Dominica May Require Investors to Obtain Passports Directly

Dominica May Require Investors to Obtain Passports Directly

Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program is facing a notable change as the Government plans to require individuals who obtain citizenship through investment to personally travel to Dominica to collect their passports.

If implemented, this move would mark a significant shift in how investors participate in Dominica’s CBI program. For many years, one of the program’s key advantages has been that international investors could complete most of the process without physically visiting the Caribbean nation.

According to information announced by Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit at a press conference on June 10, 2026, the Government is considering requiring new citizens under the investment route to be present in Dominica when receiving their passports. Regulations concerning passport renewals may also follow a similar approach.

Dominica Prepares to Change CBI Passport Collection Process

Since the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program was launched in 1993, the ability to process applications remotely has been considered one of the key factors attracting international investors to Dominica.

Typically, investors could complete many steps through government‑authorized agents. The process included preparing documents, undergoing due diligence, interviews, and fulfilling the necessary requirements to obtain citizenship.

This convenience has been particularly appealing to those seeking a second nationality without the intention of relocating or spending extended time in their new country. However, the policy currently under consideration in Dominica may significantly alter this experience.

Dominica chuẩn bị thay đổi cách nhận hộ chiếu CBI
Dominica Prepares to Change CBI Passport Collection Process

According to Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, individuals obtaining citizenship through the investment program may be required to personally travel to Dominica to collect their passports as citizens of the country. A similar requirement could also apply to future passport renewals.

This means that Dominica’s fully remote citizenship‑by‑investment model may no longer remain unchanged if the policy is officially enacted.

Why does Dominica want investors to come in person?

The requirement for CBI citizens to be physically present is not only about passport issuance. According to the Government’s stated direction, one of the goals of the policy is to foster a more genuine connection between those acquiring citizenship through investment and the nation they are joining.

Under the previous model, investors could complete most of the process without ever setting foot in Dominica. While this offered convenience, it also limited the real‑world connection between new citizens and the country.

If the presence requirement is adopted, investors will have the opportunity to visit Dominica directly, experience its living environment, culture, people, and development conditions. More broadly, this reflects the Government’s intention to strengthen the alignment of the CBI program with national interests.

Chính phủ mong muốn nâng cao tính gắn kết của chương trình CBI với lợi ích quốc gia
The Government aims to strengthen the alignment of the CBI program with national interests.

>>> See also: Getting Married in Dominica – Secrets to Planning a Paradise Wedding

Is this regulation already in effect?

The information announced so far only reflects the policy direction and plans of the Government of Dominica. Key details such as the implementation timeline, specific target groups, passport collection procedures, and renewal regulations still need to be clarified in official documents. This is an important point for investors to keep in mind.

The citizenship‑by‑investment market frequently undergoes changes in application requirements, due diligence standards, investment thresholds, processing times, or applicant obligations. Therefore, decisions should not be based solely on word‑of‑mouth information or outdated articles.

In particular, if preparing a Dominica citizenship application, investors should verify information from official sources or work with advisory firms capable of providing timely policy updates.

CBI reforms across the Caribbean

Dominica’s move is not an isolated change. Five Caribbean countries currently operate CBI programs:

  • Dominica

  • Antigua và Barbuda

  • Grenada

  • Saint Kitts và Nevis

  • Saint Lucia

These nations have strengthened cooperation to raise program management standards, tighten application controls, and enhance transparency in citizenship‑by‑investment activities. One area of focus is the requirement for new citizens to be physically present.

Cải cách CBI đang diễn ra trên phạm vi toàn Caribe
CBI reforms are taking place across the Caribbean, including Dominica

In the past, the ability to complete procedures remotely was a key competitive advantage of Caribbean CBI programs. However, current management trends are shifting toward stronger controls, greater information sharing, and higher due diligence standards.

Therefore, investors should not focus solely on the criterion of “whether physical presence is required,” but instead evaluate the entire program, including investment conditions, due diligence process, post‑citizenship benefits, and potential obligations.

What should Dominica CBI investors prepare for?

If the requirement to collect passports in person is officially approved, obtaining Dominica citizenship will involve an additional step related to physical presence. Investors should proactively monitor several key aspects:

1/ Track the effective date of the regulation

This is the most important factor. Information about the new policy may be released in stages. Knowing the exact implementation date will help investors plan their schedules and prepare the necessary procedures in advance.

sở hữu quốc tịch Dominica sẽ có thêm một bước liên quan đến sự hiện diện thực tế
Obtaining Dominica citizenship now involves an additional step requiring physical presence

2/ Determine which regulation applies to your case

New investors, existing citizens, or those preparing for passport renewal may fall under different regulatory groups. One should not assume that the new policy will apply in the same way to all situations.

3/ Calculate travel costs and time

If required to travel to Dominica for passport issuance or renewal, investors will need to account for travel time, accommodation, and related expenses. This factor should be included in planning from the very beginning of program consideration.

4/ Verify information before submitting an application

The decision to participate in CBI usually involves a significant investment and extensive legal documentation. Therefore, confirming the correct regulations at the time of application is crucial. Investors should request their advisory firm to clearly explain each step, cost, condition, expected timeline, and any policy changes that may affect the application.

Is Dominica citizenship still attractive after this change?

The addition of a physical presence requirement will certainly alter the convenience factor of the program to some extent. However, to assess whether Dominica citizenship remains suitable, investors need to consider the program as a whole rather than focusing solely on one new requirement.

Liệu quốc tịch Dominica có còn phù hợp hay không?
Is Dominica citizenship still suitable?

>>> See also: Dominican Republic Gross Domestic Product – A to Z Analysis

Dominica remains one of the Caribbean nations known for its long‑standing CBI program. For some investors, the value of the program lies not only in the application process but also in acquiring a second citizenship and the legal rights that come with it. 

On the other hand, the fact that policies are continuously updated shows that investors need to adopt a more cautious approach. A suitable program is not necessarily the one with the simplest procedures, but the one that meets personal goals, financial capacity, and long‑term family plans.

Should you apply before the new regulation takes effect?

The answer depends on the status of each application and the objectives of individual investors. Decisions should not be made solely out of a “beat the regulation” mindset without clarifying which group of applications the new policy will apply to.

Before proceeding, it is important to clarify:

  1. Current conditions of the program
  2. Due diligence requirements for investors and dependents
  3. Chosen investment option
  4. Fees and related costs
  5. Expected processing time
  6. Passport issuance regulations
  7. Possibility of physical presence in Dominica
  8. Future passport renewal policies
  9. Legal changes that may affect the application

A good citizenship investment plan should be based on verified information rather than timing or promotional claims about fast procedures.

New trends in Caribbean citizenship programs

The changes in Dominica can be seen in the broader context of Caribbean CBI programs moving toward stricter management standards. Enhanced investor due diligence, tighter information controls, and requirements for real connections with the granting country may make participation in these programs different from earlier phases.

For investors, this also raises the bar in choosing advisory firms. Beyond investment amounts or processing times, it is essential to evaluate their ability to update policies, review applications, and provide support for steps that may arise after citizenship is granted.

For those exploring Dominica citizenship or other second citizenship programs in the Caribbean, keeping up with the latest policy updates is indispensable. Even a seemingly small change in passport collection procedures can affect the timing, costs, and preparation of applications for the entire family.

Quoctichthuhai.com provides information and advisory services on residency‑by‑investment and second citizenship programs, helping investors compare options and build plans aligned with long‑term goals. When Dominica’s policy updates are officially released, investors should re‑check conditions and procedures before making decisions.

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