Background and Legal Considerations
Several countries have adopted programmes which allow the acquisition of citizenship in return for a direct contribution to the state as a means of development of the country. In Dominica, citizenship-by-investment is based on Section 101 of the Constitution and Sections 8 and 20 (1) of the Citizenship Act. It allows the government to operate a program under which citizenship is given to persons who qualify under criteria set by the government in its policy guidelines.
Requirements and Procedures
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 or 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 (approx. US$ 2,200 per applicant), and due diligence fees of between US$ 5,000 to US$ 10,000 apply.
It is important to note here that the program's procedural requirements (for example mandatory interviews in Dominica) add to the effective total cost.
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 only once a month and this can lengthen the process of finding a convenient date for the interview.
Accordingly, the processing time for applications currently ranges from 5 to 14 months.
Click here to see the list of required documents
Dual Citizenship
There are no restrictions on dual citizenship in the Commonwealth of Dominica.
Benefits
As a citizen of Dominica you can live and work in Dominica at any time, and as a Commonwealth citizen you will enjoy special rights and privileges in the United Kingdom as well, e.g. your children may go the UK to study without having to obtain a student visa; after graduation, they may take up employment in the UK for two years without having to obtain a work permit.
You are not liable to taxation in Dominica on any income earned outside of Dominica except if you decide to reside in there. You will be able to travel on your Dominica passport without a visa to more than 50 countries, including the United Kingdom, Switzerland and many others. Visa-free travel is however not as good as for holders of a St. Kitts & Nevis passport.
Fees and Costs
Henley & Partners charges different fees depending on the case and the number of persons included in an application. Half of the agreed fee is paid in advance; the other 50% (less any retainer paid initially) is paid when you become a citizen.
Performance Guarantee
Great care has been taken to provide the best possible safeguards for persons entering the programme. Prior to taking on any mandate, a written agreement is made between the applicant and Henley & Partners defining the responsibilities of both parties.
Since the granting of citizenship is at the sole discretion of the Government of Dominica, we are not able to guarantee that applications will be approved. However, with only very few exceptions over many years, no applicant, once accepted by Henley & Partners, has ever been refused - thanks to our professional assessment of each case prior to lodging any application.
Henley & Partners are appointed by the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica and are officially authorized to handle applications under their Economic Citizenship Program.
As we handle all applications ourselves and do not use any intermediaries, our clients can rely on us for utmost confidentiality and efficiency. Henley & Partners is the leading firm in this field, with an international presence in key jurisdictions worldwide. Individuals as well as other consulting and law firms worldwide rely on us for specialist advice and assistance in this delicate area where our expertise and experience are second to none.
Further Information
For further information on the programme and on how to apply - or to arrange a private consultation - please contact us today.
Alternative citizenship and a second passport - freedom to travel and to do business, and security for life.
