Dominica has earned praise as one of the most breathtaking islands in the Caribbean region. Also, it is the most visited country in the region. Citizens of this country enjoy numerous benefits, like being able to access the US and Canada. You will also be in for the most diverse culture rooted in British and French colonialisms. Officially a British Commonwealth, the country boasts the lowest crime rate in the region. With all these benefits, it must be tough getting citizenship, you think. But nothing can be further from the truth. If you don’t have a criminal record and are willing to invest in the country, you might as well have that coveted Dominica passport. All this is made possible by the innovative dominica citizenship by investment program. Thanks to the citizenship by investment dominica initiative, you can be a citizen of this country irrespective of where you come from. You don’t need to take language tests, and neither must you have lived in the country before.
At A Glance: Why Immigrate To Dominica Republic?
You can qualify to be a citizen of Dominica without the physical residency requirement. Also, you are allowed to include dependant children below 30 years within your application, as well as parents and grandparents provided they are above the age of 65. You will also receive your Dominican passport without being subjected to any educational title or managerial experience. And the greatest benefit is the free pass to over 140 countries once you have citizenship by investment dominica passport. And, apart from the picturesque landscapes and striking beaches, investors are protected from extra taxes. It is the perfect destination for people wanting to invest, retire, or live.
Fees And Eligibility Requirements
There are fees payable to the government for all citizenship program applications. And it doesn’t matter whether you choose to donate to a government fund or invest in real estate. But what are the fees like? Here is a sneak peek into what you will be expected to pay.
Processing fees per application is $1,000
There are also due diligence fees and they are priced as follows:
- Main applicant pays $7,500
- Spouse pays $4,000
- Children dependants pay $4,000 each
- Additionally, each member will have to pay a fee of $250 for a certificate of naturalization.
- And if you want your passport issuance to be expedited, you will be charged $1,200 per person.
Other than the fees, there are other Dominican economic citizenship requirements. When applying for a passport, each applicant should observe the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Be free of any criminal record
- Undergo due diligence checks and approvals by a third-party
- Be in excellent health
- Confirm sources of investment funds.
At the moment, Dominica’s economic citizenship excludes only Russian applicants. They boast a due diligence process that is more efficient.
Also, Dominica allows dual citizenship.
The Dominica Passport Application Process Step-By-Step
If you are interested in applying for dominica citizenship by investment, you must be wondering how the whole process works, how to start, and how long it takes.
The good news is that the process of applying for Dominica citizenship is extremely streamlined.
Generally, you will wait for about 3-4 months to get a Dominican passport if you choose the root of citizenship by investment dominica.
According to the Dominican law, the processing time is at least two months, although this can vary depending on the individual case. Factors that come into play are the person under consideration and the vetting procedures.
Step 1 – Gather Documentation
Your local agent will help you put together all the documents required like the birth certificates. Note that they all have to be in English.
After that, your agent will submit the collected documents to the CBIU (Citizenship by Investment Unit). The documents include medical examinations, all forms, and all required documents. If you are buying a property, you will also need to submit a purchase and sale agreement which reserves your chosen real estate.
Once this is done, your agent will perform background checks as well as do other due diligence measures.
Step 2 – Submit The Application
Upon checking that all your documents are in order, the agent will submit your application for review. And although it is not mandatory now to have an interview, it may still be required in some cases. Normally, interviews will take place in Dominica, although it can be done outside the country as well.
It is possible to have someone collect your passport on your behalf. However, they strictly must come with a notarized order.
Step 3 – Wait
It is now the time for the government to conduct its due diligence and vet all the information indicated in your application. Usually, you will receive a communication from the government within 2-4 months of your application. You will know whether your application was accepted, rejected, or delayed to allow further investigation and processing.
Step 4 – Make The Investment
If your application is accepted, you will receive a letter from the CBIU to that effect. This opens the door for you to invest. It can be done through making a donation or investing in the EDU (Economic Diversification Fund). The funds deposited in the citizenship account will not be used until you and your family receive certificates of naturalization.
Step 5 – Obtain Your Dominica Passport
The CBIU, upon being satisfied with your payment on an investment, will issue a certificate of naturalization to you. This means you should stay in one location while the process is underway.
Conclusion
Although the process of applying for a Dominican passport is extremely streamlined, it requires a considerable amount of paperwork. This is why it is advisable to work with an experienced agent that thoroughly understands the Dominican passport application laws. These firms will handle all the coordination needed to ensure that you submit everything within the required timeframe. You can renew an expired Dominican passport in any Dominican consulate.