Dominica Citizenship by Investment: Costs and Rules in 2026

01

Who runs the program?

The Citizenship by Investment Unit (CBIU) processes applications. The rules sit in the Commonwealth of Dominica Citizenship by Investment Regulations, 2024, made under the Citizenship Act and gazetted on 28 June 2024. You cannot apply directly. The CBIU's first step is to choose an authorized agent (CBIU).

02

Why US$200,000?

In March 2024, the Eastern Caribbean states that sell citizenship signed a Memorandum of Agreement. From 1 July 2024, no option in any of them may cost less than US$200,000, and the sum must be what the government fund or project actually receives, not a gross price before commissions (OECS). Dominica's 2024 Regulations set its prices to match (CBIU). Dominica sits at that floor.

03

How the investment works

Economic Diversification Fund. This is a contribution to a government fund that supports public and private projects. The 2024 Regulations set it at:

• US$200,000 for the main applicant alone;
• US$250,000 for the main applicant and up to three qualifying dependents;
• US$25,000 for each further dependent under 18; and
• US$40,000 for each further dependent aged 18 or over.

You also pay a US$7,500 due diligence fee for the main applicant when you apply (S.R.O. 8 of 2024).

Approved real estate. You buy into a project the government has approved, at a minimum of US$200,000 for each main applicant. Two or more applicants can share a project if each puts in US$200,000. You must keep the property for at least three years (CBIU). This route also carries government fees, due on approval in principle:

• US$75,000 for the main applicant alone;
• US$100,000 for the main applicant and up to three dependents;
• US$25,000 for each further dependent under 18, and US$40,000 for each aged 18 or over.

Due diligence costs US$7,500 for the main applicant and US$4,000 for each dependent aged 16 or over. Each interview costs US$1,000 (S.R.O. 8 of 2024).

In our view, the fund is the cheaper and simpler route for most families. The property route costs more once the government fee is added, and your money is tied up for three years with a resale market you should test first.

04

What happens after you apply?

Your agent files the forms. The CBIU then runs background checks and decides. If you are approved, you pay the investment and receive certificates of naturalization (CBIU). The CBIU says the process typically takes three to six months from filing to approval. That is its estimate, not a legal deadline.

05

Do you have to live in Dominica?

Not today. The CBIU's published requirements set no minimum stay before or after citizenship.

That may change. Dominica and four other states signed an agreement in September 2025 setting up the Eastern Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Regulatory Authority (ECCIRA), and each passed a law giving it effect in 2025. The agreement includes residency and genuine-link requirements. ECCIRA says it will start operations in late 2026 but gives no date (ECCIRA). Until it does, and a start date is announced, no new stay rule applies.

06

What do the US visa limits mean?

Entry limits. From 1 January 2026, Proclamation 10998 suspended entry of Dominican nationals to the United States as immigrants and on visitor, student and exchange visas (B, F, M and J). The stated reason is that Dominica "has historically had CBI without residency" (s. 5(e)). Exceptions include green-card holders and dual nationals traveling on a passport from a country the proclamation does not list (s. 6(b)). We found no later proclamation lifting it as at 12 October 2026.

Visa bonds. Dominica has also been on the State Department's visa-bond list since 21 January 2026. A Dominican citizen applying for a US visitor visa may have to post a bond of US$10,000, US$15,000 or US$20,000, set at the interview (State Department; 91 FR 48757).

In our view, families who need easy travel to the United States should weigh this before choosing Dominica.

07

Who suits this program?

In our view, Dominica suits families who want a second citizenship at the regional minimum, who do not plan to rely on the new passport for US travel, and who are content with a fund contribution rather than an asset.

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FAQ