FAQ’s
About Dominica and the Citizenship by Investment Programme
WHAT IS THE CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT PROGRAMME?
The Citizenship by Investment Programme allows you and your family to obtain full legal citizenship and passports when you make a significant investment in Dominica which qualifies under the Citizenship by Investment Regulations. Presently, there are two qualifying investments: a contribution to the Economic Diversification Fund starting at USD 100,000 for a single applicant, or the purchase of authorized property valued at least USD 200,000.
HOW DO I APPLY FOR CITIZENSHIP?
As well as obtaining Dominican citizenship by real estate investment, you could instead choose to contribute to the country’s Economic Diversification Fund.
Step 1 – Choose an authorised agent
The first step for applying for citizenship is to choose an agent from the list of authorised agents. These are people who have been officially licensed by the Citizenship by Investment Unit to be given the authority to act on behalf of the main applicant in relation to a citizenship by investment application.
Authorised agents are the only people who can handle applications for citizenship by investment, and the Dominica Citizenship by Investment Unit (CBIU) will not accept direct submissions.
Step 2 – Contact your authorised agent
Getting in touch with your authorised agent will allow you to discuss the best way to prepare the required documentation you need to submit as your application to the CBIU. You will need to complete all official forms, attend a medical examination and obtain certain supporting documents for your CBI application. All of this paperwork will need to be submitted in English and with the appropriate notarisation and legalisation. If you are purchasing property, this will need to be reserved through a sales and purchase agreement.
Step 3 – Background checks
Your application will need to be vetted in a thorough due diligence background check in order to verify the information that you have provided. The CBIU will consider your file in light of the due diligence report and make a recommendation on your application to the Government accordingly. You will then receive a letter through your authorised agent, which will inform you on the status of your application. This will let you know whether it has been successful (known as “approval in principle”), delayed for further processing or rejected.
Step 4 – Further discussion with the Dominica CBIU
When all of your forms have been completed, and all documentation collected, your authorised agent will submit your application to the CBIU and liaise with them on your behalf. The authorised agent will attend to all correspondence, queries or questions which the CBIU may have during that time. Unlike other countries offering CBI programmes, Dominica does not currently require a mandatory interview, though the Government may ask for one at their discretion.
Step 5 – Payment and certification
If your application is approved in principle, the CBIU’s letter will also instruct you to make your contribution payment for the Economic Diversification Fund option or complete the payment on the real estate property. Upon receiving proof of payment, the CBIU will then issue your certificate of registration, which stands as evidence of your citizenship and can be used by yourself or your authorised agent to apply for your Dominican passport.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR CITIZENSHIP?
As an applicant for citizenship, you must be at least 18 years of age, of good character, without a criminal record, and able and willing to make the required contribution. You must engage an Authorized Agent who will assist you in preparing the required forms and supporting documents.
HOW IS THE PROGRAMME PRICED?
The total cost will be made up of the contribution to the Economic Diversification Fund or of the investment in authorized real estate, plus fees relating to the processing of the application. Some fees apply to both citizenship routes, while others depend on whether you choose to obtain citizenship through the Economic Diversification Fund option or the real estate option. For a breakdown of the applicable fees see –https://tranquilitybeachdominica.com/faqs/#toggle-id-5
WHAT ARE THE FEES?
Dominica Real Estate Investment Options
To qualify for Dominican citizenship under the real estate option of its Citizenship by Investment programme, you must purchase authorised property worth at least USD $200,000. Real estate must be held for either three years from the date your citizenship is granted or, if the future purchaser is also a citizenship by investment applicant, five years from the date your citizenship is granted.
GOVERNMENT FEES
*Subject to change without notice
If your application for Dominica citizenship by real estate investment is approved, the following government fees also apply:
- US$25,000 (twenty-five thousand United States dollars) for the main applicant;
- US$35,000 (thirty-five thousand United States dollars) for the main applicant and up to three dependants;
- US$35,000 for a family of up to four persons, including the main applicant and up to three dependants;
- US$50,000 (fifty thousand United States dollars) for the main applicant and up to five dependants;
- US$25,000 (twenty-five thousand United States dollars) for any additional qualified dependant;
ADDITIONAL FEES
In addition to the capital required for Dominica real estate investment, the following fees are also applicable:
- Processing fees – USD $1,000 per application
- Due diligence fees – USD 7,500 for the main applicant, USD $4,000 for a spouse and USD $4,000 for any dependants aged 16 or above.
In some cases, additional due diligence fees may be required depending on current citizenship status, and other personal circumstances. - Certificate of naturalisation fee – USD $250 per person
- Expedited passport issuance fee – USD $1,200 per person
The applicant is responsible for paying the full fees required under the laws and regulations governing the Dominica Citizenship by Investment programme. Therefore, when making a bank transfer, the applicant must also cover any bank charges so the government receives the money in full.
DOES CITIZENSHIP EXTEND TO MY SPOUSE AND CHILDREN?
Yes, citizenship is extended to your spouse, dependent children and dependent parents or grandparents. Fees vary according to the number of family members you include in your application for citizenship.
WHO QUALIFIES AS A DEPENDANT?
- A spouse of the main applicant.
- A child under eighteen years of age of the main applicant or the spouse of the main applicant.
- A child of the main applicant or the spouse of the main applicant between eighteen and thirty years who is in attendance at a recognised institution of higher learning and substantially supported by the main applicant or the spouse of the main applicant.
- An unmarried daughter of the main applicant or the spouse of the main applicant who is under twenty-five years of age and is living with and fully supported by the main applicant or the spouse of the main applicant.
- A child of the main applicant or the spouse of the main applicant who is eighteen years of age or older and physically or mentally challenged and who is substantially supported by the main applicant or the spouse of the main applicant.
- Parents or grandparents of the main applicant or the spouse of the main applicant above the age of sixty-five years who are substantially supported by the main applicant or the spouse of the main applicant.
Please note:
- A ‘child’ means a biological or legally adopted child
- By “eighteen (18) to thirty (30) years” it is intended that a child who is 30 can be included in an application, but not a child who has turned 31
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
Once you receive citizenship of Dominica you will have the same right to live, work, and study in Dominica as any other citizen. With a Dominican passport, you will be able to travel visa-free or with a visa-on-arrival to around 140 countries and territories, including major business hubs.
WILL I BE LIABLE TO PAY TAXES IN DOMINICA?
There is no wealth, gift, inheritance, foreign income, or capital gains tax in Dominica. As a citizen, you would be liable to pay personal tax if you resided in Dominica.
The Citizenship by Investment Application Process
CAN I SUBMIT THE APPLICATION TO THE CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT UNIT MYSELF?
No. You must submit your application through an Authorized Agent.
HOW LONG DOES THE APPLICATION TAKE?
From submission of the application to an approval in principle, applicants are generally expected to wait three months.
HOW DOES THIS PROGRAMME COMPARE TO OTHER CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT PROGRAMMES?
Our Programme has been running since 1993 and our Citizenship by Investment Unit is highly experienced in processing applications. Our Programme has efficient processing times and offers one of the most affordable routes to citizenship in the Caribbean. Dominica’s Programme has been ranked number one in the world’s most comprehensive study of the citizenship by investment industry for six consecutive years
IS THE APPLICATION PROCESS CONFIDENTIAL?
The application process itself is confidential, except where necessary checks are carried out by authorised due diligence agencies and international partners.
DO I HAVE TO ATTEND AN INTERVIEW?
No, you don’t have to attend a mandatory interview. However an interview may be required at the discretion of the Government.
DO I HAVE TO TRAVEL TO DOMINICA?
No, you don’t have to travel to Dominica as part of the application process. However, we always encourage you to visit our beautiful Dominica. In exceptional circumstances where an interview is required, we would usually like to meet you face-to-face in Dominica. However, should you be unable to attend an interview in Dominica, we may decide to interview you in certain centres outside of Dominica, subject to you being able and willing to pay applicable costs.
DO I HAVE TO BE RESIDENT IN DOMINICA IN ORDER TO OBTAIN CITIZENSHIP?
No. You do not have to reside in Dominica before or after citizenship is granted.
IS THE APPLICATION FORM AVAILABLE ONLINE?
No. All application forms for the Citizenship by Investment Programme can only be obtained through an Authorized Agent.
CAN I SUBMIT MY APPLICATION IN ANY LANGUAGE?
No. You must submit your application in English.
WHAT IS A POLICE CLEARANCE CERTIFICATE?
A Police Clearance Certificate is a document provided by a law enforcement agency confirming the absence of a criminal record.
WHAT IS THE OATH OF ALLEGIANCE?
Upon final approval of citizenship, each applicant is required to sign an Oath of Allegiance to the Commonwealth of Dominica. The Oath must be signed before a Notary Public, Justice of the Peace, or Commissioner of Oaths.
Visiting Dominica – Your Dominican Passport
HOW DO I GET TO DOMINICA?
International travelers from Europe and the USA arrive in Dominica through transit hubs in Antigua, Barbados, St Maarten, Puerto Rico, Guadeloupe, and Martinique. Dominica’s main and larger airport is Douglas-Charles Airport (DOM) which accommodates commercial airlines and has an updated terminal. Canefield Airport (DCF) currently serves only courier services and private charters.
WHERE WILL MY DOMINICAN PASSPORT BE RECOGNISED?
Everywhere. The passport that you obtain as an economic citizen is a fully legal passport, and is universally recognized by all state parties to the United Nations.
FOR HOW MANY YEARS IS A DOMINICAN PASSPORT VALID?
Dominican passports are generally valid for up to 10 years. Passports for children under 16 years old are issued for 5 years.
HOW DO I RENEW MY PASSPORT WHEN IT EXPIRES?
Expired passports or those with no free pages can be easily renewed for a fee at the Passport and Immigration Department in Dominica or through any Dominican Consulate (with no need to personally travel to Dominica or its Consulates).
HOW CAN I BE SURE THAT MY PASSPORT WILL BE RENEWED UPON EXPIRY?
As part of the laws of Dominica, and as a citizen of Dominica, you would be entitled to a passport.
DO I NEED AN ADDRESS IN DOMINICA TO RENEW MY PASSPORT?
No, you do not need an address in Dominica. You can renew your passport at the Passport and Immigration Department in Dominica or through any Dominican Consulate, and may simply give your primary residence as your address.
CAN I RENEW MY PASSPORT IF I HAVE ALREADY SOLD THE INVESTMENT PROPERTY?
Yes, as long as you held the property for the required number of years after obtaining your citizenship.