Moving to Dominica in 2026: A Comprehensive Investment Migration Guide

Last updated: March 2026

Why trust Mirabello Consultancy with your Dominica application? As an IMC-accredited, ACAMS-certified investment migration firm headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, we have guided over 250 families to successful citizenship with a 99% approval rate. Our Swiss precision and personalised approach ensure your application receives expert attention from start to finish. Meet our team.

Considering Dominica citizenship? Book a free consultation with Mirabello Consultancy to discuss the best investment route for you and your family.

What Is Dominica's Citizenship by Investment Programme?

Dominica's Citizenship by Investment programme is a legally established government scheme that allows qualifying foreign nationals to obtain full Dominican citizenship — and a second passport — in exchange for a qualifying investment in the country. Enacted under the Commonwealth of Dominica Citizenship Act, the programme has been operational since 1993, making it one of the oldest and most respected citizenship-by-investment programmes in the world.

Dominica is a small island nation located in the Eastern Caribbean, situated between the French territories of Guadeloupe and Martinique. Known as the "Nature Isle of the Caribbean" for its lush rainforests, volcanic landscapes, and pristine rivers, Dominica offers more than just a passport — it offers an exceptional quality of life for those who choose to relocate. However, physical relocation to Dominica is entirely optional; the programme does not require applicants to establish residency or spend any minimum time on the island before, during, or after the application process.

The programme is overseen by the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CBIU), a dedicated government authority responsible for processing applications, conducting due diligence, and issuing approvals. Dominica consistently ranks among the best citizenship by investment programmes globally, praised for its competitive pricing, family-friendly provisions, and rigorous yet efficient processing.

Moving to Dominica: Why Consider It in 2026?

Moving to Dominica — whether physically relocating or simply acquiring citizenship for greater global mobility — has never been more strategically compelling. In an era of increasing geopolitical uncertainty, currency volatility, and tightening visa regimes worldwide, a Dominican passport provides meaningful optionality for high-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs, and families who value freedom of movement and lifestyle flexibility.

Here are the key reasons our clients consider moving to Dominica or obtaining Dominican citizenship in 2026:

• Global mobility: Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 145 destinations, including all Schengen Area countries, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Hong Kong, and the wider Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
• Tax efficiency: Dominica levies no wealth tax, no capital gains tax, no inheritance tax, and no tax on foreign-sourced income for non-resident citizens — making it an exceptionally attractive jurisdiction for internationally mobile individuals.
• Affordable cost of living: For those who do choose to relocate, Dominica offers a significantly lower cost of living than most Western nations, with affordable housing, food, and healthcare.
• Natural beauty and wellbeing: Dominica is renowned for its eco-tourism, geothermal hot springs, whale watching, and some of the best scuba diving in the world — offering an enviable lifestyle for those seeking to slow down.
• Programme stability: With over three decades of operation and continued government investment in the CBIU's processes, Dominica's CBI programme offers certainty and reliability that newer programmes cannot match.

Investment Options: How Much Does Dominica Citizenship Cost?

There are two primary investment routes available under the Dominica CBI programme. Both are fully government-regulated and carry identical citizenship rights upon approval.

Option 1: Economic Diversification Fund (EDF) Contribution

The EDF route is a non-refundable contribution to Dominica's national development fund. It is the most straightforward and popular route, with no project selection, no construction risk, and no ongoing management requirements.

• Single applicant: USD $100,000
• Main applicant + spouse: USD $150,000
• Family of up to four (main applicant, spouse, and two dependants): USD $175,000
• Each additional dependant: USD $25,000

In addition to the EDF contribution, applicants must pay government processing fees, due diligence fees (approximately USD $7,500 per adult), and passport/certificate fees. Total all-in costs for a single applicant typically range from approximately USD $115,000 to USD $125,000, including all government fees.

Option 2: Approved Real Estate Investment

The real estate route requires a minimum investment of USD $200,000 in a government-approved real estate project. Approved projects include branded luxury resorts, eco-resort developments, and commercial real estate across the island. The property must be held for a minimum of three years before it can be sold; after five years, it may be resold to a new CBI applicant who can use it to qualify for their own citizenship application.

Real estate investors also pay government processing fees, due diligence fees, and applicable stamp duties. Total all-in costs for a single applicant via the real estate route typically start from approximately USD $250,000 to USD $280,000.

For a detailed breakdown of costs and to identify the most suitable route for your circumstances, speak with one of our Mirabello Consultancy advisers today.

Eligibility Requirements

Dominica's citizenship programme is open to a wide range of international applicants, subject to satisfactory due diligence checks. Key eligibility criteria include:

• Age: Main applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
• Clean criminal record: All adult applicants (aged 16 and over) must provide police clearance certificates from every country of residence and citizenship.
• Good health: Applicants must complete a medical examination and cannot have a communicable disease that poses a public health risk.
• Financial standing: Applicants must demonstrate that investment funds are derived from legitimate, legal sources. Comprehensive source-of-funds documentation is required.
• No prior refusals: Applicants who have been refused a visa by a country with which Dominica maintains visa-free access may face additional scrutiny.
• Nationality restrictions: Citizens of certain countries, including Iran, North Korea, and a small number of other jurisdictions, are not eligible to apply. Our advisers can confirm your eligibility during a consultation.

Dominica's due diligence process is conducted by the CBIU in partnership with internationally recognised background-screening firms, ensuring the integrity of the programme while maintaining reasonable processing timelines.

Including Your Family: Dependants and Extended Family

One of Dominica's most compelling advantages is its generous family inclusion policy. The following dependants can be included in a single application alongside the main applicant:

• Spouse (legally married or in a recognised civil union)
• Dependent children under the age of 30 (up to 18 for unmarried children without further conditions; 18–30 if enrolled in full-time higher education or financially dependent on the main applicant)
• Dependent parents and grandparents aged 55 and over
• Unmarried siblings of the main applicant or spouse, subject to proof of financial dependence

Each additional adult dependant (aged 16 and over) is subject to the same rigorous due diligence checks as the main applicant, and additional government fees apply per dependant. Children under 18 do not undergo the same level of background screening but must provide birth certificates and other supporting documents.

For families with complex structures — including dependants across multiple jurisdictions, or cases involving adopted children or step-children — Mirabello Consultancy's team has extensive experience navigating the documentation requirements. We recommend scheduling a consultation early to map out your family's specific application strategy.

The Application Process: Step by Step

The Dominican CBI application process is entirely government-managed and conducted through licensed agents. Under Dominican law, all applications must be submitted through an Authorised Agent — individual applicants cannot apply directly to the CBIU. Mirabello Consultancy works with a network of licensed local agents to ensure your application is submitted correctly and efficiently.

1. Initial consultation and eligibility assessment: We assess your personal circumstances, nationality, family structure, and investment objectives to recommend the most appropriate investment route.
2. Document collection and preparation: We provide you with a comprehensive document checklist. Key documents include passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, police clearance certificates, bank statements, source-of-funds evidence, and medical examination results. Our team reviews every document for completeness and accuracy before submission.
3. Application submission: Your complete application package is submitted electronically to the CBIU via our authorised agent partner. All government processing and due diligence fees are paid at this stage.
4. Due diligence and background screening: The CBIU conducts a thorough multi-layered due diligence review. This typically takes 60–90 days for straightforward applications.
5. Approval in Principle: Once due diligence is complete and the application is approved, you receive an Approval in Principle letter from the CBIU.
6. Investment completion: You complete the qualifying investment — either transferring funds to the EDF or completing the real estate transaction.
7. Certificate of Naturalisation and passport issuance: Following confirmation of investment, your Certificate of Naturalisation and Dominican passport are issued. The passport can be applied for simultaneously and is typically delivered within 2–4 weeks of naturalisation.

Processing Timeline: How Long Does It Take?

The standard processing timeline for a Dominican citizenship application is 3–6 months from the date of submission of a complete, well-prepared application. More complex cases — for example, those involving large family groups, applicants with diverse international backgrounds, or incomplete documentation — may take longer.

Dominica also offers an Expedited Processing Service for an additional government fee of USD $25,000 per application. Under the expedited route, processing is targeted at 45–60 days, making Dominica one of the fastest citizenship-by-investment pathways available anywhere in the world for those who require rapid results.

One of the most significant advantages of the Dominican programme is that there is no residency or interview requirement. You do not need to travel to Dominica at any point during the application process, although some applicants do choose to visit the island — often to inspect real estate investment options or simply to experience Dominican life first-hand.

For comparison purposes, you may also wish to explore other leading Caribbean programmes, including the St Kitts and Nevis CBI programme and the Antigua and Barbuda CBI programme, both of which Mirabello Consultancy administers on behalf of clients.

Benefits of Dominican Citizenship

Beyond the passport itself, Dominican citizenship confers a range of practical and lifestyle benefits:

• Visa-free travel: Access to 145+ countries and territories, including the entire Schengen Area (26 European nations), the United Kingdom, Singapore, Hong Kong, and CARICOM member states.
• Lifetime citizenship: Dominican citizenship is granted for life and is fully heritable — it can be passed to future generations by descent.
• Dual citizenship permitted: Dominica allows its citizens to hold dual or multiple citizenships, meaning you retain your existing nationality (subject to the laws of your home country).
• Right of abode: As a Dominican citizen, you have the full right to live, work, and establish a business in Dominica.
• CARICOM membership benefits: As a member of the Caribbean Community, Dominican citizens enjoy certain rights of movement and work across participating CARICOM member states.
• Favourable tax environment: Non-resident Dominican citizens are not subject to Dominican taxation on overseas income, capital gains, or wealth.
• E-2 Treaty Investor Visa: Dominica has a Treaty of Commerce and Navigation with the United States, which — subject to individual legal advice — may allow Dominican citizens to apply for a US E-2 investor visa, providing a potential pathway to long-term residence in the United States.

For a broader comparison of Caribbean and global programmes, visit our guide to the best citizenship by investment programmes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Dominica

Do I need to live in Dominica to obtain or keep my citizenship?

No. Dominica's CBI programme has no residency requirement at any stage. You are not required to visit Dominica before, during, or after your application, and there is no minimum stay requirement to maintain your citizenship once granted. Many of our clients never relocate to Dominica and simply hold their Dominican passport for global mobility and lifestyle optionality.

How much does Dominica citizenship cost in total?

The minimum total investment for a single applicant via the Economic Diversification Fund route is approximately USD $115,000–$125,000 when all government fees, due diligence fees, and passport fees are included. For a family of four, total costs typically range from USD $200,000–$220,000 via the EDF route. The real estate route starts from approximately USD $250,000–$280,000 for a single applicant, inclusive of all fees. Exact costs depend on family composition and the specific real estate project selected.

How long does the Dominica CBI application process take?

Standard processing takes 3–6 months from the submission of a complete application. Dominica also offers an expedited service for an additional fee of USD $25,000, targeting approval within 45–60 days.

Can I include my parents and adult children in my Dominica application?

Yes. Dominica's programme permits the inclusion of dependent parents and grandparents aged 55 and over, dependent children up to age 30 (subject to conditions), and unmarried siblings of the main applicant or spouse. Additional government fees and due diligence checks apply for each adult dependant. Our advisers can help you structure your application to include all qualifying family members cost-effectively.

Is the Dominican passport useful for US travel?

Dominican passport holders do not currently have visa-free access to the United States for tourism; a B-1/B-2 visa is required. However, Dominica's Treaty of Commerce and Navigation with the US means that Dominican citizens may be eligible to apply for an E-2 Treaty Investor Visa, which can provide a long-term residence pathway to the US for qualifying investors. We strongly recommend seeking specialist US immigration legal advice alongside your Dominican citizenship application.

Can I lose my Dominican citizenship once it has been granted?

Dominican citizenship granted through the CBI programme is a full citizenship for life and can be revoked only in exceptional circumstances — such as if it is proven that the application contained fraudulent information or that the applicant was involved in serious criminal activity. Provided your application is accurate and complete, citizenship is permanent and inheritable by your descendants.

What is the difference between Dominica and the Dominican Republic?

This is one of the most common points of confusion. Dominica (officially the Commonwealth of Dominica) and the Dominican Republic are two entirely separate and independent nations. Dominica is a small island in the Eastern Caribbean, while the Dominican Republic shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti in the Greater Antilles. The two countries have different passports, different CBI programmes, and different visa-free access profiles. Dominica's CBI programme is the one described in this guide.