic citizenship program.
- Cheapest citizenship program in the Caribbean.
- No requirement to live in Dominica before or after citizenship.
- Travel visa free to 140+ countries including EU Schengen, Ireland, China, Russia etc.
- No personal visit to Dominica required.
- Passport issued with 10 year validity
- Open to all country nationals.
- Generational Citizenship for family and children.
- No residency requirements.
- Full Residence rights to live, study and work in Dominica.
- Free movement in CARICOM states.
- No wealth, gift, inheritance, worldwide income, personal or capital gains tax
- No restriction on the repatriation of profits and imported capital for business.
Why Dominica?
- Stability: Politically and economically stable economy.
- Wealth Preservation: No capital gains tax, wealth tax, and inheritance tax
- Flexible Options: Invest in real estate with an ROI or one time EDF to contribute to the nation’s growth and development.
- Competitive Pricing: At par with other Caribbean CIP programs.
- Lifetime Citizenship: Pass down to future generations.
- Travel Document – Dominican passport is recognized and accepted worldwide in 190+ countries.
- Plan B – A Great plan B second passport for frequent travellers.
- Visa Free Access: International business and personal travel.
Investment options
- Dominica EDF Contribution – USD 200,000 plus fees
- Real Estate Investment – USD 200,000 plus fees.
Processing Time
- Average 4-6 months from submission of application to passport.
1. Dominica Economic Diversification Fund (EDF)
The EDF is a Dominican Government initiative established through the Citizenship by Investment Programme, allowing applicants to obtain economic citizenship by contributing financially to support socio-economic projects that enhance national development, including schools, hospitals, and various sectors like tourism and agriculture. Minimum investment starts at US$200,000.
To gain Dominican citizenship through the EDF investment option, an applicant must contribute at least US$200,000.
- US$200,000 (two hundred thousand United States dollars) for the main applicant;
- US$250,000 (two hundred and fifty thousand United States dollars) for the main applicant and up to three qualifying dependants;
- US$25,000 (twenty-five thousand United States dollars) for any additional dependant under the age of eighteen;
- US$40,000 (forty thousand United States dollars) for any additional dependant eighteen years of age or older;
The following fees must be paid in addition to the minimum EDF contribution:
- Processing Fees -US$1,000 per application;
- Due diligence fees – US$7,500 for the main applicant, 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$500 per person;
- Mandatory interview fees – All applicants aged 16 and over will be subject to an interview fee of US$1,000 per interview.
2. Real Estate Investment
Dominican citizenship by real estate is an attractive and most popular pathway chosen by many investors for Citizenship by Investment Programme. The applicant must invest a minimum of US$200,000 in an Approved Project and hold the property for three years or five years if selling to another Citizenship by Investment applicant.
Fractional ownership or freehold properties available with most property developments in Dominica. You can get high ROI rental income, no management or operational fee, club membership and personal use stay.
Government Approved Properties:
- Secret bay
- Anichi Resort
- Timbos Downtown
- Intercontinental hotel
- Sanctuary rainforest and spa
- Cabritts Kempinski
- Tranquility beach resort
Government fees (Real estate only)
If the application for Dominica citizenship by real estate investment is approved, the following government fees also apply:
- US$75,000 for the main applicant;
- US$100,000 for the main applicant and up to three dependants;
- US$25,000 for each additional dependant under the age of 18;
- US$40,000 for each additional qualified dependant aged 18 years of age or older.
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 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$500 per person;
- Mandatory interview fees – US$1,000 per interview;
Eligibility
Eligible applicants must be at least 18 years old, have no criminal record, and meet financial and health requirements. Family members (spouse, children, and in some cases, parents and grandparents) can also apply.
How to Apply
- Prepare and gather all documents and forms
- Apply through authorized/licensed agent (we will help you)
- Pay initial fee (Agency fee, Due diligence fee only)
- Wait for Approval letter
- Pay the investment and balance sum.
- Receive citizenship certificate.
- Apply for Dominican passport.
- Collect from embassy or authorized agent
Background checks
All applicants will be vetted by means of a thorough due diligence background check in order to verify the information that you have provided. All applicants sixteen years of age or over will be required to attend a mandatory interview.
The CBIU will consider your file taking into consideration the findings of the due diligence report and mandatory interview and make a recommendation on your application to the Government accordingly. You will then receive a letter through your Authorised Agent, which will inform you on the status of your application. This will let you know whether it has been successful (known as “approval in principle”), delayed for cause and is still being processed or denied.
Required Documents
To apply for Dominican Citizenship by Investment, you will need to submit the following (non-exhaustive) supporting documents:
- Valid Passport: A copy of your current passport (must have at least 6 months before expiry).
Proof of Funds: Documents showing your ability to meet the financial requirements (bank statements, asset verification).
Birth Certificate: A certified and apostilled/legalised colour copy to prove your identity and nationality.
Police Clearance: A certificate of good conduct from your birth country, the country you currently reside and any country you have lived for more than 6 months in the past 10 years issued within the last 3 months prior to submission.
Medical Certificate: Completion of the medical form, blood, urine and HIV tests (no more than three months of at the time of submission).
Proof of Investment: Documentation of your chosen investment (real estate or fund contribution).
Passport-sized Photos: Recent photos meeting specific requirements.
If your application is approved in principle, the CBIU’s letter will also instruct you to make your contribution payment for the Economic Diversification Fund option or complete the payment on the real estate property. Upon receiving proof of payment, the CBIU will then issue your Certificate of Naturalisation, which stands as evidence of your citizenship and can be used by yourself or your Authorised Agent to apply for your Dominican passport.
Family Members
The following categories of family members can apply in one application..
- A spouse of the main applicant.
A child under 18 years of age of the main applicant or the spouse of the main applicant.
A child of the main applicant or the spouse of the main applicant between 18 and 30 years who is in attendance at a recognised institution of higher learning and fully supported by the main applicant or the spouse of the main applicant.
An unmarried daughter of the main applicant or the spouse of the main applicant who is under 25 years of age and is living with and fully supported by the main applicant or the spouse of the main applicant.
A child of the main applicant or the spouse of the main applicant who is 18 of age or older and physically or mentally challenged and who is fully supported by the main applicant or the spouse of the main applicant.
Parents or grandparents of the main applicant or the spouse of the main applicant above the age of 65 years who are substantially supported by the main applicant or the spouse of the main applicant.
Post addition – A main applicant who obtained citizenship through the Dominica CBI Programme may apply to add a minor child (either biological or adopted) as a post-citizenship addition to his application without any time restriction relating to when the main applicant obtained.