Dominica has unveiled new regulations to bolster the integrity of its Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Program, in line with the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) signed by the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Heads of Governments. This move underscores Dominica’s commitment to maintaining high due diligence standards and aligns with regional efforts to standardize CBI practices.
The key provision of the MoA was to increase and harmonize the minimum investment thresholds for their CBI programs by June 30, 2024. Specifically, it stipulated that CBI applicants must invest a minimum of $200,000, marking a significant rise from the previous $100,000 requirement. This increase is part of the broader effort to unify CBI practices across the Caribbean and strengthen regional ties.
Dominica’s New Investment Requirements
Starting from July1st, 2024, the Economic Diversification Fund (EDF) minimum investment stands at $200,000 for a main applicant and $250,000 for a main applicant with up to three qualifying dependents. While the real estate investment option remains at $200,000, government fees have increased to $75,000 for the main applicant and $100,000 for a main applicant with up to three dependents. To add each dependent under 18 years old costs $25,000 and above 18 years old $40,000.
The application process implies covering Due Diligence ($7,500 for the main applicant, and $4,000 for each dependent over 16 years old), and other fees, such as processing ($1,000), interview ($1,000), and certificate of naturalization ($500 per person) fees. Remarkably, Iranian nationals must pay Enhanced Due Diligence fees, which are set at $25,000 for the main applicant, $15,000 for each adult dependent aged over 16 years old, and $10,000 for dependents between 12 to 16 years old.
Due Diligence & Information Sharing
The updated regulations emphasize the importance of due diligence and the protection of the CBI programs from risks. Dominica has established a Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) within the CBI Unit, tasked with conducting thorough background checks on all applicants. The FIU will share applicant data with the Joint Regional Communications Centre of CARICOM IMPACS (JRCC), ensuring that information on denied applicants is available to other Caribbean CBI jurisdictions. This collaborative approach aims to uphold the highest standards of integrity across the region.
Dominica was one of the first to introduce mandatory interviews for CBI applicants aged 16 or over as part of the due diligence process. This measure further strengthens the scrutiny applied to each application, reinforcing Dominica’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
Socio-Economic Impact of the CBI Program
Dominica’s proactive steps in enhancing its CBI Programme have garnered positive attention from the global community, international partners, and investors. The country’s dedication to using CBI funds for climate resilience and sustainable development projects showcases its commitment to benefiting everyday citizens. Notably, CBI funds have been instrumental in constructing 5,000 climate-resilient homes and developing the ecotourism industry, which generates jobs and promotes sustainable growth.
By reinforcing the integrity and standards of its CBI Programme, Dominica aims to solidify its position as a leading investment destination in the Caribbean. The government’s unwavering focus on due diligence, compliance, and continuous improvement ensures that the CBI Programme remains a robust and attractive option for international investors.
Background
In March 2024, Prime Ministers of Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada and St Kitts & Nevis signed the MoA, and following three months St Lucia also joined it in June. The memorandum corresponds to the agreed “six principles” during the US-Caribbean Round Table talks in February 2023. These principles included information sharing on denials and commitment not to process applications from individuals who have had previous applications denied in other CBI jurisdictions; mandatory interviews either virtually or in person; additional checks by FIUs in each jurisdiction; periodic audits of CBI programs; retrieval of revoked passports and ban on Russian and Belorussian nationals to apply.
These new regulations across the Caribbean countries that offer economic citizenship programs signify a pivotal step in OECS’s journey to uphold the highest CBI standards, contributing to regional economic growth and resilience while maintaining the safety and security of its communities.