Dominica – Citizenship - Touchstone Lifestyle

Dominica - Citizenship

The Dominica Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Program is an initiative that allows individuals and families to acquire citizenship in the Commonwealth of Dominica through investment.

Program Overview:

The Dominica Citizenship by Investment Programme offers the most affordable route to citizenship for a single applicant, with investments starting at $100,000.

The programme also offers a quick and simple process for gaining Dominican citizenship. Applications are processed within 90 days of the submission date, on average. Donations/investments are only payable once the application has been approved.

Once Dominican citizenship has been approved, applicants are issued a passport from the country. Dominica passport holders are granted visa-free travel to over 140 countries, including China, the Schengen Area, the UK, Singapore and Hong Kong.

Program Benefits:

Full residence status — including working rights
Joining a global community that transcends Dominica’s land borders
Minimal taxation, with no wealth, gift, inheritance, foreign income, or capital gains tax
The ability to hold multiple citizenships
Knowing that you have personally contributed to the prosperity of a peaceful, welcoming country, which you can call home for life.
Minimal taxation – no wealth, gift, inheritance, foreign income, or capital gains tax, and no personal income tax for residents
Dominica is a signatory of double taxation treaties with the USA and the CARICOM
No restriction on repatriation of profits and imported capital
Great incentive packages including corporate tax incentives, full exemption from import duties, tax relief benefits, and export allowance
Dominica’s currency, the East Caribbean dollar (XCD), is pegged to the US dollar (USD) at a fixed rate
Duty-free access to several markets across the Caribbean

Requirements & Eligibility:

Applicants to the Dominica Citizenship by Investment Program must be at least 18 years old, in good health, and have no criminal record. They are also required to officially commit to the investment and be able to demonstrate outstanding character and repute.

Investment Options:

Donation
The Government of Dominica introduced the Economic Diversity Fund (EDF) to fund national development in the country. A non-refundable donation could be used to fund anything, from building schools and hospitals to specific projects in sectors like tourism and agriculture. The minimum investment is US $100,000 for the main applicant. Additional fees will apply to any dependent applications. Government fees are not applicable to the donation option, making this the most cost effective way for individual applicants to apply.
Real Estate Investment
Government-approved real estate includes hotels, spas, and villas. A minimum investment of US $200,000 must be made in one of these properties to qualify for this programme. Furthermore, the applicant must hold on to the property for at least 3 years to secure lifetime citizenship.

Government fees apply to any real estate investment, starting at $25,000 for a single applicant, and increasing to US $70,000 for a family of 7. Though this is a more expensive option, it could prove to be financially lucrative, given Dominica’s impressive tourism industry.

Family Inclusion:

Spouse:

The spouse of the primary applicant can be included in the application for Dominican citizenship.

Dependent Children:

Dependent children of the main applicant or the spouse, including biological children, adopted children, and sometimes stepchildren, are eligible for inclusion in the application.

Parents:

In some cases, dependent parents of the main applicant or the spouse may also be included as eligible family members under the program.

The benefits of Dominica Citizenship

Established in 1993, Dominica’s Citizen by Investment Programme is one of the fastest, longest-running and most affordable CBI schemes in the world. Dominican citizenship can be obtained in exchange for a significant financial investment in the country’s infrastructure.

Citizenship & Passport

Successful applicants and their families receive Dominican citizenship and passports, allowing visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to numerous countries worldwide.

Global
Mobility

Access to visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to various countries, facilitating international travel and business opportunities which includes over 140 countries.

Family
Reunification

The program often includes spouses, dependent children, parents, and sometimes siblings in the application.

Taxation
Benefits

Dominica does not levy tax on worldwide income, wealth, inheritance, or capital gains for non-resident citizens.

FAQ's

Who is eligible for Dominica CBI?

As an applicant for citizenship, you must be at least 18 years of age, of good character, without a criminal record, and able and willing to make the required contribution. You must engage an Authorised Agent who will assist you in preparing the required forms and supporting documents. There are also limitations if you are citizen of Iran, North Korea, Sudan. Syria, Russia or Belarus.

Does Citizenship extend to my family?

Yes, subject to the fulfilment of certain requirements, citizenship can be extended to your spouse, dependent children, dependent parents and grandparents. Fees vary according to the number of family members you include in your application for citizenship.

Who qualifies as a dependant?

A spouse of the main applicant.
A child under eighteen years of age of the main applicant or the spouse of the main applicant.
A child of the main applicant or the spouse of the main applicant between eighteen and thirty years who is in attendance at a recognised institution of higher learning and substantially supported by the main applicant or the spouse of the main applicant.
An unmarried daughter of the main applicant or the spouse of the main applicant who is under twenty-five years of age and is living with and fully supported by the main applicant or the spouse of the main applicant.
A child of the main applicant or the spouse of the main applicant who is eighteen years of age or older and physically or mentally challenged and who is substantially supported by the main applicant or the spouse of the main applicant.
Parents or grandparents of the main applicant or the spouse of the main applicant above the age of sixty-five years who are substantially supported by the main applicant or the spouse of the main applicant.

Please note:

A ‘child’ means a biological or legally adopted child
By “eighteen (18) to thirty (30) years” it is intended that a child who is 30 can be included in an application, but not a child who has turned 31

Are there any further benefits?

Once you receive citizenship of Dominica you will have the same right to live, work, and study in Dominica as any other citizen.

Can you tell me about Dominica?

The Commonwealth of Dominica is a Caribbean republic with a parliamentary democracy. The capital city is Roseau and the population is approximately 73,500. Dominica’s official language is English, although French Patois is also spoken. The local currency is the East Caribbean dollar, which is pegged to the United States dollar.

Will I be liable to any taxes?

There is no wealth, gift, inheritance, foreign income, or capital gains tax in Dominica. As a citizen, you would be liable to pay personal tax if you resided in Dominica.