Dominica citizenship by investment costs and process
Dominica citizenship by investment in 2026: the Economic Diversification Fund, real estate costs, official fees, the virtual interview and five-step process.
Dominica has offered citizenship by investment since 1993, and its Citizenship by Investment Unit (CBIU) published a revised Application Process Guide in March 2026. The guide sets out two routes, a contribution to the Economic Diversification Fund (EDF) and an investment in approved real estate, together with a full schedule of government fees. The CBIU has also reported that Dominica ranked second in the 2026 edition of the CBI Index, an independent annual comparison of programmes.
Dominica’s place in the regional framework is explained in our overview of Caribbean citizenship by investment and the EU deadline. This article sets out the costs and steps published by the CBIU.
Key takeaways
- The EDF contribution is US$200,000 for a single applicant and US$250,000 for a main applicant with up to three dependants.
- Approved real estate starts at US$200,000 and must be held for at least three years, with government fees from US$75,000.
- Due diligence costs US$7,500 for the main applicant and US$4,000 for each dependant aged 16 or over.
- Every applicant aged 16 or over attends a virtual interview, charged at US$1,000 per person.
- The CBIU indicates a processing time of three to six months for a complete application.
The Economic Diversification Fund
The EDF is a non-refundable contribution to the government. According to the CBIU, the published amounts are:
- US$200,000 for a main applicant alone;
- US$250,000 for a main applicant with up to three dependants;
- US$25,000 for each additional dependant under 18;
- US$40,000 for each additional dependant aged 18 or over.
No separate government fee applies on the EDF route, although the processing, due diligence, interview and certificate fees below are payable. The contribution is paid by bank transfer, and the CBIU accepts euros or sterling provided the amount received is at least equal to the US dollar figure.
The real estate route
An investment of at least US$200,000 in a government-approved real estate project also qualifies. The property must be held for at least three years before it can be resold, and government fees apply on top, starting at US$75,000 for a main applicant according to the CBIU. The holding period is the shortest among the programmes we follow, which our comparison of Caribbean real estate investment routes sets out side by side.
Official fees
The fee schedule in the 2026 Application Process Guide is summarised below.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|
|—|—|
| Processing fee | US$1,000 per application |
|---|---|
| Due diligence, main applicant | US$7,500 |
| Due diligence, each dependant aged 16 or over | US$4,000 |
| Interview | US$1,000 per person aged 16 or over |
| Certificate of naturalisation | US$500 per person |
Iranian nationals are subject to enhanced due diligence, with inclusive fees of US$25,000 for the main applicant, US$15,000 for a spouse or dependant aged 16 or over and US$10,000 for a dependant aged 12 to 15. More on how vetting works across the region is in our guide to due diligence in Caribbean citizenship by investment.
For an overview of how a Dominica file is assembled, from document collection to certificate of naturalisation, our Dominica citizenship page walks through the route.
The five-step process
The CBIU’s how-to-apply page describes the application in five stages.
- Choosing an authorised agent from the CBIU’s published list.
- Contacting the agent, who explains the requirements and collects documents.
- Processing of the application by the CBIU once it is filed.
- Background checks, including due diligence and the interview.
- Payment of the contribution or completion of the investment, followed by issue of the certificate of naturalisation.
Applications can only be submitted through an authorised agent. The CBIU’s guide indicates a timeline of three to six months, and the actual time depends on the completeness of the file and the depth of checks required.
The interview
Every applicant aged 16 or over attends an interview, held virtually and in the applicant’s native language or a language of their choice. Authorised agents cannot attend on the applicant’s behalf. The interview fee is US$1,000 per person and forms part of the standards agreed by the Eastern Caribbean programmes in 2024.
Who can be included
Dominica allows a main applicant to include a spouse, children and certain other dependants, with the pricing set out above for additional family members. The exact eligibility conditions for older children and parents are listed in the CBIU’s guidance, and they differ from those in Antigua or St Kitts. Our comparison of family members in Caribbean citizenship programmes sets the rules out side by side.
Points to weigh
Dominica’s EDF minimum matches the regional floor of US$200,000 agreed by the five Eastern Caribbean states, and the absence of a government fee on the EDF route keeps the total cost relatively predictable. Applicants should still budget for due diligence, interviews and certificates, and for agent fees, which are not set by the CBIU. As with the other programmes, the European Commission’s request in June 2026 to phase out Caribbean citizenship by investment by June 2028 is a political risk for families focused on Schengen access.
If you would like to talk through how these rules might apply to your own circumstances, our team would be glad to help. You can call +357 979 42 388 or write to us through our contact page.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest way to obtain Dominica citizenship by investment?
The EDF contribution of US$200,000 for a single applicant is the lowest published minimum, with no government fee on that route. Due diligence, processing, interview and certificate fees are additional.
How long must I keep a Dominica property?
The CBIU states that approved real estate must be held for at least three years before resale.
Is the interview conducted in person?
No. The CBIU holds interviews virtually, in the applicant’s native language or a language of their choice, and agents cannot attend on the applicant’s behalf.
How long does the process take?
The CBIU’s 2026 guide indicates three to six months for a complete application.
Sources
- Citizenship by Investment Unit of Dominica, 2026 Application Process Guide, March 2026.
- Citizenship by Investment Unit of Dominica, How to apply, as of October 2026.
- Citizenship by Investment Unit of Dominica, Economic Diversification Fund, as of October 2026.
- Citizenship by Investment Unit of Dominica, Enhanced due diligence, as of October 2026.
This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal, tax or investment advice. Figures are stated as of 2026 and may change; confirm current requirements with the relevant authority and an independent adviser before acting. AT Express is a private consultancy and is not affiliated with any government or official programme.
Featured image: “Roseau River in Roseau (1)” by Tournasol7, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0.
Please note. This article is for general information only and reflects our understanding at the date of publication. Programme rules, thresholds and fees are set by each government and can change at short notice. It is not legal, tax or financial advice; please check the current position with us or the relevant authority before acting.
By the AT Express editorial team · Published 30 October 2026 · Updated 31 October 2026
