Dominica citizenship by investment programme

Dominica Citizenship by Investment Logo
Dominica Citizenship by Investment Logo

The Commonwealth of Dominica has been operating a citizenship by investment programme since 1993,[1] making it the second Caribbean island-nation to launch one such programme – having been preceded by the Federation of St Kitts and Nevis.[2]

The Dominica Citizenship by Investment Programme, sometimes referred to as the Dominica Economic Citizenship Programme, is framed within Section 101 of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Dominica, the Commonwealth of Dominica Citizenship Act 1978,  and the Commonwealth of Dominica Citizenship by Investment Regulations 2014 (and amendments).[3]

Under the Programme, an investor can acquire citizenship of Dominica upon the payment of a one-time contribution to the Economic Diversification Fund, or through the purchase of a government approved project – generally a real estate development – and the payment of associated Government fees.[4][5]

The '''Citizenship by Investment Programme''' in Dominica has not only facilitated individuals in obtaining citizenship but has also significantly contributed to the nation's infrastructural revival. This contribution was particularly crucial following the two devastating natural disasters that impacted the island in recent history.[5]

In 2015, Tropical Storm Erika wreaked havoc on the island, causing substantial damages to both property and infrastructure.[6][7] The devastation was compounded in 2017 when the Category 5 Hurricane Maria ravaged the island.[7] However, the funds accumulated through the Citizenship by Investment Programme emerged as a beacon of hope for the nation's restoration efforts.[8][4][9][10]

In 2023, the government revoked the citizenship of 260 individuals for providing false information on their applications. This was a crucial measure by the government to uphold the integrity of the citizenship application process and ensure that only those meeting the necessary requirements are granted citizenship.[11]

Leveraging the financial influx from this initiative, Dominica embarked on major infrastructural developments and restoration projects.[12] This proactive approach underscored the resilience of the Dominican people and highlighted the significance of investment programmes in aiding nations during post-disaster recovery phases.[6][13]

  1. ^ "Dominica Area Guide". Dominica CBIU.
  2. ^ "Dominica Fast Facts". Dominica. Dominica CBIU. Retrieved 2023-09-20.
  3. ^ "About the Citizenship by Investment Unit". Dominica. Dominica CBIU. Retrieved 2023-09-20.
  4. ^ a b "Dominica Citizenship by Investment Program 2021". www.dominicacitizenshipbyinvestment.com. Retrieved 2023-09-20.
  5. ^ a b "Dominica". Golden Visas. Retrieved 2023-09-20.
  6. ^ a b "Post-Disaster Needs Assessment Hurricane Maria September 18, 2017 - Dominica". reliefweb.int. ReliefWeb. 2018-01-25. Retrieved 2023-09-20.
  7. ^ a b "Dominica is working to become world's first hurricane-proof country". Science. 2019-11-19. Archived from the original on April 11, 2021. Retrieved 2023-09-20.
  8. ^ Siegler, Kirk (2023-06-14). "Hurricane Maria was a once-in-a-lifetime storm for Dominica. It might be the norm". NPR.
  9. ^ "Tropical Storm Erika Recap". The Weather Channel. Retrieved 2023-09-20.
  10. ^ "Tropical Storm Erika kills at least 20 in Dominica". BBC News. 2015-08-28. Retrieved 2023-09-20.
  11. ^ "Dominica attempted to revoke several citizenships in run-up to UK visa regime report shows". Dominica News Online.
  12. ^ van Heerden, Dominique; Holmes, Michael (2017-09-20). "Dominica knocked to its knees by Hurricane Maria's might". CNN. Retrieved 2023-09-20.
  13. ^ "Tropical storm Erika: Dominica declares disaster and seeks aid". The Guardian. Associated Press. 2015-08-31. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2023-09-20.