How To Get a Dominica Passport in 2026

Over the past few years, the Dominica citizenship by investment programme has gone through a period of adjustment. While some countries in the region have paused or reworked their programmes, Dominica has kept its route open and focused on tightening how applications are reviewed and approved. That’s shaped what applicants can expect when planning ahead for 2026. The programme’s more clearly defined, more consistent in its pricing and more structured in its review process, which makes preparation more important than speed. This article sets out how the Dominica passport route works for 2026 and how to approach it in practice.

Recent context and where the programme is heading

Caribbean citizenship by investment programmes have spent the last few years adjusting to international pressure around security standards and information sharing. Dominica’s taken a steady approach. Instead of pausing applications or redesigning the system, it’s clarified rules, aligned pricing with regional partners and strengthened review procedures.

As a result, the framework applicants see going into 2026 is more settled than experimental. Thresholds are clearer, review stages are better defined and expectations around disclosure are more consistent.

The two routes to Dominica citizenship

Dominica continues to offer two legal paths to citizenship by investment, both leading to the same outcome.

The first is a non refundable contribution to the Economic Diversification Fund, usually referred to as the EDF. The minimum contribution for a single applicant is USD 200,000. Family applications involve higher contribution levels, adjusted based on the number and profile of dependents.

The second route is investment into government approved real estate. The qualifying investment level is USD 200,000 in an approved development. Holding periods apply. Properties can usually be sold after three years, or after five years if they’re resold to another citizenship applicant.

From a planning perspective, the EDF route’s often chosen for its simplicity and speed. The real estate route suits applicants who prefer an asset based structure and are comfortable with holding and resale timelines.

What to budget for overall

When planning costs, it helps to look beyond the headline investment figure. In addition to the qualifying contribution or property investment, applicants should allow for government processing fees, due diligence fees, interview fees and professional costs.

For a single applicant using the EDF route, total costs typically sit above the minimum contribution once all mandatory fees are included. Family applications increase progressively as dependents are added, since several fees apply on a per person basis.

Real estate applicants should also factor in ownership costs during the holding period and realistic resale timing. These projects are designed to support citizenship applications and should be assessed on that basis.

How long the process usually takes

Most applications are decided within four to six months from the point a complete file is submitted. Timelines depend on how clearly the funding trail is documented, whether interviews are straightforward and whether any follow up questions are raised during review.

Applications that are prepared carefully from the outset tend to stay within this range. Clear documents, consistent information and timely responses help keep the process predictable.

Who can be included in an application

Dominica allows family applications, with each family member assessed individually under clear eligibility rules. The main applicant can include a spouse and dependent children. Children are usually eligible if they’re under 18, or under 30 if they’re in full time education and financially dependent on the main applicant.

Adult children over the standard age limit may still qualify in limited circumstances, such as where a permanent disability means they remain fully dependent. Supporting medical and financial evidence is required in those cases.

Parents or grandparents can also be included if they meet the programme’s age and dependency criteria. This typically means they must be over a set age threshold and financially reliant on the main applicant, with that reliance supported by bank records and declarations. Each dependent is reviewed separately, so eligibility and documentation need to be considered carefully before filing.

Due diligence and interviews explained clearly

Due diligence is a standard part of the citizenship process and focuses on identity, background, business activity, reputation and the origin of funds. The aim is to confirm that the application’s transparent and consistent.

As part of this review, applicants are usually asked to attend a remote interview which will focus on personal background, business activities and how investment funds were generated.

Preparation’s straightforward. Applicants should be ready to explain their background in plain terms and ensure it matches the documents submitted. When information’s aligned and clearly presented, interviews are typically routine.

Source of funds in practical terms

Source of funds means showing how the investment money was earned and transferred.

If funds come from employment income, payslips, contracts and bank statements are used. If they come from a business, financial statements, dividend records or sale agreements are relevant. Asset sales are supported with contracts and proof of proceeds.

The goal’s a clear trail from income or asset to the account used for the investment. When that trail’s easy to follow, reviews tend to proceed efficiently.

Documents to prepare in advance

Applicants should expect to provide passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates where applicable and police clearance certificates for relevant jurisdictions.

Financial documents include bank reference letters and records supporting income and assets. Business owners should be ready to provide company documents that align with their declared roles and ownership.

Some documents must be legalised or apostilled, which can take time. Starting document collection early helps avoid unnecessary delays later in the process.

What the passport offers

A Dominica passport provides visa free or visa on arrival access to more than 140 destinations, including the Schengen Area and the UK. Travel access can change over time, so the value lies in flexibility and optionality rather than a fixed list.

There’s no requirement to live in Dominica before or after approval. Citizenship can be passed to future children, which many families see as a key long term benefit.

How The Knightsbridge Group can help

With over ten years advising international businesses and families, The Knightsbridge Group supports clients across the UAE and worldwide. We help clients assess whether a Dominica passport fits their plans and guide the process from initial review through to citizenship approval.

Our combined legal, tax and immigration expertise means citizenship planning’s handled alongside wider structuring, succession and compliance considerations. We work closely with authorised agents, banks, trustees, regulators and legal partners to keep applications clear, consistent and well prepared.

To review your current arrangements or plan new strategies, contact info@kbgroup.ae