How to become a citizen of Dominican Republic in 2024
There are several ways to get citizenship in any country however, every country has its own requirements and processes. You can acquire citizenship by Birth, Naturalisation, Marriage, and Investment. In Dominican Republic while the citizenship by birth and marriage is a no brainer, Citizenship by naturalisation requires living in the Dominican Republic with a temporary residence permit for 5 years, followed by 2 years of permanent residency. Hence, foreigners can apply for citizenship by naturalisation after 7 years of legal residence.
A foreigner can also become a citizen of Dominica by Investment. Since 1993, Foreign investors from other countries can join the Dominica’s economic citizenship program by investing $200,000 to the country’s economy or invest at least $300,000 in the shares of approved real estate projects. This offers passports for not just you but also your family members after a period of six to nine months. You can decide to sell these shares only after three years however, this period increases to five years if the buyer of your shares is also applying to acquire Dominican citizenship by investment. This is backed up by Dominica’s Constitution under Section 101, with additional legal basis in Sections 8 and 20 of the Dominica Citizenship Act, this means the program is legal offering applicants greater credibility and security.
There is also the Dominica citizenship $100,000 threshold which refers to the Dominica Entrepreneur Visa, launched in 2020. This is a visa program separate from the Citizenship by Investment Program, as it has different requirements: At first, you must make a minimum investment of $100,000 in a government-approved business. Then, after two years, you can be granted citizenship, provided you live in the country for three months each year, the best experience on our website.
Steps to Apply for Dominica Citizenship by Investment.
1. Choose citizenship route ( Investment or Shares)
2. Prepare documents and fill respective forms.
3. Submit your application.
4. Receive approval from the CBIU (Citizenship By Investment Unit).
5. Make your investment.
6. Become a Dominica citizen after 6 – 9 months
1. Dominica Economy Diversification Fund (EDF)
The Dominica Economic Diversification Fund (EDF) was created in 1993 to support socio-economic initiatives and drive Dominica’s development. In order to acquire citizenship, you must make a non-refundable contribution of at least $100,000 to the fund. The minimum donation for the Economic Diversification Fund amount and additional costs will depend on the number of family members included in the application.
2. Pre-approved real estate
This investment route requires you to invest at least $200,000 in Dominica government-approved real estate projects. The property investment option provides the opportunity to see a return on your investment in three to five years. You can either purchase real estate or acquire shares in high-end tourist accommodation. The properties can be resold after three to five years, if the buyer is also an applicant for the Dominica citizenship. For this option, there are also government fees, the value of which depends on the number of family members included in the application.
Approved real estate developments include:
• Anichi Resort & Spa
• The Residences at Secret Bay
• Jungle Bay Resort
• Ocean Edge Development
• Sanctuary Rainforest Eco Resort & Spa.
Benefits of the second passport by investment program.
Passport for the entire family – for guaranteed Safe and flexible travel.
Quick citizenship application process – Process takes between 6- 9 months.
Flexible requirements – Application can be done from anywhere in the world, no residency needed, and no language test needed.
Visa free travel to over 140 countries.
Amazing tax benefits – No income, wealth gains, capital gains, or inheritance tax.
- Best CBI program – Dominican Republic has won best citzenship by Investment program for four years.
Breakdown
- $200,000 - Contribution to DEDF
- $7,500 - due diligence fee
- $1,000 - Processing fee
- $250 - Naturalisation fee
- $500 - Passport fee
- $250 - Oath of Allegiance
Documents needed
- Be over 18 years old
- Have an outstanding character
- Excellent health & Sound Mind
- Clean criminal history
- Pass a detailed background check
Breakdown
- $320,000 - Real Estate Investment
- $25,000 - Government Fee
- $7,500 - due diligence fee
- $1,000 - Processing fee
- $250 - Naturalisation fee
- $500 - Passport fee
- $250 - Oath of Allegiance
Family Members Covered
- Children of the applicant under 18 years old
- Unmarried daughters under 25
- Mentally or physically challenged dependent children
- Parents/ grandparents of applicant or their spouse over 65 years old
- Children aged 18 - 30 in higher institution.
- Spouse
Dominica Citizenship Document Requirements
T
he documents required for the second passport investment includes;
• Disclosure Form
• Fingerprint and Photograph Verification Form (to be completed in front of a fingerprinting officer)
• Medical Questionnaire and Certificate (to be completed by a licensed medical practitioner)
• Investment Agreement (EDF option only; to be completed by the main applicant only)
• Sales and Purchase Agreement – (real estate option only)
• Application Form completed and notarized copies
• Color copies of all passports held
• Birth Certificate
• Marriage Certificate/Dissolution of Marriage Certificate, if applicable
• Police records from the country of birth, country of citizenship, country of residence (if different), and any country in
which the applicant has resided for more than six months in the past ten years, for each applicant 16 years and over.
For children aged 12-15, a sworn affidavit by the parent that a child does not have a criminal record is required
• Color copy of your driver’s license
• Color copies of all identity documents/books or cards
• Color copies of all military service and discharge documents, if applicable
• Color copies of all documents evidencing a name change (other than through marriage), if applicable
• 8 passport-size photos
• Proof of residential address (lease agreement or utility bill)
• Color copies of university/college diplomas
• Letter of recommendation from the head of the school/university for children between 12 and 18 years old
• Notarized affidavit of support for each dependent aged 18 or over included in the application, with the exception of the spouse
• HIV test results (for all applicants aged 12 or above)
• Routine blood and urine test results.
Supporting documentation
• Professional reference
• Letter of employment/financial statements
• 12 months of bank statements
• Notarized affidavit of the source of investments funds
• Detailed business background reports/resume/CV
• Letter to the Minister
• Proof of payment of relevant fees
Please note: All colored copies of documents need to be notarized and legalized before submission.
Documents in a language other than English must be translated, notarized, and legalized. Applicants will need
to provide bank references and audited financial reports for the past two years (as requested by the bank
for processing funds). Any document submitted with your application must be certified according to the
laws of the country where it was issued.
Pros and Cons of the Dominican CBI Programme
- Limited Family Inclusion: Unlike some Caribbean programs, Dominica doesn’t include siblings and has stricter age requirements for dependent parents and adult children.
- Vulnerability to Hurricanes: Dominica experiences occasional hurricanes, which could impact real estate investments.
- Fewer Investment Options: Dominica offers just two investment routes compared to some programs.
- Program Reputation: Criticism of Dominica’s CBI program has led to limitations on visa-free travel and could affect future benefits. For example, Dominican passport holders can no longer access the UK and Ireland due to the EU claim of non-compliance in the CBI program.