Citizenship of Dominica

Dominica Citizens Showing Joy and happiness holding the flag of Dominica - expressing national pride

The Citizenship of Dominica grants individuals the full rights, protections, and responsibilities as nationals of the Commonwealth of Dominica. It may be acquired by birth, descent, naturalisation, or economic contribution through the country’s internationally recognised citizenship by investment programme. This legal status is protected under the Constitution of Dominica and is central to national identity, democratic participation, and access to public services.

Legal Foundations and Eligibility Routes

Citizenship in Dominica is governed by constitutional and statutory provisions that ensure equal treatment, transparency, and adherence to international norms. There are four main legal routes to acquiring Dominican citizenship.

By Birth

Any person born in Dominica is automatically a citizen, provided at least one parent is not a foreign diplomat. This is the most common route and forms the basis of Dominica’s national population registry, administered by the Electoral Office and the Registry Division.

By Descent

Children born abroad to Dominican parents are entitled to citizenship by descent. Applications are processed through the Ministry of National Security and Legal Affairs, and successful applicants can later access services under programmes like the Yes We Care Programme and Dominica Social Security.

By Naturalisation

Foreign nationals residing in Dominica for at least seven continuous years may apply for citizenship by naturalisation. The process includes criminal background checks, interviews, and submission of character references. The requirement may be reduced to five years for spouses of Dominican citizens. Oversight is handled by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security and the Attorney General of Dominica.

By Investment

Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment Programme (CBI), launched in 1993, allows qualified foreign nationals to acquire citizenship in exchange for an economic contribution to national development. Two main paths are available:

A non-refundable contribution to the Economic Diversification Fund (EDF)
Investment in approved real estate, including projects like Anichi Resort & Spa and Cabrits Resort & Spa Kempinski Dominica

The Citizenship by Investment Unit (CBIU) regulates this programme, ensuring compliance with due diligence standards. Funds generated through CBI have financed health centres, public housing, school construction, and the International Airport Project. CBI also supports national initiatives such as the National Adaptation Strategy, the Climate Resilience Execution Agency for Dominica (CREAD), and the Housing Recovery Project.

Rights and Responsibilities

Citizens of Dominica enjoy comprehensive civil, political, and economic rights while also bearing responsibilities that contribute to national stability and governance.

Rights of Citizens

Electoral participation: Citizens have the right to vote and run for public office, as guided by the Electoral Commission Act and Registration of Electors Bill 2024.
Public service access: Full eligibility for healthcare, education, and social protection programmes.
Freedom of movement: Dominican passport holders benefit from visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 140 countries.
Legal protections: Citizens are protected under the Magistrate’s Code of Procedure Act, the Employment of Women, Young Persons, and Children Act, and the Labour Standards Act.
Dual nationality: Permitted without renouncing previous citizenship.

Obligations of Citizens

Taxation: Required to meet obligations under the Inland Revenue Division, including VAT.
Compliance with laws: Citizens must obey all regulations, including the Public Order Act and Public Finance Management Act.
Civic duties: May be called to serve on juries or engage in national service programmes.
National participation: Encouraged to join activities like Community Day of Service, Creole Day, and contribute to cultural preservation.

Revocation and Legal Oversight

Dominican citizenship may be revoked in cases of fraud, false representation, or acts contrary to national interest. CBI recipients undergo multi-tier vetting processes conducted by international compliance firms. Revocation procedures are guided by recommendations from the Attorney General and appeals are handled by the High Court of Justice.

Notably, Dominica’s commitment to transparency was reinforced following international concerns, leading to strengthened vetting procedures within the CBI Unit and the Financial Services Unit (FSU). These entities ensure all citizenships granted—especially by investment—comply with international anti-money laundering standards and financial disclosure laws.

The Dominican Passport and International Standing

The Dominica passport is a key benefit of citizenship. It offers access to countries such as the United Kingdom, Singapore, and Schengen Area without a visa. Passport issuance and renewals are handled by the Immigration Department, with support from Dominican diplomatic missions.

According to recent global indexes, Dominica’s passport ranks among the top in the Caribbean region, reflecting diplomatic outreach, particularly through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Dominica’s Ambassadors to CARICOM, OAS, and the People’s Republic of China.

Citizenship in National Development

Citizenship plays a critical role in Dominica’s post-disaster recovery and resilience efforts. CBI contributions have funded the construction of climate-resilient homes, as well as roads like feeder roads essential to the agriculture sector. These investments help achieve goals set by the Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP) and the Growth and Social Protection Strategy (GSPS).

Diaspora Dominicans also play an increasing role. Citizens living abroad contribute through remittances, direct investment, and skills transfer. Programmes like Work Online Dominica, Youth Skills Training Programme (YSTP), and Dominica Youth Business Trust strengthen ties with overseas nationals.

Future Challenges and Considerations

Dominica faces ongoing challenges related to global scrutiny of CBI programmes, geopolitical shifts, and regional migration trends. Balancing investor interest with national integrity remains a key focus. Reforms under the Finance and Audit Act, Public Procurement Act, and Aliens Landholding Regulation (Amendment) Act, 2015 reflect evolving priorities in governance and citizenship management.

Emerging areas of discussion include:

Potential introduction of electronic national ID systems
Development of digital citizenship services
Regional alignment under CARICOM citizenship protocols

Dominica continues to uphold the principle that citizenship is not merely a legal status but a commitment to community, national service, and shared prosperity.