How to get a Dominica passport by property investment in 2026?

Overview of Dominica's citizenship by real estate investment

The Dominica Citizenship by Investment Programme was established in 1993 to support the country’s economic development. It is one of the longest-running citizenship‑by‑investment programmes in the world and has consistently attracted high‑net‑worth individuals seeking enhanced global mobility and new strategic opportunities. Sometimes referred to as the Dominica “Golden Visa”, it offers a government‑regulated route to citizenship in exchange for a qualifying economic contribution. [1]

One of the most popular investment options is real estate. To qualify, investors must purchase government‑approved property with a minimum value of $200,000. Eligible projects typically include villas, hotels, luxury resorts, eco‑lodges and condominiums.

Applications must be submitted through an authorised agent, as direct applications are not permitted. Immigrant Invest lawyers assist individuals and families throughout the process, ensuring that documentation, compliance requirements and procedural steps are handled correctly and efficiently.

7 key benefits of Dominica citizenship by property investment

Dominica citizenship by investment in real estate offers multiple advantages for high‑net‑worth individuals seeking global mobility, tax efficiency, and asset diversification. The real estate investment route combines citizenship acquisition with the potential for passive income.

Visa-free travel within Europe 

One of the most significant benefits of obtaining Dominica citizenship is the enhanced global mobility it provides. Dominica citizens enjoy visa-free or visa‑on‑arrival access to over 140 countries and territories, including the Schengen Area, as well as China, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

Efficient and affordable path to citizenship 

The minimum investment requirement of $200,000 in real estate is relatively low compared to other Caribbean countries offering similar benefits. For instance, St Lucia requires a minimum of $300,000 for property investment, while the St Kitts and Nevis CBI Programme mandates $400,000.

The processing time is around six months, enabling investors to obtain citizenship more quickly than the ordinary naturalisation process, which takes years.

Tax advantages

Dominica offers an advantageous tax regime that appeals to high‑net‑worth individuals. The country does not impose wealth, gift, inheritance, or capital gains taxes. [2]

Investors who are not tax residents in Dominica also don’t pay tax on foreign income. The income earned within the country is taxed at a progressive rate of 15—35%. 

Inclusion of family members

The CIP allows investors to include their immediate family members in the application, making it an excellent option for those looking to secure a better future for their loved ones. Eligible dependents include a spouse, minor children, parents, and grandparents.

Adult children may also qualify if they meet specific conditions. An unmarried daughter under 25 can be included if she is fully financially dependent on the main applicant. Children under 30 can be added if they are enrolled in university and remain financially dependent on the main applicant or their spouse.

Reliable plan B

Dominica citizenship offers an additional layer of security for individuals and families who value flexibility and long-term stability. Holding a second passport provides the option to relocate and establish residence if circumstances change in the investor’s primary country of residence.

Known as the “Nature Island of the Caribbean,” Dominica is also an attractive place to live, with lush rainforests, unspoiled beaches, and eco-friendly resorts. Its tranquil lifestyle and focus on sustainable development support a high quality of life, while a second citizenship can provide greater mobility, broader opportunities, and peace of mind in an unpredictable world.

Investment opportunities

Investors can purchase properties in government-approved projects, including luxury resorts and eco‑friendly developments. These investments not only qualify investors for citizenship but also have the potential for returns of 2—5% through rental income. 

Choosing the property purchase route also means it will be possible to return the investment in at least 3 years after obtaining citizenship. Dominica offers the shortest mandatory holding period for real estate among all Caribbean citizenship by investment programmes. 

Dual citizenship is allowed 

Dominica permits dual citizenship. Individuals who obtain a Dominican passport are not required to renounce their existing nationality under Dominican law.

For investors, this provides flexibility: they can acquire a second passport without it automatically affecting their current citizenship status. However, applicants should verify the legislation of their home country, as some states restrict or prohibit dual nationality. 

Requirements for real estate investment in Dominica

To qualify for Dominica сitizenship by investment in real estate, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria set by the government. These criteria ensure that only individuals who can contribute significantly to the country’s economy are granted citizenship.[3]

Minimum investment amount

To qualify for citizenship by real estate investment in Dominica, a minimum of $200,000 is required, covering both the main applicant and any eligible dependants.

The real estate options approved by the Dominica government are carefully selected to ensure they contribute to the country’s economic development. 

Eligibility criteria for applicants

The main applicant, who must be over 18, can include several family members in their application:

• the legal spouse of the main applicant;
• children under 18, or up to 30 if they are financially dependent on the main applicant;
• parents or grandparents of the main applicant or their spouse who are over 65 and financially dependent.

Investment return

The property can be sold after three years, which is the shortest minimum ownership period among the Caribbean CBI programmes. However, if the investor wishes to sell the property to another participant of the CBI programme, it must be held in ownership for at least five years.

Costs associated with the real estate investment option in Dominica

The costs involved in obtaining Dominica citizenship by real estate investment include a minimum of $200,000.

Government fees are $75,000 for a single applicant and $100,000 for a family of up to three. For each additional dependant, the government charges $25,000 if they are under 18 and $40,000 if they are over 18.

The Due Diligence fees are $7,500 for the main applicant, $4,000 for a spouse, and $4,000 for dependants over 16. Additionally, there is a processing fee of $1,000 per application, a passport fee of $500 per applicant, and interview fees of $1,000 per applicant.

Cost calculation for obtaining Dominica citizenship by real estate purchase

Expense	Real estate	State fee	Due Diligence	Other fees	Total
Single investor	$200,000	$75,000	$7.500	$2,500+	$285,000+
A married couple with two children of 15 and 17 years old	$200,000	$125,000	$15,500	$10,000	$350,500

Types of eligible properties for Dominica citizenship by investment 

The Citizenship by Investment Unit maintains an official list of approved real estate projects eligible under the programme. All qualifying properties must meet government standards for development, management, and contribution to the national economy.

Government-approved real estate projects include:

• luxury villas and villa developments;
• hotel and resort properties;
• eco-lodges and sustainable tourism facilities;
• branded residential developments managed by international hospitality groups.

Prime real estate locations in Dominica

Five-star resort managed by Autograph Collection, Portsmouth. This project offers equity shares in a luxury resort managed by Autograph Collection, a premium brand within Marriott International. Situated in Portsmouth on Dominica’s northwest coast, the development extends across a scenic beachfront near Picard Beach and is integrated with tropical surroundings, making it a standout destination for visitors. 

Investment highlights:

• managed by Autograph Collection, a globally recognised premium hotel brand;
• luxury resort facilities, including guest suites with private pool options, world-class restaurants, spa and wellness centre, and lagoon-style pool;
• prime coastal location with spectacular views of Prince Rupert Bay and proximity to Cabrits National Park, enhancing appeal to tourists and income-producing potential. 

This project is currently under construction and scheduled to be completed in Q2 2026. 

Resort on the coast of Dominica managed by Hilton, Roseau. This real estate option comprises a coastal resort complex managed by Hilton, featuring a hotel with a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom villas and apartments. Positioned on a scenic cliff near Roseau, the property has direct access to two secluded beaches and combines residential-style accommodation with full hotel services. 

Investment highlights:

• operated by Hilton, one of the world’s leading hospitality groups;
• diverse accommodation mix including studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments and villas;
• comprehensive amenities such as spa and wellness facilities, gym, gourmet restaurant, swimming pool, and convenient oceanfront access, offering strong rental and tourism appeal.

InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa, Portsmouth. The InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa was the first real estate project approved under the citizenship by investment programme. Formerly branded as Cabrits Resort and Spa, the hotel opened its doors in October 2019. Located near Portsmouth and surrounded by Cabrits National Park, it offers stunning views of the tropical forest and the sea.

Investment highlights:

• managed by InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, a globally recognised luxury brand;
• comprehensive amenities, including multiple outdoor pools, a large spa, and high-end dining options;
• located in a prime area with breathtaking natural surroundings, ensuring high appeal to tourists and potential for rental income.

Example of Dominica investment real estate 

Required documentation when applying for Dominica economic citizenship by real estate purchase

Applicants must provide comprehensive documentation to support their application. This documentation is divided into two main categories: personal documentation and financial proof and investment documentation.

Personal documentation includes:

1. Valid passport.
2. Birth certificate.
3. Marriage certificate.
4. Police clearance certificate.
5. Medical examination report.
6. Photographs.

Financial proof and investment documentation:

1. Proof of funds, such as bank statements or financial reports.
2. Agreement for the purchase of the qualifying real estate.
3. Payment receipts: proof of payment for the investment, including any deposits made.
4. Financial statements that verify the source of the investment funds.
5. Payment of the required fees necessary for the process.

Immigrant Invest is a licensed agent of the Dominica citizenship by investment programme that assists applicants at every stage of the process, including gathering documents.

How Immigrant Invest can help obtain citizenship by investment in real estate in Dominica

Immigrant Invest is a government-licensed agent for citizenship and residency by investment programmes in the Caribbean jurisdictions, including Dominica. 

The company operates an in-house legal and AML compliance department, staffed by certified Anti-Money Laundering specialists and members of the Investment Migration Council. 

Every application undergoes a thorough internal Due Diligence review before submission to the government, which the company reports reduces the risk of rejection to approximately 1%. 

The preliminary compliance stage is designed to identify potential issues in advance. It allows the team to detect document gaps or eligibility risks before the file reaches the authorities. As a result, potential red flags can be addressed early, with corrective measures or alternative solutions proposed where necessary. 

Alternative paths to Dominica citizenship

In addition to citizenship by real estate investment, Dominica offers alternative pathways to citizenship through non-refundable contributions, naturalisation, marriage, and birth.

Citizenship by a non-refundable contribution

Another option under the Citizenship by Investment Programme is making a non‑refundable contribution to the Economic Diversification Fund. This fund supports various socio-economic initiatives in Dominica, including public and private sector projects such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure development. 

The minimum contribution amounts are as follows:

• single applicant — $200,000;
• family up to four — $250,000;
• additional dependants, starting from the 5th applicant — $25,000 per family member under 18; $40,000 per family member over 18.

Investment options for Dominica citizenship: comparison

Investment	Threshold	Investment return	Passive income	Total cost for a single investor
Real estate	$200,000	In 3+ years	2—5%	$285,000+
Contribution to the Economic Diversification Fund	$200,000	Not available	Not available	$210,800+

Citizenship by birth

Individuals born in Dominica automatically acquire citizenship. This right applies regardless of the nationality of the parents, ensuring that all children born on Dominica soil are granted citizenship by birth.

If an investor obtains Dominican citizenship through the investment programme, their future children also qualify for citizenship automatically, even if they are born outside Dominica. This entitlement can extend to the investor’s grandchildren and subsequent generations. 

Citizenship by marriage

Individuals married to Dominica citizens are eligible for citizenship. The requirements typically include:

• proof of legal marriage to a Dominica citizen;
• residency in Dominica for a specified period, usually at least three years;
• demonstrating good character and integration into Dominica society.

Citizenship by naturalisation

Naturalisation is an option for those who have resided in Dominica for an extended period. The general requirement includes continuous residency in Dominica for at least seven years. Applicants must also be of good character, supported by evidence such as police certificates and personal references, and take an oath of allegiance once the application is approved.

In practice, applicants must submit proof of residency, identity documents and character evidence as part of the formal application package. The process typically assesses whether the applicant has integrated into Dominican society and intends to remain in the country after naturalisation, with proficiency in English and understanding of civic obligations often considered.

Other citizenship by investment programmes in the Caribbean

Besides Dominica, citizenship by investment is also available in Antigua and Barbuda, St Lucia, Grenada, and St Kitts and Nevis. These five Caribbean programmes share a common model: applicants obtain citizenship in exchange for an economic contribution — typically through a government fund donation or an approved real estate investment. 

All are state-regulated frameworks designed to attract foreign capital, support national development, and offer investors a second passport with global mobility benefits. At the same time, each programme has its own legal structure, additional investment options, processing standards and thresholds. 

Dominica compared to other Caribbean citizenship by real estate investment programmes

Country	Real estate	State fee for a single investor	Due Diligence fee for a single investor	Return of investment	Eligible family members	Obtainment time
Dominica	$200,000+	$75,000	$7,500	In 3+ years	Spouse, children up to 30, parents, grandparents	6+ months
Grenada	$270,000+	$50,000	$5,000	In 5+ years	Spouse, children up to 30, parents, grandparents, siblings	8+ months
Antigua and Barbuda	$300,000+	$10,000	$8,500	In 5+ years	Spouse, children up to 30, parents, grandparents, siblings	6+ months
St Lucia	$300,000+	$30,000	$8,000	In 5+ years	Spouse, children up to 30, parents, siblings	6+ months
St Kitts and Nevis	$325,000+	$25,000	$10,000	In 7+ years	Spouse, children up to 25, parents	4+ months

Final thoughts on Dominica citizenship by real estate investment

1. Dominica citizenship by real estate purchase offers a unique and attractive opportunity for investors seeking a second passport. 
2. With its cost-effective entry point of $200,000, efficient processing times, and the ability to include family members, the programme stands out as one of the most accessible and beneficial options available.
3. Citizenship in Dominica grants visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 140 countries, including the Schengen Area, Hong Kong, and Singapore. 
4. Dominica offers a favourable tax regime with no wealth, gift, inheritance, foreign income, or capital gains taxes. 
5. The Dominica citizenship by investment programme allows for the inclusion of spouses, children under 30, parents, and grandparents, ensuring that the benefits of citizenship can be extended to close family members.
6. Investing in government-approved real estate projects provides and potential returns through rental income and property appreciation.
7. Dominica permits dual citizenship, allowing investors to retain their original nationality while enjoying the benefits of Dominica citizenship.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

1. Source: Dominica Citizenship by Investment Unit
2. Source: The Taxation Implications of Citizenship by Investment Programmes
3. Source: Approved real estate projects by Dominica Citizenship by Investment Unit