Oldest continuous Caribbean CBI (1993). $200K single/$250K family of 4. 145-160 visa-free BUT UK/Ireland VISA REQUIRED 2023. Interview mandatory. Nature Island pristine rainforest, 365 rivers.
Major policy change significantly impacting Dominica passport value:
What Changed (2023):
Why This Matters:
Current UK/Ireland Access Status:
Implication: If UK access important, consider other Caribbean CBIs that retained visa-free. Dominica still offers EU Schengen visa-free (26 countries, 90 days) but UK loss is significant competitive disadvantage vs other islands.
Oldest continuous CBI (1993) but UK visa-free lost 2023
Dominica launched its Citizenship by Investment Programme in 1993, making it the oldest continuously operating Caribbean CBI (St. Kitts 1984 but suspended 1997-2006). Over 30 years of track record demonstrates program stability. However, critical 2023 change: Dominica passport lost UK and Ireland visa-free access (now visa required), significantly reducing travel benefits vs competitors.
2026 UPDATES: (1) NDF pricing: $200,000 single applicant BUT $250,000 family of 4 (price increase for families), (2) Real estate: $200,000 shares OR NEW $600,000 "Approved Private Real Estate" single-family homes (two options), (3) Mandatory interview all applicants + dependents 16+ with $1,000 fee per person, (4) 30-day residency requirement ECCIRA regional agreement approved but delayed until mid-2026 (currently zero), (5) Real estate hold: 3 years to maintain citizenship, 5 years if reselling to another CBI applicant.
Investment minimums: $200,000 NDF (National Development Fund) single OR $250,000 family of 4, $200,000 real estate (shares) OR $600,000 (private single-family homes). Processing 3-6 months. Dominica passport provides visa-free access to 145-160 countries including EU Schengen (26 countries) BUT UK/Ireland VISA REQUIRED (2023 policy change). The island known as "Nature Island of the Caribbean"—60%+ rainforest, 365 rivers, Boiling Lake, pristine ecology. Dual citizenship allowed.
Two pathways (donation OR real estate)
Single applicant ($250K family of 4 - price increased)
Approved project shares - 3yr hold citizenship/5yr resale
Approved Private Real Estate single-family - 3yr/5yr hold
Dominica residency rule status:
ECCIRA Regional Agreement:
Current Status (February 2026):
Expected Mid-2026 Change (ECCIRA Implementation):
Two different hold thresholds based on objective:
3-YEAR HOLD (Minimum to Maintain Citizenship):
5-YEAR HOLD (If Reselling to Another CBI Applicant):
Example: Buy property Year 0 → Can sell Year 3 to anyone (retain citizenship) → OR wait until Year 5 to sell to CBI applicant (they can use for citizenship).
All fees with interview + increased family pricing
| Cost Component | Single Applicant | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|
| NDF Donation | $200,000 | $250,000 (increased) |
| Interview Fees (NEW) | $1,000 | $4,000 (4 x $1K for 16+) |
| Due Diligence Fees | $7,500 | $20,000-$25,000 |
| Government Processing Fees | $1,000 | $4,000 ($1K x4) |
| Authorized Agent Fees | $25,000-$40,000 | $30,000-$50,000 |
| Legal & Advisory | $5,000-$10,000 | $10,000-$15,000 |
| Document Prep & Certification | $3,000-$5,000 | $7,000-$12,000 |
| Passport Issuance | $150 | $600 (4 x $150) |
Single Applicant: $242,650-$263,650
Family of 4 (2 adults, 2 children 16+): $325,600-$360,600
Real Estate SHARES Route (Family of 4): $350,600-$405,600+
Real Estate PRIVATE HOMES Route (Family of 4): $750,600-$805,600+
Cost Comparison vs Other Caribbean CBIs (Family of 4 - 2026):
Key Insight: Dominica family pricing $250K (up from historical $200K) + UK visa-free loss 2023 = NO LONGER CLEAR VALUE LEADER. St. Lucia cheaper for families ($315K vs $325.6K), Grenada cheaper + E-2 benefit, St. Kitts slightly more but retains UK access. Dominica competitive only for SINGLE applicants ($200K still solid).
Ongoing Costs (Mid-2026 onwards if ECCIRA implemented):
Dominica passport advantages (despite UK visa-free loss)
Established 1993. Oldest continuously operating Caribbean CBI (St. Kitts 1984 but suspended 1997-2006). 30+ years proven track record. Weathered multiple economic cycles. Demonstrates program stability and government commitment. Credibility through longevity. Reliable, tested program vs newer entrants.
Visa-free or visa-on-arrival 145-160 countries (updated 2026 range). EU Schengen (26 countries, 90 days), Singapore, China (30 days), Russia, Hong Kong. CRITICAL: UK and Ireland VISA REQUIRED since 2023 (lost visa-free). St. Kitts, Antigua, Grenada, St. Lucia ALL retain UK visa-free (competitive disadvantage). CARICOM freedom of movement. Adequate Europe/Asia access but UK loss significant for many investors.
Known as "Nature Island of the Caribbean." 60%+ rainforest coverage (pristine, unspoiled). 365 rivers. Boiling Lake (second largest fumarole-flooded lake globally). UNESCO World Heritage Morne Trois Pitons National Park. World-class diving (champagne reef). Volcanic hot springs. Less touristy than Barbados/Jamaica = authentic experience. Population ~72,000. If fulfilling 30-day ECCIRA requirement (mid-2026), beautiful place to spend time.
Keep original passport - no renunciation. Dominica recognizes multiple nationalities. Strategic backup passport. Privacy protections (confidential records). Geopolitical diversification. Travel flexibility with two passports. Passport doesn't indicate CBI status. Valuable for family planning, business access.
No income tax for non-residents. No wealth tax, inheritance tax, capital gains tax. Territorial tax system. Tax residency requires 183+ days/year (separate from citizenship). Attractive for high-net-worth establishing residency. If fulfilling 30-day ECCIRA requirement (mid-2026), not enough for tax residency (need 183+). Consult advisor on home country obligations (CRS/FATCA apply).
Spouse included. Children to 30 years old (financial dependence only, generous). Parents/grandparents 65+ (HIGHER than most Caribbean 55-58 - less inclusive for younger parents). Siblings 18-25 (unmarried, financially dependent). Additional dependents: $25K <18, $50K 18+. Multi-generational planning possible but parent age requirement stricter. Interview mandatory all 16+ ($1K fee each).
English primary language. Former British colony, Commonwealth member. British common law system. Easy communication for English speakers. International schools English-taught. Business conducted in English. No language barrier Americans/Brits/Canadians/Australians. Helpful if spending 30 days (ECCIRA mid-2026 requirement).
If choosing real estate route, 3-year minimum hold to MAINTAIN CITIZENSHIP shortest among Caribbean (St. Kitts 7 years, others 5 years). Faster liquidity if need to exit property. However, 5-year hold required to resell to another CBI applicant. Most still choose donation route for simplicity despite shorter hold period. Small Dominica property market limits resale opportunities.
$200K single applicant NDF competitive (though NOT cheapest when factoring total costs). Family of 4 pricing $250K (increased from historical $200K) makes other programs competitive: St. Lucia $240K cheaper, Grenada $235K cheaper + E-2 benefit. Dominica best value SINGLE applicants, less compelling for families vs competitors.
CIVITAS specializes in Dominica CBI, navigating 2026 updates including interview preparation, UK/Ireland visa requirements, real estate hold periods, and 30-day ECCIRA residency planning (mid-2026 implementation).