If the Commonwealth of Dominica is on your radar as a destination to retire, work, or relocate with family, there are a few things you should learn about Dominica immigration policy. The “Nature Island” is one of the Caribbean nations that offers straightforward relocation through options such as the Dominica Citizenship by Investment program, Entrepreneur Visa, and Work Visa.
Legal immigration to the Commonwealth of Dominica involves obtaining citizenship or another available visa. US passport holders and many others do not require a visa to visit for up to 90 days. However, longer stays require a residence permit or citizenship.
This guide explains the types of Dominica visas, the best options, and the application process.
Who needs a visa for immigration to Dominica?
All non-Caribbean citizens require a valid visa to relocate to Dominica. You can sidestep the visa requirement by obtaining Dominican citizenship. Citizens of other member countries of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) can immigrate to Dominica, provided they establish their intent to stay with the Dominica immigration authority.
Visas are processed by the Dominican Embassy, High Commission, or Consulate-General in your home country and issued by the Dominican Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Dominica Visa Categories
Citizenship by Investment
Though not a visa per se, the Dominica Citizenship by Investment Program allows foreign nationals to obtain Dominican citizenship by investing in the country’s economy. Investment routes outlined in the Citizenship Act include:
- Donating $200,000 to the Dominica Economic Diversification Fund (EDF)
- Investing at least $200,000 in Dominica real estate
The program allows foreigners to apply as a single applicant or as a family, including a spouse, dependent children, parents, and grandparents.
Work Visa
A Dominica work permit is a visa valid for one year. Foreigners who will fill employment gaps in sectors where local employers are insufficient can apply. If Work Visa holders continue to meet the visa requirements, they can submit a Dominica immigration form to extend the permit until they qualify for permanent residency in Dominica.
Family reunification
Commonwealth of Dominica immigration law allows the family members of citizens and residents to obtain Dominica residency. Spouses and dependent children under 18 qualify; other qualifying family members depend on the visa type.
The Dominica Citizenship by Investment Act lists a spouse, children, parents, and grandparents as qualified dependents, whereas the Work Visa limits qualified dependents to a spouse, children, and parents.
Add Your Heading Text Here
Immigration to Dominica for Caribbean Citizens
OECS
Citizens of other OECS states, including the four other countries offering Caribbean citizenship by investment, do not require a visa to immigrate to Dominica. They can establish Dominica residency through the OECS Free Movement of People Agreement, which allows OECS citizens to live, work, or invest in Dominica through a business without a residence permit or citizenship. After arriving in the country, they can present a valid passport or national ID to the Dominica immigration and customs authorities.
CARICOM
Other Caribbean Community (CARICOM) citizens can obtain Work Visas in Dominica by holding a Caribbean Skills Qualification Certificate, which allows them the right to apply for jobs in Dominica without sponsorship.
New free movement agreement
In October 2025, a new free movement agreement between Dominica, Barbados, Belize, and St Vincent & the Grenadines was introduced under CARICOM’s Enhanced Cooperation Protocol. The new agreement means Barbados, Belize, and St Vincent and the Grenadines citizens can live, work, and stay indefinitely in Dominica without a work permit or citizenship.
Dominica Immigration Requirements
As outlined in Dominica immigration policy, you must submit a Dominica visa application form when applying for a residence permit. The exact documents required depend on the visa, but usually include:
- Passport-size photographs
- A valid passport
- Criminal record certificate
- Birth certificate
Immigration requirements through the citizenship program
The naturalization requirements through the Dominica Citizenship by Investment Program are more extensive, as successful investors gain second citizenship and a Dominica passport that ranks relatively well in the 2025 Global Passport Index. Investors must:
- Be over 18
- Have an outstanding character
- Be in good health
- Have a clean criminal record
- Pass a detailed due diligence process
- Make a qualifying investment
The citizenship application process must be completed by an Authorized Agent or Dominica Citizenship by Investment lawyer. Due diligence includes attending a mandatory citizenship interview. The minimum investment amount is a $200,000 donation to the Economic Diversification Fund (EDF) or an investment of at least $200,000 in shares of a Dominica real estate project.
Although the Commonwealth of Dominica Constitution outlines a seven-year residency period for naturalization, the Citizenship by Investment Unit Dominica does mandate a residency requirement.
Taxes Considerations when Immigrating to Dominica
The Global Residency and Citizenship by Investment Index, produced by Global Citizen Solutions, ranked Dominica in third place for tax optimization, making it one of the Caribbean’s best countries for taxes. Individuals who obtain Dominica tax residency are exempt from paying foreign income, wealth, inheritance, or capital gains tax.
Why use Global Citizen Solutions?
Global Citizen Solutions is a multidisciplinary firm offering bespoke residence and citizenship solutions in Europe and the Caribbean. In a world where the economy and politics are unpredictable, having a second citizenship opens up opportunities and creates flexibility for you and your family.
So, why work with Global Citizen Solutions to obtain Caribbean citizenship?
- Global approach by local experts: We are corporate members of the Investment Migration Council, with local expertise in all five Caribbean CBI programs.
- 100 percent approval rate: We have never had a case rejected and will offer you an initial, free-of-charge, due diligence assessment before signing any contract.
- Independent service and full transparency: We will present to you all the investment options available, and all expenses will be discussed in advance, with no hidden fees.
- An all-encompassing solution: A multidisciplinary team of immigration lawyers, investment specialists, and tax experts will take into consideration all your and your family's mobility, tax, and lifestyle needs.
- Confidential service and secure data management: All private data is stored within a GDPR-compliant database on a secure SSL-encrypted server.
