Under the Dominica Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Program, foreigners can get the country’s passport in approximately 6 months. To be eligible, they need to invest $200,000 in either the government fund or real estate. Both options include additional fees for Due Diligence and processing.
In the article, we give a full guide on the requirements, procedures, and expenses for obtaining the Dominica passport by investment.
The Dominica CBI Program is one of the oldest among other citizenship-by-investment programs: it has been in place since 1993. In 2023, the Dominica Citizenship by Investment Program was ranked 2nd in the ranking of the best Caribbean CBI Programs.
To participate, applicants need to invest at least $200,000 in the government fund or buy real estate valued at the same price. Contributions to the fund are non-refundable, while a property can be sold 3—5 years after getting citizenship.
Investors obtain a passport in approximately six months without needing to come to the country at any stage. However, they can’t apply for the passport on their own; the application must be made through a licenced agent, such as Immigrant Invest.
The investor can add their close family members, such as a spouse, children, parents, and grandparents. Children, parents, and grandparents must be financially dependent on the main applicant.
1. Freedom of travel. Dominica citizens visit all the Schengen states, China, and Singapore without visas. Caribbean countries like Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, and Grenada are also among visa-free destinations.
Some countries require obtaining Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) online or visas upon arrival at customs. Yet, the process is easier, and their issuance usually takes several minutes.
2. Pathway to dual citizenship. Dominica allows dual citizenship. Foreigners don’t need to renounce their other passports upon obtaining citizenship in Dominica.
Thus, its holders can travel around the US, attend business meetings or conferences, participate in sports events, and get treatment in American clinics. The maximum allowed stay is 6 months per year.
3. Convenient procedure. The whole process of obtaining Dominica citizenship is remote. The applicant doesn’t need to come to the country at any stage, even after receiving the passport. The interview is also held online via video conference.
The investor doesn’t need to pass any language or culture tests, continuously live in the country, or get a job there. Instead, they have to make an investment of $200,000, which is a relatively small sum compared to other citizenship by investment programs. For instance, St Kitts and Nevis citizenship is granted for an investment of at least $250,000, while the investment sum for a Turkish passport is even higher — $400,000.
The obtaining period is six or more months. During this time, the investor and their family members are assisted by Immigrant Invest lawyers.
4. Business opportunities. Dominica citizens can open accounts at reputable banks worldwide, including those in Europe, and keep their savings there. Having European bank accounts can facilitate accepting payments from clients and transferring money to partners.
Dominica is a part of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), which includes 15 member states. The Community has a unified market with free movement of labour and products, which means entrepreneurs can easily hire people from other CARICOM states and expand their businesses to 14 more countries.
5. Tax optimisation. Dominica offers attractive tax rates to its citizens. For example, there are no taxes on capital gains, inheritances, gifts, or dividends. Non-residents pay taxes only on the income earned in the country.
6. Return of investment. Investors who purchase real estate can sell the property three years after obtaining citizenship. However, if they wish to sell it to another program’s participant, they must wait until they have owned the property for five years.
7. Dual citizenship. Dominica recognises dual and multiple citizenships, so its citizens don’t need to renounce their other passports. This rule only applies to nationals of countries that also allow dual citizenship.
For example, Chinese citizens can’t have more than one passport, so upon obtaining a Dominican one, they need to renounce their Chinese citizenship. In contrast, Bangladeshis can keep both passports.
8. Reliable program. The Dominica Citizenship by Investment Program has been in operation for more than 30 years, since 1993. Consequently, all processes are well-established, and investors consistently receive their passports.
In 2023, the CBI Index ranked Dominica second among the best citizenship by investment programs. The rating considered factors such as the minimum investment amount, ease of processing, freedom of movement, and the timeline for obtaining citizenship.
9. Creation of a safe haven. Dominica nationals can enter the country at any time and under any circumstances. For example, they could enter Dominica when its borders were closed for tourists due to the pandemic.
Having a safe haven can be especially beneficial if some instabilities happen in the investor’s country of residence or citizenship.
Applicants have two investment options to choose from: a non-refundable contribution or a real estate purchase, with a minimum sum requirement of $200,000 for both.
All payments under the Dominica CBI Program must be made via money transfer and are accepted in US dollars, euros, and pound sterlings. The investor is responsible for covering all bank charges associated with the transfer.
#1. A non-refundable contribution. The investor makes a non-refundable donation to the Economic Diversification Fund (EDF). It is a Dominican Government initiative designed to support socio-economic projects and drive national development.
Funds raised through the EDF are allocated to enhance both public and private sector projects requiring financial support. These projects encompass building schools, renovating hospitals, and constructing a national sports stadium, along with various other initiatives across industries such as tourism, information technology, and agriculture.
Another significant investment focus is green energy initiatives, especially those leveraging thermal lakes.
The investment sum under this option is not flat. While a single applicant pays $200,000, a family of four must contribute at least $250,000. Additional amounts are required for each extra family member: $25,000 for an applicant under 18 and $40,000 for an applicant over 18.
#2. A real estate purchase. Investors have the option to choose from government-approved properties, which mainly include five-star hotels and infrastructure such as marinas. Purchases can be made through project shares or by acquiring specific units, like apartments or cottages.
According to the Dominica Citizenship by Investment Program's terms, properties can be resold after three years. However, after five years, the property can be sold to another program participant, which increases the demand.
Shareholders earn rental income, while full owners can live in their properties or rent them out. Rental properties generate an annual income of 2—5%, capitalising on the year-round tourist season. While the investor is absent, the management companies take care of the tenants.
Alongside the investment of at least $200,000, the applicant pays a government fee of $75,000. For a family of up to four people, this fee increases to $100,000. Additional $25,000 and $40,000 are paid for each applicant under 18 and over 18, respectively.
Eligibility criteria. The main participant must be over 18, have no criminal records, and have no visa or citizenship refusals. They must also be able to prove the legality of their income and pass Due Diligence. It is imperative that all applicants are in good health; for example, HIV-positive people are not allowed to participate in the program.
Family inclusion. The investor can add:
Fees. In addition to making the investment, the applicant must pay several fees. That includes a Due Diligence fee of $7,500 for the main applicant and $4,000 per spouse, parents, and children over 16. Processing and interview fees of $1,000 each are paid once per whole family.
The issuance of a naturalisation certificate costs $250. A passport fee is $361 per document, and the bank commission is $270 per payment.
| Expenses | A single applicant | A family of four |
| Investment | $200,000 | $250,000 |
| Due Diligence | $7,500 | $11,500+ |
| Processing fee | $1,000 | $1,000 |
| Interview | $1,000 | $1,000 |
| Passport fee | $361 | $1,444 |
| Issuance of a | $250 | $1,000 |
| Bank commission | $270+ | $270+ |
| Total | $210,381+ | $266,214+ |
The list of required documents depends on the investor’s background and individual situation. Lawyers prepare them after the preliminary check by Immigrant Invest Anti Money Laundering Officers.
The basic list of documents includes the following:
The investor may need to submit additional documents, such as a driver’s licence, a letter of employment, a CV, personal and professional recommendations, or a cover letter addressed to the Minister. If the applicants served in the military, they need to provide all military service and discharge documents.
A Notary Public must notarise all personal documents, and a certified translator must translate those not in English.
First, the investor provides Immigrant Invest with electronic copies of all documents. Then, when the package is approved, they send the originals to the company’s office.
The process of obtaining a Dominica passport by investment takes at least 6 months. The procedure is fully remote, and Immigrant Invest accompanies the investors at every stage.
Persons of 16 and older obtain their passports for 10 years; children under 16 get them for 5 years. The passport can be replaced if it expires or is lost or damaged. It can also be done if the person changes their name or surname.
To renew the expired passport, one must provide the following documents:
If any document is not in English, it must be translated.
The person doesn’t need to visit Dominica to renew the passport. They can order the extension service through Immigrant Invest, directly from the Dominica Passport and Immigration Department or through any Dominica Consulate.
To restore a lost or damaged passport, one has to submit the following documents:
The fee for issuing a new passport is $361, but the applicant pays an additional penalty fee if the passport is lost or damaged.
The Dominica Citizenship Act establishes several non-investment ways to obtain the country's citizenship: birth, descent, marriage, and naturalisation.
Birth. Dominica has the jus soli, or right of the soil, according to which any person born in Dominica obtains the country’s passport.
This includes infants found on the country's territory if their parents can’t be identified and children born aboard a ship or plane if the vessel is registered in Dominica.
Descent. Citizenship by descent is granted to persons who have at least one parent of a Dominica nationality. In this case, the relation to the said parent must be proved.
Minors adopted by at least one Dominica citizen are also entitled to obtain the country’s passport. The adopter must provide the adoption certificate.
Marriage. Foreigners can obtain citizenship if they are married to a Dominica national and have resided in the country for at least three years. The foreign spouse is also required to be of good character, speak English, and know the responsibilities of Dominica citizens.
When applying for citizenship by marriage, the foreigner must provide a marriage certificate.
Naturalisation. Citizenship by naturalisation is granted to foreigners who have permanently resided in Dominica for at least seven years. They must stay in Dominica for at least 12 months immediately before the application.
Other requirements for citizenship by naturalisation include:
1. Warm climate. Dominica boasts a tropical climate, offering warm temperatures year-round. The average air temperature is 24…29°C in the coastal areas. Depending on the height, it decreases to 10…18°C in the mountains. The water temperature ranges from 26.5…29°C.
Dominica has distinctive dry and wet seasons. The first lasts from December to May, and the second lasts from June to November.
2. Safety and tranquillity. Dominica has a safe and peaceful environment with a low crime rate and close-knit communities. This tranquillity makes it an excellent choice for retirees, families, and anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
3. Low cost of living. The cost of living in Dominica is relatively low compared to many Western countries. Housing, food, and utilities are affordable, allowing residents to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without breaking the bank.
Renting an apartment might cost as little as $250 per month. In the UK, the same apartment will be 5 times more expensive.
Studying in Dominica is much more affordable than in the United Kingdom. For example, a parent pays around $300 per month for a Dominica kindergarten and $1,500 per month for a UK one. The year at an international school is six times more expensive than in the United Kingdom.
In Dominica and the UK, a meal for two in a mid-range restaurant costs $55 and $75, respectively.
4. English as an official language. Dominica used to be a British colony, so English is the official and most spoken language in the country. This makes it easier to navigate daily life, integrate into the local community, and deal with administrative processes.
5. Natural beauty. Dominica is often referred to as the Nature Island of the Caribbean due to its stunning natural beauty. The island is home to lush rainforests, majestic mountains, and pristine beaches.
Some of the most known natural wonders are Boiling Lake, Trafalgar Falls, Emerald Pool, Champagne Reef, and Morne Trois Pitons National Park.
The Dominica CBI Program is a program allowing wealthy foreigners to obtain a Dominica passport in exchange for investment. They contribute at least $200,000 to the country’s economy and get citizenship in at least 6 months.
Since June 2024, the minimum investment for obtaining Dominica citizenship is $200,000. The applicant can either make a non-refundable contribution or purchase a property.
Dominica citizenship can be beneficial for several reasons:
Obtaining Dominica citizenship by investment takes at least 6 months. The process includes choosing the investment option, collecting the documents, passing the Due Diligence and an interview.
The path to citizenship by naturalisation takes at least 7 years, and citizenship by marriage can be obtained in 3 years.
The timeframes for obtaining citizenship by descent are not specified and can vary depending on each case.
The easiest way to acquire Dominica citizenship is to participate in the Citizenship by Investment Program.
Other paths to Dominica citizenship are descent, marriage, or naturalisation.
The minimum investment under the Dominica CBI Program is $200,000.
Additionally, investors pay:
If the applicant buys real estate, they also pay at least $75,000 as a state fee.
In total, the single investor’s expenses are at least $210,381 if contributing to the fund and at least $285,381 if purchasing real estate.
A family of four contributes at least $270,214 to the government fund or purchases real estate for at least $320,214.
To become a tax resident in Dominica, you must live there for at least 183 days per year. Investors don’t need to reside in Dominica to maintain their status as citizens.
Dominica is considered an attractive option for citizenship by many investors due to several benefits. For example, a Dominica’s passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 140 countries, making it convenient for international travel.
Dominica does not impose income, wealth, or inheritance taxes on non-residents, which can be advantageous for financial planning. The country also offers a peaceful, stable environment with beautiful natural surroundings.
The Dominica Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Program is one of the most affordable and straightforward programs globally, offering a relatively quick and efficient process.
Vanuatu has the fastest Citizenship by Investment Program, as foreigners can get their passports in only 1—4 months. To be eligible, they can either make a non-refundable contribution of at least $130,000 to the government fund or buy shares of the CNO Future Fund holding company for at least $157,000.
Dominica citizenship by investment is granted for life. Investors do not need to live in Dominica or renew their citizenship status.
However, citizenship can be revoked if the applicant provided false information, concealed important facts, or obtained citizenship fraudulently.
