Second Citizenship in Dominica
Second citizenship in Dominica is a pathway through which foreign nationals can acquire Dominican nationality while retaining their original citizenship. This framework, rooted in the Citizenship Act and strengthened by regulations such as the Citizenship by Investment Regulations, has made Dominica one of the most notable jurisdictions in the Caribbean for offering dual nationality. Established formally in 1993, the programme was designed to attract foreign direct investment, fund national development, and provide applicants with the benefits of global mobility.
Legislative Framework for Second Citizenship in Dominica
The foundation of second citizenship is codified under the Citizenship Act of Dominica, which outlines who may be granted nationality and under what conditions it may be revoked. Over time, additional instruments such as the Citizenship Regulations of 1979, the Citizenship Deprivation Order, and the Citizenship by Investment Regulations have detailed the processes for naturalization, registration, and investment-linked citizenship. The law explicitly allows dual nationality, ensuring that applicants are not required to renounce their previous citizenship when obtaining Dominican nationality.
Pathways to Citizenship
Dominica offers two principal investment routes to second citizenship:
- Economic Diversification Fund (EDF)
Applicants make a non-refundable contribution to a sovereign fund that supports key national projects, including healthcare facilities, climate resilience initiatives, education, and infrastructure. - Real Estate Investment
Applicants invest in government-approved real estate developments, such as The Residences at Secret Bay, Anichi Resort & Spa, and Sanctuary Rainforest Eco Resort & Spa. Properties must be held for at least three years, after which resale is permitted under certain conditions.
These routes are complemented by ancillary initiatives like the four pillar projects, which channel investment into housing, infrastructure, tourism, and education.
Benefits of Second Citizenship
Holding Dominican citizenship through investment provides:
- Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 140 countries, including the Schengen Area, the UK, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
- Right of residence, employment, and education in Dominica.
- Access to CARICOM privileges, such as movement rights under the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).
- Security of an alternate passport, a feature especially valued by families seeking political or economic stability.
Citizenship can be passed on to future generations, ensuring long-term legacy and protection.
Economic and Social Impact
The Citizenship by Investment Programme has become central to Dominica’s fiscal architecture. Funds generated have financed national resilience projects, including the Bellevue Chopin Housing Project, the Cotton Hill development, and the Chance Housing Estate. It also provided significant reconstruction financing after Hurricane Maria in 2017, aiding the rebuilding of homes, schools, and hospitals. Revenue streams further support the International Airport project, renewable energy investments, and agricultural modernization.
Second citizenship is not merely an immigration channel; it has become a tool for development financing, reducing Dominica’s reliance on external loans and giving the government more fiscal flexibility.
Oversight and Safeguards
International scrutiny has shaped Dominica’s approach to second citizenship. Concerns raised about security vetting led to the implementation of enhanced due diligence checks, often conducted by independent international agencies. The government has also introduced stricter reporting standards and engaged in cooperation with foreign partners to maintain the integrity of the programme.
Additionally, mechanisms such as the Citizenship Deprivation Order provide legal grounds to revoke citizenship in cases of fraud, misrepresentation, or activities that compromise national security. These safeguards have helped Dominica maintain credibility as a CBI jurisdiction while reassuring international partners.
Contemporary Relevance
Today, Dominica remains a leading destination for second citizenship, consistently ranked highly for its programme’s affordability, integrity, and benefits. Families, entrepreneurs, and investors are attracted by its combination of low entry thresholds, global mobility advantages, and the island’s strong emphasis on sustainability and resilience.
For Dominicans, the programme represents a key source of foreign exchange and a driver of national transformation. Its revenues have underpinned climate-resilient housing, hospital upgrades, and agricultural initiatives, securing tangible benefits for citizens on the island.