Citizenship of Dominica

Citizenship for investment program of the Commonwealth of Dominica is one of the two programs of direct second citizenship in the world. Another second passport program exists is Saint-Kitts & Nevis but it is twice as expensive in comparison with citizenship of Dominica. Information about Saint-Kitts investment options can be found in a separate article of this web-site.

Conditions and Expenses

Contribution in the amount of USD 75,000 entitles foreign investor to acquire second passport. In case investor has a family up to four members (e.g., husband, wife, and two children under 18 years old) the required contribution is USD 100,000. For a child between 18 and 25 years old additional contribution USD 25,000 is required. It should be noted that this economic contribution is not-refundable, for the exception of cases when the application is refused. In addition to the above-mentioned contributions, the government of Dominica charges processing, agent and registration fees (approx. USD 2,200 per applicant), and due diligence fees of between USD 5,000 to USD 10,000 apply. The legal procedure requires a mandatory interview (only principal applicant is expected to arrive to Dominica). Travel expenses surely add to the total cost of the program. In case you cannot speak English you can use the services of an interpreter. The processing time for applications currently ranges from 5 to 7 months.

Advantages of being citizen of Dominica

1. As a citizen of Dominica you can relocate to Dominica or any other CARICOM-country at any time, and as a Commonwealth citizen you will enjoy special rights and privileges in the United Kingdom and some other countries of the Commonwealth of Nations.
2. Visa-free travel to more than 50 countries including the United Kingdom, Ireland and some others. It should be kept in mind that EU-countries are not visa-free for citizens of Dominica. In case visa-free travel is your primary reason to acquire second citizenship we recommend you other citizenship programs with better opportunities for free travel (Saint-Kitts & Nevis, Montenegro, or Bulgaria).
3. No global taxation. You are not liable to taxation in Dominica on any income earned outside of Dominica except if you decide to reside in Dominica.
4. Multiple and dual citizenship is recognized in the Commonwealth of Dominica. You are not expected to renounce your previous citizenship and passport after becoming citizen of Dominica. Certain exceptions concern the citizens of those countries that prohibit dual citizenship (e.g., China, Denmark, Germany, Singapore, Japan, and some others). Interestingly enough, some Chinese people obtain citizenship and passport of Dominica without renouncing their citizenship. This is possible because the Government of Dominica does not report any country about its new citizens.

Question regarding Dominica citizenship for Investment Program:

Question: Having read your summary on the Citizenship for investment program of the Commonwealth of Dominica, is there anyway of reducing the processing time (The processing time for applications currently ranges from 5 to 7 months) by further “Investment?”
Answer: Unfortunately, it is impossible to speed up the process by further investment. The processing time depends upon the number of applications that are currently in the queue. Moreover, due diligence also takes time and may vary from case to case. Before the application is approved the principal applicant is expected top visit the island for an interview; this also takes time. Half a year is an average processing time for citizenship of Dominica. Sometimes it may take up to 10 months to obtain the citizenship. If you really need the fastest option of second passport for investment you may consider investment in Saint-Kitts & Nevis through SIDF option. In case of Saint-Kitts citizenship it will take about a month to prepare docs for application plus another three months for processing. So, in four months you will have certificates of registration as Saint-Kitts citizen and second passport. No interview is normally required.
Question: I take into consideration all the pros & cons regarding the time scale.  But you did say the ‘Half year’ is an average processing time?  If all documentation was accurately assembled with the candidate arranging their interview visit can the average processing time be shortened?  Sorry to ask this question again but time is of the essence here! Secondly, regarding payment what needs to be actioned and what safe guards are in place if the application fails?
Answer: The time period for Dominica can be shorter than 6 months. But this is a “slippery ice”. We can’t give a guarantee for that. As to the safe guards in case of failing application there is a provision in Dominica laws that the Government can take the funds without granting citizenship. So, in case due diligence shows that the citizenship cannot be granted then there is no guarantee that money will be reimbursed by the Government of Dominica. It may be reimbursed but nobody can guarantee that. Should the refusal happen we shall be able to reimburse only our legal fee (excluding actual expenses). As to Saint-Kitts & Nevis citizenship program it is organized in a more guaranteed way if we can put it that way. In case your application for Saint-Kitts citizenship is refused the investment funds are to be immediately returned from an escrow account for the exception of due diligence fee (currently 3,500 USD per one person over 18 years old).

If you have any question regarding above-mentioned material or wish to use our legal assistance in obtaining second citizenship of Dominica, contact us today