Dominica Citizenship Requirements: Key Points for Real Estate Route

13 January 2025 | Tags: Citizenship by Investment Program

Who Can Apply for Real Estate Option

In the era of globalisation, acquiring a second citizenship through investment has become not a luxury, but a strategic decision for successful entrepreneurs and investors. The Dominica Citizenship by Investment Programme has established itself as one of the most reliable and sought-after, thanks to its clear structure, transparency of procedures, promptness processing, and favourable conditions. In this material, we will examine in detail the key aspects of the programme, including the requirements for applicants, restrictions, and features of choosing the investment path through real estate.

Who can apply for Dominican citizenship?

The Dominican Citizenship by Investment Programme is aimed at affluent investors who meet a set of strict criteria. Applications can be made by individuals over 18 years of age who have an impeccable reputation and can demonstrate the legal source of their funds.

An undeniable advantage of the programme is the possibility of including family members in the application, such as:

Spouse;
Children up to the age of 30 who are financially dependent on one of the parents and are enrolled in an educational institution appropriate to their age;
Children with mental and physical disabilities, with no age limit;
Parents and grandparents over the age of 65, provided they are financially supported by the primary applicant or their spouse.

The key principle is the exclusion of any reputational risks. The programme prohibits the participation of individuals with criminal convictions for serious offences or those who are subject to international sanctions. Additionally, applications from citizens of countries with which Dominica does not maintain diplomatic relations may be rejected.

Applicants must not have been refused visas from countries with a visa-free regime with Dominica, the United Kingdom, the USA, the EU, and Canada. In case of refusal, the applicant must reapply for a visa and obtain approval before submitting a citizenship application for Dominica.

Key requirements for applicants

To obtain Dominican citizenship by investment in real estate, several mandatory conditions must be met.

Minimum investment amount. The investor must purchase a property from a list approved by the government of Dominica, with a minimum value of $200,000. One prominent example of such properties is Anichi Resort & Spa — a high-end resort that is part of the prestigious Autograph Collection by Marriott International. The project, located in a picturesque area on the Caribbean coast, is currently under construction. The resort will offer luxurious rooms, modern spa services, and top-tier amenities, making it particularly attractive to investors looking to combine financial gain with participation in the premium segment of the hospitality industry.
Supplementary fees. In addition to the minimum investment in real estate, applicants are required to pay a number of fees associated with the process of obtaining Dominican citizenship. The amount of these fees depends on the family composition and the chosen application procedure.
- Government fees:
  - For a single applicant: $75,000
  - For a family of up to 4 people (main applicant and 3 dependents): $100,000
  - For each additional dependent aged 18 or older: $40,000
  - For each additional dependent under the age of 18: $25,000
- Legal and administrative costs:
  - Taxes and legal fees: the amount may vary depending on the agent and the structure of the deal.
  - Application processing: $1,000 per application.
  - Naturalisation certificate: $500 per person.
- Cost of submitting a passport application after obtaining citizenship:
  - For a child under 16: $28
  - For an adult: $56
  - Expedited procedure: $1,200
  - Courier service: $125
These fees cover the administrative and procedural costs associated with verifying the applicant, processing documents, and issuing passports.
Background Check and Interview. One of the key stages in the Dominican Citizenship by Investment Programme is the Due Diligence process. This ensures the applicant complies with international financial transparency standards, legal norms, and the specific requirements set by the Dominican government.

Cost of Due Diligence:
- Primary investor: $7,500
- Dependents aged 16 and older: $4,000
The background check is conducted for all applicants aged 16 and above. It involves analysing the origin of funds, legal status, and reputation.

Additionally, applicants are required to undergo a mandatory interview, which can be conducted either virtually or in person. The cost of the interview is $1,000.
Financial Capacity. The applicant must demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to make the investment and cover the associated fees.
Absence of Serious Illnesses. All applicants and included family members must provide medical certificates confirming the absence of any diseases that pose a public health risk.

Sanctions for Violating the Rules

The Dominican Citizenship by Investment Programme is based on strict principles of transparency and accountability. To ensure its effective operation, serious sanctions are in place for non-compliance with the established regulations.

Main Penalties:

Providing False Information: Concealing or distorting information during the application process can result in a citizenship denial. If such violations are discovered after citizenship has been granted, it will be revoked, and the passport will be cancelled. In some cases, criminal liability for perjury may be pursued.
Failure to Retain Property for the Required Period: Investors are required to hold their property investment for at least three years, and in some cases, five years. Reselling or otherwise disposing of the property before the required period may result in the revocation of citizenship and fines.
Changing Name: A name change within five years of naturalisation, except in cases of marriage, may be grounds for revoking citizenship.
Criminal Convictions: Citizenship may be revoked for individuals who are sentenced to more than 12 months of imprisonment in any country after naturalisation.

Furthermore, Dominica strictly adheres to international standards in combating money laundering and the financing of terrorism, excluding individuals with questionable financial reputations from participation in the programme.

Benefits and Prospects

Dominican citizenship offers applicants a wide range of opportunities: visa-free access to over 140 countries and territories, the right to tax benefits, and the chance to live in a country with a favourable climate, stable economy, and resilient political system. A second citizenship not only enhances the quality of life for your family but also serves as an effective tool for protecting your business from global risks and instability.

The Dominican programme, successfully operating since 1993, serves as a model for other countries seeking to attract foreign investment and support economic growth. It is especially popular among those who value a combination of economic efficiency, political neutrality, and transparent procedures.

Obtaining Dominican citizenship by investment in real estate is a bridge between personal ambitions and global opportunities. It not only opens doors to the world but also demands a high degree of responsibility, adherence to legal norms, and ethical standards from applicants. Those who are ready for these challenges receive in return a valuable asset that can transform the trajectory of their lives.