Living in Dominica: Residence Permit & Long-Term VisasRapid citizenship via eco-investmentwith global mobility

Residence and Citizenship in Dominica

Why people seek residence and citizenship in Dominica

Dominica, known as the “Nature Island” of the Caribbean, has become a leading choice for global citizens seeking a residence permit in Dominica and accelerated legal status through its acclaimed citizenship by investment in Dominica. With lush rainforests, volcanic peaks, and pristine coastlines, the island offers unparalleled eco-tourism and a commitment to sustainability under its Organic Agricultural and Biosphere Reserves initiatives. For investors researching how to get Dominica visa, Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment Programme (CBI) provides transparent, streamlined pathways—no minimum physical presence or local residency is required, and full citizenship can be conferred in as few as three to four months. The island’s political stability—operating under a Westminster-style parliamentary democracy—and English as the official language ensure a seamless integration process. As a member of the OECS (Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States) and the CARICOM Community, citizenship grants visa-free travel to over 140 countries, including the EU Schengen Area, the UK, and Singapore, enhancing global mobility for business, education, and leisure. Moreover, Dominica’s absence of personal income, capital gains, inheritance, or wealth taxes on foreign-sourced income makes it an ideal jurisdiction for asset protection and tax planning. These combined advantages—speed, fiscal neutrality, and a pristine natural environment—drive strong demand for both Dominica citizenship by investment programme and pathways to permanent residence Dominica.

Types of residence permits and citizenship by investment programmes

Dominica offers multiple structured routes to legal residency and full citizenship, each tailored to different investor profiles and timelines under its Dominica CBI programme:

• National Economic Fund (NEF) Donation: A non-refundable contribution of USD 100,000 for a single applicant or USD 175,000 for a family of up to four directly to the NEF. This fastest route grants provisional approval within 4–6 weeks and full passports—including a second passport in Dominica—in three to four months, with no local-residency requirement.
• Real Estate Investment: Purchase of government-approved property with a minimum value of USD 200,000, held for at least three years. Investors receive citizenship within 3–4 months of closing, securing both a tangible asset and global mobility benefits.
• Government Bonds Purchase: Acquisition of non-interest-bearing government bonds valued at USD 200,000, held for five years. This option provides citizenship in as little as four months, combining secure investment with expedited legal status.
• Enterprise Project Investment: Investment of at least USD 250,000 into an approved sustainable tourism or agricultural venture, creating local jobs. Citizenship is conferred within three to four months of project completion.
• Work & Business Permits: Under the Immigration Act, skilled professionals and entrepreneurs can obtain multi-year work permits sponsored by local Dominica employers in sectors such as eco-tourism, renewable energy, and hospitality. After five years of lawful residence, permit holders may apply for indefinite stay, leading to naturalization.
• Retirement Scheme: Eligible retirees over 55 with stable pension or net worth can apply for long-term residency through a simplified visa category, with the option to transition into the CBI programme for citizenship benefits.

Requirements and application process

Securing a residence permit in Dominica or citizenship under the citizenship by investment in Dominica framework involves a clear, six-step procedure administered by the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CBIU):

• Engage a Licensed Agent: All applications must be submitted through CBIU-accredited agents who coordinate document preparation, fee payments, and official submissions to government authorities.
• Document Compilation: Applicants provide certified copies of passports, birth and marriage certificates, police clearances from all countries of residence over the past ten years, medical examination reports from approved clinics, and proof of funds or property agreements per chosen route.
• Due Diligence & Provisional Approval: Payment of due diligence and processing fees triggers background checks by international security firms and the Financial Intelligence Unit, ensuring compliance with FATF and KYC standards. Provisional approval is typically granted within 4–6 weeks.
• Investment or Donation Transfer: Upon provisional approval, applicants transfer the required contribution to the NEF, close real estate purchases, or remit funds for bonds or enterprise projects into escrow or designated accounts under CBIU oversight.
• Oath of Allegiance & Citizenship Certification: Successful candidates participate in an Oath ceremony in Roseau or via video conference, affirming loyalty to Dominica. The CBIU issues Certificates of Registration upon completion.
• Passport and ID Issuance: New citizens receive biometric passports and national ID cards within three to four months of final approval, fully entitled to all rights of Dominica citizenship—including a second passport in Dominica.

Legal framework and government policies

Dominica’s immigration and citizenship regimes operate under robust legislation designed to uphold integrity, transparency, and sustainable development:

• Citizenship by Investment Act (No. 32 of 2014): Establishes the legal basis for granting citizenship through investment or donation. It defines eligible options, due diligence protocols, and the roles of the CBIU and Minister of Finance.
• CBI Regulations (2015 & Amendments 2018): Detail application fees, processing timelines, and compliance requirements, ensuring alignment with global Anti–Money Laundering (AML) and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) standards.
• Immigration Act (Cap. 12:01): Governs work and business permit issuance, renewals, and naturalization pathways for non-CBI residency through employment or family sponsorship.
• Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development Act: Oversees approvals of real estate and enterprise investments, ensuring projects comply with conservation standards and contribute to Dominica’s Blue and Green economy initiatives.
• Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) Oversight: Monitors fund flows and KYC/AML compliance, collaborating with international partners to safeguard the programme’s reputation.
• Periodic Policy Reviews: Cabinet-led assessments adjust minimum contributions, investment thresholds, and eligible sectors to maintain Dominica’s competitive edge in the global citizenship by investment market.

Lifestyle, mobility, and long-term benefits

Achieving citizenship and residency in Dominica unlocks a spectrum of advantages spanning personal well-being, financial planning, and global mobility:

• Eco-Island Living: Residents immerse in Dominica’s lush rainforests, hot springs, and waterfalls. Hiking the Boiling Lake trail, whale watching off Roseau Bay, and exploring UNESCO Manicouagan Biosphere sites foster unparalleled quality of life.
• Global Visa-Free Access: Dominica passport holders travel visa-free or with visa-on-arrival to over 140 countries—including Schengen Area states, the UK, Hong Kong, and Singapore—maximizing business, education, and leisure opportunities worldwide.
• Tax-Neutral Environment: No personal income, capital gains, inheritance, or wealth taxes on foreign-sourced income; Citizens benefit from simplified estate planning, retirement wealth preservation, and international asset structuring.
• Socio-Economic Integration: Access to Dominica’s public education, primary healthcare at Princess Margaret Hospital, and subsidized small-business grants support families and entrepreneurs integrating into local communities.
• Business & Investment Opportunities: Citizenship holders can freely own property, operate businesses in tourism, agriculture, renewable energy, and marine services, and leverage Dominica as a gateway to regional OECS and CARICOM markets.
• Community & Cultural Engagement: Annual celebrations—independence ceremonies, Independence Day parades, and Creole Heritage Month—alongside village-level fêtes and traditional music festivals foster social cohesion and cultural continuity.
• Permanent Residence & Naturalization: While CBI citizens gain immediate full citizenship, those on work permits transition to permanent residency after five years of lawful residence, then naturalize after an additional year—solidifying their long-term commitment to Dominica.

How VelesClub International helps

VelesClub International offers comprehensive, personalized services for clients pursuing a residence permit in Dominica and citizenship by investment in Dominica. Our end-to-end support includes:

• Strategic Consultation: We assess your financial capacity, family needs, and lifestyle goals to recommend the optimal pathway—NEF donation, real estate investment, bonds, or enterprise project—ensuring rapid approval and maximum benefits.
• Due Diligence & Documentation: Coordinating with CBIU-licensed agents and international vetting firms, we compile, translate, and authenticate all required documents—passports, civil certificates, police clearances, medical reports, and proof-of-funds—guaranteeing compliance with AML and KYC regulations.
• Investment Facilitation: We liaise with escrow agents, developers, and government bodies to manage secure fund transfers, property transactions, or project investments—monitoring milestones and ensuring timely citizenship certification.
• Application Management: From Form CBIU-1 submission through provisional approval, Oath ceremonies, and passport issuance, we oversee every phase—providing transparent, proactive updates and resolving any issues swiftly.
• Post-Citizenship Integration: After passport and ID receipt, we facilitate relocation logistics—urban or rural housing selection, school enrollments, healthcare registration, and banking setups—ensuring a smooth transition to island life and immediate enjoyment of your second passport in Dominica privileges.