15 benefits of Dominica citizenship and passport

The Dominica passport offers a number of advantages for individuals seeking global mobility and a stable second citizenship. Here are 15 key benefits:

1. Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 140+ countries.

2. Ten-year visa to the USA.

3. Favourable tax regime.

4. International business opportunities.

5. Living in a beautiful island country.

6. Having a plan B in case of emergency.

7. Access to international education.

8. Access to European healthcare.

9. Affordable citizenship by investment program.

10. Possibility of investment return.

11. Fast processing for citizenship by investment.

12. Dual citizenship is permitted.

13. No residency requirements for citizenship by investment applicants.

14. Passports by investment for the whole family.

15. Being the one to support a local struggling economy.

The Dominica citizenship by investment program ranks the second-best CBI program worldwide, according to the 2024 CBI Index Report. The ranking assesses CBI programs based on such aspects as standard of living in the country, freedom of movement, investment options and threshold, ease and time of processing, and mandatory travel or residence for applicants.

Under the Dominica citizenship by investment program, applicants obtain passports in at least 6 months either by making a non-refundable contribution or purchasing government-approved real estate for $200,000.

Citizens of Dominica can visit 145 countries without additional documents, including all the states within the Schengen Area, China, and Singapore.

Visa requirements for Dominica passport holders differ from state to state. Some countries may issue visas on arrival. Others, like Sri Lanka, can require an electronic travel authorisation, or eTA.

The terms of visiting other countries with a Dominica passport change sometimes; they depend on international relations and geopolitical situations in the world. Always check the specific requirements before travelling.

Citizens of Dominica are eligible for a B‑1/B‑2 visa to the United States. They get it for a maximum of ten years.

The visa allows travel, short-term courses, medical treatment, and attending business meetings or conferences. Working in the US is not allowed.

The B‑1/B‑2 visa permits stays of up to 6 months in the US per year.

One of the advantages of Dominica citizenship is the country’s tax system. Wealth, gifts, inheritance and capital gains are not taxed.

Сitizens who are not tax residents of Dominica do not need to pay taxes on any income earned abroad, including dividends, interest, and royalties.

Dominica citizenship allows investors to register international companies in the country. The founder’s details are not included in the commercial register and cannot be accessed upon request. This ensures the protection of the company, its assets, and its owner.

Registering a company in Dominica helps avoid issues such as foreign exchange control when dealing with foreign partners.

Dominica is an island country with beautiful pristine nature and a warm climate. People who obtained citizenship of the country by investment can reside there whenever they wish.

Benefits of living in Dominica include enjoying its beaches and the water of the Caribbean Sea and visiting waterfalls, lakes, and bays. Also, the cost of living there is relatively low compared to other countries — especially to the USA or EU states.

In case of emergencies requiring urgent relocation, a Dominica passport provides flexibility and security. Investors and their families can travel to Dominica or take advantage of visa-free access to numerous destinations, including the Schengen Area, for temporary stays.

Cosmopolitans can live in Dominica with no time limit. Real estate investors can stay 1—2 weeks free of charge in the hotel where they purchased a share. This time can be used to settle and arrange permanent accommodation.

The ability to visit the Schengen states without visas helps ensure a prosperous future for children. Cosmopolitans and their children can personally explore schools and universities across Europe, making it easier to choose the best educational institutions.

Beyond Europe, the Dominica passport also provides access to other leading educational destinations, such as China and Singapore, where students can pursue internationally recognised degrees. Visa-free travel makes it easier to attend interviews or entrance exams.

The visa-free regime allows parents to visit their children during their studies. Families can stay connected and provide ongoing support throughout the children’s academic journey.

For treatment abroad, a medical visa is usually required. The paperwork takes from 2 days to several weeks, which might be too long in case of an emergency. The Dominica passport eliminates this delay, allowing immediate travel to Europe for medical treatment without the need for a visa.

The Dominica citizenship by investment program offers an affordable option for individuals seeking a second passport. To become citizens of Dominica, applicants make a contribution to the Economic Diversification Fund or invest in government-approved real estate.

The minimum investment amount for a Dominica passport is $200,000, which is less than in other Caribbean countries offering citizenship by investment.

Dominica’s citizenship by investment program offers one of the quickest paths to obtaining a second passport. Investors can receive their Dominica passport in as little as six months, far faster than other methods of gaining citizenship. No language or history tests are required.

In contrast, obtaining Dominica citizenship by naturalisation requires at least seven years of residence.

In 2023, Dominica made improvements to its citizenship by investment program by digitising parts of the application process. Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment Unit was also recognised as one of the most efficient processing units in 2022.

Under the real estate investment option of the Dominica CBI program, applicants can return their money after 3 to 5 years by selling their share. This option requires a minimum investment of $200,000 in government-approved properties.

Purchasing real estate in Dominica not only provides a pathway to citizenship but also offers a tangible asset that can appreciate over time. The real estate market in Dominica has demonstrated steady growth, with property values increasing at an average annual rate of 4%.

Dominica permits its citizens to hold dual or multiple citizenships. This means investors don’t have to give up their original citizenship after obtaining a Dominica passport.

Dual citizenship provides enhanced global mobility, financial diversification, and security during uncertain times. For investors, holding multiple passports opens doors to new opportunities without compromising their existing rights or privileges.

Investors applying for Dominica’s citizenship by investment program are not required to visit or reside in the country at any stage of the application process. This allows applicants to obtain citizenship without interrupting their personal or professional commitments abroad.

While investors can visit Dominica anytime, they are not obliged to stay in the country. Dominica does not require citizens to reside in the country to maintain their citizenship. Citizenship is granted for life and only requires passport renewal after 10 years, or 5 years for children under 16. The renewal process is simple and does not affect citizenship status.

Investors can include their family members in the application. This applies to:

• their spouse;

• children under 18 years old;

• children from 18 to 30 if they are studying at a university and financially dependent on the investor;

• unmarried daughters under 25 who are living with and fully dependent on the investor;

• parents and grandparents who are over 65 years old and are financially dependent on the investor.

Investors’ contributions through Dominica’s citizenship by investment program are allocated to projects that promote sustainable development and improve the lives of the local population.

Funds are used to build hospitals, construct hurricane-resistant housing, provide grants for education, and support initiatives to combat poverty and hunger.

Dominica also invests in renewable energy projects to transition to a more sustainable future. By 2030, the government of Dominica plans to achieve all 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.

There are some drawbacks to the Dominica citizenship by investment program, too. However, they are not as significant as the benefits.

A remote country. Dominica is one of the Caribbean countries, so it’s pretty remote for investors from Europe and Asia. Above that, the international airport of the country is still under construction — there are no direct flights to Dominica from distant destinations.

Taking into account that investors are not obliged to visit the country, for many of them, this disadvantage won’t be significant at all. Those who do want to travel to the country and enjoy its wonders can take connecting flights or wait a couple of years until the airport is ready for international flights.

No visa-free regime with the USA. A Dominica passport allows its holder to travel to 145 countries visa-free. However, the USA is not included in the list. On the bright side, citizens of Dominica can apply for a 10-year visitor visa to the country.

A B‑1/B‑2 visa allows its holder to travel within the country, attend business meetings, study at short courses, and take treatment at local clinics and hospitals.

Besides, a Dominica passport allows travelling visa-free to some of the most popular destinations for tourism and business worldwide, including the Schengen states, China, and Singapore.

Global income tax for residents. Investors who obtain tax residency in Dominica must pay a tax on global income. This might lead to double taxation.

However, to become a Dominica tax resident, one must live there for most of the year. So, the investors who don’t relocate to the country are not obliged to pay taxes on their income earned in other states.

By birth or descent. A child born in Dominica automatically acquires citizenship. Additionally, individuals can inherit Dominica citizenship if at least one parent is a citizen of the country.

By marriage. A foreign spouse of a Dominica citizen can apply for citizenship after being married for at least three years.

By naturalisation. Individuals who have lived in Dominica for at least seven years can apply for citizenship by naturalisation. Applicants must meet certain conditions, including being of good character and demonstrating proficiency in English.

1. Dominica offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 145 countries, including the Schengen Area, Australia, China, and Singapore. Citizens of the country are also eligible for a 10-year visa to the USA, allowing multiple visits for business, tourism, or medical treatment.

2. Dominica’s tax system is highly favourable, with no taxes on wealth, gifts, capital gains, or inheritance.

3. The Dominica citizenship by investment program has a relatively low minimum investment of $200,000 and is processed in at least six months, faster than other citizenship routes. The program allows family inclusion, covering spouses, children, and dependent parents or grandparents.

4. Dual citizenship is allowed, enabling investors to retain their original nationality while holding a Dominica passport.