Dominica has created an immigration framework that combines traditional residency routes with one of the most efficient citizenship programs in the world. The island’s approach reflects its dual priorities: welcoming foreign talent and investment while maintaining social stability and supporting economic growth. English is the official language, and the legal system is based on common law, which makes it especially approachable for citizens of the United States and Canada.
The policy framework offers several ways for foreigners to stay in Dominica, ranging from short-term entry to permanent settlement and eventual naturalization. Importantly, Dominica is one of the few nations where applicants can also bypass long-term residence through a structured Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program. This makes the island attractive not only for those who want to move permanently but also for families who need the security of a second passport without physical relocation.
Another key feature of Dominica’s immigration law is the acceptance of dual citizenship. This means newcomers from North America do not have to choose between their original nationality and Dominican citizenship. For professionals, retirees, and investors, this legal flexibility ensures that immigration to Dominica can be a practical addition to their existing lives rather than a disruptive change.
Entry and Temporary Stay
For many nationalities, including Americans and Canadians, no entry visa is required for visits of up to six months. This liberal entry policy allows foreigners to explore the island in depth before making decisions about longer-term immigration. For those who do require a visa, the application process is straightforward and handled through Dominican consulates or embassies abroad.
Temporary stays can be extended by obtaining work permits, student visas, or other temporary residence documents. Work permits are granted when a local employer sponsors the foreign national and can show that the role is not easily filled by a citizen. Permits are usually valid for a year and renewable. Skilled professionals in education, medicine, and tourism have a higher chance of success due to demand in these fields.
Student visas are another pathway, particularly given Dominica’s internationally recognized universities, such as Ross University School of Medicine. Applicants need proof of enrollment, financial resources to cover tuition and living costs, and medical clearance. These visas typically last for the duration of a study program and can be extended if required.
Permanent Residency in Dominica
For those who decide to settle more permanently, Dominica provides a route to long-term residence. Permanent residency is usually available after at least five years of lawful stay under work, study, or other visas. Applicants must present a clean criminal record, evidence of stable income or pension, and medical fitness. While permanent residency does not provide the same rights as citizenship, it offers stability and reduces the need for repeated permit renewals.
Permanent residents enjoy the right to live and work in Dominica without restrictions. They can purchase property (subject to licensing requirements for foreigners), invest in local businesses, and access public services. However, voting rights and a Dominican passport are reserved for citizens. After seven years of residence, many permanent residents become eligible to apply for naturalization, provided they demonstrate integration into Dominican society.
This pathway is particularly appealing for retirees from North America who wish to make Dominica their long-term home but are not immediately focused on securing a passport. It also works for professionals and entrepreneurs who intend to contribute directly to the island’s economy over time.
Dominica Citizenship by Investment Program (CBI)
Dominica is internationally known for its Citizenship by Investment Program, which was introduced in 1993 and has since gained a reputation for being both affordable and transparent. Through this initiative, foreign nationals can acquire Dominican citizenship without long-term residence. Processing times are short—typically six to nine months—and successful applicants are granted full citizenship rights, including a Dominican passport.
The program provides two investment options:
- Contribution to the Economic Diversification Fund (EDF): A donation of at least $200,000 for a single applicant. The EDF finances national priorities such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
- Real Estate Purchase: A minimum of $200,000 in government-approved property, which must be held for at least three years. Investors may choose from hotels, eco-resorts, and other tourism-related developments.
Both options require payment of government fees and due diligence checks. Applicants must provide financial records, medical clearance, and police certificates. The process is highly regulated to protect the integrity of the program. Once approved, new citizens enjoy the benefits of visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 140 destinations, including the United Kingdom, the Schengen Area, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
Family Inclusion and Dual Citizenship
The CBI program is designed with families in mind. Applications can include a spouse, dependent children up to age 30, and dependent parents or grandparents over 65. This means that a single investment can secure citizenship for multiple generations, making it particularly appealing for North American families planning long-term global mobility strategies.
Dual citizenship is explicitly permitted by Dominican law. For U.S. citizens, this means they can hold a Dominican passport while retaining all rights of their American nationality. Canadians enjoy the same flexibility. This eliminates the difficult choice of renouncing one citizenship in favor of another, and instead allows applicants to expand their opportunities without giving anything up.
Including family members in the application not only saves money compared to separate filings but also ensures that children and dependents immediately benefit from the same rights and protections. This multi-generational advantage is one of the main reasons why Dominica’s program is considered family-friendly.
Taxation for New Citizens and Residents
Dominica has a tax system designed to attract foreign investment and long-term settlement. The country does not impose taxes on income earned abroad, nor does it levy inheritance, gift, or wealth taxes. For many new citizens, particularly those from Canada, this framework creates opportunities for more efficient wealth management. However, U.S. citizens remain subject to taxation on worldwide income by the IRS, so professional tax advice is necessary.
Locally earned income is subject to personal income tax, and corporate tax rates are competitive compared to regional averages. There are specific incentives for companies engaged in priority sectors such as agriculture, renewable energy, and tourism. Double taxation agreements with several countries also help reduce the risk of paying tax twice on the same income.
For North Americans considering immigration, understanding the interaction between their home country’s tax obligations and Dominica’s tax regime is essential. While Canadians may reduce exposure through careful planning of residency status, U.S. citizens must factor in ongoing IRS reporting and obligations.
Comparison with Other Caribbean Immigration Programs
Several Caribbean nations operate citizenship or residency by investment programs, but Dominica’s stands out for affordability and reliability. St. Kitts and Nevis, for example, offers the oldest such program, but its minimum contributions are higher. Grenada provides unique advantages such as eligibility for the U.S. E-2 visa and visa-free travel to China, but investments there are costlier. Antigua and Barbuda allows large families to apply at relatively low cost but imposes a short residency requirement.
Dominica’s program remains one of the most accessible, requiring neither physical presence nor complex procedures. Its strong due diligence standards also give it a better international reputation than some competitors, which is important for applicants seeking long-term security. The balance of price, benefits, and speed explains why Dominica continues to be a top choice among Americans and Canadians.
| Country | Investment Threshold | Residency Requirement | Main Distinctive Feature |
| Dominica | $200,000+ | None | Affordable, efficient, family-inclusive |
| St. Kitts and Nevis | $250,000+ | None | Oldest program, broad visa-free network |
| Grenada | $220,000+ | None | Access to U.S. E-2 visa, visa-free to China |
| Antigua and Barbuda | $200,000+ | 5 days in 5 years | Appealing to large families |
Step-by-Step Immigration Process
Immigration to Dominica begins with identifying the right pathway. For temporary residence, this may mean applying for a student visa, work permit, or tourist extension. For permanent solutions, applicants can pursue long-term residency followed by naturalization, or they can apply directly through the CBI program. The choice depends on the applicant’s goals, resources, and desired timeline.
The CBI process follows a structured sequence. Applicants first choose an authorized agent, as only licensed professionals can submit applications. Next, they prepare documentation, including proof of identity, police clearance, health records, and financial statements. The government then conducts a comprehensive due diligence review. Once cleared, the applicant completes the investment and receives a certificate of naturalization and a Dominican passport.
On average, the process takes six to nine months from submission to approval. Families can apply together, and citizenship is permanent and inheritable. No residency or physical visits are required, making this program highly accessible for Americans and Canadians who may wish to secure a second nationality while continuing to live elsewhere.
