The Commonwealth of Dominica, often referred to as the ‘Nature Island of the Caribbean’, is one of the most remarkable and ecologically diverse destinations in the Western Hemisphere. Renowned for its volcanic landscapes, emerald-green rainforests, UNESCO-listed national parks and unspoilt coastlines, Dominica offers an unparalleled level of environmental purity. However, beyond its natural beauty, Dominica has also built a strong international reputation in the field of investment migration.
Over the past three decades, it has become a global leader in citizenship by investment, offering one of the most stable, efficient and transparent programmes in the world. Established in 1993, Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment Programme is one of the oldest of its kind and is widely regarded as one of the most rigorously regulated. Investors from the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and Africa have consistently chosen Dominica for its reliability, robust due diligence standards, and balanced investment thresholds.
Dominica’s appeal extends far beyond the passport itself. The island has a democratic political system, a peaceful social climate and a resilient economy, strengthened by international partnerships and continuous development. The government openly supports sustainable tourism, renewable energy initiatives, and infrastructure modernisation. These factors have positioned Dominica as an increasingly attractive destination for investors seeking mobility, security and long-term global diversification strategies.
In an era of geopolitical uncertainty, shifting visa policies and economic volatility, Dominican citizenship offers stability. It provides global mobility, asset protection and access to a jurisdiction that embraces foreign investment as a core element of national development.
Below, RUE provides a comprehensive overview of Dominica’s country profile and economic context, as well as detailed guidance on how to acquire Dominican citizenship and a passport, and the key advantages that this second citizenship offers individuals and families worldwide.
About Dominica: A Snapshot of the Country
The Commonwealth of Dominica is a compact, mountainous island nation in the Eastern Caribbean, nestled between Guadeloupe and Martinique. Unlike many Caribbean destinations which are dominated by resort strips and flat coastal plains, Dominica is characterised by volcanic peaks, dense rainforests, over 300 rivers, hot springs, and waterfalls. The island’s dramatic natural terrain has earned it the nickname the “Nature Island of the Caribbean”. It even features a UNESCO World Heritage Site within its protected reserve zones.
Politically, Dominica is an independent parliamentary republic and a member of the Commonwealth. It maintains a stable democratic framework with regular elections and peaceful transfers of power. Since gaining full sovereignty in 1978, it has established itself as a stable microstate within regional organisations such as CARICOM and the OECS.
With an estimated population of around 75,000 (as of 2024–25) according to the IMF, Dominica remains one of the world’s smallest sovereign states. Much of the island remains rural and sparsely settled, with the urban population concentrated around the capital, Roseau. Over recent decades, population growth has been modest, or even slightly negative in certain years, reflecting relatively high levels of emigration and youth migration overseas, as well as the impact of climate-related disasters.
Key facts at a glance:
- Capital: Roseau
- Population: ~75,000 (estimate for 2025, according to the IMF)
- System of government: Unitary parliamentary republic and member of the Commonwealth
- Official language: English (with Dominican Creole widely spoken)
- Currency: Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD), used across several OECS states
- Currency regime: The XCD has been pegged to the US dollar (USD) at approximately XCD 2.70 = USD 1.00 since 1976, providing long-term exchange-rate stability.
- Climate: Tropical, with warm year-round temperatures, significant rainfall and vulnerability to Atlantic hurricanes.
- Human Development Index (HDI): Dominica is categorised as having “high human development”, reflecting solid health, education and standard of living indicators for a small island state.
Economic landscape
Dominica’s economy is small in absolute terms, but is becoming increasingly diversified. According to IMF data, its total nominal GDP is currently estimated at around USD 0.75 billion. GDP per capita stands at around USD 9,940 in current terms, placing the country in the upper-middle income bracket among Caribbean states.
Historically, the economy was heavily dependent on agriculture, particularly the production of bananas, citrus fruits and root crops, but it has progressively shifted towards services, tourism and international financial activities. According to one country profile, tourism and foreign direct investment (FDI) now represent significant elements of GDP growth.
Recent macroeconomic indicators and dynamics:
- Real GDP grew by 5% in 2024, driven by a recovery in tourism and targeted infrastructure investment.
- Growth is projected at 2% for 2025 according to the IMF outlook.
- Inflation declined from a peak of around 2% in 2023 to approximately 1% in 2024.
- However, the economy continues to face structural vulnerabilities, including elevated public debt (around 100% of GDP) and a large current account deficit (approximately 32.25% of GDP in 2024), as reported in the latest IMF consultation.
In terms of sectors, the services sector now dominates, including tourism, ecotourism, hospitality and international business services. Agriculture remains significant, but is subject to climate risks and commodity price fluctuations. According to the economic overview, many small farms and cooperatives support local agriculture; however, the government is emphasising diversification into niche crops (e.g. exotic fruits and herbal oils) and value-added activities.
Dominica has also committed to becoming a climate-resilient economy. Following the devastating impact of Hurricane Maria in 2017, the government implemented a major rebuilding programme that introduced high standards for housing, infrastructure, and disaster-resilient construction. This policy is now a core part of the national strategy, funded by a combination of public investment, international climate finance, and the citizenship-by-investment programme.
Despite the structural constraints inherent in small island economies, such as small scale, dependence on tourism, and vulnerability to external shocks, Dominica is widely regarded as a credible location for investors seeking a second citizenship. Its political stability, commitment to sustainable development, and long-standing investment-citizenship programme provide a solid basis for strategic relocation and global mobility.
By understanding this broader context, especially the economic metrics and development path, investors can better appreciate why Dominica is attractive not only as a ‘passport option’, but also as part of a wider diversification and lifestyle strategy.
Why Dominica Stands Out for Second Citizenship
Dominica occupies a unique position in the global investment-migration landscape. Its Citizenship by Investment Programme was launched in 1993, making it one of the world’s oldest continuously operating CBI programmes. According to the official website of the Dominica Citizenship by Investment Unit (CBIU) and multiple specialist publications, Dominica’s programme was the second Caribbean CBI scheme to be created, after St Kitts and Nevis.
Over the decades, Dominica has deliberately cultivated a reputation for stability, consistency, and robust regulation. The programme is embedded in domestic legislation, including the Commonwealth of Dominica Citizenship Act and the Citizenship by Investment Regulations, and operates under clear government oversight. This legal continuity is one reason why many investors, family offices and professional advisers regard Dominica as a ‘blue-chip’ CBI option rather than an experimental or short-lived scheme.
From an international benchmarking perspective, Dominica has repeatedly ranked at or near the very top of the CBI Index published by the Financial Times/Professional Wealth Management. According to reports summarising the CBI Index, published by the Dominica CBIU and independent commentators, Dominica held the number one global position for six consecutive years from 2017 to 2022. In recent editions, including those for 2023 and 2025, it continues to occupy a top two position worldwide. The country scores particularly strongly on investment affordability, ease of processing, certainty of product and due diligence.
A key differentiator for Dominica is the rigour of its due diligence process. The CBIU engages reputable international due diligence agencies to vet applicants and has progressively tightened its procedures. In 2023, Dominica and four other Caribbean CBI countries reached an agreement with the United States government on six guiding principles to enhance security, including mandatory interviews, a structured approach to rejections, additional screening, regular audits, passport retrieval mechanisms, and specific rules for high-risk nationalities. Dominica was the first of these states to fully implement these principles.
Furthermore, a 2019 PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) report on the economic impact of Dominica’s CBI programme concluded that the scheme had made a substantial positive contribution to national development, at one point accounting for around 26% of GDP, particularly in terms of infrastructure, housing, and healthcare. A separate analysis by Ernst & Young (EY), cited by the CBIU, emphasised that Dominica’s programme does not facilitate tax evasion. This analysis underlined the distinction between citizenship and tax residency, and highlighted Dominica’s participation in the OECD’s Common Reporting Standard (CRS).
For investors and families, this background translates into very practical advantages. Compared with many alternative programmes, Dominica offers:
- Predictability of rules, with a long operating history and relatively few abrupt changes to core programme fundamentals;
- Efficient processing: most reputable advisory firms and the CBIU itself indicate a typical timeframe of 4–6 months from submission to approval, assuming complete documentation.
- No physical residence requirement: applicants are not obliged to visit or relocate to Dominica before or after naturalisation. This is particularly important for globally mobile entrepreneurs and executives.
- Family-friendly structuring: the programme allows spouses, children and, in some cases, parents or other dependants to be included in a single application, which is reflected in its top scores under the ‘Family’ pillar in the CBI Index.
Another reason why Dominica stands out is its cost–benefit profile. As noted by CBI comparisons specialists and the CBI Index, Dominica consistently ranks at or near the top globally for minimum investment outlay, offering one of the lowest entry points among reputable citizenship-by-investment programmes while maintaining strict compliance standards. At the same time, Dominican citizenship provides strong travel mobility. While exact numbers and visa policies evolve over time, Dominican passports currently offer visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 140 destinations worldwide, including the Schengen Area and many key business and leisure markets. This makes Dominican citizenship an efficient ‘mobility tool’ for investors whose primary citizenship restricts their travel.
For Regulated United Europe clients, the combination of a long track record, international recognition, consistent top rankings, robust due diligence, competitive pricing and solid mobility makes Dominica one of the most compelling options for acquiring a trusted second citizenship. It is not just a passport; it is a well-established, institutionally supported framework that has proven its resilience across economic cycles, regulatory tightening, and increasing global scrutiny of investment migration programmes.
Below is a more detailed list of some of the key countries to which holders of a Commonwealth of Dominica passport enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival/e-travel authorisation access, followed by additional context on travel freedom and what to watch out for. According to the most recent sources, Dominica citizens have access to around 143–145 destinations.
Sample list of countries:
- Europe (Schengen and nearby): Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.
- Americas: Argentina, Belize, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela.
- Asia & Pacific: China (for certain stays), Hong Kong (SAR China), Macau (SAR China), Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea.
- Africa and the Middle East/Oceania: Botswana, Kenya, Mauritius, Rwanda, Tanzania, Vanuatu and Fiji.
| Country/Territory | Visa Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Armenia | Visa on arrival | Obtainable on arrival at Zvartnots International Airport |
| Australia and territories | Visa required | May apply online |
| Austria | Visa not required | 90 days within any 180 day period in the Schengen Area |
| Bahamas | Visa not required | 3 months |
| Belgium | Visa not required | 90 days within any 180 day period in the Schengen Area |
| Bolivia | Visa on arrival | 90 days |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | Visa not required | 90 days |
| Botswana | Visa not required | 90 days within any year period |
| Brazil | Visa not required | 90 days within any 180 day period |
| Bulgaria | Visa not required | 90 days within any 180 day period |
| Cape Verde | Visa on arrival | Not available at all entry points |
| Chile | Visa required | Visas are required for ordinary passports |
| Colombia | Visa not required | year period |
| Costa Rica | Visa not required | 30 days |
| Croatia | Visa not required | 90 days within any 180 day period |
| Cuba | Visa not required | 28 days |
| Cyprus | Visa not required | 90 days within any 180 day period |
| Czech Republic | Visa not required | 90 days within any 180 day period in the Schengen Area |
| Denmark | Visa not required | 90 days within any 180 day period in the Schengen Area |
| Djibouti | Visa on arrival | Not available at all entry points |
| Ecuador | Visa not required | 90 days |
| Egypt | Visa on arrival | 15 days |
| Estonia | Visa not required | 90 days within any 180 day period in the Schengen Area |
| Eswatini | Visa not required | 30 days |
| Fiji | Visa not required | 4 months |
| Finland | Visa not required | 90 days within any 180 day period in the Schengen Area |
| France | Visa not required | 90 days within any 180 day period in the Schengen Area |
| Gambia | Visa not required | 90 days |
| Germany | Visa not required | 90 days within any 180 day period in the Schengen Area |
| Greece | Visa not required | 90 days within any 180 day period in the Schengen Area |
| Grenada | Visa not required | and also for all citizens from OECS states; |
| Guatemala | Visa required | holders of a valid visa issued by Canada, the USA or a |
| Guinea-Bissau | Visa on arrival | 90 days |
| Haiti | Visa not required | 3 months |
| Hungary | Visa not required | 90 days within any 180 day period in the Schengen Area |
| Iceland | Visa not required | 90 days within any 180 day period in the Schengen Area |
| Indonesia | Visa not required | 30 days |
| Iran | Visa on arrival | 30 days |
| Israel | Visa not required | 3 months |
| Italy | Visa not required | 90 days within any 180 day period in the Schengen Area |
| Kenya | Visa not required | 90 days |
| South Korea | Visa not required | 90 days |
| Latvia | Visa not required | 90 days within any 180 day period in the Schengen Area |
| Lesotho | Visa not required | 90 days |
| Liechtenstein | Visa not required | 90 days within any 180 day period in the Schengen Area |
| Lithuania | Visa not required | 90 days within any 180 day period in the Schengen Area |
| Luxembourg | Visa not required | 90 days within any 180 day period in the Schengen Area |
| Madagascar | Visa on arrival | 90 days |
| Malaysia | Visa not required | 30 days |
| Maldives | Visa on arrival | 30 days |
| Malta | Visa not required | 90 days within any 180 day period in the Schengen Area |
| Mauritius | Visa not required | 90 days |
| Micronesia | Visa not required | 30 days |
| Moldova | Visa not required | 90 days within any 180 day period |
| Monaco | Visa not required | 90 days within any 180 day period in the Schengen Area |
| Montenegro | Visa not required | 90 days |
| Netherlands | Visa not required | 90 days within any 180 day period in the Schengen Area |
| Nicaragua | Visa on arrival | 90 days |
| Norway | Visa not required | 90 days within any 180 day period in the Schengen Area |
| Palau | Visa on arrival | 30 days |
| Peru | Visa not required | up to 183 days |
| Philippines | Visa not required | 30 days |
| Poland | Visa not required | 90 days within any 180 day period in the Schengen Area |
| Portugal | Visa not required | 90 days within any 180 day period in the Schengen Area |
| Romania | Visa not required | 90 days within any 180 day period |
| Russia | Visa not required | 90 days within any 180 day period |
| Rwanda | e-Visa / Visa on arrival | 30 days |
| Saint Kitts and Nevis | Visa not required | and also for all citizens from OECS states; |
| Saint Lucia | Visa not required | and also for all citizens from OECS states; |
| Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | Visa not required | and also for all citizens from OECS states; |
| Serbia | Visa not required | 90 days within any 180 day period |
| Seychelles | Visitor’s Permit on | 3 months |
| Singapore | Visa not required | 30 days |
| Slovakia | Visa not required | 90 days within any 180 day period in the Schengen Area |
| Slovenia | Visa not required | 90 days within any 180 day period in the Schengen Area |
| Solomon Islands | Visitor’s permit on | 3 months |
| Spain | Visa not required | 90 days within any 180 day period in the Schengen Area |
| Sweden | Visa not required | 90 days within any 180 day period in the Schengen Area |
| Switzerland | Visa not required | 90 days within any 180 day period in the Schengen Area |
| São Tomé and Príncipe | Visa required | Visa is obtained online |
| Tanzania | Visa not required | 90 days |
| Thailand | Visa not required | Up to 60 days |
| Togo | Visa on arrival | 7 days |
| Tonga | Visa on arrival | 31 days |
| Tuvalu | Visa on arrival | 1 month |
| Ukraine | Visa not required | 90 days within any 180 day period |
| Uruguay | Visa not required | 90 days |
| Vanuatu | Visa not required | 90 days |
| Venezuela | Visa not required | 90 days |
| Vietnam | Visa required | agencies available at Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang |
| Zambia | Visa not required | 90 days as tourists or 30 days for business |
| Hong Kong | Visa not required | 90 days |
| Cook Islands | Visa not required | 31 days |
| Niue | Visa not required | 30 days |
| British Indian Ocean Territory | Special permit required | Special permit required |
| Pitcairn Islands | Visa not required | 14 days visa free |
| Tristan da Cunha | Permission required | or for Gough Island, Inaccessible Island or Nightingale |
Holding a Dominica passport opens up travel possibilities that many other passports do not. For investors, entrepreneurs and globally mobile families, the ability to travel without securing a visa in advance can save time, reduce complexity and increase flexibility for business and leisure travel.
Important caveats
- Stay durations vary. For many countries in the EU/Schengen zone, Dominica passport holders may stay for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
- Purpose matters: Visa-free access typically covers tourism or short-term business visits. It does not automatically grant the right to work, reside long-term or settle in that country without the relevant permit.
- Rules can change. Bilateral visa agreements are dynamic. Always check the latest official information for your destination before travelling.
- Passport validity and other conditions: Many countries require your passport to be valid for a certain period of time (usually six months) and may ask for proof of return tickets, proof of funds, etc.
How to obtain Dominican citizenship and passport
Dominica offers one of the world’s most streamlined, mature and trusted citizenship-by-investment programmes, providing a clear and predictable path for qualified applicants. The programme has been operating for more than three decades and is widely recognised for its robust due diligence and transparent procedures. For investors, this means that the process is fast and legally robust, as well as being internationally respected.
There are two principal investment options through which foreign nationals can obtain Dominican citizenship:
- a financial contribution to the Economic Diversification Fund (EDF); or
- a government-approved real estate investment.
Both options ultimately lead to the same result: full citizenship for the main applicant and their eligible family members, together with the right to obtain a Dominican passport.
Below, we provide a more detailed description of each route and explain how the overall process works in practice.
Contribution to the Economic Diversification Fund (EDF)
Contributing to the Economic Diversification Fund (EDF) is the most straightforward and commonly used route to Dominican citizenship. The EDF is a government-controlled fund established to support strategic sectors of the economy, including healthcare, public housing, education, tourism infrastructure, and climate-resilient construction. When an investor chooses this route, their contribution goes directly towards financing these national development priorities.
In practical terms, the investor makes a non-refundable payment to the EDF, the amount of which is determined by family composition. A single applicant will contribute at the lower end of the scale, while a couple or a family with children will fall into a higher bracket. Additional dependants can be added for predefined supplementary amounts. In addition to the main contribution, government processing charges, due diligence fees and some professional fees apply, but there are no ongoing obligations connected with the investment itself.
Many clients prefer this option because of its simplicity. There is no need to manage a property, participate in a hotel rental scheme or consider future resale. Once the government has issued approval in principle and the contribution has been paid, the financial part of the process is finished. The EDF route tends to offer the lowest overall cost for single applicants and small families, and is often the fastest in terms of processing.
Government-Approved Real Estate Investment
This option is designed for investors who prefer to link their citizenship with ownership of a tangible asset. Under this scheme, applicants purchase an interest in a government-approved development project. These projects typically include eco-resorts, boutique hotels, wellness retreats, and other tourism-related complexes that align with Dominica’s long-term strategy as a nature-focused, sustainable destination.
The law sets a minimum investment threshold for qualifying properties, which must be held for a prescribed period – generally several years – before they can be resold. If the investor chooses to sell to another citizenship applicant, a longer holding period may apply. In addition to the purchase price, real estate investors pay government fees and due diligence charges similar to those under the EDF route.
Investing in real estate can be appealing to those who wish to combine citizenship with an investment with potential for capital appreciation or rental returns. Many projects offer structured rental programmes in which the developer or hotel operator manages the property, enabling investors to benefit from income without being involved in day-to-day management. This makes the real estate route suitable for clients who value a physical asset in a growth sector and who see Dominica’s tourism market as part of their long-term investment portfolio.
Eligibility and applicant profile
Dominica’s programme is built on strict eligibility criteria, which is one of the reasons it enjoys a strong international reputation. The government focuses on attracting reputable, law-abiding investors who can clearly demonstrate the legitimate origin of their funds.
Applicants must be adults of good character with no criminal record or history of serious compliance issues or international sanctions. They must provide detailed documentation on their identity, residence, education, and professional background, as well as bank statements and financial records confirming the lawful origin of the funds used for the investment. In recent years, the authorities have also introduced case-by-case or mandatory interviews for certain applicants, further strengthening the integrity of the programme. Family members can usually be included in a single application. This typically covers a spouse, dependent children up to a specified age limit, and in some cases, financially dependent parents or grandparents. Each family member undergoes their own due diligence and medical screening to ensure that the entire family meets the programme’s standards.
The application process in practice
Although the citizenship-by-investment framework is set out in detail in Dominican law and regulations, the practical process for an investor is relatively straightforward, especially when coordinated by an experienced advisory firm such as RUE. From the applicant’s perspective, the process can be broken down into a series of logical steps, moving from initial assessment to passport issuance.
The process usually begins with a preliminary consultation and basic risk assessment. At this stage, the client’s objectives, family composition, and financial profile are discussed, and a preliminary opinion is formed on the suitability of Dominica and the most appropriate investment route, either the Economic Diversification Fund or government-approved real estate. Early screening also helps to identify any potential issues, such as previous visa refusals or name matches in international databases, that may need to be clarified before proceeding. Once the investor decides to proceed, the document collection and preparation phase begins. This typically includes certified copies of passports, birth and marriage certificates, police clearance certificates from each country of residence, bank reference letters, employment or business references, financial statements, and evidence of the lawful source of funds. As Dominica only accepts applications submitted through licensed agents, the adviser collates, checks and formats all materials before formally lodging them with the Citizenship by Investment Unit.
To illustrate this process, it can be summarised as follows:
- Initial consultation and pre-screening: confirming suitability, investment route and family members to be included.
- Engagement and planning: agreeing the scope, timelines and responsibilities with the appointed agent.
- Document collection and legalisation: obtaining, translating and certifying all the necessary civil and financial documents.
- Submission to the CBI Unit: filing the complete application package through a licensed agent.
- Government due diligence involves independent international background checks on the main applicant and dependants.
- Approval in principle: formal confirmation that the application has been approved, subject to completing the investment.
- Investment completion and fee settlement: making the EDF contribution, finalising the real estate purchase, and paying government fees.
- Citizenship and passport issuance: receiving the Certificate of Naturalisation, followed by the Dominican passports.
After submission, the file moves into the government due diligence stage. Independent, internationally recognised agencies will carry out extensive background checks, reviewing criminal records, sanctions lists, litigation databases, media archives, and financial information. This is a critical element of the programme’s reputation: only applicants who successfully pass this scrutiny are approved. During this period, investors are not required to travel to Dominica, although in some cases a short interview may be requested, which is often conducted remotely. If the outcome of the due diligence is positive, the government will issue an approval in principle. The applicant is then invited to complete the financial component of the process by paying the contribution to the Economic Diversification Fund or finalising the real estate transaction, together with the applicable government and processing fees. Once proof of payment has been verified and all formalities have been completed, the authorities will issue a Certificate of Naturalisation to each successful applicant and their eligible dependants.
Dominican passports are then produced on the basis of this certificate and delivered via secure channels, either through the authorised agent or, in some cases, a Dominican consulate. For a well-prepared file, the full process generally takes around three to six months, although the exact timing depends on the complexity of the case, the quality of the documentation, and how quickly the investor responds to any additional requests.
Benefits of Dominica Citizenship & Passport
Dominican citizenship offers more than just an additional travel document; it is also a strategic tool for mobility, security, asset protection and long-term family planning. For entrepreneurs, internationally active professionals, and high-net-worth families, a second citizenship in a stable and welcoming jurisdiction such as Dominica can significantly enhance flexibility in an increasingly uncertain world.
Below, we expand on the main advantages and explain how they work in practice.
1. Global mobility
A Dominican passport offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 140 countries and territories (exact numbers fluctuate as visa agreements are updated). These typically include:
- the Schengen Area in Europe;
- a wide range of countries in Latin America, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa; and
- important business and financial centres, such as Singapore and Hong Kong.
For businesspeople and frequent travellers, this level of access provides very practical benefits. Trip planning becomes easier and faster, last-minute business meetings become more feasible and there is less reliance on lengthy visa application procedures in the primary country of citizenship. For families, it means more flexibility when choosing destinations for study, holidays and healthcare abroad. Global mobility is particularly valuable for individuals whose original passports restrict travel options. A Dominican passport can serve as an effective ‘mobility hedge’ – a way to preserve freedom of movement, regardless of political, diplomatic or economic changes affecting the home country.
2. No residency requirements
One of the defining features of Dominica’s citizenship-by-investment programme is that there is no residency obligation. Applicants are not required to live in Dominica before, during, or after the application process. There is no minimum number of days to be spent on the island annually and no requirement to become a tax resident.
This makes Dominican citizenship ideal for:
- international entrepreneurs who already have established lives and businesses in several jurisdictions;
- globally mobile professionals who are frequently on the move;
- families who want a second citizenship as a strategic backup, without planning an immediate physical relocation.
The ability to secure citizenship without uprooting one’s current life is a major reason why Dominica is popular with clients in Asia, the Middle East, the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and Africa. This enables them to maintain their primary residence, business operations and day-to-day lifestyle, while quietly adding a new citizenship in the background.
3. Lifetime citizenship
Dominican citizenship is granted for life. It is not a temporary residence permit that requires renewal every few years. As long as the citizen maintains a valid passport and complies with the law, their status is secure.
In most cases, citizenship can also be passed on to the next generation, subject to the nationality legislation in force at the time of the child’s birth. For many clients, this intergenerational dimension is as important as their own mobility. By obtaining citizenship today, they are effectively creating an additional safety net and broader options for their children and potentially their grandchildren.
This “family continuity” aspect transforms Dominican citizenship into a component of a long-term legacy plan rather than merely a personal travel solution.
4. Dual citizenship allowed
Dominica permits dual and multiple citizenships. This means that successful applicants generally do not have to renounce their existing nationality when they become Dominican citizens (subject, of course, to the rules of their home country).
For investors, this is a critical point. They can retain all the rights and emotional ties associated with their original citizenship, such as residence rights, property ownership and family links, while enjoying the benefits of a Caribbean passport. Dual citizenship thus becomes a way to accumulate rights rather than trade one set of rights for another.
It also provides a greater degree of political and personal security. If the regulatory or political climate in one country changes unfavourably, citizens can choose to move to their other jurisdiction for reasons such as residence, business or education.
5. Favourable tax environment
Having Dominican citizenship does not automatically make someone a tax resident of Dominica. Individuals choose their tax residence based on where they live and meet local residency thresholds, not purely on their passport. This distinction is important and is often misunderstood.
For those who do decide to become a tax resident of Dominica, however, the local framework can be attractive in many respects. The country does not levy:
- wealth tax;
- inheritance tax;
- capital gains tax on most transactions.
Foreign-sourced income is also not taxed for persons who are not resident in Dominica. For globally mobile clients, this makes it possible to design structures where Dominica citizenship can support flexible residence and tax planning strategies, often in combination with those of other jurisdictions.
Any plan should, of course, be assessed in light of the tax rules of the client’s home country and any other jurisdictions in which they hold assets or spend significant time. Proper structuring and professional advice are essential, but Dominica offers a favourable starting point for international tax planning.
6. Comprehensive Family Inclusion
Dominica’s citizenship-by-investment programme is designed with families in mind. In a single application, the main investor can typically include:
- a spouse;
- children (up to a defined age and dependency limit);
- in some cases, financially dependent parents or grandparents.
This means that families do not have to undergo multiple processes over several years. Instead, they can secure unified citizenship status for all key family members at once, ensuring that they all enjoy the same mobility and security advantages.
This is particularly relevant for parents when considering their children’s education and long-term prospects. A second citizenship can facilitate access to boarding schools, universities, and professional opportunities in jurisdictions where Dominica has favourable visa arrangements. It also ensures that, should the geopolitical or economic situation in their home country deteriorate, the entire family has a valid, internationally recognised alternative.
Beyond the Passport: Strategic Value
Taken together, these benefits mean that Dominican citizenship is a strategic asset rather than a cosmetic accessory. It can:
- diversify personal and family risk
- create a reliable ‘Plan B’ in uncertain times
- support international expansion for businesses and entrepreneurs
- link seamlessly with other residence or tax strategies in Europe, the Middle East, or Asia
For many of RUE’s clients, the decision to obtain Dominican citizenship forms part of a broader globalisation strategy that combines second passports, EU residence rights and carefully structured corporate and asset planning, building resilience and flexibility for the future.
Why choose RUE for Dominica citizenship and passport by investment?
Selecting the right partner for your Dominica citizenship and passport application is as crucial as selecting the programme itself. While the formal legal framework in Dominica is clear, the process still involves sensitive documentation, strict due diligence, and close coordination with the Citizenship by Investment Unit. Regulated United Europe (RUE) acts as a strategic advisor and long-term partner, guiding you from the initial consultation to receiving your Dominican passport and beyond.
RUE specialises in investment migration and international structuring, working with clients from Europe, Asia, the CIS region, the Middle East, and other key markets. When you apply for Dominica citizenship by investment through RUE, you won’t be treated like a file number. We analyse your situation in the context of your broader mobility, business and family plans. We consider how Dominica fits into your global strategy and whether it should be combined with EU residence, company formation or other relocation options.
Rather than simply ‘submitting forms’, our team helps you to understand the implications of each decision. We will discuss with you whether an EDF contribution or a real estate investment would better match your budget, risk profile and long-term goals. We also identify any potential issues that may arise during due diligence in advance and help you prepare documentation that meets the expectations of the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CBIU) in Dominica.
In practical terms, RUE provides comprehensive support throughout the Dominica citizenship process. This includes strategic consultation at the outset, detailed guidance on collecting, translating and legalising documents, and careful drafting and review of your application file. Once your case has been submitted, we will monitor its progress, respond to information requests from the authorities and manage all communication, meaning you won’t have to deal with any administrative details yourself. After approval, we will coordinate the completion of the investment, oversee the issuance of your Certificate of Naturalisation, and organise the secure delivery of your Dominican passports to you and your family.
To keep things clear, our support typically covers:
- initial strategic advice on whether Dominica citizenship and a Dominican passport are the right fit for you, or whether you should consider another jurisdiction;
- full preparation, review and submission of your application, including source-of-funds and source-of-wealth documentation;
- ongoing liaison with the Dominican authorities and practical assistance until you physically receive your passport.
A central part of RUE’s value lies in compliance and risk management. Dominica operates one of the world’s most respected and tightly regulated citizenship-by-investment programmes, and applications are subject to multi-layered international background checks. We understand how these checks are performed and can help you present a coherent, transparent profile that aligns your professional history, financial capacity, and chosen investment option. We address sensitive issues such as past visa refusals, changes of name or complex business structures openly and professionally, ensuring they do not become obstacles later in the process. Confidentiality is equally important. All information shared with RUE is handled in accordance with strict data protection and professional secrecy standards. Many of our clients are high-profile entrepreneurs or families with substantial international assets, and they choose us precisely because they need a partner who can combine technical excellence with discretion.
We also recognise that the decision to obtain Dominica citizenship is rarely made in isolation. Typically, our clients manage businesses, properties and investments in several countries and are often in the process of obtaining or maintaining EU residence simultaneously. RUE therefore considers the bigger picture, looking at how your new Dominica passport will interact with your existing residence permits, tax residency, company structures, and succession plans. This helps you to avoid conflicts between different systems, ensuring that your citizenship, residence and corporate planning reinforce each other rather than overlapping in an uncoordinated way. In short, if you are looking for a reliable partner to help you obtain Dominica citizenship through investment, RUE offers a combination of legal expertise, international experience, and a personalised service. We will guide you through each stage of the process, providing clear explanations of costs, timelines and requirements, and positioning your Dominica passport within a wider, future-proof strategy for you and your family.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How does RUE assist clients throughout the Dominica citizenship-by-investment process?
RUE provides full, end-to-end support for the entire application, starting with an initial consultation to determine whether Dominica citizenship is suitable for your personal and family goals. We help you choose between the EDF contribution and the real estate option, prepare and legalise all required documents, draft and review every part of your application, and submit your file through official channels. We also liaise directly with the Citizenship by Investment Unit, monitor the progress of your case, address any follow-up requests and coordinate the issuance and delivery of your passports once approved.
Why should I choose RUE instead of applying through another agent?
RUE combines legal precision, international mobility expertise and personalised guidance. Unlike many generic service providers, we look at your broader global circumstances—including tax residency, EU relocation plans, business structures and long-term mobility needs—and help you determine how Dominica citizenship fits into your overall strategy. Our approach emphasises compliance, risk management and confidentiality, ensuring your application is professionally prepared and supported by strong documentation that meets the expectations of Dominican authorities.
Is my personal information safe when working with RUE?
Yes. RUE follows strict data-protection standards and confidentiality protocols. Applications for citizenship-by-investment require sensitive financial and personal information, and we treat these materials with the highest level of security. All documentation is handled in accordance with professional-secrecy principles, and we ensure that only authorised individuals involved in your case have access to your data. For many entrepreneurs and high-net-worth families, this discretion is a primary reason for choosing RUE.
Can RUE help me combine Dominica citizenship with EU residency or business relocation?
Absolutely. Many of our clients pursue Dominica citizenship as part of a wider international strategy. RUE regularly assists clients with EU residence permits, company formation, licensing, relocation and compliance across multiple jurisdictions. We help you understand how your Dominica citizenship interacts with your existing or planned residency, tax arrangements and business structures, ensuring that everything works cohesively and does not create conflicts between different legal systems.
What are RUE’s fees for assisting with Dominica citizenship, and what do they include?
RUE’s pricing depends on the complexity of your case, the number of family members included, and whether additional services—such as company registration, EU residency or tax planning—are required. For the citizenship-by-investment process alone, fees generally start from 1,500 EUR (approximately 11,500 CNY) for basic advisory and application management. A detailed quote is provided after an initial consultation, ensuring full transparency about what is included: strategic guidance, document preparation, full application handling, due-diligence coordination and post-approval support.
What is the cost of the turnkey solution for obtaining Dominica citizenship?
RUE offers a fully comprehensive turnkey service that guides applicants through every phase of securing Dominica citizenship — from preparing documentation and submitting the application to obtaining the passport itself. This all-inclusive package is designed to make the process smooth, efficient, and hassle-free. The total cost of the complete service is 4,500 EUR
RUE customer support team
CONTACT US
At the moment, the main services of our company are legal and compliance solutions for FinTech projects. Our offices are located in Vilnius, Prague, and Warsaw. The legal team can assist with legal analysis, project structuring, and legal regulation.
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Phone: +420 777 256 626
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Anno: 30.08.2016
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Address: Lvovo g. 25 – 702, 7th floor, Vilnius,
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Address: Twarda 18, 15th floor, Warsaw, 00-824, Poland
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Phone: +372 56 966 260
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