Citizenship by Investment in Dominica: Laws and Process

Why Might You Need Legal Help with Citizenship by Investment?

You may need a lawyer to choose the right route, structure your application, and avoid refusals. In 2024-2025, Dominica and its Caribbean peers enforce tighter due diligence, so professional preparation is critical.

Lawyers help with eligibility planning, source-of-funds evidence, complex family dependencies, work permit compliance, property contracts for CBI real estate, and responses to CIU queries. They also track evolving rules, like the price floor, mandatory interviews, and restricted-nationalities lists, and can coordinate appeals or reconsideration requests when available.

How Does the Immigration Process Work?

The process starts with selecting the correct category, gathering documents, and applying to the correct Dominica authority. Most applications require government fees, background checks, and, increasingly, an interview.

1. Assess your goal: visit, live, work, study, or obtain citizenship.
2. Check eligibility under the Immigration and Passport Act, Chap. 18:01; the Citizenship Act, Chap. 1:10; or the CBI Regulations, S.R.O. 37 of 2014.
3. Collect documents: passport, police certificates, medicals, proof of funds, employment or admission letters, or investment documents.
4. Submit to the correct body:
   • Visas and residence: Immigration and Passport Department.
   • Work permits: Labour Division (Ministry of Labour).
   • Citizenship by naturalisation or registration: Ministry responsible for citizenship under the Citizenship Act.
   • CBI: through an Authorised Agent to the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU/CBIU).
5. Attend interview or biometrics if required. For CBI, interviews are mandatory for applicants aged 16 and over.
6. Receive a decision, comply with any post-approval steps (oath, investment completion, passport issuance), and maintain lawful status.

Typical timelines vary: visitor visas 2-4 weeks, work permits 4-8 weeks, residence permits 8-12 weeks, naturalisation 12+ months, and CBI 4-6 months depending on due diligence findings.

What are the Specific Dominica Legal Requirements?

Dominica’s requirements depend on the category. The core laws are the Immigration and Passport Act, Chap. 18:01 for entry and stay, and the Citizenship Act, Chap. 1:10 and CBI Regulations for citizenship.

Visitor visa or visa-exempt entry

Many nationalities are visa-exempt under Dominica’s Visa Orders made under the Immigration and Passport Act. Those requiring visas apply through a Dominica consulate or directly with the Immigration and Passport Department with an invitation or itinerary, proof of funds, and accommodation.

• Processing: usually 2-4 weeks.
• Fees: modest consular or application fees set by Regulation or Gazette Notice.
• Stay period: as endorsed by the Immigration Officer on arrival.

Residence permits

Non-nationals may apply for a residence permit for work, study, family reunion, or long-term stay. Applications are made under the Immigration and Passport Act, Chap. 18:01.

• Requirements: valid passport, police certificate, medical certificate, financial support, reason for stay, and local address.
• Processing: 8-12 weeks is typical.
• Validity: usually 1 year, renewable.

Work permits

Foreign nationals generally require a work permit issued by the Labour Division before employment commences. OECS nationals benefit from free movement under the Revised Treaty of Basseterre and may not need work permits, subject to proof of status.

• Requirements: employer sponsorship, job description, labour market justification, police certificate, medical certificate.
• Processing: commonly 4-8 weeks.
• Fees: set by the Ministry of Labour schedule and payable by employer or employee as agreed.

Naturalisation (citizenship by residence)

Naturalisation is governed by the Citizenship Act, Chap. 1:10. Applicants typically need several years of lawful residence, good character, and intention to continue residing in Dominica.

• Residence: commonly 5 years lawful residence before application, with physical presence expectations.
• Requirements: police certificates, references, proof of income, tax compliance, and knowledge of Dominica’s civic life where assessed.
• Processing: 12 months or more.

Citizenship by Investment (CBI)

Dominica’s CBI is established by the Citizenship by Investment Regulations, S.R.O. 37 of 2014 (as amended) under the Citizenship Act, Chap. 1:10. As of 2024-2025, the Caribbean has harmonised a USD 200,000 minimum investment floor and stricter due diligence with mandatory interviews.

• Routes:
  • Contribution to the national fund (previously the Economic Diversification Fund) - minimum USD 200,000 for a single applicant under the harmonised floor.
  • Approved real estate - minimum USD 200,000 investment plus government fees.
• Dependents: spouse, minor children, and certain dependent adult children or parents, subject to CIU policy. Eligibility definitions change, so check the latest CIU guidance.
• Key requirements: clean police record, detailed source-of-funds evidence, medical questionnaire, passport copies, and a mandatory interview for applicants 16+.
• Due diligence: multi-layered checks by the CIU and independent international firms, with enhanced AML/CFT standards influenced by EU and US recommendations.
• Processing: typically 4-6 months from a complete file, but can be longer if checks raise questions.
• Submission: only through a Licensed Authorised Agent approved by the Dominica CIU. Direct personal applications are not accepted.
• Indicative total costs 2025:
  • Single applicant: roughly USD 230,000-270,000 including due diligence, processing, and state fees.
  • Family of four: roughly USD 260,000-320,000 depending on ages and route.
• Restrictions: the CIU maintains a list of restricted nationalities and enhanced risk categories. Policies evolved in 2023-2024 and can change without notice.

Note that Dominica citizenship does not confer eligibility for the USA E-2 Treaty Investor Visa, unlike Grenada and Turkey. Choose your jurisdiction based on mobility goals, family size, budget, and risk profile.

Property ownership by non-citizens

Non-citizens buying land may need an Alien Landholding Licence under the Aliens Landholding Regulation Act, Chap. 56:02, unless purchasing pre-approved CBI real estate within a project structure that covers licensing requirements. Legal review of title, escrow, and completion milestones is essential.

What Dominica Laws and Regulations Apply?

Several core instruments govern immigration and citizenship in Dominica. These texts define eligibility, procedures, and government powers.

• Constitution of the Commonwealth of Dominica, 1978 - citizenship provisions and foundational rights.
• Citizenship Act, Chap. 1:10 - registration, naturalisation, renunciation, and deprivation of citizenship.
• Citizenship by Investment Regulations, S.R.O. 37 of 2014, as amended - establishes the CBI framework and the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU/CBIU).
• Immigration and Passport Act, Chap. 18:01 - entry, stay, removal, visas, and passports.
• Immigration and Passport Regulations (as amended) and Visa Orders - set visa requirements and procedural rules.
• Aliens Landholding Regulation Act, Chap. 56:02 - licensing for property ownership by non-citizens outside CBI-approved projects.
• Money Laundering Prevention Act (AML/CFT framework) - used for due diligence and source-of-funds verification in all immigration and CBI matters.
• Regional instruments: Revised Treaty of Basseterre (OECS Economic Union) - free movement for OECS nationals; CARICOM skilled nationals regime as implemented in Dominica.

Government bodies include the Citizenship by Investment Unit (Ministry of Finance), the Immigration and Passport Department within the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force, and the Labour Division for work permits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the USD 100,000 Dominica passport still available?

No. As of 2024-2025, the Caribbean CBI states adopted a USD 200,000 minimum investment floor, so older USD 100k offers are obsolete. Expect total costs above the minimum when you add due diligence and government fees.

This price harmonisation followed regional commitments to strengthen integrity, align standards, and address EU and US concerns.

How long does the Dominica CBI process take now?

Most well-prepared files take about 4-6 months from submission to approval in principle. Complex due diligence or document issues can extend timelines.

Dominica requires a mandatory interview for applicants 16 and older and conducts extensive background checks through international partners, which can add time.

Can Dominica citizenship help me get a USA E-2 visa?

No. Dominica is not a US E-2 treaty country. If E-2 access is essential, consider Grenada or Turkey, both of which have E-2 treaties with the United States.

Your legal advisor can help weigh whether an E-2 eligible passport plus a qualifying US investment fits your goals and budget.

What are the main CBI routes in Dominica and their costs?

Two routes exist: a donation to the national fund and approved real estate. Each has a minimum USD 200,000 investment as of 2025, with total costs higher once fees are included.

Singles typically budget USD 230k-270k and families of four around USD 260k-320k, though each case varies by dependents and due diligence outcomes.

Who can be included as dependents in a Dominica CBI application?

Eligible dependents generally include a spouse, minor children, and certain dependent adult children or parents. Specific age and dependency criteria are set by the CIU and change from time to time.

Your agent or lawyer should confirm current definitions before structuring a family file to avoid refusals or rework.

What due diligence does Dominica require for CBI?

Dominica performs multi-layered due diligence using international providers plus government checks. Police certificates, source-of-funds documentation, bank references, and in-depth questionnaires are standard.

As of 2023-2025, personal interviews are mandatory for applicants aged 16 and older, and red flags can prompt additional queries or refusal.

Can I apply directly to the Dominica CIU for CBI?

No. Only Licensed Authorised Agents approved by the CIU may submit applications. Direct submissions by applicants are not accepted.

This model helps maintain quality control, document verification, and compliance with the Regulations.

Does Dominica allow dual citizenship?

Yes. Dominica permits dual citizenship. You should also confirm that your home country allows dual nationality before proceeding.

Revocation is possible for fraud, concealment, or national security grounds under the Citizenship Act, Chap. 1:10.

Do OECS or CARICOM nationals need work permits in Dominica?

OECS nationals benefit from free movement under the Revised Treaty of Basseterre and generally do not require work permits, subject to proof of status. CARICOM skilled nationals may qualify for facilitated entry and work based on the skills certificate regime.

Always check current ministerial guidance, as documentation and registration requirements apply.

What happens if my CBI application is refused?

There is no statutory right of appeal in Dominica’s CBI framework, but you may request reconsideration through your Authorised Agent or reapply later if advised. The CIU’s decision is based on due diligence findings and policy.

A lawyer can assess the reasons for refusal, address remediable deficiencies, and advise on timing for any future application.

When Should You Hire a Lawyer?

Hire a lawyer early if you have complex source-of-funds, prior visa refusals or arrests, tax or sanctions exposure, or a large family structure. Legal counsel is also valuable for real estate transactions and for aligning your global mobility plan across jurisdictions.

Given the 2024-2025 tightening of Caribbean CBI standards, professional guidance reduces the risk of delays or refusals and ensures compliance with Dominica’s statutes and CIU policies.

Comparing Dominica’s CBI With Other Top Options (2025)

Below are indicative comparisons of the main second citizenship options relevant to Caribbean buyers. Actual totals vary by family size, fees, and due diligence findings.

Note: Figures are indicative. The Caribbean Five have implemented a USD 200,000 minimum floor under regional commitments, but each jurisdiction sets its own fees and due diligence rules. Vanuatu’s Schengen visa-free access has been suspended by the EU, which reduces its travel utility despite speed.

Recent Policy Trends Affecting Dominica (2024-2025)

Dominica and its regional peers agreed to a set of common standards after high-level discussions in 2024, often called the Caribbean CBI harmonisation principles. You should plan around these trends.

• Minimum USD 200,000 investment floor across the Caribbean CBI states.
• Mandatory interviews for applicants aged 16+.
• Enhanced due diligence, including expanded database checks and adverse media reviews.
• Marketing integrity and prohibition of discounting or bundling that circumvents the floor.
• Greater data sharing among regional units and limits on post-naturalisation name changes.

When Should You Hire a Lawyer?

Engage a lawyer if you have complex business structures, crypto or private wealth sources, prior refusals or legal issues, large families with mixed dependents, or if you plan to purchase real estate under CBI. Property transactions in Dominica should always include independent legal due diligence.

Lawyers coordinate with Authorised Agents, vet your evidence before filing, anticipate CIU queries, and help avoid compliance pitfalls under the Immigration and Passport Act, Chap. 18:01 and the Citizenship Act, Chap. 1:10.

What are the Next Steps?

Your next steps are straightforward: verify eligibility, prepare documents, and engage competent professionals. Here is a practical plan.

1. Define your goal: visa, residence, work, naturalisation, or CBI.
2. Obtain a document checklist for your route, including police certificates, bank statements, and medicals.
3. For CBI, choose a route (donation or real estate) and engage a Licensed Authorised Agent approved by the Dominica CIU. Retain an independent lawyer for contract reviews and source-of-funds planning.
4. For work or residence, have your employer or sponsor coordinate with the Labour Division or Immigration and Passport Department and submit complete forms with fees.
5. Budget realistic timelines: 2-4 weeks for visas, 4-8 weeks for work permits, 8-12 weeks for residence permits, and 4-6 months for CBI.
6. Prepare for interviews and be transparent in all disclosures. Respond promptly to any additional information requests.
7. On approval, complete any final steps: oath or pledge as required, investment completion, passport issuance, and compliance with any residence conditions.

If you are comparing the Caribbean Five, Antigua often delivers the best total cost for larger families, Grenada and Turkey are preferred for USA E-2 access, Malta is the premium EU route, and Vanuatu is the fastest but with reduced EU travel utility. A lawyer can calibrate your choices to your mobility, family, and risk priorities while keeping you compliant with Dominica’s current laws and CIU policies.