Between 2018 and 2022, the Commonwealth of Dominica granted over 34,596 citizenships, an impressive figure considering Dominica only has a population of around 66,510 people. This is a clear sign of rising global interest in economic citizenship.
Launched in 1993, Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program is one of the world’s longest running CBI initiatives and has maintained its position as a top choice, offering one of the most cost-effective and reliable citizenship-by-investment options in the Caribbean.
For a minimum investment of $200,000 in approved real estate, investors are able to obtain citizenship in a stable, low-tax country. Citizens of Dominica also have visa free access to over 145 countries, including the Schengen area.
Dominica’s CBI program allows applicants to include their spouse, dependent children under 31, and parents or grandparents aged 65 and over. Dependents can also be added after citizenship is granted. The program provides lifelong benefits, including the right to live, work, and study in Dominica, citizenship by descent for future generations, no restrictions on dual citizenship, and no minimum stay requirements.
Why Invest in Dominica in 2025: Compelling Reasons for Global Investors
Dominica continues to be a leading investment destination for high net worth individuals looking for a citizenship by investment option. Dominica offers political stability, investor-friendly policies, and a strategic location.
In 2025, global investors are increasingly looking to Dominica not just for its citizenship by investment (CBI) program, but the high quality of life available and opportunities it offers.
Political and Economic Stability
Dominica is a stable, English-speaking democracy with a legal system based on common law. Dominica’s legal and political framework makes it easier for investors to understand and navigate the system, protect their assets, and conduct their business.
Dominica is also a member of the Commonwealth. As a member of the Commonwealth, Dominican citizens can take advantage of certain privileges, including access to educational scholarships and streamlined visa processes in some member countries.
The country’s tourism sector is also steadily growing, with 339,000 visitors in 2023, a 37% increase. This strong growth highlights Dominica’s strong international appeal and recovery.
Strategic Geographic Location
Located between Guadeloupe and Martinique in the Eastern Caribbean, Dominica enjoys a great location for both leisure and business.
Its position in the Eastern Standard Time (EST) zone makes it ideal for investors from North America looking for real-time coordination with their home markets. Furthermore, Guadeloupe and Martinique are designated French overseas territories, making them part of the European Union, providing excellent access to the EU.
Access to Dominica is set to improve significantly with the opening of an international airport in 2026, which is expected to boost tourism, improve business travel, and increase the value of surrounding real estate.
Investment-Friendly Environment
Dominica offers a highly favorable tax regime: there are no capital gains, inheritance, or wealth taxes. The local currency, the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD), is pegged to the US Dollar, providing additional financial stability. As a member of CARICOM, close proximity to the EU Dominica offers investors access to larger regional and international markets with advantageous trade and business conditions.
Dominica is also a global leader in climate resilience, with the goal of becoming the world’s first climate-resilient nation by 2030. A key initiative to achieve this goal is the development of its eco-tourism sector, which offers exciting opportunities for early investors, particularly in boutique hotels, villas, and wellness retreats.
Dominica’s real estate market remains one of the most affordable and attractive in the Caribbean, particularly for investors seeking both lifestyle and citizenship benefits. Property prices range from approximately $500 to $5,000 per square meter, depending on the location, type, and quality of the property. Coastal and capital city areas such as Roseau, Portsmouth, and Soufrière tend to attract higher prices due to their infrastructure, natural beauty, and access to amenities.
Rental yields in Dominica average between 4% and 5% annually, offering solid returns for long-term investors. Luxury villas and eco-tourism-focused properties can deliver even higher yields, sometimes reaching up to 10% per annum, particularly in high-demand locations with strong tourist appeal.
Request a consultation with our legal experts for professional guidance.
Dominica Citizenship by Investment: Program Overview and Requirements
Established in 1993, Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Program is one of the longest running CBI programs in the world. Ranked as the second-best Caribbean CBI program in the 2024 CBI Index, Dominica’s CBI program is highly regarded for its affordability and strong due diligence standards. This is highlighted through a rejection rate of just 1%.
The citizenship by investment program is guaranteed under Section 101 of Dominica’s Constitution and Section 8 and 20 of the Citizenship by Investment Regulations Act. These sections provide the government with the right to grant citizenship to qualified applicants who meet the investment and background requirements.
This CBI program was designed to encourage national development and uses the funds received through investment into key areas such as infrastructure, healthcare, education, and climate resilience.
Two Investment Pathways
Dominica offers Citizenship by investment through 2 different options, the Economic Diversification Fund and Real Estate Investment
Dominica Economic Diversification Fund (EDF) Option
To qualify for citizenship through the Economic Diversification Fund, applicants are required to make a non-refundable contribution of US$200,000 for an individual applicant or US$250,000 for families of up to 4 person.
Please note there will be additional contributions required for applicants with more than 3 dependents in their application. The additional fees are USD 25,000 for each additional eligible dependent who is under 18 years old, and USD 40,000 for each additional dependent over 18 years old.
The funds raised from applicants applying via the Economic Diversification Fund (EDF) route are used to develop Dominica’s infrastructure and finance development projects across the country, including education, healthcare, tourism, and sports.
Dominica Real Estate Investment Option
To qualify under the Real Estate Investment option investors must purchase approved real estate in Dominica with a minimum value of USD $200,000. The property must be held for at least three years, or five years if it is resold to another CBI program applicant.
In addition to the initial investment, the following government fees apply:
- USD $75,000 for a single applicant
- USD $100,000 for a main applicant with up to three dependents.
- An additional fee of USD $25,000 applies for dependents under the age of 18.
- An additional fee of USD $40,000 applies to dependents over the age of 18.
Other costs that investors should be aware of includes a processing fee of USD $1,000, a due diligence fee of USD $7,500 for the main applicant (a background check completed by independent third-party agencies), and an interview fee of USD $1,000.
Applicants who wish to apply for the program under this category are required to purchase their real estate from the list of government-approved real estate projects. Eligible projects include luxury resorts, eco-lodges, and villas.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Commonwealth of Dominica Citizenship by Investment Programme, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria. The main applicant must be at least 18 years old, be able to provide proof of a clean criminal record and be in good health.
Additionally, applicants are required to provide evidence of their investment through their chosen route (real estate or EDF).
The programme also allows for the inclusion of eligible family members. This includes the applicant’s spouse, children under the age of 31, and parents or grandparents who are 65 years or older.
Please note, each family member must also meet the program’s health and background requirements
Processing Timeline
The average processing time for applications ranges from four to six months. One of the main advantages of Dominica’s CBI programme is its flexibility, the entire application process can be completed remotely. There are no requirements for applicants to visit or reside in Dominica before, during, or after obtaining citizenship.
As part of the due diligence process, all applicants aged 16 and above are required to participate in a mandatory interview. These interviews are also conducted online
Dominica Real Estate for Citizenship: Available Investment Properties
Dominica offers a wide selection of government-approved real estate options under its Citizenship by Investment Programme. These properties are designed to align with the country’s goals for sustainable tourism.
Dominica Secret Bay Resort
Located on a clifftop overlooking the Caribbean Sea, The Residences at Secret Bay is a six-star, all-villa resort affiliated with Relais & Châteaux.
The Residences at Secret Bay provides both whole and fractional ownership options that qualify for Dominica’s CBI programme.
Fractional Ownership:
Starting at US$220,000, investors can purchase a share in the Clifftop Zabuco & Ti-Fèy Multi-Villa Estates, which are individually valued at US$4.5 million each. This investment includes two weeks of annual stay, one week in the Zabuco Villa and one week in the Ti-Fèy Villa.
Ownership durations range from two to ten weeks, with corresponding investment amounts up to US$1 million. Notably, there are no annual fees associated with this ownership
Whole Ownership
For those who wish to have full ownership, villas are available starting at US$1.39 million, with multi-villa estates priced at US$4.5 million.
Eco-Tourism Properties
Dominica’s eco-tourism real estate investment options include award-winning resorts like Jungle Bay and the Sanctuary Rainforest Eco Resort & Spa, located near or within UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Morne Trois Pitons National Park.
These developments focus on sustainability and are a key focus of the Dominica Government’s goals. With eco-tourism rapidly growing, these properties appeal to a global audience and therefore offer strong potential for high occupancy and solid long-term yields and returns.
Property Ownership and Resale Rules
All real estate investments made under Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment Programme must be held for a minimum of three years before they can be resold on the open market.
If the property is to be sold to another CBI applicant, the property must be held for a period of five years. There are no restrictions on earning rental income during the ownership period, and many developments include professional property management services to handle daily operations, allowing investors to enjoy a hands off investment.
Request a consultation with our legal experts for professional guidance.
Complete Cost Analysis: Investing in Dominica Real Estate for Citizenship
Real Estate Investment Costs
To obtain citizenship through the Commonwealth of Dominica’s Real Estate Citizenship by Investment Programme, the main requirement is a minimum property investment of USD $200,000 in a government approved development.
Government Fees:
In addition to the main investment, applications are also subject to several government fees. The total amount of fees owed depends on each application and how many dependants will be included:
- Single applicant: $75,000
- Married couple: $100,000
- Family of 3-4: $100,000
- Additional dependents: $25,000 (under 18), $40,000 (over 18)
Due Diligence Fees:
All applicants are subject to a due diligence process. The due diligence process involves background checks on the applicants and their dependents, which are conducted by independent, international agencies. As part of the process there is also a mandatory virtual interview for applicants aged 16 and above.
- Main applicant: $7,500
- Spouse: $4,000
- Dependents 16+: $4,000 each
- Children under 16: No fee
Administrative Costs:
The following administrative costs apply to the application:
- Processing fee: $1,000 per application
- Passport fee: $500 per person
- Naturalization certificate: $500 per person
- Interview fee: $1,000 per interview
Total Investment Examples
Dominica Citizenship by Investment: Cost Analysis
| Category | Single Applicant | Family of Four |
|---|---|---|
| Real Estate Investment | $200,000 | $200,000 |
| Government Fees | $75,000 | $100,000 |
| Due Diligence Fees | $7,500 | $19,500 |
| Administrative Fees | $2,000 | $4,000 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $284,500 | $323,500 |
Additional Property Costs
While the CBI investment amount covers the property purchase, applicants should also consider ongoing and other required costs associated with property ownership in Dominica:
- Property insurance: Typically ranges from USD $1,000 to $2,000 per year, depending on coverage and property value
- Municipal tax: Charged at 1.25% annually on the property value
- Legal fees: Range between 2–3% of the purchase price, covering conveyance and legal documentation
- No capital gains tax is applied upon resale of the property, making it a tax-efficient long-term investment
How to Apply: Complete Process for Dominica Real Estate Citizenship
When applying for the Citizenship by Investment though investing in real estate in Dominica, the following process must be completed.
Step 1: Preliminary Due Diligence and Property Selection
Applicants are required to submit their application through a government licensed authorized agent, which is a mandatory requirement. The agent will conduct a preliminary background check to assess eligibility, and the application will be assigned a case officer to begin the initial review and verification process.
If the agent deems the applicant eligible, the applicant will then choose from a list of government approved real estate projects and review the investment terms and property details.
Step 2: Property Reservation and Documentation
Once a property has been selected, the applicant will sign a preliminary purchase agreement and pay a 10% deposit to reserve their investment. At the same time, all the required documents will be collected and prepared, including passport copies, police clearances, medical certificates, financial statements, and professional references.
Step 3: Application Submission
The agent will then complete and submit the final application to Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment Unit (CBIU). Due diligence fees are paid at this stage, and the application will be assigned a case officer to begin the initial review and verification process.
Step 4: Due Diligence Process (3–6 months)
This stage involves detailed background checks by independent firms, including the verification of the provided financial documents, criminal history, and health records.
Applicants aged 16 and over must also complete a mandatory virtual interview as part of the assessment.
Step 5: Approval in Principle
If the application is successful, the CBIU will issue an approval in principle. Applicants will then complete the property investment by paying the remaining balance and finalizing their purchase.
Step 6: Final Approval and Passport Issuance
After confirming and verifying the investment, the CBIU will grant final approval and issue your Certificate of Naturalisation. The applicant’s Dominican passport is then printed and delivered either through your agent or a secure courier service.
Required Documents Checklist
To successfully complete the application, the following documents will be required:
Forms and Declarations
- D1 – Disclosure Form.
- D2 – Fingerprint and Photograph Verification Form (must be completed in the presence of a fingerprinting officer).
- D3 – Medical Questionnaire.
- D4 – Investment Agreement (for real estate only).
- 2 completed and notarized copies of Application Form 12.
- Letter to the Minister
Personal Identification Documents
- Colour copies of all passports held.
- Birth Certificate.
- Colour copy of driver’s licence.
- Colour copies of all identity documents/books or cards.
- Colour copies of all military service and discharge documents, if applicable.
- Colour copies of all documents evidencing a name change (other than through marriage), if applicable.
- Marriage Certificate and/or Dissolution of Marriage Certificate, if applicable.
- Proof of residential address (lease agreement / title deed and utility bill).
- Colour copies of university/college diplomas.
Legal and Character Documents
- Police Record from country of birth, country of citizenship, country of residence (if different), and any country in which the applicant has resided for more than 6 months in the past 10 years. This is required for each applicant aged 16 years and over. For children aged 12-15, a sworn affidavit from the parent declaring that a child does not have a criminal record is required.
- Letter of recommendation from the head of the school/university for children between 12 and 18 years old.
- Official transcripts from an institution of higher learning or a letter from the competent authority confirming enrolment for children aged 18 to 30 who are currently in a recognised institution of higher learning.
- Notarized affidavit of support for each dependant aged 18 or over included in the application, with the exception of the spouse.
- Detailed business background reports/resume/CV.
- One professional reference.
Proof of Finances
- 12 months bank statements.
- Bank reference letter.
- Notarized affidavit confirming the source of funds.
- Notarized Statutory Declaration.
- Letter of employment
- Financial statements
- Sale and Purchase Agreement (real estate option only)
- Colour copies of documents related to the source of funds.
- Proof of payment of any official and government relevant fees
Medical Documents
- HIV test results (for all applicants aged 12 or above)
- Standard blood and urine test results
All documents must be in English or accompanied by a certified English translation. Additionally, documents should be notarized or apostilled as required.
How can Harvey Law Group Help?
At Harvey Law Group (HLG), we specialize in helping individuals and families identify the best immigration options for their needs. Our experienced team of immigration lawyers and global mobility experts can provide comprehensive support for those considering applying for the Citizenship by Investment program in Dominica.
We begin by assessing your personal circumstances to determine the most suitable pathway to citizenship, whether it is through investing in a Economic Diversification Fund (EDF) or through investing in qualifying real estate. From helping you select a government approved real estate project to invest in or a qualifying EDF contribution, our team provides end-to-end support, from document preparation to application submission. We work to ensure that your investment is fully compliant with Dominica’s CBI regulations and offers the most efficient path to obtaining Dominican citizenship.
Request a consultation with our legal experts for professional guidance.
Dominica Citizenship Benefits: Why Global Investors Choose Dominican Citizenship
Citizenship in the Commonwealth of Dominica offers global investors a range of benefits that includes more than just visa-free travel.
Dominican passport holders enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 145 countries, including the entire Schengen Area (90 days in any 180-day period), Singapore (30 days), Hong Kong (90 days), China (30 days), Russia, South Korea, and the UAE.
Access to Long-Term U.S. Visas
Dominican citizens are eligible for a 10-year B1/B2 U.S. visitor visa, which allows stays of up to six months per visit for business or leisure. This visa can be applied for at any U.S. embassy worldwide.
Attractive Tax Environment
Dominica’s tax system is another major draw. The country imposes no tax on global income, capital gains, inheritance, or wealth for non-residents. For residents, only income sourced within Dominica is taxed under its territorial tax system, which offers effective wealth management and asset protection strategies.
Regional Business and Investment Access
As a member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Dominican citizens enjoy the right to live, work, and do business in 15 Caribbean nations.
Family Inclusion and Legacy Planning
The Dominica Citizenship by Investment Programme allows for the inclusion of immediate and extended family members. Applicants can include their spouse, children under 31, and parents or grandparents aged 65 and older. Citizenship is hereditary, allowing future generations to benefit as well.
Importantly, dual citizenship is permitted, so investors don’t need to renounce their current nationality.
Education and Healthcare Advantages
Citizenship opens the door to educational benefits, including easier access to European and Commonwealth universities, eligibility for scholarships, and smoother student visa processes. Health benefits include access to private Caribbean healthcare facilities and emergency medical treatment in many visa-free European destinations.
Enhanced Lifestyle and Climate
Often referred to as “The Nature Isle of the Caribbean,” Dominica offers a peaceful, English-speaking environment with incredible natural beauty. With its low crime rate, warm year-round climate, and natural landscapes, it’s a great choice for those seeking a balance between lifestyle flexibility and business opportunities.
Dominica Real Estate Market: Investment Potential and Future Outlook
The real estate market in Dominica is steadily growing, and offers investors a great balance between value and long-term investment potential.
Property prices range between USD $500 and $5,000 per square meter, depending on the location and project type. The more expensive locations for real estate are usually found in the capital city Roseau, where prices can be 10% above the national average, and along the coastline, where sea-view and beachfront properties are subject to higher rates. The national average annual appreciation stands at around 4%, reflecting solid growth and increasing demand.
The rental market is also a good investment authority. Properties used for tourist accommodation can yield between 4% and 10% annually, depending on the location and amenities on offer. Long-term residential rentals also provide stable yields of 2% to 5% per annum.
Tourism Industry Growth
Dominica is currently undergoing significant infrastructure expansion, including the development of a new international airport, expected to open in 2026. This new airport is projected to increase tourism arrivals by over 50%.
Tourism is a significant part of Dominica’s economy. In 2023, the country recorded 339,000 visitors, marking a 37% year-on-year increase.
The government’s focus on eco-tourism, including whale watching, diving, and rainforest retreats, is positioning Dominica as a top choice destination for those who enjoy nature.
Economic Diversification
Dominica is investing in renewable energy, with 28% of its electricity generated from hydroelectric sources, and additional projects in geothermal power underway.
The government’s commitment to climate resilience, agriculture modernization, and tech sector growth continues to diversify the economy. The evolving economy can help strengthen the real estate sector by promoting job creation and infrastructure improvements.
Investment Risks and Considerations
While Dominica offers exceptional opportunities, investors should be aware of climate risks, limited liquidity, and seasonal fluctuations in tourism-driven rental income,
Market liquidity can also be limited, as the local buyer pool is small and the market is largely sustained by international investors and the Citizenship by Investment Programme.
Seasonal tourism should also be considered as they may impact rental income, though this is becoming less of an issue due to Dominica’s increasing year-round appeal.
Your Journey: Next Steps to Invest in Dominica Real Estate for Citizenship
Dominica offers one of the most attractive real estate-based citizenship opportunities in the world. With a minimum investment of $200,000, it’s the most affordable Caribbean CBI option, providing a real asset rather than a one-time donation.
Investors can also take advantage of the shortest resale period in the region just three years (five years if selling to another CBI application) and access to a passport with visa-free travel to over 145 countries, including the Schengen Area, China, and Singapore.
The programme also supports multigenerational applications, allowing you to include your spouse, children under 30, and dependent parents or grandparents. Citizens of Dominica are eligible for zero tax on global income, capital gains, or inheritance, making Dominica ideal for long-term wealth protection and mobility.
Getting started is straightforward and with professional guidance, the entire process, from application to receiving a new passport can be completed in 6 to 12 months.
FAQs: Dominica Real Estate Investment for Citizenship
Investment and Property Questions
Q: What is the minimum investment required for Dominica citizenship through real estate? A: The minimum real estate investment is $200,000, plus government fees starting at $75,000 for a single applicant. Total investment typically ranges from $284,500 to $323,500 depending on family size.
Q: Can I choose any property in Dominica for citizenship? A: No, you must invest in government-approved real estate projects only. These typically include luxury hotel shares, resort developments, and eco-tourism properties managed by international brands.
Q: When can I sell my property after getting citizenship? A: You can sell to the open market after 3 years of ownership, or to another CBI participant after 5 years. This is the shortest holding period among Caribbean citizenship programs.
Q: Do I get rental income from my property investment? A: Yes, most properties generate rental income ranging from 2-7% annually. Hotel shares typically provide 1-2 weeks of free annual accommodation instead of, or in addition to, rental returns.
Application Process Questions
Q: How long does the citizenship application process take? A: The average processing time is 6 months from application submission to passport issuance. The process is entirely remote with no requirement to visit Dominica.
Q: Can I include my family members in the application? A: Yes, you can include your spouse, children under 31, and parents/grandparents over 65. Additional fees apply for each family member.
Q: Do I need to give up my current citizenship? A: No, Dominica allows dual citizenship. You can retain your original passport while gaining Dominican citizenship benefits.
Travel and Benefits Questions
Q: Which countries can I visit visa-free with a Dominica passport? A: Dominican passport holders can visit 145 countries visa-free or with visa-on-arrival, including the entire Schengen Area (90 days), Singapore (30 days), China (30 days), and Hong Kong (90 days).
Q: Can I get a US visa with Dominica citizenship? A: Yes, Dominica citizens can apply for a 10-year B1/B2 visitor visa to the United States, allowing multiple entries for business and tourism purposes.
Q: Are there any tax obligations with Dominica citizenship? A: Dominica has no global income tax for non-residents, no capital gains tax, no inheritance tax, and no wealth tax. Tax obligations depend on your residence status and local tax laws.
Practical Questions
Q: Do I need to live in Dominica after getting citizenship? A: No, there are no residency requirements before or after obtaining citizenship. You can maintain your current residence anywhere in the world.
Q: What happens if my application is rejected? A: With proper preparation and experienced agent guidance, rejection rates are less than 1%. If rejected, investment funds can typically be recovered, though due diligence fees are non-refundable.
Q: Can I work in other Caribbean countries with Dominica citizenship? A: Yes, as a CARICOM member, Dominica citizenship grants you the right to live and work in 15 Caribbean nations without additional permits.
Q: Is the citizenship permanent or do I need to renew it? A: Citizenship is permanent and hereditary. Only the passport requires renewal every 10 years, which is a simple administrative process that doesn’t require visiting Dominica.
Q: Is Harvey Law Group an authorized agent for Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment Program?A: Yes, Harvey Law Group is officially authorized to submit and represent applications under the Commonwealth of Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment Program for the period from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025, as certified by the Minister for Investment and Governance.
