Dominica Citizenship: By Investment and More

Introduction

Dominica is a scenic island nation in the Caribbean Sea, located between Martinique and Guadeloupe. In 1993, the country launched one of the most affordable citizenship-by-investment programs, which remains popular among investors worldwide.

Today, Dominica’s economy relies on tourism, agriculture, and real estate, while its passport offers extensive opportunities for visa-free travel and tax planning. This article explores the key benefits of Dominica’s citizenship-by-investment program, available options, and the application process.

Benefits of Dominica Citizenship

Dominica’s citizenship offers investors and their families numerous advantages, including travel freedom, tax incentives, and a streamlined application process.

Key Benefits:

1. Fast and Convenient Processing. The passport application takes as little as six months. No language or history exams are required, and applications can be submitted remotely.
2. Citizenship for the Whole Family. Applications can include spouses, children up to 31 years old, parents, and grandparents over 65 if they are financially dependent on the applicant. Citizenship is also passed down to future generations.
3. Visa-Free Travel. A Dominican passport grants visa-free or simplified entry to over 140 countries, including the Schengen Zone, the UK, Singapore, Hong Kong, and China. U.S. tourist visas (B-1/B-2) are issued for up to 10 years.
4. Tax Benefits. Dominica does not impose wealth, gift, inheritance, capital gains, or international income taxes. Residents are also exempt from taxes on foreign dividends and royalties.
5. Profitable Investments. Real estate purchased through the program can generate rental income (5-6% annually) and may be sold after three years to recover the investment.
6. Dual Citizenship Allowed. Dominica does not require renouncing other citizenships unless prohibited by the applicant’s home country. For example, Armenian citizens can hold both passports, whereas Kazakh citizens cannot.
7. Education Opportunities. Investor’s children can gain admission to schools and universities in the UK under preferential conditions, including scholarship opportunities.

Thanks to these advantages, Dominica’s citizenship program is an excellent choice for those looking to expand their travel, business, and lifestyle opportunities.

Limitations of Dominica Citizenship

Despite its many benefits, Dominica’s citizenship also has certain restrictions that applicants should consider.

Drawbacks:

1. Limited Stay in the Schengen Zone. A Dominican passport allows visa-free stays in Schengen countries for up to 90 days within a six-month period. However, long-term residence, study, or business activities require a visa or residence permit.
2. Risk of Double Taxation. While Dominica offers tax incentives, some investors may face double taxation. For instance, if a Dominican citizen is a tax resident of another country and earns rental income in Dominica, they may be required to pay taxes in both jurisdictions unless a double taxation agreement exists.

Despite these limitations, Dominica’s citizenship program remains highly sought after due to its simplified process, tax advantages, and travel opportunities.

Investment Options for Citizenship

Dominica’s citizenship-by-investment program provides a fast and legal way to obtain a second passport with extensive visa-free travel and tax benefits. Launched in 1993, the program has granted citizenship to over 34,000 investors.

Dominica offers two investment options: a non-refundable contribution to the government fund or real estate purchase.

Option 1: Contribution to the Economic Diversification Fund:

This government fund supports social and infrastructure projects, including the construction of hospitals, schools, sports facilities, and the development of green energy.

Funds invested in the government fund are non-refundable.

Option 2: Real Estate Investment:

Investors can purchase a property from an approved list, which includes hotels, resorts, and villas. Partial ownership of a property is also allowed.

After three years, the property can be sold while retaining citizenship. However, if the buyer also seeks citizenship, the minimum ownership period is five years.

Dominica’s citizenship program remains one of the most affordable and attractive among Caribbean nations, offering investors flexible conditions and global mobility opportunities.

Requirements for Obtaining Dominica Citizenship

Investors and their immediate family members can obtain Dominica citizenship if they meet specific criteria. The program allows applicants to include spouses, children, and parents under flexible participation conditions.

Main Requirements for Investors:

• must be at least 18 years old;
• have a legal source of income;
• no criminal record or serious health conditions;
• successfully pass a Due Diligence background check.

Eligible Family Members:

1. Spouse.
2. Children under 18 years old.
3. Financially dependent children aged 18-30 who are enrolled in higher education.
4. Unmarried daughters aged 18-25 living with the investor, even if they are not students.
5. Parents, grandparents over 65 years old, if financially supported by the investor or their spouse.

Since 2022, siblings of the main applicant can no longer be included in the application.

Additional Conditions

1. Family members can be added to the application at any time. However, if more than a year has passed since the investor’s initial background check, a new Due Diligence check must be conducted at an additional cost.
2. Dominica citizenship is inheritable and is automatically granted to children born to its citizens.

With straightforward requirements and a transparent application process, Dominica’s passport remains a sought-after option for investors looking to expand their global opportunities through investment-based citizenship.

Required Documents for Application

Applicants must submit a complete set of documents when applying for Dominica citizenship by investment. All documents must be translated into English, notarized, and apostilled. If the applicant’s country is not part of the Hague Apostille Convention, consular legalization is required according to national regulations.

Essential Documents:

1. Valid passport and national ID copy.
2. Birth certificate.
3. Marriage or divorce certificate (if applicable).
4. Name change certificate (if applicable).
5. Driver’s license (if available).
6. Police clearance certificate.
7. Military ID (if applicable).
8. Eight passport-sized photos (35 × 45 mm).
9. Proof of residence (utility bill, lease agreement, or property ownership certificate).

Financial Documents:

• bank statements for the last 12 months;
• proof of income source;
• bank reference letter;
• two personal and professional reference letters.

Medical and Educational Documents:

1. Medical certificate, including HIV test results and basic health screenings.
2. University diploma or degree confirmation.

Additional Documents for Investors:

• resume;
• investment agreement or purchase contract.

Applicants must provide evidence of sufficient investment funds and their legal origin as part of the Due Diligence process. A well-prepared document package will expedite the application review and increase the chances of successfully obtaining Dominica citizenship. We can assist you in compiling and processing all required documents to ensure a smooth and efficient application process.

Step-by-Step Procedure for Obtaining a Passport

The process of obtaining Dominican citizenship through investment typically takes an average of six months. It is not possible to apply independently—applications can only be submitted through a licensed program agent.

Stages of Obtaining Dominican Citizenship:

Preliminary Check (1 day)

Experts conduct a confidential background check on the investor using international databases to identify potential reasons for rejection. At this stage, only a copy of the passport is required.

Document Preparation (up to 1 month)

Lawyers translate and certify documents, fill out government forms, and assist the investor in signing them. Additional certificates may be requested if necessary.

Application Submission and Due Diligence Check (3–6 months)

The application is submitted to the Dominica Citizenship Program Department. The investor pays government fees and undergoes a background check (Due Diligence). All applicants over the age of 16 must complete an online interview.

Fulfillment of Investment Requirement (up to 1 month)

After successfully passing the check, the applicant receives official approval and makes the required investment—either a donation to the fund or the completion of a real estate purchase.

Citizenship Acquisition (up to 4 weeks)

Once the investment is processed, the applicant and their family members receive naturalization certificates and passports at the specified address.

By following this process and working with professional lawyers, investors significantly increase their chances of successfully obtaining Dominican citizenship.

Obtaining a Dominican Passport Without Investment

In addition to the investment program, Dominican citizenship can be obtained by birth, descent, marriage, or naturalization. Recently, digital citizenship has become an option, which may, in the future, grant eligibility for a physical passport.

Ways to Obtain Dominican Citizenship:

By Birth. Children born in Dominica automatically become citizens, including those born on Dominican-registered ships or aircraft. The exception applies to children of diplomats and foreign embassy staff.

By Descent. If at least one parent is a Dominican citizen, the child is entitled to citizenship regardless of birthplace. Adopted minor children can also receive a passport.

Through Marriage. Foreigners married to a Dominican citizen can apply for citizenship after three years of living together in the country.

Through Naturalization. A Dominican passport can be obtained after seven years of legal residence, provided the applicant does not leave the country in the final year before applying. Citizens of Commonwealth nations may qualify for naturalization in just five years.

Digital Citizenship. In collaboration with the Huobi cryptocurrency exchange, Dominica has launched its national cryptocurrency, Dominica Coin (DMC). Verified DMC holders receive digital citizenship status, allowing them to open accounts, register businesses, and engage in cryptocurrency activities without restrictions. In the future, digital citizens may become eligible for a full Dominican passport.

Each method of acquiring citizenship comes with its own conditions and limitations. For those not planning to invest, naturalization or marriage are the most accessible options.

Possible Reasons for Denial or Revocation

Citizenship applications can be denied or revoked for various reasons, including illegal actions during the application process. One of the most common causes is obtaining citizenship through fraudulent means or committing serious crimes such as treason, extremist activities, or inciting rebellion.

For participants in citizenship-by-investment programs, additional conditions must be met to avoid losing citizenship. Violations include:

1. Concealing important information during the application process, such as additional income sources, previous visa denials, or criminal records.
2. Breaching program conditions, such as selling real estate before the required three-year holding period.

Additionally, citizenship may be revoked if, within the first five years of obtaining it, a citizen is convicted in another country and sentenced to more than 12 months in prison. The main reasons for denial of Dominican citizenship include:

1. An incomplete set of documents or providing false information.
2. Potential risks to the country’s reputation posed by the applicant, such as allegations of treason.
3. The applicant having a criminal record.

Therefore, it is crucial to comply with all citizenship requirements to avoid revocation and other legal consequences.

Renewing a Dominican Passport

The Dominican passport is an official document used for both domestic and international travel. It features a blue cover with the country’s coat of arms and name. For citizens over 16, the passport must be renewed every 10 years, while for children under 16, the validity period is five years. Using an expired passport may result in legal consequences.

The passport renewal process can be completed remotely. Applicants can contact Immigrant Invest or the Dominica consulate in their country of residence. Applications should be submitted at least two months before the passport expires. A new passport is typically issued within two to four weeks. To successfully renew a passport, the following documents must be provided:

• application form;
• current passport;
• naturalization certificate;
• two passport-sized photos;
• proof of fee payment.

Thus, the renewal process is straightforward, requiring adherence to application deadlines to avoid any issues.

Dual Citizenship in Dominica

Obtaining Dominican citizenship through investment does not require renouncing one’s original nationality. Investors can retain their current passports unless their home country’s laws mandate renunciation.

Importantly, Dominican authorities do not notify an applicant’s home country about their newly acquired citizenship. The decision to renounce prior citizenship is entirely up to the investor, not the Dominican government. Thus, the citizenship process in Dominica remains flexible, allowing many investors to maintain their original nationality if permitted by their home country’s laws.

Taxation Information

Taxation in Dominica depends on whether an individual is a tax resident. Those residing in the country for more than 183 days per year are considered tax residents and must pay taxes on income earned both in Dominica and abroad. Non-residents, however, are only taxed on income generated within Dominica.

Personal income tax in Dominica follows a progressive scale:

• 15% on income up to $7,400 USD;
• 25% on income from $7,400 to $18,500 USD;
• 35% on income exceeding $18,500 USD.

For corporations, the profit tax rate is 25%. Additionally, companies must contribute 7% of employee salaries to social security funds. Corporate tax payments must be made within three months after the end of the fiscal year, with an option to split payments into three installments. Dominica does not impose capital gains tax or property tax. However, real estate buyers must pay mandatory fees amounting to approximately 10.5% of the transaction value, while sellers are required to pay 2.5%. Property owners renting out their real estate must also pay a 1% government fee on annual rental income.

Dominica has double taxation agreements with several Caribbean nations, but not with most other countries. This means that individuals earning income abroad or non-residents earning income in Dominica may be subject to taxation in both jurisdictions. Thus, Dominica’s tax system provides certain benefits for non-residents, but tax residents are subject to progressive tax rates based on their income and its source.

Key Takeaways on Obtaining Dominican Citizenship

Citizenship by investment in Dominica is a fast and convenient way to obtain a second passport, granting visa-free access to over 140 countries. The program offers multiple investment options, allowing applicants to choose the most suitable path.

The application process takes between three and six months, requires no residency in Dominica, and allows family members to be included in the application. A Dominican passport provides opportunities for travel, tax optimization, and international business. If you plan to apply for Dominican citizenship, we are ready to assist you at every stage—from selecting an investment option to submitting documents and receiving your passport.