Dominica Citizenship by Investment Programme

One of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean, the Commonwealth of Dominica established its Citizenship by Investment Programme in 1993 to boost its economic development. Dominica is a former British colony and a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, the United Nations, the Organization of American States, CARICOM, and other international organizations.

Known as the “Nature Isle of the Caribbean,” Dominica boasts pristine beaches, lush mountains, tropical rainforests, and some of the region’s best diving and hiking spots. With a culturally diverse population blending English, French, African, and Carib heritage, Dominica is a politically stable and economically sound country, offering the lowest crime rates in the Caribbean. The programme recognises dual citizenship and provides numerous benefits, including:

• No physical residency requirements
• Inclusion of dependent children under 30 years
• Inclusion of dependent parents and grandparents aged 65 and older
• No educational or managerial experience prerequisites
• Visa-free travel to over 140 countries, including the Schengen Area, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, and Turkey
• No taxes for non-resident citizens

Dominican citizenship offers lifelong rights to live, work, and study in the country, with full civic entitlements such as voting and access to healthcare. Dual citizenship is permitted without restrictions, allowing you to retain your original nationality. Citizenship can be passed on to descendants, securing your family’s future.

The Dominican passport grants visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 140 countries worldwide, making it a valuable travel document. Passports for adults are valid for 10 years, while those issued to minors under 16 are valid for five years. Renewals can be processed at the Passport Office in Roseau or at Dominican embassies and consulates abroad.

Applicants can qualify for Dominican citizenship by selecting one of two investment pathways:

1. Economic Diversification Fund Contribution

• Single applicants contribute USD 200,000
• For families of up to four (main applicant, spouse, and two dependents), a contribution of USD 250,000 applies
• Additional dependents under 18 require USD 25,000 each while those over 18 require USD 40,000

2. Real Estate Investment
Applicants may purchase property worth at least USD 200,000 in a government-approved development.

Additionally, the following governmental fees apply:

·       USD 75,000: Single Applicant

·       USD 100,000: Main applicant and up to three dependants

·       USD 25,000: Additional dependents under the age of 18

·       USD 40,000: Additional dependants aged 18 or over

This investment must be held for a minimum of three years. If the property is sold after five years, it can then qualify a new citizenship applicant.

Nationals from certain countries (including Afghanistan, Iraq, North Korea, Pakistan, and others) are considered on a case-by-case basis, particularly if they have not been legal residents in other countries for at least ten years.

All applicants aged 16 and above are required to attend a mandatory virtual interview via a secure platform. This interview forms part of a stringent due diligence process carried out by a third-party agency to verify the applicant’s background and submitted information.

Applicants are contacted directly to schedule interviews and must attend in person online; authorised agents cannot represent them during this stage. Interviews are conducted in the applicant’s preferred language, and family members who cannot join the main interview will have separate sessions.

The due diligence process includes:

• KYC (Know Your Customer) checks by local authorised agents
• Anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) vetting by the Citizenship by Investment Unit
• Comprehensive online and on-the-ground background investigations by international firms
• Screening by regional and international crime prevention bodies to ensure applicants are not listed on sanctions or watchlists

Applicant must be in good health, have no criminal record and provide their source of income and wealth.

This thorough vetting guarantees that citizenship is granted only to applicants of outstanding character.

The programme allows for the inclusion of a wide range of family members in the application, ensuring that your loved ones can also benefit from Dominican citizenship. Eligible dependents include:

• Your spouse
• Children under 18 years of age
• Full-time students aged 18 to 30 who are financially dependent on the applicant or spouse
• Adult children with physical or mental disabilities who rely fully on the applicant or spouse
• Parents and grandparents aged 65 or older who are substantially supported by the applicant or spouse

Chetcuti Cauchi Advocates boasts a team of highly experienced lawyers and advisors specialising in global citizenship and residency solutions. With a proven track record in advising high-net-worth individuals and their families, our firm offers:

• Tailored guidance on eligibility, investment options, and family structuring
• End-to-end application support, including document preparation, due diligence coordination, and submission
• Post-citizenship services such as passport renewals and adding dependents
• Multijurisdictional expertise covering all reputable citizenship and residency programmes worldwide

Get in touch with us today.