Dominica Citizenship by Investment Programme

The main applicant must be at least 18. Qualifying dependants are a spouse, children under 18, children aged 18 to 30 in higher education and fully supported, unmarried daughters under 25 living with and supported by the applicant, children over 18 with a physical or mental disability who are fully supported, and parents or grandparents over 65 who are substantially supported. The unit lists Belarus, Russia, Yemen and nationals from northern Iraq as banned and restricts applicants linked to Iran, North Korea and Sudan.

There are two routes. The Economic Diversification Fund takes a non-refundable contribution of US$200,000 for a main applicant alone, US$250,000 for a main applicant with up to three qualifying dependants, and US$25,000 for each further dependant under 18 or US$40,000 for each further dependant aged 18 or over. The real estate route requires a unit worth at least US$200,000 in a project on the government's approved list, held for three years from the grant of citizenship, or five years if the next buyer is also a programme applicant.

The unit's non-exhaustive list includes a passport valid for at least six more months, proof of funds, a certified and apostilled or legalised copy of the birth certificate, police clearances from the country of birth, the current country of residence and every country lived in for more than six months in the past ten years, issued within three months before submission, a medical form with blood, urine and HIV tests no older than three months, proof of investment and passport photos. Everything must be in English and properly notarised and legalised.

Every application carries a US$1,000 processing fee, due diligence of US$7,500 for the main applicant and US$4,000 for each dependant aged 16 or over, a mandatory interview fee of US$1,000 per interview for applicants aged 16 and over, and a US$500 Certificate of Naturalisation fee per person. Real estate applicants also pay government fees: US$75,000 for a main applicant, US$100,000 with up to three dependants, and US$25,000 or US$40,000 for each additional dependant under or over 18; EDF applicants do not pay these. Enhanced due diligence fees may apply depending on nationality and circumstances.

The unit does not accept direct submissions: only authorised agents can lodge applications. The agent submits the file, the unit carries out due diligence, applicants aged 16 and over attend a mandatory interview, usually held virtually, and the unit recommends approval in principle, delay for cause or denial. Approval in principle typically takes about three to four months. After it, the applicant pays the contribution or completes the purchase, and the Certificate of Naturalisation is issued on proof of payment and can be used to apply for a passport.

There is no requirement to live in or visit Dominica before or after citizenship is granted, and dual citizenship is allowed. Passports are generally issued for up to ten years, or five years for children under 16, and can be renewed in Dominica or through Dominican consulates.