Visa-Free Countries With A Dominican Passport

One of the greatest considerations when taking out a second residency or citizenship is the ease of access it offers to other countries, some of which may not be readily accessible on the first passport. In the wake of Brexit, UK citizens now face a more complicated process of travel to many countries than before leaving the EU. It therefore makes perfect sense to acquire a second passport, giving the opportunity to make travel easier with no time-consuming visa applications or complicated restrictions. This is especially useful if quick or spontaneous travel is needed, for example for an urgent business trip or a much-needed family holiday.

Dominica offers just such advantages, opening up fast and easy visa-free access to over 143 countries worldwide. Countries currently available to travel to, visa-free on a Dominican passport are:

*Visa on arrival

Becoming A Citizen of Dominica

The Dominican Citizenship by Investment Program is a highly trusted program, offering a fast-track process for second citizenship acquisition in as little as two to three months in return for a donation to a government fund or an investment in real estate. The program is one of the most cost-effective citizenship programs currently running.

Benefits of the program include:

• The right to live, study and work in Dominica
• Quick and easy visa-free access to over 143 countries worldwide, including the UK, Europe and China, for business, study, medical treatment and holidays
• Travel advantages in other countries:  For example, holders of a Dominican passport are permitted to stay in the UK for 180 days per year for tourism purposes or to visit family.  Passport-holders who wish to travel to Europe for an extended term are able to stay in Schengen Zone countries for 90 days out of any 180-day period for tourism purposes, while if they wish to go to the USA, Dominican passport holders are able to qualify for the B1/B2 visitor visas which are valid in the USA for 10 years. On these visas, they are able to stay in the USA for up to six months per year, travel freely, study short courses, attend conferences and business meetings, and obtain medical treatment
• Dual citizenship is allowed and investors do not have to give up their original citizenship to gain their Dominica passport
• The program represents one of the most economical routes to citizenship, with investments starting at just US$100,000
• Family can be covered in the citizenship, including spouse, siblings of the applicant and spouse, financially dependent children under 30 years old, plus parents and grandparents who are financially dependent and over 55 years old
• Tax benefits: no inheritance or capital gains tax, and citizens who have not obtained tax residency are not taxed on income earned abroad, including dividends, interest and royalties
• Protections when registering companies in Dominica: The owner’s name and data are not entered into the commercial register, helping to protect the owner, the company and its financial assets. Registering a company in Dominica also protects it from problems such as foreign exchange control when dealing with foreign partners
• Financial security: A Dominican passport will allow the holder to open bank accounts in Europe quickly and easily
• The shortest period for investment return, with property needing to be retained for just three years, after which it can be sold without affecting the citizenship
• No residency requirement to live in the country and the citizenship application can be made remotely

The Process:

Investors have two options to acquire citizenship in the Commonwealth of Dominica. To apply for citizenship, investors can either:

• Donate a minimum of US$100,000 in favour of the State.  This non-refundable contribution is made to the Economic Development Fund of Dominica. The contribution may vary depending on the number of family members under one application   OR:
• Invest a minimum of US$200,000 into a real estate project which is approved by the government. They must retain the ownership of the property for 3 years, after which time the property can be sold without affecting the investor’s citizenship status

The applicant must be over 18 years old and have no criminal record in any country where they have previously lived. They must be in good health, have a basic knowledge of English and undergo security checks.

It is clear that there are significant benefits to be gained from acquiring citizenship of Dominica. The application process is quick and easy and is one of the most economical programs worldwide. Holding a Dominican passport opens up quick and easy visa-free access to other countries with the ability to move fast and to stay for extended periods if desired, offering freedom and flexibility for the investor, their family and their business interests. Our team of international experts at Astons can advise and guide you through the entire process of gaining Dominica citizenship and property acquisition.

For further information or to discuss your personal circumstances in a private consultation, please contact Astons at [email protected].