Regarded as one of the fastest and most affordable ways to obtain a second passport, the Dominica Citizenship by Investment program provides the opportunity for foreign investors and entrepreneurs to live, work, and expand their portfolio in a tropical Caribbean paradise.
Considering applying for Citizenship by Investment in Dominica?
-
- If you would like to speak with a consultant about the program, including the eligibility requirements, investment options, and how to apply, then you may contact the experts at Global Residence Index to schedule an online consultation.
What Are The Benefits of the Dominica Citizenship by Investment Program?
Formally known as the Dominica Economic Citizenship Program, the Caribbean island’s citizenship investment opportunity presents a number of benefits.
1. A Favorable Tax Regime
The Dominica citizenship investment program attracts investors looking to establish or grow their businesses in the Caribbean thanks to its beneficial tax framework.
Dominica citizens, including those obtaining citizenship through a CBI program, can avoid paying taxes on income, inheritance, and capital gains.
This makes it an appealing destination for savvy entrepreneurs looking to generate a maximum return on their investment.
2. Visa-Free Travel
Dominica passport holders enjoy visa-free access to over 140 countries worldwide, including major destinations throughout Asia, the EU, and beyond.
3. An Efficient and Affordable Route to Citizenship
The Dominica citizenship investment program provides a streamlined and cost-effective path to acquiring citizenship.
As an investor, you and your family can secure citizenship within just a few months, all with a lower minimum investment than other Caribbean options.
4. No Minimum Stay Requirements
The entire application process for Dominican citizenship can be done remotely.
Once approved, you’re free to come and go as you please, and you don’t have to spend any time living in Dominica in order to keep your passport.
This makes it ideal for individuals and families who want to enjoy the benefits of a second passport, such as tax benefits and global mobility, without having to move to a new country.
5. Pass on Citizenship to Future Generations
Citizenship by descent is one of the more unique benefits offered by the Dominica CBI.
Once you’ve been granted citizenship, your future children and grandchildren will also be Dominican citizens, even if they are born outside of Dominica (currently, there is a registration fee of $2,000 per newborn child).
What are the Eligibility Requirements for the Dominica Citizenship by Investment?
Before you can apply to the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program, you’ll need to ensure that you meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a clean criminal record
- Have a clean bill of health
While all applicants must undergo the standard due diligence checks, citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran are (as of July 17, 2023) required to undergo an Enhanced Due Diligence process, which comes with additional fees, which are noted below:
Fees Required to Obtain Dominican Citizenship Via Investment
- Application processing fee: $1,000 per applicant
- Certificate of Naturalization fee: $250 per applicant
- Expedited passport issuance fee: $1,200 per applicant.
- Due diligence fees:
- Main applicant – $7,500 ($25,000 for Iranian applicants)
- Spouse and dependents aged 16 and up $4,000 ($15,000 for Iranian applicants)
Exclusions and Additional Eligibility Requirements
At the time of writing, citizens of Russia are not eligible to apply for Dominica citizenship through its CBI program.
If you hold citizenship in Iran, North Korea, or Sudan, you can still apply to the program as long as you meet the following additional requirements:
- You must not have resided in your country of citizenship for at least the past ten years
- You must not have performed any economic activity in your country in this time
- You must not hold any substantial financial assets in your country.
Considering applying for citizenship in Dominica?
-
- You may benefit from working with an investment citizenship consultant such as Global Residence Index, whose team of advisors can help determine whether Dominica is the most suitable CBI route for you, confirm your eligibility, and guide you throughout the process.
What Are The Investment Requirements to Obtain Dominica Citizenship?
Dominica offers two investment routes to gain citizenship.
1. Economic Diversification Fund
This route requires a minimum donation to Dominica’s Economic Diversification Fund (EDF), which funds socio-economic development in the country.
The size of this non-refundable donation depends on the number of people included in your application:
- Main applicant: $100,000
- Main applicant and spouse: $150,000
- Family of four (main applicant, spouse, two children): $175,000
- Additional dependents under 18: $25,000 per applicant
- Additional dependents over 18: $50,000 per applicant.
2. Real Estate Investment
As an alternative to the EDF route, you could choose to make a minimum $200,000 investment in government-approved real estate.
Typically, the majority of pre-approved real estate investment options include shares in hotels and luxury tourist accommodations.
To be eligible for citizenship, you must commit to maintaining your investment for at least three years (five years if you’re selling the real estate to another citizenship investor).
Unlike other options, the minimum investment amount is not affected by the number of people included in your application.
This may make it a more affordable option than the EDF donation if you have a large number of dependents.
Looking for expert help?
- The investment migration experts at Global Residence Index can guide you toward the best route for you and your family and help you plan your real estate investment should you choose that option.
How to Apply for Dominica Citizenship and Passport: Step-by-Step Process
1. Consultant with an advisor
Your first step is to book a consultation with an advisory firm, such as Global Residence Index.
2. Select Your Investment
Once your advisor is on board, they can help you determine whether choosing the EDF donation or real estate investment option is the best path. They can also go over eligible real estate options with you.
3. Submit Your Application and Supporting Documents
Your advisor will work with you to ensure that you have everything in place and will submit your application on your behalf.
4. Recieve Your Letter of Approval
Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment Unit (CBIU) works relatively quickly to process your application, and you should receive a decision within three to four months.
Assuming your application is successful, the CBUI will send confirmation that you have been ‘approved in principle’ for citizenship.
5. Complete Your Investment and Acquire Citizenship
Your next task is to work with your agent to finalize your investment and submit proof of that investment along with the remaining fees.
This generally needs to be done within 30 days from receipt of your approval letter, but can be extended upon request.
Once your investment is complete, you and your family members will be granted citizenship and will receive your Dominican passports within four weeks, together with certificates of naturalization.
What Documentation Do I Need for The Dominica Citizenship by Investment Program
Along with your application form, you’ll also need to submit supporting documents to the CBIU.
These include:
- passport photos
- Color copies of all forms of identification, including:
- Passports (current and expired)
- Drivers license
- Identity cards
- Military service and discharge documents (where relevant)
- Proof of a name change where applicable
- Professional references
- Professional resume or business background report
- Bank statements from the past 12 months
- Proof that you have the funds to complete your investment and support your family in Dominica
- Biometric and photographic verification completed by a certified officer
- Proof of your investment
- Medical certificate issued by a licensed medical professional
- Blood and urine test results
- HIV test results (for all applicants over the age of 12)
- Full police records for all applicants over 16.
If children under the age of 16 are included in your application, you’ll also need to submit:
- A sworn affidavit confirming that your child does not have a criminal record.
- A letter of recommendation from each child’s place of education.
- A notarized affidavit of support is also required for any dependents over the age of 18 who apply with you.
Your advisor will ensure that your application package contains all the necessary materials to improve the likelihood of a successful application.
Not sure if you are eligible for the program?
Frequently Asked Questions:
Does Dominica Recognize Dual Citizenship?
Yes. Dominica’s dual citizenship rules allow you to maintain your existing citizenship.
Due to the country’s privacy regulations, the Dominican government won’t disclose your citizenship status to your home country, making this a popular option among investors who value discretion.
Can I include family members on my application for Dominican Citizenship?
Yes. Along with your spouse, you can also include the following dependents on your application:
- Children under 18 years old,
- Children aged 18-30 who are in higher education and supported by you as the main applicant or your spouse,
- Dependent children of any age who are supported by you or your spouse due to a physical or mental disability,
- Unmarried daughters under the age of 25 who live with you, and
- Dependent parents and grandparents of you or your spouse who are over the age of 65.
Dominica Citizenship by Investment & Passport: Key Takeaways
- The investment options available to you – including either a minimum $100,000 donation to an economic development fund or investment in government-approved real estate with a minimum value of at least $200,000
- The advantages of choosing the Dominica citizenship program – Lower investment requirements and faster processing times than other CBI programs make Dominica an attractive option for those seeking second citizenship, and that’s before considering the tax relief benefits.
- How to apply to the citizenship by investment program – The Dominican government only accepts applications submitted via an approved agent, who can help you get your application processed within 3 – 4 months.
If you would like to speak with a consultant about the program, including the eligibility requirements, investment options, and how to apply, then you may contact the global advisory team at Global Residence Index to schedule an online consultation.
The next step to obtaining citizenship in Dominica: