Dominica, a small island in the Caribbean, has been offering the citizenship by investment program for 30 years, providing investors with financial benefits and global mobility.
Find out why the program’s requirements are among the best in the world and how many countries one can visit visa-free with a Dominica passport.
Dominica offers several pathways to citizenship, including birth, descent, marriage, naturalisation, and investment. The citizenship by investment program, established in 1993, is the fastest route, granting citizenship within at least six months.
Dominica's CBI program provides two investment options. The first one is a non-refundable contribution to an Economic Diversification Fund. The invested money supports public and private sector projects, including education, healthcare, and infrastructure. The minimum contribution starts at $200,000 for a single applicant.
The second option is an investment of at least $200,000 in a government-approved real estate project. The property must be held for a minimum period of three to five years.
Eligibility requirements. Investors seeking Dominica citizenship must:
Applications for Dominica citizenship by investment must be submitted through a government-authorised agent. The agent’s lawyers submit documents to the Citizenship by Investment Unit, or CBIU, on behalf of the applicant.
Other paths to Dominican citizenship require a much longer commitment. Naturalisation typically takes a minimum of seven years of legal residence, while citizenship by marriage requires at least three years of marriage and lawful stay in the country.
1. Tax benefits. Dominica's non-domicile taxation policy benefits wealthy citizens residing abroad. An individual’s worldwide income is not taxed in Dominica if they are not a tax resident of the country. Additionally, Dominica does not impose capital gains or inheritance taxes.
2. Dual citizenship. Dominica allows its citizens to hold multiple passports. If the investor’s country of origin also permits dual citizenship, they do not need to renounce any of them.
Renewing a Dominica passport is straightforward and can be handled entirely remotely, typically in 1—2 weeks.
3. An opportunity to run an international business. With a Dominica passport, a foreigner can establish a company in Dominica. Conducting business in Dominica offers advantages for trading on the global market. Entrepreneurs’ personal information is not recorded in the commercial register, ensuring privacy and protecting their identity.
4. Obtaining citizenship with the family.Dominica citizenship is available not only to the investor but also to family members. Applicants can include their spouse, children under 30, parents, and grandparents in their application. This enables families to enjoy the benefits of Dominica citizenship without filing separate applications.
5. Fast and convenient obtaining process. Obtaining a Dominica passport takes 6 or more months. The entire process can be completed remotely, so investors do not need to visit Dominica to become citizens. There are no language or history exams required, but family members over 16 must undergo an interview, which is also conducted remotely.
6. No residency requirements. New citizens are not obligated to visit or move to Dominica after acquiring their passports. Residency in the country is not required.
7. Visa-free travel to 140+ countries. A Dominica passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 140 countries and territories, enhancing global mobility and reducing the effort needed to obtain travel or business visas.
With Dominica nationality, foreigners are welcome in most European countries without a visa, including the EU member-states, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. The only EU country that is not visa-exempt for Dominica citizens is Ireland. The UK also requires Dominica citizens to have a visa to travel.
In Asia, the Dominica passport grants access to China, Malaysia, and Singapore. Travel to Australia and South Korea is simplified: Dominica citizens need an Electronic Travel Authorisation to enter these countries.
| Europe | ||
| Albania | Georgia | Poland |
| Andorra | Greece | Portugal |
| Austria | Hungary | Romania |
| Belarus | Iceland | Russia |
| Belgium | Italy | San Marino |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | Latvia | Serbia |
| Bulgaria | Liechtenstein | Slovakia |
| Croatia | Lithuania | Slovenia |
| Cyprus | Luxembourg | Spain |
| Czech Republic | Malta | Sweden |
| Denmark | Moldova | Switzerland |
| Estonia | Monaco | Türkiye |
| Finland | Montenegro | Ukraine |
| France | Netherlands | |
| Germany | Norway | |
| Africa | ||
| Benin | Eswatini | Nigeria |
| Botswana | Ethiopia | Rwanda |
| Burkina Faso | Gabon | Seychelles |
| Burundi | Guinea | Sierra Leone |
| Cameroon | Guinea-Bissau | Somalia |
| Cape Verde | Kenya | South Sudan |
| Comoros | Lesotho | São Tomé and Príncipe |
| Democratic Republic of the Congo | Madagascar | Tanzania |
| Côte d'Ivoire | Malawi | Togo |
| Djibouti | Mauritania | Uganda |
| Egypt | Mauritius | Zambia |
| Equatorial Guinea | Mozambique | Zimbabwe |
| Americas | ||
| Antigua and Barbuda | Cuba | Peru |
| Argentina | Dominican Republic | St Kitts and Nevis |
| Bahamas | Ecuador | St Lucia |
| Barbados | Grenada | St Vincent and the Grenadines |
| Belize | Guyana | Suriname |
| Bolivia | Haiti | Trinidad and Tobago |
| Brazil | Jamaica | Uruguay |
| Colombia | Nicaragua | Venezuela |
| Costa Rica | Panama | |
| Asia | ||
| Armenia | Kazakhstan | Singapore |
| Bahrain | Kyrgyzstan | South Korea |
| Bangladesh | Laos | Sri Lanka |
| Bhutan | Malaysia | Tajikistan |
| Cambodia | Maldives | Thailand |
| China | Mongolia | Timor-Leste |
| India | Nepal | Uzbekistan |
| Iran | Oman | Vietnam |
| Israel | Pakistan | |
| Jordan | Philippines | |
| Oceania | ||
| Australia | Papua New Guinea | Tuvalu |
| Fiji | Samoa | Vanuatu |
| Micronesia | Solomon Islands | |
| Palau | Tonga | |
8. Enjoying the benefits of Dominica’s CARICOM membership. Dominica is a member of CARICOM, the Caribbean Community, which includes Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Grenada, Jamaica, St Lucia, St Kitts and Nevis, and 8 more states.
CARICOM offers access to a unified market with over 18 million consumers, enabling the free movement of goods, labour, and capital. Citizens of CARICOM states can also travel visa-free within the region.
9. Low investment requirements. There are two investment options under the Dominica CBI program: contributing to the Dominica Economy Diversification Fund, EDF, and purchasing approved real estate. The minimum investment for both options is $200,000.
Donation to the EDF is non-refundable, and adding family members increases the required amount. For example, total expenses for a family of four start at least $265,600, including fees.
Under the property purchase option, investors buy shares in tourist real estate and pay state fees. Family composition does not affect the minimum property cost but does increase the state fee. Expenses for a family of four begin at $315,600.
10. Profits from investment. Investors who choose the real estate option can earn returns by renting or reselling properties. Government-approved options include luxury resorts, villas, boutique hotels, and eco-lodges in prime, scenic locations.
For example, investors who bought shares in Secret Bay, a luxury resort, in 2019 earned a 7% return by 2022, with total payouts to all investors exceeding $1 million.
Investors can sell the property after 3 years without losing citizenship. If the buyer is a new CBI participant, the property can be sold after 5 years.
11. Moving to Dominica. Dominica citizens can choose to live in the country permanently or stay for holidays. They retain the right to enter Dominica under any circumstances, even if the borders are closed to foreigners. This right is particularly advantageous during periods of instability in the investor’s country of residency.
12. Trustworthy program. The Dominica citizenship by investment program has been in operation for over 30 years, since 1993. Applications are only accepted through licensed agents, such as Immigrant Invest, who understand the program’s unique requirements and ensure investors are safeguarded from financial risks.
Limited economic opportunities. Dominica is a small island nation with a relatively modest economy, ranked 107th in 2024 GDP per capita. Business prospects and infrastructure development may be limited compared to larger countries.
Hurricane-prone region. Dominica is vulnerable to severe storms and natural disasters. Hurricane Maria in 2017, for instance, damaged 95% of the country’s housing.
The hurricane season in Dominica usually lasts from June till the end of November. This can pose risks to property and infrastructure and may require additional investments in insurance and disaster preparedness.
Obligation to pay taxes. Investors residing in Dominica for more than half a year become tax residents and must pay income tax on both local and global earnings. Companies registered in Dominica are subject to a corporate tax rate of 25% on income generated both within the country and abroad.
Dominica has only a few double-tax treaties, primarily with other Caribbean states, which could lead to double taxation.
The UK and Ireland are no longer visa-free. Since July 2023, Dominica passport holders need a Standard Visitor Visa to enter the UK for short-term visits.
In March 2024, Ireland also terminated its visa-free agreement with Dominica, requiring citizens to obtain visas for short-term visits and transit.
Discover what unique opportunities can the Dominica investment program offer
The entire process of obtaining a Dominica passport by investment takes approximately six months. The timeline may vary depending on individual circumstances and the efficiency of document processing. One of the key advantages of the Dominica citizenship by investment program is that applicants are not required to visit the country at any stage. From document submission to final approval, the process is entirely remote. There is no need to visit the country even to get the passport because a courier delivers it to any place convenient.
1. Amazing nature. Known as the "Nature Island," Dominica offers pristine rainforests, waterfalls, and diverse marine life, appealing to nature enthusiasts. The country aims to become the world’s first climate-resilient nation, supporting renewable energy and biodiversity conservation projects funded by the Economic Diversification Fund (EDF) under the CBI program.
2. Pleasant climate. Dominica enjoys a warm climate with sunshine almost all year round. Air temperatures rarely drop below 20°C; even in winter, they hover around 23—25°C.
The sea remains warm throughout the year, with water temperatures ranging from 26°C during the coldest periods to 29°C during the warmest months.
3. English as the official language. English is the primary language for official documents and daily communication, simplifying interactions with authorities and locals. The second most popular language is French.
4. Travel within the Caribbean and the Americas. Dominica’s location in the Caribbean provides proximity to neighbouring islands such as Martinique, St Lucia, Guadeloupe, and Barbados. For example, it only takes 45 minutes to travel from Dominica to Martinique by plane.
The Americas are also close, with a 3.5-hour flight to destinations like Georgetown, Guyana, or Miami, USA.
5. Safety and peacefulness. Dominica has a low crime rate and close-knit communities, offering residents a safe and secure environment. The hospitable locals and tranquil atmosphere make the country ideal for retirees or those seeking a slower pace of life. With a population of 73,000, Dominica avoids the noise and congestion of larger countries.
Obtaining a Dominica passport offers visa-free travel to 140+ countries, eligibility for a US visa, and tax benefits.
Those who apply for Dominica citizenship by investment can enjoy the right to include family members in the application, a fast and convenient process, and the potential for profitable investments in government-approved projects.
There are certain disadvantages of the Dominica passport. The nation’s restricted economic avenues and vulnerability to hurricanes can challenge business ventures and infrastructure development.
Additionally, individuals who choose to reside or establish a company in Dominica may encounter tax liabilities and the risk of double taxation. Dominica citizens also have no visa-free access to the United Kingdom and Ireland.
The Dominica passport is considered quite strong. It offers global mobility opportunities, specifically visa-free access to over 140 countries, tax benefits like no global income tax for non-residents, as well as no capital gains and inheritance taxes.
The Dominica citizenship by investment program is highly rated worldwide. Investors can include their family members in the application and are not required to reside in the country to keep their passports.
Another advantage of Dominica citizenship by investment is its cost-efficiency: to get a passport, the applicant must invest at least $200,000, which is the lowest amount compared to other Caribbean programs. Obtaining the status takes 6 or more months.
Dominica citizens need a visa to travel to the USA according to the current visa rules. The B-1/B-2 visa for 10 years is no longer avaliable
Holders of a Dominica passport can travel to the UK, but they need to obtain a Standard Visitor visa.
No, citizens of Dominica do not need a Schengen visa and can visit the countries of the European Union and the Schengen area visa-free.
One of the key Dominica citizenship benefits is strong international mobility, providing visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 140 countries and territories. This includes key destinations like the Schengen Area, Australia, China, and Singapore.
