Do you feel ready to become a citizen in Dominica, one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean, with visa-free access to more than 144 countries?
Let us introduce you to Dominica citizenship by investment. This program gives investors many rights, such as citizenship and visa-free travel.
Overview of the Citizenship by Investment Program
Dominica, one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean, established the citizenship by investment program in 1993, aiming to increase investment.
Citizenship by investment is conditional on making an economic contribution to the country. In return for the investment, the investor and their family are granted full citizenship. However, the investment in the national economy must be a minimum of US$ 200,000.
The program is conducted in accordance with Article 101 of the Constitution and Articles 8 and 20 of the Citizenship Law. You can earn citizenship by fulfilling the conditions set by the state within the framework of the law.
Benefits of the Dominica Citizenship by Investment Program
Dominica citizenship by investment program provides you with many benefits, including
- You can travel to 144 different destinations without a visa (some may require a visa on arrival).
- You can obtain citizenship with your family (spouse, children, mother, father, grandparents)
- You can pass on your citizenship to your descendants.
- You have the right to live, work, and study in Dominica.
- You continue to be a citizen of your own country, as there is no dual citizenship restriction.
- You gain your citizenship quickly as there is no minimum life expectancy requirement.
- You do not have to have language skills.
- You can apply without providing education and work experience.
The Dominica citizenship by investment program benefits you and your family. Moreover, your future children and grandchildren will also benefit from your citizenship.
Dominica Citizenship by Investment Eligibility Criteria
Dominica requires a specific amount of budget even if it does not apply strict rules when granting citizenship by investment. In numbers, you need to invest a minimum of 200 thousand dollars.
The process also requires a clear criminal record without a major crime in your country or in a different destination. Otherwise, you will not be considered eligible for citizenship due to security criteria.
There is also a critical exception for you if you are a citizen of North Korea or Sudan.
Applications from citizens of North Korea and Sudan are accepted only if
- You have lived in the country for less than 10 years in total.
- You do not have any significant assets in the country.
- You must not have carried out any commercial activity in the country.
Citizens of North Korea and Sudan can only apply for Dominica citizenship through the investment program with the conditions mentioned above. Otherwise, the government authorities will reject the applications.
Requirements of Dominican Citizenship by Investment
The program is conducted in accordance with Article 101 of the Constitution and Articles 8 and 20 of the Citizenship Act.
Citizenship is granted upon fulfillment of the criteria set out in the laws established by the State.
The program also aims to increase investment in Dominica. So it’s good to take action without waiting.
You can follow the general application requirements here:
- Firstly, to obtain citizenship through investment, you must make an economic contribution to the country.
- You must contribute a minimum of USD 200,000 to the country’s economy.
- You must contribute to the country’s economy with your investment (Dominican national economic fund or government-approved real estate projects).
- The minimum age limit to get Dominican citizenship by investment is 21.
- You must also present a passport, birth certificate, and a clean criminal record.
- You must make sure that all documents presented are complete and translated into English.
To invest in the country’s economy, you must make a non-refundable investment directly to the Dominican National Economic Fund.
In addition, if you are coming with your family, you can apply for a maximum of 3 dependents.
Dominican Citizenship by Investment Cost
If you are applying for citizenship by investment as a single person, your investment in the Economic Development Fund should be a minimum of $200,000.
If you are applying with your family, the Dominica Citizenship by Investment cost increases as follows:
- If you are the applicant responsible for caring for up to 3 people, you must invest $250,000.
- You must then invest an additional $25,000 for each member of your family under the age of 18 and $40,000 for each person over the age of 18.
For example, if you have 3 children under the age of 18, your investment amount will be updated to $325,000.
It is useful to clarify a frequently confusing issue:
Dependents are children under the age of 18, a daughter under the age of 25, a child in education between the ages of 18 and 30, and parents, grandparents, and parents over the age of 65.
Procedures and time frame of the Dominica Citizenship by Investment Program
The citizenship by investment Dominica program has certain procedures to follow.
Firstly, if you are applying for Dominican citizenship you must conduct an online interview through a secure platform.
You must also swear an oath of loyalty in front of the authorized notary, magistrate, and oath commissioner during the application.
Another important procedure is the freedom of residence.
Dominica does not require physical residence, although it offers various programs to integrate people into the economy. The naturalized person is free to reside in Dominica.
Dominica Citizenship Investment Options
If you want to apply for Dominica citizenship by investment, there are two options:
- Invest $200,000 in the Dominica National Development Fund or a non-refundable donation to the Economic Diversity Fund (school construction, hospital construction, donation to the tourism or agricultural sector)
- A government-approved property investment. (Government-approved hotels and villas are included under Dominica citizenship by investment real estate.)
1. Dominica Economy Diversification Fund (EDF)
The Dominica Economic Diversification Fund (EDF) was established in 1993. The purpose of the EDF is to support socio-economic initiatives and develop the country. It is also one of the cornerstones of the citizenship by investment programme.
EDF operates under government supervision and ensures compliance with the law. It publishes regular reports detailing its activities, expenditures, and contributions. Therefore, it is transparent and accountable to the state.
2. Pre-approved real estate
You should make sure that the Government of Dominica has approved the property project you are investing in. Here are the requirements for pre-approved real estate:
- A net benefit of the investment to the economic growth of Dominica.
- Contribution to a project that does not threaten the climate or pollute the environment.
- A project that will support the growth of tourism in Dominica.
Pre-approved real estate includes luxury resorts, hotels, hostels, apartments, commercial properties, offices, and sustainable tourism projects.
How to Apply for Dominica Citizenship by Investment
Now you know the necessary information about Dominican citizenship by investment.
You should also know what steps you should follow using this information.
Below, you will find the steps to apply:
- First, choose one of the investment options mentioned in the previous section (donation or property investment).
- Then, put together the necessary documents. These are ID, birth certificate, passport, investment certificate, health insurance, and marriage certificate (if applicable).
- In the next step, you need to fill in the application form using your documents.
- After CBIU checks your application and gets back to you, you will attend the online interviews. This involves steps such as verifying your details.
- You will be notified directly of the result of your application. If the result is positive, you will receive a citizenship certificate and a Dominica passport.
These are all the steps to follow. But there is one more thing that is just as important: keeping your citizenship.
To do this, obey the laws of the country, live in Dominica for a short period of time, even if it is not compulsory, and fulfill your tax obligations.
Now, you have a valid map of how to obtain Dominican citizenship by investment.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve learned the essentials of Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment program, you’re just one step away from making a life-changing decision.
With visa-free access to over 144 countries, the opportunity to secure your family’s future, and the chance to invest in one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful islands, the benefits are clear.
Whether you choose to contribute to the Economic Diversification Fund or invest in real estate, this program opens doors to new possibilities. Ready to make Dominica your second home?
The process is simple, and the rewards are lifelong.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to become a Dominica citizen in 2024?
The cost of obtaining Dominica citizenship through the Dominica Citizenship by Investment Program changes for various reasons, including the investment option you will choose. For instance, you may decide to apply for Dominica citizenship by the minimum investment unit for the Economic Diversification Fund, which is $200,000. You can also invest a minimum of $200,000 in government-approved real estate.
Can a US citizen retire in Dominica?
Yes, a US citizen can retire in Dominica. When you become one of the Dominica passport holders as a US citizen, you can live, work, and retire in Dominica without any visa restrictions.
How long can a US citizen stay in Dominica?
As a US citizen, you can stay in Dominica for up to six months without a visa. However, if you have plans to stay longer or reside in Dominica permanently, you are expected to apply for a residency permit or obtain Dominica citizenship.
What are the investment opportunities in Dominica?
The Dominica Citizenship Investment Program offers several real estate investment options. These options include investing in government-approved real estate projects that meet the minimum investment requirement.
You can also check out other citizenship by investment programs and residency by investment programs if you are interested in investment migration. Here are our related articles:
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