Dominica

• Be in good health (medical report required)
• No criminal record
• No language requirement
• No residency requirement
• Provide source of income
• All investments must be in US dollars and transferred from abroad

Once an individual’s Citizenship by Investment application is approved, they are officially a citizen and can apply for a Dominican passport at the Passport Office.

What are the benefits of a Dominican Passport?

Dominican passports are CARICOM passports that are issued to citizens of Dominica for international travel.

Ordinary Dominican passports are valid for 10 years if issued to a person aged 16 or over, while those held by children under the age of 16 are valid for five years. They can be renewed at the Passport Office in Roseau (Dominica’s capital city) or at a Dominica High Commission, Embassy, or Consulate.

What is the application process for a Dominican passport?

The passport application process is separate from the Citizenship by Investment process and requires the applicant to present several documents.

This includes a certified copy of the applicant’s Certificate of Naturalisation – the document that is issued to an economic citizen at the end of the Citizenship by Investment process.

It is possible for an economic citizen to appoint a third party to apply on his or her behalf. Applications for a passport can be submitted as soon as citizenship is received.

How to Re-apply for a Dominican Passport

Every time Dominican passport holders re-apply for a passport (for example, because their old passport has expired), they must present their old Dominican passport. This will be cancelled upon issuance of the new document.

Lexen Law assists clients who wish to obtain Dominican citizenship, providing them with the guidance and commitment they need to see their application processed seamlessly.

Our team then ensures that clients who obtain their citizenship also apply for and receive Dominican passports if desired.

Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment application process consists of seven steps:

Step 1: Application and pre-approval by Lexen Law. We will look through your application to check everything is in order and confirm it meets the requisite conditions, giving it the best possible chance of being accepted.

Step 2: Submission of citizenship application. After approving the application, we will then send it to Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment Unit (CBIU) on your behalf.

Step 3: Government processing and due diligence checks. The Government of Dominica will process your application and perform due diligence checks, which includes checking for criminal records and assessing your ability to provide funds.

All principal applicants and their dependants aged 16 and over will be subject to a mandatory interview.

Step 4: Approval in principle. Once your application is approved in principle, you’ll receive a letter confirming that the CBIU has officially granted your request for citizenship.

Step 5: Make the investment of your choice. Now is the point make your qualifying investments.

Step 6: Citizenship certificate issued. After you’ve completed the above steps, you’ll receive a citizenship certificate, officially making you a citizen of Dominica.

Step 7: Passport application. You’re now able to apply for a Dominican passport and reap all the travel benefits involved.

How long does it take to process an application?

From submission of the application to receiving the approval in principle, applicants can generally expect to wait around three months. You are not required to pass tests, or travel to or reside in Dominica.

What are the investment options under the Dominica Citizenship by Investment Programme?

1. A direct contribution to the country’s Economic Diversification Fund.
2. A real estate investment in an Approved Project.

What does the due diligence process in Dominica entail?

All applicants sixteen years of age or over will be required to attend a mandatory interview. During this time, a third-party due diligence agency will perform stringent background checks on the information you have provided.

Interviews will be held virtually, via a secure platform. Applicants will be contacted directly by authorised interviewers for scheduling interviews. Thereafter, applicants and their dependants will attend virtual interviews; Authorised Agents/Licenced Promoters cannot attend interviews on their behalf. All applicants must hold identification documents, and supporting documents deemed necessary for the interview.

Interviews will be conducted in the applicant’s native language or a language of his/her choosing. All applicants 16 years and over are expected to attend interviews; applicants who are unable to join with the rest of their family must pay for additional interviews. Documents requested via the interview will be routed via the Authorised Agent.

All non-Iranian applicants aged 16 and over will be subject to an interview fee of US$1,000 per interview.

Who is eligible for Dominica Citizenship by Investment?

Applicants for citizenship should be at least 18 years of age, of good character, without a criminal record, and be able and willing to make the required contribution.

Individuals wishing to apply must engage with an Authorised Agent that assists and prepares the required forms and supporting documents.

The following individuals are banned from applying for the Dominica CBI Programme:

All nationals from Northern Iraq.This includes specific nationals from the Kurdistan region of Iraq, namely nationals from the cities of Erbil, Amedi, Dahuk, Kirkuk, Lalish, Raniya, Soran, Sulaymaniyah and Zakho.

• Belarus
• Russia
• Yemen

Applications from citizens of North Korea and Sudan will be refused unless the applicant has (1) not lived in these countries for at least ten years, (2) no substantial assets there, and (3) not performed any business or similar activity, in whole or in part, in or with the countries.

Enhanced due diligence may apply to all applicants who meet the above requirement, with the cost to be born on the applicant.

Enhanced Due Diligence

Enhance due diligence is conducted on all Iranian applicants. Iranian applicants include:

Applicants who are citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran; and

Applicants who are domiciled in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Enhanced due diligence fees apply for all Iranian nationals.

Where do the funds invested go?

The funds generated from the EDF are used to support national growth in areas such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and climate change.

Which family members can I include in my application for Dominican citizenship?

You can include:

• A spouse of the main applicant;
• A child under 18 years of age of the main applicant or the spouse of the main applicant;
• A child of the main applicant or the spouse of the main applicant between 18 and 30 years who is in attendance at a recognised institution of higher learning and fully supported by the main applicant or the spouse of the main applicant;
• An unmarried daughter of the main applicant or the spouse of the main applicant who is under 25 years of age and is living with and fully supported by the main applicant or the spouse of the main applicant;
• A child of the main applicant or the spouse of the main applicant who is 18 years of age or older and physically or mentally challenged and who is fully supported by the main applicant or the spouse of the main applicant;
• Parents of grandparents of the main applicant or the spouse of the main applicant above the age of 65 years who are substantially supported by the main applicant or the spouse of the main applicant.

What does the due diligence process in Dominica entail?

You will be vetted by multiple entities:

• KYC (know-your-customer) checks performed by local Authorised Agents.
• Internal checks including AML (anti-money laundering) and CTF (counter-terrorism financing) vetting by the Citizenship by Investment Unit.
• Mandated international due diligence firms perform online and on-the-ground checks.
• Regional and international crime prevention bodies check that you aren’t on any wanted or sanctions lists.
• Mandatory Interview.

Is This Programme for Me?

The Dominica Citizenship by Investment Programme is a reputable CBI Programme for both individual applicants and families looking to apply for alternative citizenship.

The following are also a good fit for the programme:

• Single professionals who want to broaden their horizons.
• Families of four.
• Individuals looking to study abroad.
• Digital nomads who want greater global mobility.