Dominica – Citizenship by Investment
Citizenship by Investment
The Commonwealth of Dominica, formerly a British colony, is an island state of 750 sq. km in the Windward Islands. Dominica is an island of remarkably unspoilt beauty, where lush, green forests roll across hills that stretch from shore to shore. English is the nation’s official language, but French is also spoken widely.
Dominica has been offering a Citizenship-by-Investment Programme since 1993, enabling HNWIs and their families to enjoy all the benefits of being Dominican, in exchange for a contribution to the government.
Dominica boasts pristine beaches, acres of unspoiled tropical rainforests and offers some of the best diving and hiking in the Caribbean. From the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Morne Trois Pitons National Park, to the development of a geothermal plant, Dominica’s philosophy is to protect and preserve its untainted and unparalleled beauty.
Requirements/Investment Programmes
The Dominica Citizenship-by-Investment Programme requires you to make a significant financial investment in the country in return for citizenship for you and your family.
To qualify for citizenship, you must be over 18 years of age and meet the due diligence requirements. You may select one of the following two investment options:
- Make a non-refundable donation to the Economic Diversification Fund (EDF) starting from $200,000
- Purchase qualifying real estate valued at least $200,000 in a government-approved project
Donation
Dominica established the Economic Diversification Fund (EDF) as a key component of its island mobilization portfolio. The government created it with the goal of national development. Funds generated are used to finance projects in both the public and private sectors, including the construction of schools and hospital renovations.
Real Estate
Applicants may also opt to purchase real estate with a minimum value of USD 200,000 in a government-approved real estate project.
Qualifying Dependants
As the main applicant, you can add your spouse as a dependant. Like you, they must be over 18 years of age, be of good character, not have been diagnosed with any serious illnesses, and not have been prosecuted for any crimes carrying a custodial sentence of more than six months.
You can also include children up to 30 years of age if they are enrolled in full-time study or an unmarried daughter under 25 who remains in the family home. Daughters who are aged 25-30 and are enrolled in full-time study are eligible too.
You can also include mentally or physically disadvantaged children of any age. Parents and grandparents over the age of 65 qualify as dependants.
Other Requirements
In addition to fulfilling one of the two investment options above, you and your dependants must have clean personal backgrounds, with no criminal record. The Citizenship-by-Investment Unit (CIU) is the government authority responsible for processing and examining all applications. They will perform strict due diligence checks.
Dual Citizenship
There are no restrictions on dual citizenship in Dominica.
Taxation
Resident individuals, which are those who reside in Dominica for at least 183 days a year, are not taxed on their worldwide income
The individual income tax rates are progressive. 15% on the first XCD 20,000, 25% on the next XCD 30,000 and 35% on the excess
There are no capital gains, net worth or inheritance taxes in Dominica
Stamp duty is imposed on the transfer of real estate at a rate of 2.5% and is paid by the seller. The buyer pays stamp duty at a rate of 4%
Summary of Key Advantages
Visa-free travel to 142 countries including the Singapore, Hong Kong, and China
Full citizenship with passport granted to you, your spouse, children, parents, and grandparents
Additional identification documents with biometrics, including a National ID, Tax ID and a Driver’s License
Lowest priced programme in the Caribbean for a single applicant
No physical presence requirement
Offer citizenship by marriage and descent
Process Overview
Month 1
Initial due diligenceFollowing the successful screening, we will provide you with a Client Agreement (CA) to review and sign.Upon receiving the signed agreement and retainer payment, our legal team will complete all necessary government forms and supporting documents. If you make a property investment, you will need to execute a sales and purchase agreement with the developer.We will liaise with the property developer and the Dominica Citizenship by Investment Unit (CBIU) on your behalf.
Months 2-3
Before submitting your documents, we comprehensively review your application to ensure your file complies with the CBIU’s requirements.Our legal team will complete its final checks before submitting the relevant forms.The CBIU will undertake its own due diligence and review all the paperwork.You and any dependants over the age of 16 will have to attend a mandatory interview.We will continue to work closely with the CBIU throughout the process to ensure your application is timely and efficiently processed.
Months 4-6
The CBIU will assess your application, and upon approval, you must make all necessary contributions and pay any applicable government fees. After completion of final relevant payments, the CBIU will send out Certificates of Naturalization followed by your passports.