DOMINICA CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT
As a trusted advisor in global mobility solutions, Global Investments provides impartial counsel to high-net-worth individuals and families exploring second citizenship options. The Dominica Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Program, established in 1993, represents one of the most established and cost-effective pathways to acquiring full citizenship through economic contribution. This initiative not only facilitates enhanced international travel and tax planning but also supports the nation's focus on eco-tourism, sustainable development, and biodiversity conservation. For those evaluating Caribbean-based programs, Dominica stands out for its affordability, rapid processing, and commitment to environmental stewardship.
As of October 30, 2025, the program continues to attract discerning clients, with over 5,000 successful applications processed historically. Recent enhancements, including a new Freedom of Movement agreement, underscore its evolving appeal. We encourage prospective clients to assess this option within the context of their broader financial and lifestyle objectives, potentially securing approval within 6-9 months.
WHY CHOOSE DOMINICA CBI?
In an increasingly interconnected world, second citizenship serves as a strategic tool for risk diversification, business expansion, and family security. Dominica, a sovereign island nation in the Eastern Caribbean known as the "Nature Island," offers a compelling case for such planning. As a member of the Commonwealth, CARICOM, and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), it provides a stable political environment, English as the official language, and a resilient economy driven by eco-tourism and agriculture. The CBI Programme aligns with these strengths, enabling investors to contribute meaningfully while gaining a passport that ranks competitively for global mobility—visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to approximately 137 destinations, including the Schengen Area, China, Russia, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
From a consultative perspective, this program appeals to entrepreneurs seeking regional market access, retirees prioritizing a low-tax jurisdiction, and families valuing natural heritage and educational opportunities across the Caribbean. The absence of worldwide income, capital gains, or inheritance taxes further enhances its attractiveness for wealth preservation. Moreover, the program's emphasis on sustainability—directing funds toward green initiatives—resonates with clients committed to ethical investment.
Enhanced Global Mobility: Streamlined travel without the uncertainties of visa applications, fostering opportunities in business and leisure, though note exclusions like the UK and Ireland.
Tax Optimization: A jurisdiction with no personal income tax on foreign earnings, ideal for international portfolios.
Family-Centric Design: Comprehensive inclusion provisions that extend to extended relatives, promoting intergenerational security.
Minimal Residency Obligation: No mandatory stay required to obtain or maintain citizenship, allowing flexibility for non-residents (with a proposed adjustment noted below).
Economic Alignment: Contributions that bolster local growth, offering indirect benefits through a thriving eco-investment ecosystem.
Clients often inquire about comparative advantages; relative to other Caribbean CBI programs, Dominica provides the lowest entry thresholds and among the shortest processing times, making it a prudent starting point for due diligence.
QUICK FAQ: WHAT SETS DOMINICA APART FROM OTHER CARIBBEAN PROGRAMS?
Dominica's CBI distinguishes itself through its affordability and eco-tourism focus, with visa-free access to China and Russia—features that enhance its value for Asia-Europe connectivity.
KEY BENEFITS
The value of Dominica citizenship extends beyond immediate acquisition, offering enduring advantages in mobility, fiscal strategy, and quality of life. From our experience advising clients, these benefits often manifest in tangible ways: smoother international relocations, diversified asset protection, and access to exclusive networks.
Superior Travel Privileges: Visa-free entry to 137 countries, encompassing the Schengen Zone, China, Russia, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Thailand—enhancing both personal and professional horizons.
Fiscal Neutrality: Exemption from taxes on global income, capital gains, inheritance, and wealth, providing a neutral base for international holdings without domicile obligations.
Lifestyle Integration: Freedom to reside, work, and study in Dominica or fellow OECS and CARICOM members, complemented by pristine rainforests, geothermal spas, and international schools.
Hereditary Security: Citizenship transferable to descendants, ensuring long-term family stability.
Regional Mobility: New Freedom of Movement agreement with Barbados, Belize, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, effective October 1, 2025, easing intra-Caribbean travel.
Commercial Leverage: Entry to Caribbean markets, bolstered by an English-speaking, business-friendly locale with robust banking secrecy.
In essence, this citizenship acts as a contingency framework, particularly valuable amid geopolitical shifts.
INVESTMENT OPTIONS
Selecting the appropriate investment route is a critical decision in any CBI application, warranting careful evaluation of liquidity, risk, and alignment with personal goals. The Dominica Program offers two principal pathways, each vetted for compliance and impact. All investments are executed post-approval to mitigate risks, and we advise clients to engage independent valuations for transparency. Minimum thresholds remain at USD 200,000, positioning it as the most accessible Caribbean option.
Option | Minimum Investment | Details |
Economic Diversification Fund (EDF) Contribution | USD 200,000 (single); USD 250,000 (family up to 4) | A non-refundable donation to support public infrastructure, environmental projects, and economic diversification. This option is favored for its simplicity and speed, requiring no ongoing management. |
Real Estate Investment | USD 200,000 | Acquisition of approved shares in government-certified projects, such as eco-resorts like Anichi Resort & Spa or The Residences at Secret Bay, with a mandatory five-year holding period (resalable after three years). This route offers potential rental yields of 2-4% annually and capital appreciation in a sustainable tourism market. |
In practice, the EDF route suits those prioritizing expediency, while real estate appeals to property enthusiasts. We recommend modeling scenarios based on your portfolio to optimize returns and compliance.
QUICK FAQ: WHAT SETS DOMINICA APART FROM OTHER CARIBBEAN PROGRAMS?
Dominica's CBI distinguishes itself through its affordability and eco-tourism focus, with visa-free access to China and Russia—features that enhance its value for Asia-Europe connectivity.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Navigating the CBI application demands precision and foresight; at Global Investments, we facilitate this through structured support, minimizing administrative burdens. The end-to-end timeline averages 6-9 months, contingent on document completeness and due diligence outcomes. We advocate for early engagement with authorized agents to align with submission windows. Direct applications are not permitted; all must proceed via licensed representatives.
Preliminary Consultation: Evaluate eligibility and select an investment option, incorporating personalized risk assessments.
Documentation Assembly: Compile passports, financial proofs, medical reports, police clearances, and a notarized application form—translated and notarized as needed.
Submission and Due Diligence: Lodge via the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CBIU); expect comprehensive background verification.
Virtual Interviews: Conducted remotely for qualifying family members, typically lasting 30-45 minutes.
In-Principle Approval: Issued within 6-9 months; proceed with investment transfer.
Oath of Allegiance: Administered at a Dominica embassy, high commission, or consular office (virtual options limited).
Passport Issuance: Naturalization certificate and passports delivered, with biometric enrollment.
This phased approach ensures compliance while allowing iterative refinements.
ELIGIBILITY AND REQUIREMENTS
Eligibility for the Dominica CBI is designed to attract reputable individuals, emphasizing integrity and financial prudence. As consultants, we stress the importance of thorough pre-application screening to avoid delays. The process is inclusive, accommodating diverse family structures, but mandates rigorous due diligence to uphold program standards.
Age Requirement: The principal applicant must be at least 18 years old.
Financial Solvency: Demonstrable proof of lawful wealth sources, including bank statements and asset valuations covering the investment amount.
Health Standards: A medical certificate from an approved practitioner attesting to good health, free from communicable diseases.
Character Assessment: Clean criminal records from all jurisdictions of residence, verified through international databases.
Family Provisions: Inclusion of a spouse, dependent children under 18 (or 18-30 if in higher education), unmarried daughters under 25, dependent parents or grandparents over 65, and disabled children of any age. Additional fees apply for larger families.
Interview Protocol: Mandatory virtual interviews for individuals aged 16 and above, focusing on intent and background.
Nationality Considerations: Applicants with ties to high-risk jurisdictions (e.g., Belarus, North Korea, Russia, Sudan, Yemen) face restrictions or enhanced scrutiny, requiring no residence or business activity there for at least 10 years.
Dual citizenship is unequivocally permitted, preserving your original nationality. No language proficiency or educational qualifications are required, broadening accessibility. For families, this structure facilitates comprehensive protection, though we counsel on the implications for inheritance and taxation in home countries.
FEES AND ADDITIONAL COSTS
Beyond the core investment, ancillary fees are standardized and non-refundable, designed to cover administrative and security processes. Budgeting accurately is essential; we provide detailed projections to avoid surprises. Fees vary slightly by option.
Due Diligence Fees: USD 7,500 for the principal; USD 4,000 for dependents over 16 (enhanced rates for certain nationalities: USD 25,000 main, USD 15,000 spouse/dependents 16+).
Processing Fees: USD 1,000 per application.
Interview Costs: USD 1,000 per person aged 16 and over.
Passport and Naturalization: USD 500 per passport; USD 500 per certificate.
Government Application Fee (Real Estate Only): USD 75,000 (single); USD 100,000 (family up to 4).
Additional Dependent Fees (EDF): USD 25,000 per child under 18; USD 40,000 per dependent over 18.
For a standard family of four via EDF, expect USD 276,500 total including extras. Legal and advisory services, while variable, typically range USD 10,000-20,000 for comprehensive handling.
Beyond the core investment, ancillary fees are standardized and non-refundable, designed to cover administrative and security processes. Budgeting accurately is essential; we provide detailed projections to avoid surprises.
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Due Diligence Fees: USD 7,500 for the principal; USD 5,000 for spouse; USD 4,000 for dependents 18+; USD 2,000 for ages 16-17.
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Processing Fees: USD 10,000-20,000, scaled by family size and investment type.
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Interview Costs: USD 1,500 per person aged 12 and over.
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Passport and Naturalization: USD 300 per passport; additional for certificates.
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Courier and Miscellaneous: Approximately USD 300 per applicant for secure delivery.
For a standard family of four, expect USD 20,000-50,000 in extras. Legal and advisory services, while variable, typically range USD 10,000-25,000 for comprehensive handling.
QUICK FAQ: WHAT IS THE TYPICAL PROCESSING TIMELINE?
From full submission to passport in hand, the Dominica CBI application process spans 6-9 months, with due diligence comprising the longest phase—expedited for straightforward cases.
RECENT UPDATES (2025)
The Dominica CBI Programme evolves in response to global standards, with key adjustments in 2025 reinforcing its credibility. Effective October 1, 2025, a Freedom of Movement agreement with Barbados, Belize, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines enhances regional travel and residency options for citizens. Additionally, legislation is under draft for a proposed 30-day residency requirement over the initial five years—aiming to foster deeper connections—though it remains unimplemented as of October 30, 2025.
Minimum investments hold steady at USD 200,000, supporting sustained demand from Asian and European investors, with a 12% application increase year-over-year. The passport's ranking on the Global Passport Index has improved to 76th, reflecting bolstered mobility. Prospective applicants should monitor CBIU announcements; we assist in navigating these transitions to ensure seamless compliance.
READY TO EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS?
Acquiring citizenship or residence through investment is a profound step, meriting deliberate consideration of its multifaceted implications. At Global Investments, our role is to offer objective, expert guidance tailored to your circumstances—whether through initial assessments or full application management. We invite you to schedule a confidential consultation to discuss how the our programs align with your aspirations.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
To address common inquiries, we have curated these insights based on client consultations and program documentation:
What is the minimum investment for Dominica CBI? The baseline is USD 200,000 via the Economic Diversification Fund for singles, with USD 250,000 for families up to four; real estate mirrors this threshold.
How long does the full application process take? Approximately 6-9 months, influenced by due diligence thoroughness and submission quality.
What residency requirements apply post-citizenship? None currently required to obtain or maintain citizenship, though a 30-day minimum over five years is proposed but not yet enacted.
Which family members can be included? Spouses, children under 18 (or up to 30 studying), unmarried daughters under 25, dependent parents/grandparents over 65, and disabled children qualify, subject to dependency proofs and fees.
What tax advantages does the program offer? No impositions on foreign-sourced income, capital gains, or inheritance, rendering it a favorable jurisdiction for non-residents.
Does it permit dual citizenship, and what travel benefits follow? Yes, without restrictions; the passport enables visa-free access to 137 destinations, including key European and Asian hubs like Schengen and China.
Are there eligibility restrictions based on nationality? While open to most, enhanced due diligence and restrictions apply to applicants with ties to high-risk countries like Russia or North Korea.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Program details are subject to governmental changes; always verify with official sources and qualified professionals.