Dominica

Dominica Citizenship by Investment Program Overview

Running since 1993, Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment Program is one of the world’s oldest active citizenship programs. It grants direct citizenship to individuals who make a qualifying investment, with no prior or subsequent residency required. 

Two routes are available: a non-refundable donation to the Economic Diversification Fund (EDF) from US$200,000, or a purchase in a government-approved real estate project from US$200,000. 

Eligible dependants include a spouse, dependent children, dependent parents, and dependent grandparents, all of whom must demonstrate financial dependency on the main applicant. 

Eligibility Requirements

The main applicant must be at least 18 years old, in good health, of good character, and able to demonstrate the legal source of funds. Applicants aged 16 and older must attend a mandatory interview. 

Two routes are available: 

Economic Diversification Fund (EDF) Contribution

• Non-refundable contribution of US$200,000 for a single applicant
• US$250,000 for a main applicant and up to three qualifying dependants
• US$25,000 per additional dependant under the age of 18
• US$40,000 per additional dependant aged 18 and over
• No government fee applies under the EDF route
• Contribution is paid only after receiving approval in principle

Real Estate Investment

• Minimum purchase of US$200,000 in a government-approved project, held for a minimum of three years; if resold to another CBI applicant, the holding period extends to five years
• Government fees apply in addition: US$75,000 for a single applicant; US$100,000 for the main applicant and up to three dependants; US$25,000 per additional dependant under 18; US$40,000 per additional dependant aged 18 or over
• Property must be purchased from the CBIU’s list of approved real estate projects

Additional fees apply per person:

• Due diligence: US$7,500 (main applicant); US$4,000 (dependant aged 16+)
• Processing: US$1,000 per application
• Interview: US$1,000 per person aged 16+
• Certificate of Naturalization: US$500 per person

Route to Citizenship

The program grants citizenship directly. Upon approval and completion of the investment, the authorities issue a Certificate of Naturalization, which serves as evidence of citizenship and can be used by the applicant or their agent to apply for a Dominican passport.

Processing typically takes three to four months.

Citizenship is permanent and inheritable. Dominica permits dual nationality. 

Mobility and Taxation 

Mobility

A Dominican passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to approximately 145 destinations, including the full Schengen Area (up to 90 days in any 180-day period), China (up to 30 days), Russia, Singapore, Hong Kong, and South Korea.

The United States imposed visa requirements on Dominican passport holders in December 2025, limiting the maximum validity of U.S. visas for Dominican nationals to 3 months. Some applicants may be required to post a $15,000 bond.

Dominican citizens have the right to live and work freely across OECS states, including Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Dominica is also a Commonwealth member.

Taxation 

Dominica does not impose capital gains tax, wealth tax, inheritance tax, or gift tax. There is no tax on foreign-sourced income. 

Citizens who establish tax residency in Dominica are liable to pay personal income tax on income sourced within the country. 

How to Apply

The program is administered by the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CBIU), established under the Commonwealth of Dominica Citizenship by Investment Regulations 2024.

Applications cannot be submitted directly to the CBIU. All applicants must engage an Authorized Agent from the CBIU’s official list, who handles all documentation, communication, and liaison throughout the process. 

The typical process runs as follows.

• Step 1: Select an Authorized Agent from the list published on the CBIU website.
• Step 2: Prepare documentation. The agent assists with completing official forms, a medical examination, police certificates, and supporting documents — all submitted in English with appropriate notarisation and legalization. If purchasing real estate, a sale and purchase agreement must be in place before submission.
• Step 3: Submit application. The agent submits the completed file to the CBIU and pays due diligence fees at this stage.
• Step 4: Background checks and mandatory interview. The CBIU conducts a multi-tiered due diligence review. All applicants aged 16 and over attend a mandatory interview. The CBIU makes a recommendation to the Government.
• Step 5: Payment and citizenship. If approved in principle, the applicant makes the EDF contribution or completes the real estate purchase. The CBIU issues the Certificate of Naturalisation and the applicant or agent applies for the Dominican passport.

Additional fees apply per person: due diligence fees (US$7,500 for the main applicant; US$4,000 per dependant aged 16 and over), a processing fee (US$1,000 per application), interview fees (US$1,000 per person aged 16 and over), and a Certificate of Naturalisation fee (US$500 per person). Enhanced due diligence fees may apply depending on nationality and personal circumstances.