The commonwealth of dominica expands its citizenship by investment programme

Dominica (or the “Nature Island” as it is widely known), is situated midway along the Eastern Caribbean archipelago, stands apart as one such story. With its untouched natural beauty, it is accepted as one of the best places to live.
This peaceful, tropical country is a unique gem that offers a citizenship by investment programme which invites investors and their family members to obtain full, legal citizenship through a recognised investment.
The Dominica Citizenship by Investment Programme was established in 1993 (as the Economic Citizenship Program). After many years of success, the Government took steps earlier this year to expand the Programme to facilitate investments particularly in real estate. Investors who have made a minimum investment of USD 200,000 in an approved real estate project, may now qualify for citizenship. The Government Fund option, which supports the national development of the country, continues to be available to applicants, starting with a contribution amount of USD 100,000 for a single applicant.
In line with the Government’s desire to enhance and promote the Citizenship by Investment Programme globally, the Prime Minister announced on 21 October 2014, significant changes to the legislation, which will see the Programme revised and improved.
The legislative and administrative changes have resulted in a more streamlined Citizenship by Investment Unit (CBIU), the Government authority which deals with all matters regarding Citizenship by Investment in Dominica. Importantly too, the Government have strengthened the due diligence process, and effective November 2014, the mandatory requirement for an interview will be removed from the process, reserving it only for special circumstances where deemed necessary.
The introduction of a streamlined CBIU will enhance the credibility of the Programme and provide more structure and reliability, particularly with the introduction of the Real Estate option to investment “while the fast processing times will only make the Programme more attractive to potential applicants,” Government is determined that the integrity of the Programme is protected and that maintaining the solid reputation of the country will be paramount in all of their efforts.