Citizenship by Investment Regulations of Dominica (2024)
Enacted under the authority of Section 20 of the Citizenship Act (Chap. 1:10), the Citizenship by Investment Regulations, 2024 (S.R.O. 8 of 2024), were gazetted on 28 June 2024. These Regulations consolidate and replace previous Citizenship by Investment (CBI) rules, establishing a transparent and robust legal framework for the economic citizenship programme.
Core Legal Framework and Definitions
The Regulations introduce formal definitions critical to programme administration, including “applicant”, “approved project”, “Certified due diligence agency”, “Authorised Agent”, “Licensed Promoter”, and “direct monetary investment”. They establish the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CBIU) as the entity responsible for managing all operational facets of the CBI programme. All participants, including applicants, family dependants, agents, and property developers, must comply with standards enumerated in the Regulations.
Investors must be a minimum of 18 years old, make a non-refundable monetary contribution of at least US $200,000 or invest in an Approved Real Estate Project of similar value. Applicants are also required to certify that they will not change name within five years of receiving citizenship and must pass rigorous due diligence checks. Any breach, such as sale of approved real estate within the restricted period or misrepresentation, can lead to automatic revocation of citizenship under the Regulations.
Agent Licensing & Oversight Mechanisms
Under Regulation 12, only Authorised Agents, who must be Dominican citizens with a registered local office employing at least three staff, may submit applications to the CBIU. These agents must pay a US $20,000 registration fee, plus US $15,500 annual renewal. Each Licensed Promoter linked to an agent must also be formally registered and undergo background checks. Violations, such as improper marketing or licence misuse, can result in fines, suspension, or revocation of authority.
Approved Developers of real estate projects are similarly regulated; they must secure Cabinet approval before offering properties for CBI and comply with guidelines on advertising and ethical conduct. The Regulations strictly regulate promotional content: breaches can result in fines up to US $1,000, suspension of project status, or loss of credibility on official listings.
Due Diligence, Fees & Remedies
Applicants must undergo criminal and financial background investigations through approved due diligence agencies. Due diligence fees are set at US $7,500 for the main applicant and US $4,000 per dependent over 16. Additional costs include government processing fees, interview fees, and possible passport issuance costs. Total investment outlay for a single applicant is typically around US $210,000, while a family of four may incur over US $270,000.
Revenue from fees funds the Economic Diversification Fund (EDF), which finances climate‑resilient homes, healthcare, education, and infrastructure, particularly post‑Hurricane Maria and Tropical Storm Erika recovery efforts. The CBI programme has become one of Dominica’s most important foreign direct investment sources.
Citizenship may be revoked if applicants engage in disallowed conduct, such as illicit financial activity, material misrepresentation, or unauthorized property sale. Revocation follows automatic or discretionary processes, with no refund granted. Judicial review is permitted, but decisions are final under the current scheme.