- Government Approved Citizenship by Investment Project
- +1 767 448-5775
- info@anichidevelopment.com
-
The Citizenship by Investment Unit (CBIU) of Dominica is the central government body behind one of the most respected economic citizenship programmes in the world. Amid rising competition among countries offering citizenship by investment, Dominica illustrates how a small nation can transform a targeted migration policy tool into a robust mechanism for attracting capital and enhancing international prestige.
The Financial Centre in Roseau, the Capital of Dominica
Launched in 1993, Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment Programme is one of the longest-standing and most reputable on the global market. Applicants may choose one of two routes: contributing to the government’s Economic Diversification Fund or investing in government-approved real estate. In both cases, the investments are channelled into the development of key economic sectors.
Dominica has established a mature institutional model, where every stage — from application to allocation of funds — is underpinned by transparent procedures and state oversight. The programme is not treated as a temporary initiative but as a stable element of the country’s economic strategy. This approach has enabled Dominica to maintain high levels of international trust and a reputation as a reliable partner in the investment migration industry.
The Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment Unit was established to manage all aspects of the programme. Its responsibilities include:
The Unit operates on the principles of transparency, institutional accountability, and alignment with international standards. Thanks to its consistent policies of oversight and applicant vetting, Dominica remains a leader among economic citizenship programmes and is recognised as one of the jurisdictions with the most rigorous due diligence processes.
In a field where second citizenship has become a tool for geopolitical positioning, and programme management demands both flexibility and strict regulatory discipline, the individual at the helm plays a decisive role in ensuring effectiveness.
Today, Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment Unit (CBIU) is led by Marie-Therese Johnson — a seasoned executive with extensive experience in the financial sector and public administration. Prior to her appointment at the CBIU, she served as Chief Executive Officer of AID Bank, where she played a key role in implementing national development initiatives.
Under her leadership, the Unit has strengthened Dominica’s international standing as a serious player in the investment migration industry. Johnson represents the country at major global forums where the regulatory frameworks for such programmes are shaped. In her public addresses, she emphasises the long-term nature of economic citizenship, viewing it not as a transaction but as a mutual commitment between the state and the investor.
Previously, from 2015, the Unit was headed by Ambassador Emmanuel Nanthan — a dynamic and charismatic figure under whose leadership the programme gained a reputation for stability and strong performance. The funds raised directed towards major national projects — from hospital modernisation to the construction of an international airport. His tenure was marked by proactive diplomacy and the ability to build international partnerships.
The leadership transition did not mark a shift in course but rather underscored the institutional maturity of the Unit. The new phase has been defined by a strengthened regulatory framework, the integration of digital tools into the due diligence process, and a strategic focus on sustainability. Today, the Unit functions not just as an administrative body, but as a vital component in Dominica’s international reputation architecture.
Investors from around the world choose Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment Programme for several key reasons:
The programme appeals not only to those seeking greater freedom of movement but also to those who value association with an initiative grounded in institutional maturity and global trust.
At the Crossroads of Data and Strategic Vision
The success of Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment Programme would not be possible without the efficient and technologically advanced operations of the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CBIU). The integration of digital tools ensures full traceability of decision-making and enables effective collaboration with law enforcement and financial agencies in other countries.
Particular emphasis is placed on the multi-layered vetting of applicants. Since 2023, mandatory interviews have been introduced as an additional safeguard. The Unit works closely with international due diligence firms and maintains a strict policy of rejection in cases where reputational risks are identified.
This systematic and measured approach has allowed Dominica to consistently rank highly in global evaluations of citizenship by investment programmes — especially in terms of transparency, reliability, and overall value for money.
While administratively answerable to the Ministry of Finance, the Citizenship by Investment Unit retains operational autonomy. This independence allows the Unit to enforce compliance rigorously while remaining responsive to the evolving global regulatory landscape. Whether through revising the list of approved agents, adjusting investment criteria, or implementing new compliance standards, the CBIU is empowered not only to manage the programme but also to adapt it expertly to international expectations.
Dominica does not view its citizenship by investment programme as a substitute for external borrowing or tax increases, but rather as a sustainable development financing tool. Investments managed through the CBIU are directed towards:
In this way, the Citizenship by Investment Unit serves not only an administrative function but also an economic one. It channels financial flows, fosters trust in the country, and plays a key role in shaping Dominica’s international positioning.
Dominica presents an alternative model — one that is responsible, transparent, and institutionally mature. The Citizenship by Investment Unit is central to this model: it transforms private investments into public goods, maintaining a careful balance between national interests and global credibility.
