How To Get Citizenship In Dominica

Dominica (not to be confused with the Dominican Republic, a much larger island in the Caribbean) is a small island in the Eastern Caribbean, part of the Windward Islands. A former colony of Britain, tourism is its main industry, with lush rainforests and wonderful diving and hiking. 

 

It is regarded as one of the most beautiful of the Caribbean islands and is also considered one of the safest, with the lowest crime rate in the region and a high standard of living.  Dominica is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, the United Nations, the Organisation of American States and CARICOM (the official organisation representing the Caribbean communities) along with other international organisations.  English is widely spoken (along with Creole), further increasing its attractiveness as a second citizenship, for English-speaking people.  Dominica offers a variety of options to gain citizenship. 

 

Our team of international specialists at Astons are ready to offer advice and help on all aspects of citizenship of Dominica, the Caribbean and worldwide.  Contact us and we will be delighted to answer any queries and advise you further. 

 

How To Achieve Citizenship

 

There are a variety of ways in which to seek citizenship in Dominica:

 

• Citizenship by birth or descent: The applicant must have a close blood relationship to a Dominican citizen

 

• Citizenship by naturalisation: Citizenship can be applied for after seven years of residency in Dominica

 

• Citizenship by marriage: Citizenship may be granted to a person married to a Dominican citizen

 

• Citizenship by investment:

 

Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment Programme was launched in 1993 to encourage investment in the state.

It requires either:

 

• a minimum non-refundable donation of $100,00 US to the Economic Development Fund for a single person.  Adding a spouse would  require a donation of $150,000 US, while families of up to 4 people would be required to donate $175,000 US and there would be a requirement of $50,000 US for each sibling between 18 and 25. Money from this fund is spent by the Dominican government on infrastructure, education, medicine, and green energy.

 

• an investment in a government-approved real estate development with a minimum value of $200,000 US.  The period of three years in which the investment must be retained, is one of the shorter investment requirements in the Caribbean and worldwide. After this time the property can be sold without affecting the citizenship status. In addition to the real estate investment, applicants must pay a state fee of $25,000 US for the main applicant, $35,000 US for a family of up to 4 people, $60,000 US for 4-6 people and $70,000 US for a family of 7 or more.  Siblings pay separately at the rate of $25,000 US for minors or $50,000 US for those aged over 18.

 

• Both of these citizenship by investment programs also incur extra fees for due diligence, information processing, issuance of passports and naturalisation certificates and payment for legal services.  These payments are dependent on the number of family members included in the application.

 

Additional Requirements Of Citizenship

 

• The applicant must be at least 18 years of age
• They must be of good character
• They must have a clean criminal record
• They must prove that they are in good health and have no serious illness
• They must have the funds available to proceed
• They must be able to prove that their funds were obtained legally
• They must have a basic knowledge of English

 

Benefits Of Citizenship in Dominica

 

• Citizenship gives the right to live and work in Dominica
• Visa-free access to 145 countries worldwide including the European Schengen states, Singapore, Hong Kong and the UK.  This is particularly useful for people whose original passport requires them to have visas to enter the EU countries.  The Dominican passport will enable the holder to gain visa free access to those countries.
• An attractive tax regime with no tax payable on income, existing wealth or inheritance
• Stable country offering security in living standards and safety
• One of the most affordable of citizenship by investment programs
• Short investment period for property investments
• Families can be included in the application
• Citizenship by descent is granted to future generations
• There are no requirements for staying in the country
• Dominica allows dual nationality so no need to relinquish original citizenship
• Citizenship can be applied for and received remotely

 

Can Family Members Be Included In The Citizenship?

 

The applicant’s spouse; unmarried children under 31 years of age, who are substantially dependent on the main applicant; parents and grandparents over the age of 65, and unmarried siblings under the age of 25 can all get citizenship.  Dependents can be included in the initial application or added after the main applicant has been granted citizenship.

 

How Long Is The Processing Time For Citizenship?

 

It takes around two to three months for citizenship to be obtained through the Citizenship by Investment program, making it one of the speediest routes to a second citizenship.  Other routes may take longer. 

 

It is clear that Dominica, with its beautiful landscape, its high standard of living and stability, along with beneficial tax arrangements, affordable citizenship by investment program and lack of requirement to reside in the country all combine to make it an attractive and popular destination for a second citizenship.  Please contact our team of friendly, knowledgeable experts here for more information and specialist advice on the entire process of applying for citizenship in Dominica, the rest of the Caribbean and worldwide.