Dominica
Dominica passport holders benefit from visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 156 countries. The Dominica Citizenship by Investment Programme began in 1993 and has continued under various prime ministers.
Source : Rif Trust
162
visa-free countries
$200,000
minimum requirement
6-12
months processing time
Dominica, officially the Commonwealth of Dominica, is among the most stunning islands in the Caribbean. However, its beautiful setting is not the only reason for obtaining Dominica’s citizenship.
That’s due to Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment Programme having simple physical residency requirements and providing many extra benefits.
Benefits of Dominica Passport
Dominica Citizenship by Investment: Minimal Residency Requirements
Dominica's citizenship by investment program does not require applicants to maintain a minimum period of physical presence on the island before, during, or after the application process.
Experience Premier Safety Standards in Dominica
Dominica boasts one of the lowest crime rates among Caribbean islands, ensuring a secure living environment.
Global Travel Freedom with a Dominica Passport
Holders of a Dominica passport can enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 156 countries worldwide, simplifying international travel without the need for advance visa arrangements.
Tax Advantages in Dominica
Individuals who reside in Dominica for more than 183 days per year qualify as tax residents, potentially resulting in lower taxation compared to other jurisdictions.
Who Can Get Dominica Citizenship
Investor
First, 18 years old or above
Next, have no criminal record
Also, be of good character
Lastly, free of contagious illnesses
Spouse
Firstly, a minimum 18 years old
Additionally, have a clean criminal record
Then, be of good character
Finally, free of contagious illnesses
Children Under 18
Of investor or spouse
Children Aged 18-30
Enroll in a recognized institution of higher learning and are substantially supported by you, the investor
Unmarried Daughter Under 25
Living in the family home and fully dependent on you
Physically or Mentally Disadvantaged Children Over 18
Substantially supported by you
Parents and Grandparents
Over 65
Substantially financially dependent on you
Dominica Citizenship by Investment Programme Requirements
To qualify for the Dominica Citizenship by Investment Programme, you must commit to ONE of the following investment options AND fulfill other requirements too:
OPTION 1. Contribute to the Economic Diversification Fund (EDF)
The first Citizenship by Investment option is an EDF donation of $200,000 for you, in addition to $150,000 for you and your spouse, furthermore, $175,000 for you and up to 3 dependants, moreover, $25,000 for any additional dependant under the age of 18, and lastly, $50,000 for any additional dependant 18 or above.
In addition to these initial commitments, you also pay processing fees of $1,000 per application, as well as due diligence fees of $7,500 for you, $4,000 for your spouse, and $4,000 for your dependents 16 and over. Moreover, there are additional $250 Certificate of Naturalisation fees, as well as $1,200 expedited passport issuance fees per person.
OPTION 2. Buy Property
The second way you can fulfil Dominica citizenship requirements is to purchase property valued at a minimum $200,000 in a government-approved real estate development. You must hold on to this real estate investment for no less than 3 years. The property will become resellable under the citizenship programme after 5 years.
Other Dominica Citizenship Requirements and Benefits
To become eligible for the Dominica Citizenship by Investment Programme you firstly sign an oath of allegiance to the Commonwealth of Dominica before a notary public, justice of the peace, or commissioner of oaths.
Additionally, while you do not have to relocate to Dominica to become a national, there is no personal income, wealth, gift, inheritance, foreign income, or capital gains tax for residents.
Application Process
MONTH 1
Your Dominica Citizenship by Investment onboarding
First, we start our Dominica Citizenship by Investment application process with Form 1. This sees us cover the RIF Trust due diligence. After this screening, you'll review a Client Agreement that, once signed, will allow us to make applications on behalf of you and your family.
Once we receive the signed agreement and retainer payment, our processing team will complete all necessary government forms and supporting documents. Additionally, if you invest in Dominica real estate, you will need to compete a sales and purchase agreement with the developer. Furthermore, we will liaise with the property developer and the Dominica Citizenship by Investment Unit (CBIU) on your behalf.
The CBIU do not permit you to apply directly for Dominica Citizenship by Investment.
MONTHS 2-5
Your Dominica Citizenship application review and submission
Before we submit your application, our processing team reviews everything to ensure your file complies with the CBIU's specifications.
After this initial review stage, the CBIU conducts its own due diligence on you, the main applicant, and all dependents aged 12 and above. In addition, you and all dependents 16+ attend a mandatory interview, which can be done in person or virtually.
We work closely with the CBIU throughout the process to ensure the timely and efficient processing of your application. Once the CBIU has completed its review of the paperwork, we progress to the next stage.
MONTHS 6-12
Issuing of Dominica Citizenship and route to Dominica passport
The CBIU assesses your application. Upon approval, you make all required contributions and pay any additional government fees. With this proof of payment, the CBIU sends out Certificates of Naturalization. You can now apply for a Dominica passport and enjoy travelling to visa-free countries and those you can enter with Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect from Dominica's citizenship?
Imagine Dominica and picture emerald flora and the sandiest of beaches. As well as its tax advantages, Dominica's citizenship grants permanent access to an island of incomparable beauty.
It’s a country made up of amazingly unblemished landscape, where rainforests tumble across hills that extend from coast to coast. English is Dominica's official language, but most nationals also speak French.
As a CARICOM member, citizens of Dominica can travel freely within the 20 islands, with no visa required. Among many other Dominica citizenship benefits, Dominica passport holders can also enter 156 visa-free destinations, such as China, Hong Kong, and Singapore, or easily get visas on arrival.
You will also receive extra identification documents with biometrics, including a national ID, a tax ID, and a driver’s license.
The Dominica citizenship programme is the lowest-priced option in the Caribbean for a single applicant.
Who can apply for the Dominica Citizenship by Investment Programme?
To qualify for Dominica’s “Citizenship by Investment Program”, firstly, you must be over 18 years of age, secondly, be of outstanding character, thirdly, be in good health, and fourthly, have a clean criminal record.
Furthermore, you must also confirm that you have the necessary funds to satisfy the requisite financial investment, whether that be via a donation or a real estate investment.
How long does the Dominica Citizenship by Application process take?
In Dominica, they offer fast-track Citizenship by Investment. Dominica is generally quicker than Europe. You can receive your Dominica citizenship between 6 and 12 months from your initial application, and next obtain a Dominica passport. This means you will not require a visa to enter 156 countries.
How much does Dominica citizenship cost via investment?
There are two ways to become a Dominica national. You must be able to meet one of these requirements:
Firstly, you can contribute to the Economic Diversification Fund, making a non-refundable donation to the EDF. This supports public and private sector projects in Dominica that lead to national development. For example, for a single applicant, the minimum donation is $200,000. Subsequently, this amount rises according to the number of family members you add to your application.
Alternatively, you can buy property as another route to Dominica citizenship. In this case, you must purchase property from a real estate development approved by the Dominica government, valued at a minimum of $200,000. Afterwards, you will need to maintain this investment for at least 3 years.
Will I need to live in Dominica?
No. You do not need to reside in Dominica before or after you receive citizenship.
Who can I add to my Dominica citizenship programme application?
You may include the following dependents in your Dominica citizenship programme application:Your spouseDependent childrenDependent parents and grandparents 65+Unmarried, childless dependent siblings aged 18-25
How long is a Dominica passport valid for?
Your Dominica passport is valid for 10 years before its renewal date. Passports issued to dependents under 16 years old remain valid for 5 years, so you’ll need to renew these more frequently. As of July 2021, biometric passports are also available to those with Dominica citizenship.
Do I need to be able to speak English to become a Dominica citizenship applicant?
No. Dominica’s CBIU processes your application even if you are not a native English speaker.
Can you acquire Dominica citizenship through marriage?
Once you secure Dominica’s nationality, you can then pass on your citizenship status by marriage, as well as to future generations by descent.
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