Citizenship
05 August, 2024
Reading Time: 11 min

Cost of Dominica citizenship by investment

Dominica citizenship by investment program is one of the cheapest in the world. Citizenship can be obtained by investing at least $200,000 in the state fund or real estate.

With addition of at least $10,750 of other fees for fund contribution and at least $85,750 to real estate investment, the overall Dominica passport costs for a single applicant are $210,750 and $285,750, respectively.

The passport is issued within 6+ months.

Lyle Julien

Author •Lyle Julien

Told how much it costs to get Dominica economic citizenship

Dominica citizenship by investment cost

Cost of Dominica citizenship by investment

Who can obtain Dominica citizenship by investment

The Dominica Citizenship by Investment Program (CIP) has been operating since 1993. From 2017 to 2020, more than 5,800 investors received citizenship by investment in Dominica, and the state earned an income of $1.2 billion.

A foreigner can obtain Dominica citizenship by investment if they are at least 18 years old, have no criminal records, have no serious illnesses, and can prove that the money for participation in the program was earned legally.

Investor’s family members. In the application for Dominica economic citizenship, an investor can include family members such as spouses, children, parents, and grandparents. They can obtain Dominica nationality at the same time as the investor or join later after the investor gets a passport.

Age requirements for participation in the Dominica investment citizenship program for investor’s relatives are the following:

  • under 18 for the investor or their spouse’s children;

  • 18—30 for the investor or their spouse’s children who study at a university;

  • 18—25 for unmarried daughters who live with the investor or fully depend on them;

  • 65+ for parents and grandparents.

To include parents, grandparents, and children over 18 in the application, the investor or the investor’s spouse confirms that they support the relatives financially. For this, the lawyers of Immigrant Invest draw up a particular statement — an affidavit with checks or bank statements attached to it.

A spouse of the investor does not need to be financially supported to get Dominica citizenship. However, they must be of the opposite sex and have no criminal records.

What unique opportunities the Dominica investment program offers

Investment requirements for Dominica economic citizenship

The Dominica citizenship program offers applicants two investment options to choose between:

  • $200,000+ — a contribution to the Dominica Economic Diversification Fund (EDF);

  • $200,000+ — in villas, apartments, a resort, a hotel complex, or shares of a real estate project approved by the government.

The government spends program income on educational grants, hurricane-resistant homes, schools, and clinics. Dominica’s citizenship program is the source of funding for geothermal energy projects.

Cost of Due Diligence and other fees for Dominica citizenship by investment

Due Diligence. For the citizenship application to be approved, the CBI Unit checks the investor and their family members over the age of 16 for reliability. With the help of this Due Diligence, the government of Dominica makes sure that future citizens do not have problems with the law and that the money for investment is obtained lawfully.

The program’s legal department checks to see if applicants have a criminal record or denials of citizenship and residence permits, followed by an inspection of income sources. The cost of Due Diligence is $7,500 for an investor and $4,000 for each participant over 16.

An interview is a mandatory step during Due Diligence. It takes place online and can host all family members over 16 at once. However, if a family member is late or cannot join on the appointed day and time, another interview is scheduled for them. The fee is $1,000 per interview.

Other fees include the following:

  • $1,000 is a processing fee per application;

  • $500 is a naturalisation certificate fee per applicant;

  • $250 is a passport fee per applicant;

  • $500 is for courier services.

Besides, the investor pays for services of a licensed agent, bank commissions, delivery costs, notarisation, and translation fees. The total amounts depend on the composition of the family and necessary documents.

Immigrant Invest is a licensed agent of the program and our lawyers can help you calculate the exact cost of participation.

Dominica citizenship by investment cost when contributing to the state fund

The contribution to the Economic Diversification Fund is charitable and is not returned to the investor. The minimum investment amount will be:

  • for an investor — $200,000;

  • for a family of up to four people — $250,000.

An additional $25,000 is paid per family member from the fifth applicant under 18 and $40,000 for those over 18.

Cost of investments in the Dominica EDF with fees

Expenses

Investor

Family of up to 4

Fund contribution

$200,000

$250,000

Due Diligence

$7,500

$11,500+

Other Fees

$3,250+

$4,000+

Total

$210,750+

$265,500+

Dominica citizenship cost when investing in real estate

The minimum investment in real estate is the same as the contribution to the Economic Diversification Fund — $200,000. At the same time, investment property costs do not depend on the number of participants.

The investor can purchase an apartment, a villa, or a hotel. It is also possible to buy shares of one of such properties worth $200,000. When buying a share, the investor becomes a shareholder of the hotel: the bonus includes free accommodation in luxury apartments for up to two weeks a year.

In addition to the cost of the property itself, the investor pays a government fee:

  • $75,000 for a single investor;

  • $100,000 for a family of up to 4 people;

  • $25,000 per family member under 18, starting with the 5th applicant;

  • $40,000 per family member over 18, starting with the 5th applicant.

The final Dominica citizenship cost depends on the composition of the family.

Dominica citizenship price when purchasing real estate

Expenses

Investor

Family of up to 4

Real estate purchase

$200,000

$200,000

State Fee

$75,000

$100,000

Due Diligence

$7,500

$11,500+

Other Fees

$3,250+

$4,000+

Total

$285,750+

$315,500+

The potential income from renting out real estate is 2—5% per annum. The investor does not need to worry about the maintenance of the property: the management company pays bills, attracts tourists, and hires staff for renovation and room service.

According to the law, it is possible to sell real estate after 3 years. It is the shortest minimum ownership period among the Caribbean CBI programs. The property must be owned for 5 years if the investor wants to sell it to a future participant of the CBI program.

Real estate prices in Dominica rise by an average of 4% per year. After the sale, investors receive a profit of 2 to 8%. You do not need to be present in the country to sell real estate, as the transaction takes place remotely. Additionally, there is a sales tax of 6%.

The government approves the estate for the Dominica program, which guarantees the transaction’s legality. Elite hotels and resort complexes are approved for the program. They are run by international companies with real estate experience in Europe, America, and the Caribbean.

5 steps to obtain Dominica citizenship

In Immigrant Invest lawyers’ practice, obtaining Dominica citizenship by investment takes at least 6 months and requires the following five steps to complete remotely.

1

Contact and sign an agreement with a licensed program agent

Only a licensed agent can process applications for citizenship by investment. Dominica Citizenship by Investment Unit (CBIU) does not accept direct applications.

The Government of Dominica has empowered Immigrant Invest to apply for citizenship on behalf of the applicant. You can complete a contract in one of our offices or remotely.

Immigrant Invest is a licensed agent of the Dominica CBI program with an in-house Compliance Department. A certified Anti Money Laundering Officer will study the applicant’s situation in detail, assess the possible risks of rejection, advise, and offer solutions.

A Services Agreement with Immigrant Invest is signed only after the investor has passed our preliminary Due Diligence.

2

Up to 4 weeks

Prepare documents

Immigrant Invest lawyers make a list of required documents. They fill out government forms, translate them into English, and notarise documents. The application is then sent to the Government of Dominica.

3

1 day

Attend an interview

All applicants over 16 are obligated to have an interview with a representative of the Dominica Citizenship by Investment Unit.

4

3—6 months

Wait for the decision from the government of Dominica

Due Diligence takes three to six months. If it is successful, the application is approved.

The approval is sent in an official letter to the address of the licensed agent at Immigrant Invest. After receiving a favourable decision, you need to fulfil the investment condition. This is given 30 days after permission to issue citizenship.

5

Obtain a passport and a naturalisation certificate

The documents are collected at the Immigrant Invest office or a convenient address through courier delivery. The Dominica passport is valid for 10 years.

Costs of adding relatives after the investor received a Dominica passport

Dominica does not generally limit the period of adding family members. However, children under 18 born or adopted can obtain citizenship only within 5 years after the investor got their passport.

The time affects the amount of fees for family members. It is cheaper if the investor became a citizen less than a year ago.

Dominica passport price for family members: post-approval additions

Family members

The investor received a passport
less than a year ago

The investor received a passport
more than a year ago

Spouse

$50,000

$75,000

Children aged 18 to 30

$25,000

$50,000

Parents

$25,000

$50,000

If the investor or someone from their family has got married after obtaining citizenship in Dominica, the fee for joining a husband or wife will be $75,000. The amount does not depend on when the investor received the passport.

There is no need to pay extra for newborns and adopted children — it is enough to pay government fees.

In addition to the state fee for joining, the Dominica citizenship by investment cost for family members includes:

  • $4,000 — the state fee for the Due Diligence check for each family member over 16;

  • $1,000 — the government fee for processing for the whole family, regardless of the number of people;

  • $500 — a certificate of naturalisation fee;

  • $250 — a passport fee.

The main applicant undergoes Due Diligence again with family members if more than a year has passed since the initial application for Dominica citizenship by investment. Due Diligence for the main applicant is $7,500.

5 benefits of Dominica economic citizenship for an investor

1. Freedom of travel worldwide. The list of visa-free destinations for those with a Dominica passport includes over 140 countries, including the Schengen states, Singapore, and China.

Terms of visa-free stay:

  • Schengen Area — up to 90 days every 180 days;

  • Singapore — up to 30 days a year;

  • China — up to 30 days a year.

2. Tourist visa to the USA for 10 years. A B‑1/B‑2 visa entitles you to visit the United States for business or leisure purposes. US consulates accept visa documents in any country where entry is allowed with a Dominica passport.

3. Access to services of foreign banks. Foreign banks strictly check the documents and might refuse to open an account. It is easier for those with Dominica economic citizenship to use banking services. For example, some foreign banks do not ask for a lease agreement and an insurance policy number to open an account. Therefore, the second citizenship allows you to make settlements without currency control and additional commissions.

4. Preferential taxation for tax residents of Dominica. There are no taxes on gifts, property, and inheritance. The tax on income earned outside the country is 0%.

5. Business development abroad. It is easy to register an international company in Dominica to work with foreign partners. The government does not disclose personal and financial information about business owners, as their data is not entered into the commercial register when the company is registered.

Dominica passport price

Calibishie beach is one of the best beaches in Dominica. Waves are rare here

Which countries are visa-free with a Dominica passport

The Dominica passport helps with global mobility. Citizens of this country are allowed free entry to 140+ of the 200 states.

Dominica has a reputation for being a peaceful and friendly nation. The list of visa-free countries grows every year: the government decides on new agreements for visa-free entry.

Visa-free destinations for Dominica citizens

Europe

No.

Country

Entry conditions

1

Albania

Electronic entry permit

2

Andorra

Visa-free

3

Austria

Visa-free

4

Belarus

Visa-free

5

Belgium

Visa-free

6

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Visa-free

7

Bulgaria

Visa-free

8

Croatia

Visa-free

9

Cyprus

Visa-free

10

Czech Republic

Visa-free

11

Denmark

Visa-free

12

Estonia

Visa-free

13

Finland

Visa-free

14

France

Visa-free

15

Georgia

Electronic entry permit

16

Germany

Visa-free

17

Greece

Visa-free

18

Hungary

Visa-free

19

Iceland

Visa-free

20

Italy

Visa-free

21

Latvia

Visa-free

22

Liechtenstein

Visa-free

23

Lithuania

Visa-free

24

Luxembourg

Visa-free

25

Malta

Visa-free

26

Moldova

Visa-free

27

Monaco

Visa-free

28

Montenegro

Visa-free

29

Netherlands

Visa-free

30

Norway

Visa-free

31

Poland

Visa-free

32

Portugal

Visa-free

33

Romania

Visa-free

34

Russia

Visa-free

35

San Marino

Visa-free

36

Serbia

Visa-free

37

Slovakia

Visa-free

38

Slovenia

Visa-free

39

Spain

Visa-free

40

Sweden

Visa-free

41

Switzerland

Visa-free

42

Turkey

Visa on arrival

43

Ukraine

Visa-free

Asia

No.

Country

Entry conditions

1

Armenia

Visa on arrival

2

Bahrain

Electronic entry permit

3

Bangladesh

Visa on arrival

4

Bhutan

Electronic entry permit

5

Cambodia

Visa on arrival

6

China

Visa-free

7

India

Electronic entry permit

8

Iran

Electronic entry permit

9

Israel

Visa-free

10

Jordan

Visa on arrival

11

Kazakhstan

Electronic entry permit

12

Kyrgyzstan

Electronic entry permit

13

Laos

Visa on arrival

14

Malaysia

Visa-free

15

Maldives

Visa on arrival

16

Mongolia

Electronic entry permit

17

Nepal

Visa on arrival

18

Oman

Electronic entry permit

19

Pakistan

Electronic entry permit

20

Philippines

Visa-free

21

Singapore

Visa-free

22

South Korea

Electronic entry permit

23

Sri Lanka

Electronic entry permit

24

Tajikistan

Electronic entry permit

25

Thailand

Electronic entry permit

26

Timor-Leste

Visa on arrival

27

Uzbekistan

Visa-free

28

Vietnam

Electronic entry permit

Africa

No.

Country

Entry conditions

1

Benin

Electronic entry permit

2

Botswana

Visa-free

3

Burkina Faso

Electronic entry permit

4

Burundi

Electronic entry permit

5

Cameroon

Electronic entry permit

5

Cape Verde

Visa-free

7

Comoros

Visa on arrival

8

Congo — Kinshasa

Electronic entry permit

9

Côte d’Ivoire

Electronic entry permit

10

Djibouti

Electronic entry permit

11

Egypt

Visa on arrival

12

Equatorial Guinea

Electronic entry permit

13

Eswatini

Visa-free

14

Ethiopia

Electronic entry permit

15

Gabon

Electronic entry permit

16

Gambia

Visa-free

17

Guinea

Electronic entry permit

18

Guinea-Bissau

Visa on arrival

19

Kenya

Visa-free

20

Lesotho

Visa-free

21

Madagascar

Visa on arrival

22

Malawi

Visa-free

23

Mauritania

Visa on arrival

24

Mauritius

Visa-free

25

Mozambique

Visa on arrival

26

Nigeria

Electronic entry permit

27

Rwanda

Visa on arrival

28

Seychelles

Visa on arrival

29

Sierra Leone

Visa on arrival

30

Somalia

Visa on arrival

31

South Sudan

Electronic entry permit

32

São Tomé & Príncipe

Electronic entry permit

33

Tanzania

Visa-free

34

Togo

Visa on arrival

35

Uganda

Visa on arrival

36

Zambia

Visa-free

37

Zimbabwe

Electronic entry permit

Oceania

No.

Country

Entry conditions

1

Australia

Electronic entry permit

2

Fiji

Visa-free

3

Micronesia

Visa-free

4

Palau

Visa on arrival

5

Papua New Guinea

Electronic entry permit

6

Samoa

Visa on arrival

7

Solomon Islands

Visa on arrival

8

Tonga

Visa on arrival

9

Tuvalu

Visa on arrival

10

Vanuatu

Visa-free

North America

No.

Country

Entry conditions

1

Antigua and Barbuda

Visa-free

2

Bahamas

Visa-free

3

Barbados

Visa-free

4

Belize

Visa-free

5

Costa Rica

Visa-free

6

Cuba

Visa-free

7

Dominican Republic

Visa-free

8

Grenada

Visa-free

9

Haiti

Visa-free

10

Jamaica

Visa-free

11

Nicaragua

Visa on arrival

12

Panama

Visa-free

13

St Kitts and Nevis

Visa-free

14

St Lucia

Visa-free

15

St Vincent and the Grenadines

Visa-free

16

Trinidad and Tobago

Visa-free

South America

No.

Country

Entry conditions

1

Argentina

Visa-free

2

Bolivia

Visa on arrival

3

Brazil

Visa-free

4

Colombia

Visa-free

5

Ecuador

Visa-free

6

Guyana

Visa-free

7

Peru

Visa-free

8

Suriname

Visa-free

9

Uruguay

Visa-free

10

Venezuela

Visa-free

Benefits of a tax residency in Dominica

To become a tax resident of Dominica, you need to live in the country for at least 183 days a year. For a company to obtain tax resident status, it must be registered in Dominica.

A non-resident does not need to pay any taxes in Dominica if they do not receive income in the country. There are no taxes on dividends, inheritance, and capital gains for residents, but there is a tax on global income.

The tax rate on global income is progressive: 15 to 35%. In general, living in Dominica is beneficial if the primary source of income is dividends and interest.

Taxes in Dominica

Tax

For individuals

For companies

Global income

15—35% for residents
0% for non-residents

25% of profit for residents
0% for non-residents

Income in Dominica

0% for residents
15—35% for non-residents

0% for residents
25% for non-residents

Dividends

0% for residents

15% for non-residents, if the source of income is in Dominica

0% for residents

15% for non-residents if the source of income is in Dominica

Inheritance

No

No

Capital gains

No

No

Stamp duty

2,5% — for the seller
4% — for the buyer

2,5% — for the seller
4% — for the buyer

Social security contributions

6% of salary

7% of salary

Dominica concluded two treaties on double tax avoidance. The first one is multilateral with 10 other Caribbean countries, and the second is with Switzerland. If the investor has the nationality of another country, it will be necessary to comply with its tax policy as well.

Dominica participates in the international Common Reporting Standard (CRS) system and exchanges financial information. Like other Caribbean countries, Dominica does not disclose information about the company’s owners: the data is not entered into the commercial register.

Registration of an international business company (IBC) takes up to two weeks. The registration cost is about $2,100, and the minimum charge for maintaining a company is about $1,400 per year.

Documents for registration:

  • agreement on the establishment of a company;

  • order on the appointment of a director;

  • Dominica office registration certificate;

  • statement from the company owner about the age of the majority.

It is easier for Dominican tax residents to open an account in international banks. This helps to transfer currency faster and without additional fees.

Key takeaways on Dominica citizenship cost

  1. Dominica grants citizenship under the state citizenship by investment program operating since 1993. The timeframe for becoming a citizen this way is 6+ months.

  2. There are two investment options: a contribution to a state fund and a real estate purchase.

  3. The fund contribution requires at least $200,000 and is non-refundable.

  4. The minimum investment in real estate is $200,000 with a government fee of $75,000 for a single applicant. Only government-approved projects qualify. The property can be sold in 3—5 years.

  5. Associated costs include Due Diligence, processing, passport, and legal fees.

  6. The total expenses depend on the number of family members under one citizenship application. A single investor will spend at least $210,750, while a family of four needs at least $265,500.

  7. Dominica citizenship provides global mobility, tax benefits, banking and business opportunities.

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.

Frequently asked questions

  • Can you buy Dominica's passport?

    Yes, Dominica citizenship can be obtained within 6+ months by investing at least $200,000 in the state fund or real estate.

    The investor can include close family members in the citizenship program: their spouse, children under 30, and parents over 65. The entire citizenship by investment procedure can be completed without visiting Dominica.

  • How much does it cost to become a Dominica citizen?

    Foreign citizens can obtain Dominica citizenship in exchange for investment.

    Investment options are:

    • $200,000+ — a contribution to the Economic Diversification Fund;

    $200,000+ — in real estate approved by the government. The minimum period of property ownership is 3—5 years.

    In addition to the amount of investment, the general expenses of the program include administrative and government fees for paperwork.

    The investor and their family members over 16 years old need to pass the Due Diligence check.

    Registration takes place remotely: you do not need to visit the country. Documents are sent by courier or to the office of a licensed program agent. Dominica’s passports are delivered to a convenient address for the investor.

  • Is the investment refundable?

    Contribution to the EDF is non-refundable.

    If you choose to invest in real estate, you can sell the property after 3 years of ownership and return the money.

  • Is there any difference in cost if I apply individually or with my family?

    Yes, the costs increase when adding dependents. The exact amount depends on the number and age of the family members.

  • What does a Dominica passport give to an investor?

    Some of the main benefits of Dominica citizenship for investors:

    1. Cosmopolitans with a Dominica passport are free to travel to 140+ countries. A Dominica passport by investment replaces a visa to the Schengen countries, Singapore, and China.

    2. In unforeseen situations, citizens can seek help from the embassy of any country in the Commonwealth of Nations.

    3. Dominica tax legislation is beneficial for tax residents of the country. There are no gifts, inheritance, or capital gains taxes. The government does not disclose financial information about business owners.

  • How long is the passport valid?

    Dominica’s passport is issued for 10 years. Then, a Dominica passport needs to be renewed. It is sufficient to contact the licensed program agent for information on Dominica’s passport renewal.

    The passport fee is $250. Each subsequent passport is valid for 10 years.

  • How to apply for Dominica citizenship?

    To obtain Dominica citizenship, you must first select a licensed program agent. The Agent is a law firm that has received an official licence from the government of the Commonwealth of Dominica. The Agent is empowered to apply on behalf of the main applicant for citizenship by investment.

    Only licensed agents can apply for citizenship by investment. Dominica Citizenship by Investment Unit (CBIU) does not accept direct applications.

    Immigrant Invest is the only licensed Dominica citizenship program agent with its own compliance department. The Certified Compliance Anti Money Laundering Officer knows every program requirement: they quickly assess the risks of failure and propose a suitable solution.

  • How to successfully pass the Due Diligence for Dominica Citizenship by Investment?

    Due Diligence is a legal check of an investor and their family members over 16 years old. It depends on its results whether the government of the Commonwealth of Dominica will approve the citizenship application. Citizenship will not be granted to applicants with a criminal record, previous citizenship, or residence permit denials.

    The applicant must provide authentic documents and confirm that the investment was earned legally to pass the check successfully.

  • Can you immigrate to Dominica?

    Yes, you can immigrate to Dominica by becoming its citizen. Investors obtain Dominica nationality by contributing at least $200,000 to the Economic Diversification Fund or by purchasing real estate worth a minimum of $200,000.

    With a Dominica passport, you get access to a safe haven at any time, even if the borders are closed. You also get to enjoy a Caribbean lifestyle and a life by the ocean. Among other perks of a Dominica passport are visa-free travel to 140+ countries, a 10-year visa to the USA, and the possibility to move together with your family.

  • Is it cheap to live in Dominica?

    Yes, it is quite cheap to live in Dominica. It is cheaper compared to most other Caribbean countries. One person will need around $500 for living expenses and around $300 for rent per month. A family of four will spend approximately $1,500 monthly, including rent.

    An investor may live in the country after obtaining its passport. The investment starts at $200,000.

  • How long does it take to get Dominica citizenship?

    Obtaining Dominica citizenship by investment typically takes around 6 months. The process involves several steps, including preparing and submitting the necessary documents, completing the investment, and undergoing a Due Diligence check.

  • How much is the processing fee for Dominica?

    The processing fee for obtaining citizenship by investment in Dominica is $1,000 per application.

  • Is it possible to have Dominica dual citizenship?

    Yes, Dominica allows dual citizenship. This means that individuals can obtain Dominica citizenship by investment without having to renounce their current citizenship.