Quick Answer
April 8, 2024
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How to open a bank account in Dominica

There are about 10 banks operating in Dominica, four of which are members of the Caribbean Association of Banks and, thus, are considered more reliable. Most banks offer online banking, though some do not work with foreign clients.

Lyle Julien
Lyle Julien

Explained how one can open a bank account in Dominica

How to open a bank account in Dominica

How to open a bank account in Dominica

In Dominica banks, one can open chequing and savings accounts, term deposits, and issue debit and credit cards. Education and car loans, mortgages, and business development loans are also available.

Dominica’s main currency is the East Caribbean dollar, which is referred to as EC$ or XCD. It is pegged to the US dollar at the exchange rate of US$1 = EC$2.70, thus, one East Caribbean dollar is always equal to 37 US cents.

EC$1 = US$0.37

By default, bank accounts in Dominica are opened in East Caribbean dollars. It is also possible to open a currency account in US dollars, euros or British pounds sterling.

The banks of Dominica which are members of the Caribbean Association of Banks:

The latter, naimly the AID Bank, provides only lending services. Customers can neither open a chequing account nor issue a debit card there.

Comparison of online services in reliable banks of Dominica

Online banking, mobile banking for iOS and Android

Only online banking

Online banking, mobile banking for iOS and Android

Comparison of service fee in reliable banks of Dominica

EC$10+ per month
for chequing accounts of individuals and companies

EC$100 or 150 per year
for credit cards

Maintenance of debit cards is free of charge

EC$10 per month
for any account

Maintenance of accounts is free of charge

EC$0 or 50 per month
for credit card

Comparison of amount to activate an account in reliable banks of Dominica

EC$300
for chequing accounts of individuals

EC$500
for chequing accounts of companies

EC$100 or $1,000
for savings accounts of individuals

$1,000, €5,000 or £1,000
for foreign currency savings accounts of companies

EC$5,000
for time deposits

EC$10,000
for accounts of individuals

EC$15,000
for accounts of companies

EC$10,000
for savings accounts of individuals

EC$500,000
for savings accounts of companies

Comparison of commission in reliable banks of Dominica

EC$10
for issuing a debit card

EC$1
for any transaction on the chequing account of individuals

EC$150 for account opening

EC$30 for incoming transfer to the account of individuals

EC$50 for incoming transfer to the account of companies

EC$125 to 700
for outgoing interbank transfer

Account opening is free of charge

EC$0 or 500
for issuing a credit card

EC$0.25 or 1
for an outgoing intra-bank transfer or payment

EC$5 + 2.95% of the transfer amount
for the transaction to Visa, Mastercard or Unionpay card

EC$1, EC$5 or 0.05% of the transfer amount
for an incoming interbank transfer

EC$5, EC$8.95 or 0.05% of the transfer amount
for an outgoing interbank transfer

0.5 or 3%
for withdrawing cash from an ATM with a credit card

Features of online banking

All major banks have designed online and mobile banking applications that allow managing accounts without visiting the bank’s branch. Through mobile banking, it is possible to:

  • pay bills;

  • transfer money to other customers’ accounts;

  • receive account alerts;

  • check account balance.

Through online banking, you can also transfer money to customers of other banks, including banks of other countries.

Documents needed for individuals

To open an account for individuals, citizens of Dominica need to submit the following documents:

  • proof of identity, such as a passport, social security card, or driver’s license;

  • proof of residential address, such as a utility bill, bank statement, driver’s license, or proof of employment;

  • an application for opening an account, which indicates personal data and information about sources of income.

A bank reference is to be submitted by:

  • Dominica citizens who open an account remotely;

  • Dominica citizens who live abroad;

  • foreigners.

A cover letter explaining the reason for opening an account in Dominica is to be provided only by foreigners.

Notarized copies of passport and completed account application are required from foreigners and citizens of Dominica who open an account remotely.

Documents needed for companies

To open an account for a company, you are to provide:

  • the company constitution;

  • the certificate of incorporation;

  • a Certificate of Good Standing;

  • resolution of the directors to open an account and establishment of account signatories;

  • identification for all beneficial owners, directors and signatories;

  • proof of address for all beneficial owners, directors and signatories;

  • bank references for directors and the company;

  • a completed application for opening an account.

The procedure of opening a bank account in Dominica

One can open a bank account in Dominica in person or remotely.

To open an account in person, you need to come to the bank branch with the required documents and fill out an application. All applicants undergo banking Due Diligence, a check on reliability. For citizens of Dominica, it often takes a few minutes, in comparison to a few days for foreigners.

When Due Diligence is passed, customers should activate their accounts by depositing the minimum required amount. Then, they can enroll in online banking.

To open an account remotely, one should first submit an application on the bank’s website and pass a preliminary check. Then required documents should be notarized and sent to the bank by mail or courier service. In this very letter customers may also send the amount of money required for activating an account. When the account is opened, clients register for online banking and manage their account without visiting the bank.

Account opening restrictions

  • The Dominica Agricultural Industrial & Development (AID) Bank does not provide services to foreigners;

  • the National Bank of Dominica do not allow foreigners to open an account remotely, and only companies registered in Dominica can open a corporate account;

  • all the banks ask foreigners for more documents to open an account than Dominican citizens.

Individual cost calculation of the Dominica citizenship

Individual cost calculation of the Dominica citizenship

Dominica banking services without restrictions: how to get a passport

Becoming a citizen of Dominica takes 2 to 6 months. It requires investment of at least $100,000 in the country’s economy. This is a non-refundable contribution to the state fund of the country.

If you double the amount of investment to $200,000, you can buy real estate. Investors purchase a stake in properties approved by the Dominica government. These investments are returnable, and thus the stake can be sold in 3 or 5 years.

Alongside the investor, citizenship can also be obtained by members of his family: a spouse, children under 30 years old, brothers and sisters under 25 years old, parents. The cost of obtaining a passport increases when family members are included in the application.

The Dominica passport makes traveling the world easier. Dominica citizens travel without visas to the Schengen countries, China, Singapore and Hong Kong. A ten-year B‑1/B‑2 visa to the USA is also granted for citizens of Dominica.

Immigrant Invest is a licensed agent for citizenship and residence by investment programs in the EU, the Caribbean, Asia, and the Middle East. Take advantage of our global 15-year expertise — schedule a meeting with our investment programs experts.

Will you obtain Dominica citizenship?

Practical Guide

Will you obtain Dominica citizenship?

Frequently asked questions

  • Do I need to come to Dominica to open a bank account?

    No, you do not. In most cases you can open a bank account in Dominica remotely. To do this, you need to fill in an online application form for opening an account, then send all the necessary documents by mail. However, there are exceptions. For example, only Dominica citizens are allowed to open an account remotely at the National Bank of Dominica. Foreigners have to visit the bank to open an account.

  • What documents are required to open a bank account?

    Individuals need a passport, a utility bill to prove their residential address and a completed application. Additionally, a bank reference and a cover letter explaining the reason for opening an account in Dominica may also be required. Companies submit their constitution, certificate of incorporation, Certificate of Good Standing and resolution of the directors to open an account and establishment of account signatories. The identities of all beneficiaries and directors should also be disclosed.

  • How much does account maintenance cost in Dominica?

    Most Dominica banks charge from EC$10 per month for account maintenance and from EC$100 per year for credit cards. There is a bank, namely the Paxum Bank Limited, where maintenance of standard accounts and credit cards is free of charge.

  • What features are available in online and mobile banking?

    Through online or mobile banking, customers of Dominica banks pay bills, check balances, receive account alerts, and make intra-bank, interbank and international transfers.