NEWS AND EVENTS
Commonwealth of Dominica
The Commonwealth of Dominica is an independent English-speaking island state situated between the French islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe. It is a former British colony and a member of the Commonwealth of Nations (British Commonwealth) as well as the United nations, the Organization of American States, Caricom and other international organizations. It should not be confused with the Spanish-speaking Dominican Republic to which it has no ties. Dominica has a pleasant climate, particularly during the cool months from December to March. It is one of the most beautiful countries in the Caribbean. Covering an area of almost 800 sq km, it supports a population of more than 65,000 including about 3,000 of the last surviving native Carib people in the Caribbean. The Dominicans are regarded by many travelers as the friendliest people in the Caribbean. There is a strong currency – the Eastern Caribbean Dollar which is tied to the US Dollar.
The economy is largely based on agricultural exports including bananas, citrus fruits, coffee, cocoa, coconut products including oil, tropical fruits, fruit juices and copra. Other exports are fish and various manufactured products including rum, soap, and timber. Tourism is an increasingly important sector of the economy.
The Government of Dominica is adopting a structured approach to economic development through a number of programs, among them there is a citizenship-by-investment program. The Economic Citizenship Program of the Commonwealth of Dominica was established in 1991 and since then more than 2,000 families have received Dominica citizenship. The Program is defined in the laws of Dominica: Section 101 of the Constitution and Section 8 of the Citizenship Act, Chapter 1:10 of the Revised Laws and Section 20 (1) of the Citizenship Act.
Requirements
Dominica’s citizenship program requires making an economic contribution to the country. In exchange, applicants and their families are granted full citizenship. The economic contribution takes the form of a direct non-refundable payment made to the government. There are two options for obtaining citizenship: a Family option and a Single option.
Under the Family Option, the applicant pays US$ 100,000 which qualifies the applicant, his / her spouse and two children under 18 years for citizenship. An additional US$ 25,000 per child is required for each child under 25 years. Under the Single Option, a single applicant pays US$ 75,000. In addition to the above government contributions, the government charges processing, agent and registration fees (approximately US$ 2,200) and due diligence fees of between US$ 5,000 to US$ 10,000 apply.
A completely clean personal record (certificate of no criminal record, etc), a comprehensive CV, business background information as well as impeccable references must be provided by all applicants.
The documentary requirements are quite onerous and the procedure includes mandatory interviews in Dominica which cannot be waived. The interview commission meets once a month and this can lengthen the process of finding a convenient date for the interview.
Therefore the period of processing can take from 5 to 12 months.
Dual Citizenship
There are no restrictions on dual citizenship in the Commonwealth of Dominica.
Advantages of Dominica’s Citizenship
When a person acquires citizenship under the Dominica citizenship program, s/he and the family enjoy full citizenship of the Commonwealth of Dominica. As citizens of Dominica, they are issued with passports with allow visa-free travel to more than 50 countries worldwide, including the United Kingdom, Switzerland and many others. Of course an investor has the right to take up residence in Dominica at any time and for any length of time. S/he is not liable for taxation, unless the decision to reside in Dominica is taken. As a Commonwealth citizen, an applicant receives certain preferential treatment in the United Kingdom. For example, investor's children may enter the United Kingdom to study without first having to apply for student visas. After studying, they may work in the United Kingdom for two years without needing a work permit.