The policy of granting Dominica permanent residence to foreigners began in 1993. This year, the country became independent and set a course for accelerated economic development. This task has to be solved by many states that became independence in the last decades of the 20th century. They are trying to partially solve this problem by attracting wealthy foreigners who can help the development of the young states. The program to attract investment instead of citizenship has been also developed in Dominica. Besides, there are some other ways to become an owner of its passport. Let’s consider all the means.
Dominica’s residency options
If the applicant has a passport of one of the Commonwealth states, he becomes eligible to become a citizen of Dominica. To do this, you need to meet the following requirements:
- compliance with moral standards, no criminal record;
- readiness to fulfill civic obligations accepted in the country;
- knowledge of English at a basic level.
One of the conditions is to live in Dominica or work for the government of the country during 5 years.
Naturalization
To naturalize on the island, an applicant needs to live here for several years. During this time, he must learn the state language, accept the way of life and culture of the local population. Foreigners have several options for obtaining citizenship by naturalization. They are: work, studying, doing business, family reunification.
Having received a temporary document, one should renew it in a timely manner. If a foreigner has lived in the country for 7 years and has not left it for the last 12 months, he can rely on full citizenship. His minor children will also receive this status.
Investing in the economy
Citizenship by investment greatly reduces the time of obtaining a passport. A special organization (CBIU) is engaged in organizing citizenship in this way. The applicant has the right to choose one of the two options:
The total expenses of the whole family are not limited to the above amounts. In addition, they will have to contribute $50,000 to the state fund for a spouse and each parent. If the family consists of 4 persons, the payment will be $175,000. Another $25,000 will have to be paid additionally for each applicant. Buying an object, a family of 4 needs to add another $35,000 to the minimum payment. In addition, for each family member under 18 years of age and each applicant, you need to pay $25,000.
The procedure for obtaining permanent residence is accompanied by the provision of the following paid services:
- processing one application costs $1,000;
- investor’s Due Diligence is estimated at $7,500, while vetting a spouse and each applicant under the age of 16 will cost $4,000. A certificate of naturalization costs $250.
If applicants wish to expedite the issuance of passports, they will each need to pay a fee of $1,200 for the service. Persons additionally included in the request are required to reach the age of majority, make a contribution and have no criminal record.
Birth, descent and adoption
All children born in Dominica immediately become its citizens. On the basis of descent, children receive this status if one the parents is a citizen of Dominica or they are born abroad to a mother who is a citizen of Dominica. A minor child adopted by a Dominican becomes a citizen automatically.
Marriage
If a foreigner is related to a Dominican woman by marriage, he can apply for the status of a citizen. This condition applies even if the spouse who was a citizen of Dominica is no longer alive. Applicants are subject to standard requirements for knowledge of the English language, no criminal record, readiness to perform the duties of a citizen and reside in the country after obtaining the status.
Who have the right to citizenship
If a foreigner makes a contribution in the country’s economy, his family members who are in his care also receive Dominica citizenship. This right may have:
- husband or wife;
- disabled children regardless of their age;
- natural or adopted children under 18 years of age;
- parents and grandparents over 55 years of age who are dependent on the investor.
The natural and adopted children from 18 to 28 can also get a status of a citizen if they continue studies in educational institutions after schools. These students must also be materially dependent on the investor.
Benefits of the permanent residency
Obtaining a permanent residence permit is associated with certain costs. If you put together all the fees and duties, you get a good amount. But having citizenship gives its holder many advantages. He gets the opportunity;
- to visit 144 countries around the world;
- to get rights and freedoms of a Dominican citizen;
- to receive US visas for 10 years;
- to start own business and enjoy preferential taxes;
- to maintain the previous status on a par with a new citizenship;
- to study at prestigious universities in the UK on preferential terms.
Unfortunately, free visits to a large number of countries do not give them the opportunity to find a job or do business there.
Eligibility criteria for permanent residency
The Dominica Association constantly invites foreignors to contribute to the country’s economy in exchange for citizenship. But this does not mean that anyone can receive this status. The applicant is subject to a number of requirements:
- the invested funds must be earned legally;
- all the applicants must have no criminal record;
- the state of health of all family members must be confirmed by medical documents;
- A positive migration history is required.
Violations of the visa regime of the EU countries, as well as Canada, the USA and the UK are a reason to refuse to grant citizenship.
How to become a foreigner Dominican step-by-step
In recent years, the popularity of obtaining citizenship of the Commonwealth of Dominica by investing in the economy has increased dramatically. From 2017 to 1020, about 4200 investors received passports in this way. They are attracted by a quick solution to the issue, performing all actions online without visiting the country.
Before applying, the applicant needs to find a licensing agent. The procedure for obtaining the status is possible only through it. The process includes the following steps:
- Preliminary check. The procedure is needed to detect problems that prevent the granting of citizenship. If any problems are found, additional documents can be attached to the application. If this option is excluded, you can choose another program. A preliminary check minimizes the risk of rejection.
- Preparation of documents. The collection of documents usually takes from 2 weeks to a month.
- Due Diligence check. When all the documents are ready, all family members over the age of 16 must pass a Due Diligence check. This procedure lasts from 3 to 6 months. Online interviews are provided for all family members over the age of 16.
- Approval of the investment option and fulfillment of its conditions. After approval of the chosen investment option, the applicant makes a contribution to the state fund or purchases the property.
When all procedures are completed, the preparation of citizenship documents begins. The passport is made within a month and sent to the applicant’s address.
Required documents
When obtaining a permanent residence permit in Dominica, applicants must present the following list of documents:
- completed application form;
- certified copies of passports, birth and marriage certificates;
- copies of documents on the attitude to military service;
- letter to the Minister on the granting of citizenship;
- copies of educational documents, driver’s license;
- certificate from the police station;
- principal applicant’s consent to maintain dependents, certified by a notary;
- a copy of the receipt for payment of the registration fee;
- original document confirming the HIV test;
- copy of work permit/residence permit;
- medical documents on the state of health of all persons included in the request;
- 4 photos suitable for a passport;
- original certificate of no criminal record;
- bank statement on the state of the account for 12 months;
- certificate of family composition.
Copies must be made in color. Apostille is required on certificates, and translations into English must be certified by a notary.
FAQ
If you buy a property, you can rent it out and start receiving money right away. And after 5 years, you can sell it. Real estate prices tend to rise, so you can still make a lot of money on the transaction.
This process can take from three to six months.
A foreigner should not visit the island. All procedures are carried out via the Internet.
Yes, you can. This right is enjoyed by the investor’s dependent children from 18 to 28 years of age who are studying in post-school educational institutions.
These are different countries. One should remember that the full name of the first is the Commonwealth of Dominica, and the second is the Dominican Republic. If you know about this, you will easily distinguish them.
