About Dominica
Citizenship Program in Commonwealth of Dominica
Economic Contribution Option
Real Estate Option
Citizenship by Investment Program Summary in Four Caribbean Countries
Benefits of Obtaining Second Citizenship from Dominica
Required Documents, Forms
Contact Us
Located along the Eastern Caribbean archipelago, with four (4) hour flight from New York City, Dominica is sitting just a few miles from Martinique to the south and Guadeloupe to the north. Stretching 751 km² (290 square miles) the island asserts 148 km (91 miles) of coastal line.
The island was originally inhabited by the Kalinago/Arawak. Discovered by Christopher Columbus in Sunday of November 3, 1493 and named it after the day of the week itself (“Sunday” = “Domenica” in Italian).
Known as the “Nature Island of the Caribbean” due to its spectacular natural beauty, with its vast rain forest, beautiful and breath-taking waterfalls, and wonderful 365 rivers. Dominica is home to the world’s second largest thermally active lake, and boasts hot and cold sulphur springs with healing properties. The highest peak in the Caribbean can also be located in the island that is, MorneDiablotins, which stands at 1,447m high. Addition to that, it is the home of many rare plants and animals and bird species, where the Sisserou parrot can only be found; it is the country’s national bird and the centerpiece on the country’s national flag.
The country is considered as one of the best tourist destination in the world with its beautiful beaches and magnificent diving spot. Tourist will also enjoy whales watching and for adventure lover, the island is also largely popular location for hiking. That is why, the country becomes major ecotourism destination in the Caribbean region.
The country has been named as one of the world’s happiest place to live, evidence is the high number of people who have lived to be older than 100 years.
English is the official language of Dominica, universally spoken and understood. However, Antillean Creole, based on French, is also spoken by many people on the island. According to July 2015 Central Intelligence Agency report, the country’s population is 73, 607. The vast majority of Dominicans are of African descent, which comprised 86.6% of the entire population. There is a growing mixed nationalities which consist of 9.1% of the entire population, along with a significant Indo-Caribbean or East Indian groups, about 2.9% of the population, a small European origin minority (descendants of French, British, and Irish colonists) and there are small numbers of Lebanese, Syrians and Asians which is about 1.4% of the entire population.
About 62% of the population is Roman Catholic, nevertheless in the recent years a number of Protestant churches have been established in the country. There is also a small Muslim community in Dominica, and the nation’s first mosque was built recently near Ross University.
Commonwealth of Dominica was a former British colony and on 3rd November 1978, the country was granted independence with a Republican Constitution. The British Crown was no longer the Head of State. From then on Dominica became a politically stable country, it adapted the parliamentary democracy form of government whereby the President is the Head of State while the Prime Minister is the Head of Government and exercises the executive power.
Dominica is a proud member of the Commonwealth of Nations, a voluntary organization of 53 countries (Australia, Canada, India, Malaysia, United Kingdom, and more) which share no legal commitment to each other but have a common goal of enhancing the “development of free and democratic societies” and “promoting peace and prosperity to improve the lives of all peoples of the Commonwealth.” There are many benefits to Commonwealth members such as easier travel between Member Countries, protection of all Members by other embassies and commissions around the world. Aside from being member of Commonwealth of Nations, Dominica is also Member of different association in the Caribbean Region, one of those is Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (with eight participating countries, namely: Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Commonwealth of Dominica, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Anguilla, Montserrat) founded in October 1983 in order to maintain the stability of the East Caribbean dollar (EC$) and the integrity of the banking system in order to facilitate the balanced growth and development of member states. Another is Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU) a development of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States; this organization is composed of Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. It is under the supervision of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank
The official currency used in Dominica is Eastern Caribbean Dollar, the currency being circulated in all eight member countries of the ECCU which is pegged at 2.7169 against US Dollar since 1977. This means that the currency power of Dominica is stable and will is not be affected by fluctuating exchange rate in the money market.
Banana and other fresh fruits are the country’s major source of income for the export industry; it comprises 39% of the total exports of the country. Moreover, Commonwealth of Dominica is becoming major international financial center; in the recent years offshore services are also becoming the country’s main source of income. The country also relies on ecotourism to support project of the government. Addition to that, in 1993 the government introduce the Economic Citizenship Program that aims to augment the government spending in terms of infrastructure in different projects.
Seeking education is not a problem in Dominica, the Ross University School of Medicine pre-clinical campus is in Dominica with administrative bases located in both Iselin, New Jersey and Miramar, Florida in the United States. The campus features a medical and anatomical imaging laboratory, a simulation center, and classrooms equipped with plasma screens. In May 2015, Ross officially opened a new Student Center, a 50,000 square feet facility housing the library, student study spaces and student services.
Commonwealth of Dominica offers second citizenship to different nationalities who successfully pass the sets of standards given by the Government under its Citizenship by Investment Program. In return, applicants are expected to provide economic contribution to the Government of Dominica which will fuel the infrastructure on educational facilities, renovation hospitals, building of national sport stadium and promotion of offshore sector. In general, the applicants provide a better standard of living for their future country which they can be proud of.
Commonwealth of Dominica Citizenship by Investment Program began since 1993. The program is legal pursuant to Section 101 of the Constitution of Dominica and Sections 8 and 20 (1) of the Citizenship Act, in which the government allows other nationalities to become Dominican Citizen and be able to hold passport from the government.
Applicants have two options to become eligible to the program:
The First option is by providing direct Economic Contribution to the Government Fund with a minimum amount of USD100,000.The Second option is through investing a minimum of USD200,000 in Real Estate Project approved by the government.
Under Economic Contribution you can see the Table 1 for schedule of non-refundable Economic Contribution depending on number of applicant.
Table 1 Schedule of Economic Contribution
| Amount of Economic Contribution | Due Diligence Fee | Number of Applicant and Dependents | |
|---|---|---|---|
| US$100, 000 | USD7,500 | -Processing Fee: USD1,000 -Certificate of Naturalization: USD 250 -Expedited Passport Issue Fee: USD 1,200 |
Single Applicant |
| USD150,000 | USD7,500
USD4,000 Spouse |
-Processing Fee: USD1,000 per application – Certificate of Naturalization: USD 250 x 2 Expedited Passport Issue Fee: USD 1,200 x 2 |
Main Applicant plus Spouse |
| USD175,000 | USD7,500 Note: Additional payment of USD4,000 for each dependent 16 years old and above |
-Processing Fee: USD1,000 per application – Certificate of Naturalization: USD250 x 4 -Expedited Passport Issue Fee: USD 1,200 x 4 |
Main Applicant plus Spouse and Two Dependents (below 18 years old) |
| USD200,000 Note: Additional payment of USD25,000 for each dependent below 18 year of age |
USD7,500 Note: Additional payment of USD4,000 for each dependent 16 years old and above |
Processing Fee: USD1,000 per application – Certificate of Naturalization: USD250 per applicant – Expedited Passport Issue Fee: USD 1,200 per applicant |
Applicant plus spouse and more than two children below the age of 18 |
Consultation Fee: is depending on the number of applicants which is not included on the above schedule of payment.
Note:Dependent means:
- A spouse of the main applicant;
- A child under eighteen (18) years of age of the main applicant or his or her spouse;
- A child of the main applicant or his/her spouse between 18 and 25 years, who is in full time attendance at a recognized institution of Higher Learning and is fully supported by the main applicant;
- An unmarried daughter of the main applicant under 25 years of age and is living with and fully supported by the main applicant
- Parents or grandparents of the main applicant or spouse who are above 65, living with and fully supported by the main applicant.
A “child’’ means a biological or legally adopted child of a main applicant or his or her spouse.
Due Diligence is a process of investigation commissioned by the government to verify the information written on DisclosureForm filledby the applicant, it focuses but not limited on the following: Family background, criminal record and financial capacity.
Another alternative for Economic Contribution is the Real Estate Option. Under the Citizenship by Real Estate Investment Program, an applicant must investment a minimum of USD200,000 on an approved project.
In addition, the projects will be strictly under government monitoring and supervision which is being applied on construction process as well. During the construction the funds will be controlled by the government. Fund will be deposited in an escrow account and will be drawn in tranches.In this way, the government acts as trustee of the people.
Table 2 below shows the schedule of government contribution depending on the number of applicants.
Table 2. Schedule of Government Contribution through Real Estate Investment Option.
| Minimum Real Estate | Additional Government Contribution | Due Diligence Fee | Additional Fees | Number of Applicant and Dependents |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USD 200,000 | USD25,000 | USD7,500 | -Processing Fee: USD1,000 -Certificate of Naturalization: USD 250 -Expedited Passport Issue Fee: USD 1,200 |
Main Applicant |
| + USD10,000 | + USD7,500 | + Certificate of Naturalization: USD 250 -Expedited Passport Issue Fee: USD 1,200 |
Spouse | |
| USD35,000 Additional payment for a family of four including the main applicant. | Additional payment of USD4,000 for each dependent 16 years’ old and above | -Certificate of Naturalization: USD 250per applicant -Expedited Passport Issue Fee: USD 1,200per applicant |
Each dependent below 18 years’ old | |
| USD50,000 Additional payment for a family of six including the main applicant. | Additional payment of USD4,000 for each dependent 16 years old and above | -Certificate of Naturalization: USD 250 per applicant -Expedited Passport Issue Fee: USD 1,200 per applicant |
Each dependent aged 18-25 years |
Consultation Fee: is depending on the number of applicants which is not included on the above schedule of payment.
Dependent means:
- A spouse of the main applicant;
- A child under eighteen (18) years of age of the main applicant or his or her spouse;
- A child of the main applicant or his/her spouse between 18 and 25 years, who is in full time attendance at a recognized institution of Higher Learning and is fully supported by the main applicant;
- An unmarried daughter of the main applicant under 25 years of age and is living with and fully supported by the main applicant
- Parents or grandparents of the main applicant or spouse who are above 65, living with and fully supported by the main applicant.
A “child’’ means a biological or legally adopted child of a main applicant, or of the spouse of the main applicant.
***The real estate must be held for 3 years and may be eligible for re-sale under the Citizenship by Investment Programme after 5 years from the original purchase date.
Four CARICOM members have legally adopted the Citizenship by Investment Program, however each countries varies on the amount of minimum required Economic Contribution and/or minimum Real Estate Investment. Table 4 shows the summary of programs in Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, and Barbuda and Antigua.
Table 4. Citizenship by Investment Program Summary
| Country | Minimum Amount of Economic Contribution | Minimum Real Estate Investment | Residency Requirement | Interview | Minimum Processing Period | Number of Visa-Free |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dominica | USD100,000.00 | USD200,000.00 | No Need | Not Required | 2 to 3 Months | 115 Countries and Territories |
| Grenada | USD200,000.00 | USD350,000.00 | No Need | Not Required | 3 Months | 115 Countries and Territories |
| St. Kitts & Nevis | USD250,000.00 | USD400,000.00 | No Need | Not Required | 4 to 6 Months | 130 Countries and Territories |
| Antigua and Barbuda | USD200,000.00 | USD400,000.00 | At least 5 days in 5 years | Not Required | 3 Months | 131 Countries and Territories |
Figure 1 below shows how the cost of the program varies in each four countries. Green line, shows the difference in minimum Real Estate Investment required for each countries while the blue line shows the minimum Economic Contribution required.
*Financially, among four Caribbean Country which offers Citizenship by Investment Program (second passport) the Nature Island of Dominica is the most affordable one.
Being one of the oldest program in the Caribbean Community, which started in 1993, Commonwealth of Dominica Citizenship by Investment Program boast of being one of the most trusted and reputable citizenship program in the world.
Applicants have nothing to worry about the confidentiality of their application. The grant of citizenship is for a lifetime; children have the right to inherit the Dominican nationality regardless of whether born in the Dominican Island or not it becomes the heir’s right.
The Citizenship by Investment Programme is set out in the regulations published pursuant to Section 101 of the Dominica Constitution and Sections 8 and 20 (1) of the Citizenship Act.
Visa-Free to 115 Countries
One of the advantages of becoming citizen from Dominica is the visa-free access to 115 Countries around the globe! This includes the Visa-Free Access to Schengen Area. Below is the list of visa-free countries for a Commonwealth of Dominica Passport:
Schengen Area—Visa Not Required
On 28 May 2015 Commonwealth of Dominica and signed a Schengen Visa-Waiver Agreement with 26 member countries, allowing Dominica Passport Holder to travel visa free!
- Austria
- Belgium
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
Caribbean Community—Visa Not Required and Allowed to Reside
Special preferences are given to Dominican citizen and passport holder in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). Aside from Visa-Free on CARICOM, Dominican are also allowed to reside and work in the CARICOM member territories.
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Grenada and the Grenadines
- Haiti
- Jamaica
- Montserrat
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- St. Maarteen
- Trinidad and Tobago
Other Countries Visa Free
Below is the list of other countries and territories that allows Commonwealth of Dominica Citizens to enter visa-free.
- Anguilla
- Aruba
- Belarus
- Bhutan
- British Virgin Island
- Brunei
- Burundi
- Cape Verde
- Cayman Islands
- Colombia
- Comoros
- Cook Island
- Costa Rica
- Cyprus
- Dominican Republic
- East Timor
- Egypt
- El Salvador
- Fiji
- Gibraltar
- Hong Kong
- Ireland
- Jordan
- Laos
- Leeward Islands
- Lesotho
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Marshal Islands
- Mauritania
- Mauritius
- Namibia
- Netherland Antilles
- Norther Mariana Islands
- Panama
- Peru
- Philippines
- Romania
- Samoa (Western)
- Sao Tome and Principe
- Seychelles
- Singapore
- Solomon Islands
- South Korea
- Tanzania
- Timor-Leste
- Togo
- Tonga
- Turkey
- Turks and Caicos
- Tuvalu
- United Kingdom
- Vanuatu
- Venezuela
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
*It must be noted that visa-free travel to the countries listed above are subject to change. It is strongly advisable that the relevant Government authorities and agencies are contacted prior to travel arrangements made. Please visit http://cbiu.gov.dm/citizenship/benefits/
Dual Citizenship is Allowed: Reside whenever you want
Aside from Visa-free and visa on arrival to 95 countries an applicant or even citizen is not required to visit nor to reside on the country. Doing business is also easy, not only in the island, but also within the neighboring Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
Dual Citizenship is allowed in Dominica so the applicants is not obliged to give up their other nationality.
Tax Free Status
If a dual-citizen choose not to reside on the Dominica, they can rest assured that their income outside Dominica will not be taxed. If a citizen who is resident, earns income from the island of Dominica, then their domestic income will be tax.
There is no wealth tax, tax on gifts, inheritance tax foreign income tax or capital gains tax in Dominica.
Business Opportunities
Being part of the Caribbean Community allows Dominica Citizen to conduct business in the 15 Member countries. At present time, the world has been recognizing the beauty and magnificence of the whole Caribbean particularly the island of Dominica, and regarded it as prime tourist destination; evidence of this are the number of resorts and spa are built in the country and in Caribbean in general.
Foreign Exchange Stability
The currency used in Dominica is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar, a common currency issued by The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) to all eight members of the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU). The Eastern Caribbean Dollar has been pegged to the US Dollar at the rate of USD1= XCD 2.7169 since 1977, providing certainty and stability in exchange transactions.
Politically Stable Economy
Dominica became a politically stable country. At Independence, Dominica adopted the parliamentary democracy form of government. The President is the Head of State, while the Prime Minister is the Head of the Cabinet and of Government business.
Dominica is a Member of different international organizations inclusive of:
- The United Nations (UN) with 193 members,
- The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) with 15 Member Countries and Territories within the Caribbean Archipelago,
- The CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), which broadens Dominican citizens’ access to the Market in terms of demand and supply of service and commodities.
- The Bolivarian Alternative for the Peoples of Latin America and the Caribbean (ALBA)
- UNESCA
- PAHO
- The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and
The World Bank (WB).
With Alfred MBC’s sets of Professional Consultant in Citizenship by Investment Program and well-known Lawyers based on Dominica we will guide you in achieving your goal to become a Global Citizen and achieve the multiple advantages out of it. The freedom is in your hand, we can only support and guide you every step of the way!
For more information and consultation, please contact us. So together we can open the doors of the world for you!
LIST OF REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Table 3 Below shows the list of documents required from the applicant to proceed with the application on application for Citizenship.
Table 3. Commonwealth of Dominica Citizenship List of Required Documents
| REQUIRED FORMS | REQUIRED FORMAT | |
| 1.1 | D1 FORM – DISCLOSURE FORM | Original |
| 1.2 | D2 FORM – FINGERPRINT AND PHOTOGRAPH VERIFICATION | Original |
| 1.3 | D3 FORM – MEDICAL QUESTIONNAIRE | Original |
| Medical Questionnaire completed by a Registered Medical | ||
| Health Professional. In addition, original result for: | ||
| (a) HIV Test, only applicants 12 years old and above | ||
| (b) Blood Test and Urine Test | ||
| All Tests should be dated within Three(3) months from | ||
| submission and must be completed in English | ||
| by a Registered Medical Practitioner. | ||
| 1.4 | D4 FORM – INVESTMENT AGREEMENT | Original |
| 1.5 | FORM 12 – RESIDENCY WAIVER | Original |
| REQUIRED DOCUMENTS | REQUIRED FORMAT | |
| 1 | PERSONAL DOCUMENTS | |
| 1.1 | Birth Certificate | True Copy |
| 1.2 | Marriage Certificate | True Copy |
| 1.3 | Passport Copy | True Copy |
| 1.4 | National ID | True Copy |
| 1.5 | Curriculum Vitae | Original |
| 1.6 | Driver’s License | True Copy |
| 2 | EDUCATION CERTIFICATE | |
| 2.1 | University Diploma | True Copy |
| 2.2 | Military Service Letter | True Copy |
| 3 | PROOF OF FINANCIAL CAPACITY | |
| 3.1 | Bank Letter | Original |
| 3.2 | 24 months Bank Statement | Original |
| 3.3 | Title Deed | True Copy |
| 3.4 | Employment Letter/Trade License/Letter of Incorporation | True Copy |
| 3.5 | Affidavit Stating Source of funds | Original |
| 4 | REFERENCES | |
| 4.1 | One Professional Reference | Original |
| 5 | POLICE RECORDS | Original |
| Police Clearance is required for each applicant above 16. | ||
| 5.1 | Police Record from Country of Birth | |
| 5.2 | Police Record from Country of Citizenship | |
| 5.3 | Police Record from each country where the applicants hold | |
| permanent residency | ||
| 5.4 | Police Record from each country the applicant resides for | |
| more than 6 months for the last 10 years. | ||
| 5.5 | A sworn affidavit from parent for dependent 12-15 years | |
| stating no criminal record | ||
| 6 | OTHER SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS | |
| 6.1 | Letter to Minister | Original |
| 6.2 | Statutory Declaration | Original |
| 6.3 | 8 Passport size photos (35X45mm) white background | Original |
| 7 | PROOF OF ADDRESS | |
| 7.1 | Utility Bill or Copy of Lease | |
| 7.2 | Proof of residential address | Original |
Required Documents, Forms
For more information, contact our offices as per the below:
| LENNOX LAWRENCE | Alfred Management & Business Consultancy |
|---|---|
| +1 (767) 448 4771 +1 (767) 448 4791 secondcitizenship@cwdom.dm Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica 36 Great George Street, |
+971 (4) 452 9676 +971 55 5658705 citizenship@alfred-mbc.com Office 3204, |