Dominica citizens granted visa-free entry to China
The Dominica government has concluded an agreement on visa‑free travel with China. Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit and China’s ambassador to Dominica, Ling Xianjiang, signed the agreement on 22 November 2021.
Author •Zlata Erlach
Head of the Austrian office
Dominica citizens granted visa-free entry to China
Dominica and China have more than 17 years of diplomatic relations. For example, the Chinese government helped the Caribbean country build a hospital in the capital, Roseau, called Dominica‑China Friendship Hospital. In October 2021, Dominica also became the first Caribbean country whose public hospital has an MRI machine — China donated the equipment.
Until November 2021, only Grenada had a visa‑free agreement with China among Caribbean countries. A Grenadian passport allows people to stay in China for up to 30 consecutive days. What the visa‑free period of stay in China with a Dominica passport will be is not yet specified, but it is likely to be 30 days as well.
Where else can you go without a visa with a Dominica passport
China is not the only visa-free country available to Dominica citizens. They can access 145 destinations in total, though some of these countries issue a visa on arrival. Visiting Sri Lanka requires an electronic entry permit or eTA. Full list of visa-free destinations for Dominica nationals.
145 countries
Allow visa-free entry for Dominica nationals
In the Schengen countries, a Dominica passport may be used for up to three months in a six-month period: the "90 days out of 180" scheme applies, as for Schengen tourist visas.
The United Kingdom allows free entry with stays of up to 180 consecutive days.
With Asia, citizens of Dominica have visa-free entry to the major business centres of the region: Singapore and Hong Kong. They can stay in Singapore for up to 30 days without a visa and in Hong Kong for up to 90 days in a half year.
Second citizenship of Dominica to travel around the world without a visa
Pavel has always dreamed of travelling a lot. But when he was young, he lacked the financial means and later the time. He decided to make up for it in retirement. He obtained a Dominica passport for an investment to avoid having to think about visas.
How to obtain citizenship in Dominica
Dominica’s passport is obtained either by birth or descent, naturalisation after seven years of residence, or by marriage to a Dominica citizen. But the fastest and most secure route to citizenship for the wealthy is through investment.
The government’s citizenship by investment programme has been in place in Dominica since 1993. It is in demand among investors, with 5,814 receiving passports between 2017 and 2020 alone. Chinese nationals make the majority of the programme’s applicants.
The Dominica citizenship program has two opinions for investors.
A non-refundable contribution to the Dominica Economic Diversification Fund is the first option. The minimum required amount is $100,000, depending on family composition.
The Dominica government spends the fund’s money on disaster relief, building earthquake-resistant houses, schools and hospitals. There are also plans to open a geothermal power plant and an international airport.
The purchase of real estate is the second option. Investors buy shares, apartments and villas in government-approved projects. These are usually five‑star hotels and resort complexes.
Examples of investment property in Dominica
Dominica, Portsmouth
$220,000 — $320,000
Share in a five-star resort managed by Autograph Collections (premium branded by Marriott)
1—2 
1 Visa-free entry to China, Schengen Area and the UK is also available for citizens of Grenada. This country’s passport can be obtained by investment as well, in exchange for a non-refundable contribution or the purchase of real estate.
Participating in the Grenada citizenship by investment programme is more costly than the Dominica programme. Below are estimated second citizenship expenses for a family of four.
Comparison of second citizenship costs for a family of four: spouses and children aged 7 and 19
Key benefits of Dominica citizenship, in addition to visa-free entry to China
Eligibility for an US tourist visa. Dominica passport holders can apply for a 10‑year US B‑1/B‑2 visa, allowing them to spend up to 180 days per year in the US.
Favourable tax climate. Dominica has no capital gains or income tax on real estate transactions, property transfers, or inheritance. Personal tax information is strictly confidential.
Access to quality education and healthcare. Dominica offers a British‑based education system, and citizens can enrol in UK and Commonwealth universities. They also can be provided free healthcare in some Commonwealth countries under certain circumstances, such as studying or working.
Permitted dual nationality. Dominica citizens are allowed to hold passports from other countries.
Immigrant Invest is a licensed agent of the Dominica citizenship programme by investment. If you want to get a second passport to travel freely around the world, seek advice from our investment programme experts.
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