Dominica, an emerald-green Caribbean island, is characterized by its mountainous landscape, diverse exotic national parks, and the world’s second-largest boiling lake. Its tropical climate…
Dominica, often called the “Caribbean’s Nature Island”, is an island nation that once fell under British rule and is celebrated for its breathtaking and pristine natural surroundings. Home to approximately 71,000 inhabitants, the country’s official language is English, though Dominican French Creole is also widely spoken among the populace.
It’s important not to confuse Dominica with the Dominican Republic due to their similar-sounding names. The latter, which was formerly under Spanish colonial rule, is located in the Greater Antilles, close to Cuba. In contrast, Dominica, also known as the Commonwealth of Dominica, is significantly smaller and is situated in the Lesser Antilles.
Formed through recent volcanic activity, Dominica features mountain peaks that are volcanic cones, complete with lava craters and miniature lakes of boiling water. The island’s terrain is steep and incredibly rugged, with dense rainforests covering most of the land.
Roseau, Dominica’s capital and largest city, is a compact urban hub nestled between the Caribbean Sea, the Roseau River, and Morne Bruce, housing about 16,500 inhabitants. A narrow coastal belt separates the mountains from the sea, featuring dramatic cliffs and a rugged coastline. Unlike typical Caribbean islands, Dominica’s beaches are distinctive with black and yellow volcanic sand, instead of white.
Dominica is often dubbed as “The Nature Island of the Caribbean” due to its abundant and diverse flora and fauna, preserved within an extensive network of natural parks. This includes three national parks, two forest reserves, and the Syndicate Parrot Preserve.
Morne Trois Pitons National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, spans across nearly 7,000 hectares (17,000 acres) of Dominica’s mountainous volcanic landscape. It offers a beautiful amalgamation of lakes, volcanoes, fumaroles, hot springs, and dense tropical forests.
Dominica gained independence from Britain on November 3, 1978, bringing challenges and struggles. By the mid-1980s, Dominica had stabilized as a peaceful country. Currently, the Government of Dominica is prioritizing tourism as a key driver of economic growth, capitalizing on the island’s unspoiled natural beauty and the popularity of activities such as diving, hiking, wellness and eco-tourism.
Dominica is emerging as a vibrant hub for international finance, nurturing flourishing sectors such as offshore banking, payment processing companies, and corporate ventures. The island is rapidly becoming an attractive destination for global investors seeking to leverage its strategic location and robust financial ecosystem.
Its prestigious Citizenship by Investment Program, established in 1993, is at the heart of Dominica’s investment appeal. This well-regarded program offers investors the unique opportunity to become citizens of the Commonwealth of Dominica once they have met the due diligence requirements and invested in government-approved real estate projects.
Recognizing tourism as a crucial sector contributing to its GDP, Dominica’s government strategically invests in its expansion. This investment, mainly financed by the country’s Citizenship by Investment Programme, is geared towards improving accessibility and enhancing the local tourist experience. Construction of a new state-of-the-art airport, set to complete in 2026, will facilitate larger aircraft and connect Dominica with major airlines from the Caribbean, Europe, and North America. The government also encourages overseas investment in local accommodation, attracting international brands like Marriott and Hilton to build their resorts on the island.
Dominica’s vision for its tourism industry also strongly focuses on ecotourism, acknowledging its vulnerability to climate change. Government initiatives include promoting environmental conservation activities and significant investment in eco-friendly accommodation options like the Secret Bay, InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa, and Jungle Bay. Funds from the Citizenship by Investment Programme also bolster broader climate resilience efforts, such as hurricane-resistant housing and river dredging, indirectly safeguarding the future of Dominica’s tourism sector.
The application for citizenship starts with choosing an agent authorized by the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CBIU). Only these agents can handle citizenship applications, as CBIU doesn’t accept direct submissions. Our team of experienced specialists at CBF provides professional assistance on various investment opportunities and the process of securing Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment. We tailor solutions that cater to your unique circumstances and needs.
If you have decided to obtain a Dominica passport, contact us today to discuss your application preparation. You’ll need to complete all forms, undertake a medical examination, and collect required supporting documents, all of which must be in English with proper notarization and legalization. Property purchases require a sales and purchase agreement. Your application will be thoroughly vetted through a due diligence background check. Based on this report, the CBIU will assess.
We will submit your completed application to CBIU and addresses any queries or questions during the process. Dominica does not mandate interviews for the CBI program, though one may be requested at the Government’s discretion. Upon primary approval of your application, you’re instructed to make your contribution to the Economic Diversification Fund (EDF) or finalize the real estate payment. EDF is a transformative venture by the Dominican Government that opens the gateway to your economic citizenship of Dominica. After payment proof is provided, CBIU issues your registration certificate, serving as your citizenship proof and a basis for applying for a Dominican passport.
Established in 1993, the Economic Diversification Fund (EDF) is a strategic initiative by the Dominican Government dedicated to propelling socio-economic advancements nationwide. Created as an integral part of the Citizenship by Investment Programme, the EDF forms a crucial pillar of the country’s capital mobilization strategy. Through a financial contribution to the EDF, you are not just becoming a Dominican citizen but also an active participant in the socio-economic development of the nation.
Your investment into the EDF breathes life into essential public and private sector projects, ranging from enhancing educational infrastructure and healthcare facilities to fostering industries such as tourism, IT and agriculture. A financial catalyst, the EDF helps shape the nation’s progress and prosperity.
The path to your Dominican citizenship is straightforward. The EDF contribution is non-refundable and varies based on the number of dependents included in your application. Starting from a minimum of US$100,000 for an individual, the contribution spans to US$175,000 for a family of four, with additional charges per dependent. An essential aspect of the application is a due diligence fee to ensure a seamless and secure process, along with naturalization and expedited passport issuance fee.
To become a Dominican citizen via this path, secure an authorized property worth a minimum of USD $200,000. Once purchased, this investment must be retained for at least five years. An additional government fee complements this investment, beginning from US$25,000 for an individual applicant and extending to US$50,000 for a family of up to five. Each extra qualified dependent will incur a charge of US$25,000. The fees encompass processing, due diligence, naturalization certification, and expedited passport issuance to ensure a smooth and comprehensive application process.
For a detailed insight into these diverse investment pathways, our experienced consultants at CBF are always ready to assist you on your journey to becoming a Dominican citizen.
Eligibility for Dominica’s passport extends beyond the main applicant, who must be at least 18 years of age. It includes dependent children aged between 18-30, unmarried daughters of the main applicant under 25, and physically or mentally challenged children above 18 whom the main applicant or spouse substantially supports. Moreover, parents and parents-in-law above the age of 65 can also be included under the support of the main applicant or spouse. All applicants and dependents must have a clean criminal record globally.
Rapid Processing and Beyond
Worry not if you’re still uncertain about obtaining a Dominica passport through citizenship! Cross Border Freedom company is at your service to navigate this process with you. Our team of experts is ready to answer your questions, provide the necessary guidance, and facilitate your application, ensuring a seamless experience. Don’t let doubt stop you from acquiring your Dominica citizenship, reach out to us, and we will gladly assist you.