Citizenship of Dominica
Citizenship of Dominica refers to the legal status of individuals recognized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Dominica as members of the state, either by birth, descent, registration, or naturalization. It confers a range of rights and responsibilities, including the right to vote, access to social services, and eligibility for a Dominica passport. The concept is grounded in constitutional law and governed by specific legislation and administrative practice.
Legal Foundations
Citizenship in Dominica is primarily governed by the Dominica Constitution Order of 1978, which came into force upon independence from the United Kingdom on November 3, 1978. The Constitution outlines the categories of persons who automatically became citizens at independence, as well as provisions for those acquiring citizenship afterward.
The core legislative instruments regulating citizenship today include the Citizenship Act (Chap. 1:10 of the Revised Laws of Dominica) and subsequent amendments, particularly those that pertain to economic citizenship and citizenship by investment.
The Constitution stipulates that every person born in Dominica before or on the date of independence, and every person born thereafter with at least one parent who is a citizen of Dominica, is entitled to Dominican citizenship. The law also recognizes citizenship through descent and includes procedures for registration and naturalization.
Modes of Acquisition
There are four main avenues by which individuals may acquire Dominican citizenship:
- By Birth: Anyone born in Dominica to at least one parent who is a citizen of Dominica or legally settled in the country acquires citizenship by birth.
- By Descent: Persons born outside of Dominica to Dominican parents (or in some cases grandparents) may claim citizenship by descent, subject to documentary proof and registration requirements.
- By Registration: Foreign nationals married to Dominican citizens, and individuals with strong ties to the country (such as long-term residence or statelessness), may be eligible to apply for citizenship through registration.
- By Naturalization: Persons who have lawfully resided in Dominica for a specified number of years and who meet additional requirements such as good character and English language proficiency may apply for naturalization.
A fifth method, citizenship through investment, has emerged in recent decades and remains one of the most widely discussed aspects of Dominica’s citizenship framework.
Citizenship by Investment (CBI)
Dominica is internationally known for its Citizenship by Investment Programme, introduced in 1993. Under this program, individuals who meet stringent due diligence criteria can acquire Dominican citizenship by making a financial contribution to the country’s Economic Diversification Fund or by investing in pre-approved real estate developments.
The program is legally grounded in Section 101 of the Constitution and the Citizenship Act and is administered by the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CBIU) within the Ministry of Finance.
The CBI programme has generated substantial foreign exchange for Dominica and has become a key revenue stream for national development projects, including hurricane recovery, construction, and tourism infrastructure. However, it has also attracted international scrutiny and periodic policy reforms to align with global transparency and security standards.
Loss and Revocation
Dominican citizenship can be renounced voluntarily, provided the individual has acquired citizenship elsewhere and the renunciation does not render them stateless. Additionally, the government may revoke citizenship in cases involving fraud during the application process, acts of treason, or acquisition of citizenship by prohibited means.
The Citizenship Act provides for judicial review of revocation decisions, ensuring due process and legal protection for affected individuals.
Rights and Responsibilities
Citizens of Dominica enjoy full civil and political rights, including:
- The right to vote in general and local elections;
- The right to a Dominica passport and consular protection abroad;
- Eligibility for public employment and office, subject to certain residency or constitutional conditions.
In return, citizens are expected to observe national laws, fulfill tax obligations, and contribute to the civic and democratic life of the country.
Dominica does not require citizens to perform compulsory military service, nor does it impose citizenship-based taxation on foreign-earned income. Dual citizenship is permitted under Dominican law, and citizens are not required to renounce other nationalities unless required by the other jurisdiction involved.
Contemporary Issues and Reforms
In recent years, citizenship in Dominica has been the subject of policy debate, particularly concerning the Citizenship by Investment Programme. Successive administrations have emphasized the program’s role in financing key initiatives, including housing projects in Portsmouth, resilient infrastructure, and climate adaptation programs. Nevertheless, calls have emerged for even stronger transparency measures, audit mechanisms, and public reporting to safeguard the integrity of Dominican nationality.
Separately, issues of statelessness, the documentation of birth registration in rural communities, and the rights of persons with dual or contested nationality continue to shape legal and administrative reform.