Dominica Citizenship by Investment Real Estate: Approved Property Guide

How to get Dominica citizenship by buying real estate

Dominica citizenship by investment allows foreign investors to obtain a Dominican passport through a qualifying property purchase. The process usually takes at least 8 months.

Investors can visit Dominica for vacations or even relocate to the island, but they are not obligated to live there.

Minimum investment is $200,000. The investor can buy a hotel share, resort suite, villa, or another unit in a government-approved project. The property price is not the final cost. The investor also pays a government fee, Due Diligence fee, interview fee, and other government charges.

The investor must choose a project from the official CBI-approved real estate list. Open-market property does not qualify for citizenship, even if it costs more than the minimum investment amount.

Who can apply. The main applicant must be over 18, have legal income, no criminal record, and good health. The investor can apply alone or add close family members:

• a spouse;
• financially dependent children up to and including 30;
• financially dependent parents over 65;
• financially dependent grandparents over 65.

The official CBIU banned nationalities list includes Belarus, Russia, Yemen, and nationals from Northern Iraq.

Citizens of North Korea, Sudan, and Iran can apply only if they have not lived in these countries for at least 10 years, have no substantial assets there, and have not done business in or with these countries. Enhanced Due Diligence may apply.

The process is currently remote. Applicants can obtain Dominica citizenship without visiting the country before or after applying. They also do not take exams in the country’s language or history.

Dominica plans to add an in-person visit requirement for successful applicants. They will need to visit the island and spend time there. The Government of Dominica is expected to announce further details with the 2026/2027 National Budget ^[1] Source: Government of Dominica Pressroom reports planned new measures to strengthen the CBI programme .

Who this route suits

Passive investors and rentiers. The real estate option is relevant for buyers who are used to assessing hotel and resort assets, not only private housing. They can compare approved projects by location, operator, construction stage, management agreement, expected expenses, and exit terms.

Entrepreneurs seeking a Plan B. For business owners, Dominica citizenship can work as a backup tool for travel, negotiations, bank visits, and family security. For example, an entrepreneur can keep the main business in their current country and use a Dominican passport as part of a wider mobility strategy.

Families planning relocation together. This route may suit applicants who want to obtain citizenship not only for themselves, but for close family members. The main investor can include a spouse, financially dependent children up to and including 30, and financially dependent parents and grandparents over 65.

5 benefits of buying real estate in Dominica

Some investors want to obtain citizenship and travel with a Caribbean passport. Others invest in hotel projects to receive rental income from managed resort property.

1. The opportunity to obtain citizenship 

Investors can obtain a Dominican passport by buying real estate. The minimum property price is $200,000. The real estate must be held for at least 3 years after citizenship is granted. If the investor wants to sell the property to another applicant under the citizenship program, the holding period is 5 years.

A Dominican passport allows visa-free travel to 120 countries. The list includes Schengen Area states, China, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

2. A secure transaction 

Investors buy property only in approved projects. To qualify for Dominica citizenship by investment, the real estate must be authorised by the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica and included in the official list of approved CBI projects.

Government approval reduces the risk of buying from an unreliable developer. Projects are reviewed before they can be offered under the program. The check covers whether the property and developer meet the program requirements, including legal and construction-related conditions.

3. A remote process

Investors do not need to travel to Dominica to buy property. They can choose an approved project, sign purchase documents, transfer the investment, and receive ownership documents remotely.

This is useful for applicants who buy real estate mainly as part of the citizenship process. They can complete the transaction from their country of residence and continue with the CBI application without interrupting business or family plans.

4. A relatively low investment

Dominica has a lower entry threshold than some other citizenship by investment programs. To qualify through real estate, an investor buys a property share or unit in an approved project worth at least $200,000.

For comparison, Egypt requires at least $300,000 for the real estate route. Türkiye requires at least $400,000 for property purchase and a 3-year resale restriction. This makes Dominica a more accessible option for investors who want to obtain citizenship through a property purchase, rather than a non-refundable contribution.

5. Additional income

Investors may earn rental income from the property. The real estate option allows them to buy a share or unit in an approved hotel, resort, or villa project. While the investor owns the property, they may receive income from renting it out.

In managed resort projects, the investor does not need to search for tenants or handle rental documents. These tasks are usually handled by the management company or hotel operator under the terms of the project agreement.

Tourism demand supports the rental model. In 2025, Dominica recorded 488,091 visitor arrivals, up 13% from 2024. Stay-over arrivals, including yachts, reached 112,195 visitors, the highest figure on record ^[2] Source: Government of Dominica Pressroom reports strong tourism growth in 2025 .

The main drawback is market dependence. Approved real estate in Dominica is usually linked to tourism, so rental income depends on visitor demand, hotel occupancy, the operator’s performance, and external risks. Dominica is also exposed to hurricanes and tropical storms, which can affect infrastructure, tourism flows, and the operation of resort properties.

Types of approved real estate

Foreigners can buy property in Dominica, but not every property qualifies for citizenship by investment. To apply for a Dominican passport through real estate, the investor must choose a project approved under the CBI program.

The approved list includes projects by recognised developers and hotel brands. In some projects, investors buy a share in a hotel or resort. In others, they can buy a unit, villa, or residence in full ownership.

Among the best-known approved projects are The Residences at Secret Bay, InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa, and Tranquility Beach Resort by Hilton.

A share in the five-star InterContinental hotel

InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa is one of the best-known approved real estate projects in Dominica. The hotel is located near Portsmouth, next to Cabrits National Park. 

Investors can buy a share in the hotel complex. The minimum investment starts at $220,000. The project is ready and operated as a resort under the InterContinental brand.

The hotel has rooms with ocean and mountain views, 4 outdoor pools, a spa, a fitness centre, restaurants, and private parking. Guests can also use room service, a kids’ club, and water activities.

Investors may receive projected rental income of 3—5% a year. They can also stay at the resort for up to 7 days a year, depending on the terms of the purchase agreement. as a bonus, investors receive InterContinental loyalty program status for 2 years. Benefits may include welcome gifts, private check-in, early check-in or late check-out, and discounts on laundry and dry cleaning services.

Full-ownership villa or project share at Secret Bay

The Residences at Secret Bay is one of the best-known approved real estate projects in Dominica. It is an all-villa resort near Portsmouth, set on a clifftop above the Caribbean Sea. 

Secret Bay is positioned as a 6-star spa resort in project materials and is certified by Green Globe. Travel + Leisure named it the No. 1 Caribbean resort for 4 years running; in 2025, Secret Bay ranked No. 2 among Caribbean resorts.

The project includes 42 villas with one or two bedrooms. Guests have access to 3 beaches, a spa and wellness pavilion, a fitness centre, an open-air restaurant, an infinity pool, an art gallery, nature trails, water sports equipment, and a sea cave.

Investors can choose one of two formats:

• a project share starting from $216,000;
• full ownership of a villa from 126 m², starting from $1,500,000.

Owners may stay at the resort for up to 30 days a year, depending on the terms of the purchase agreement.

A share in a Hilton-managed resort complex

Tranquility Beach Resort is an approved real estate project on the west coast of Dominica. The resort is located in Salisbury and is designated to operate under Hilton’s Curio Collection brand. The project is planned as a 73-room resort with studios, one- and two-bedroom apartments, and villas with one, two, or three bedrooms. 

The complex is set on a sea cliff with direct access to secluded beaches.

The resort infrastructure includes a spa and wellness centre, a gym, a restaurant, a swimming pool, a gift shop, private parking, and a private beach area. The project is designed as a managed resort, so investors buy a share rather than a separate private home.

The minimum investment starts at $220,000. Projected rental income is 3—7% a year. Shareholders may also stay at the resort for 1 week a year, depending on the purchase agreement.

Investors receive Hilton Gold status and bonus points with an estimated value of about $15,000. The points can be used for stays at hotels within the Hilton portfolio.

A share or freehold suite in a Marriott Autograph Collection resort

Anichi Resort & Spa is a five-star approved real estate project on Picard Beach, near Portsmouth. The resort is branded by Autograph Collection by Marriott and is planned as a boutique hotel on the north-west coast of Dominica.

The complex will occupy about 12 acres and include 128 rooms. The resort infrastructure will include one- and two-bedroom apartments, presidential suites, private suites with pools, restaurants, bars, a spa, a fitness centre, a business centre, and a conference hall.

Investors can choose between a project share and a freehold suite. A share starts at $220,000, while freehold suites cost $300,000 or $320,000, depending on the unit.

Costs beyond the property price

The property price is not the final cost of buying real estate in Dominica. If the transaction includes a land or title transfer, the buyer also pays transfer fees, legal costs, and sometimes valuation and survey fees.

Purchase costs

In a regular property transaction in Dominica, the buyer pays costs related to land or title transfer. Official sources list a 1% Assurance Fund fee and stamp duty on the sale of land; other buyer-side costs may include judicial fees, solicitor’s fees, valuation fees, and survey fees ^[3] Source: Aliens Land Holding Regulation Act 1995, Act No. 17 of 1995 .

The cost structure is different when the investor buys approved real estate under the citizenship by investment program. In many approved projects, investors buy a hotel or resort share, so standard land transfer costs do not apply in the same way as in an open-market property purchase.

For one applicant, the main costs are:

• real estate purchase — from $200,000;
• government fee — $75,000;
• Due Diligence fee — $7,500;
• mandatory interview fee — $1,000;
• other government fees — from $2,131.

The cost increases if the investor includes family members in the application. The final amount depends on the number of relatives, their age, and the fees set for each dependant.

Cost of obtaining Dominica citizenship by investment by property purchase

Expenses	Investor	Investor and spouse	Family with children aged 15 and 19
Investment	$200,000+	$200,000+	$200,000+
Due Diligence	$7,500	$7,500 for the investor +$4,000 for the spouse	$7,500 for the investor +$4,000 for the spouse +$4,000 for a child over 16
Interview	$1,000	$2,000	$4,000
Government fee	$75,000 for the investor	$100,000 for a family of up to 4	$100,000 for a family of up to 4
Other fees and duties	$2,131+	$2,131+	$3,853+
Total	$285,631+	$315,631+	$323,353+

Holding costs

Management company. If an investor buys approved resort property for Dominica citizenship, they usually do not manage the property themselves. Daily maintenance, guest services, repairs, and rental operations are handled by the management company under the project agreement.

The investor should check how these costs are charged. In some projects, maintenance and management costs are included in the financial model; in others, they may be deducted from rental income or charged as a separate fee.

After obtaining a Dominican passport, the investor can buy property for personal use and is not limited to CBI-approved projects. In this case, annual costs may include municipal property tax, maintenance, insurance, and utilities.

Maintenance and servicing may cost about $2,000 a year, while property insurance may cost about $1,000 a year. The final amount depends on the property type, location, building condition, insurance coverage, and whether the owner uses a management company.

Utilities are paid separately. According to Numbeo, basic utilities for an 85 m² apartment in Dominica cost about $142 a month. This includes electricity, cooling, water, heating, and garbage collection ^[4] Source: Numbeo publishes cost-of-living prices for Dominica .

Tax. If the owner rents out the property, rental income may be taxed. Residential rental income of an individual is taxed at 20% of net income after deducting interest expenses related to the property and property insurance ^[5] Source: Income Tax (Amendment) Act, 2020 specifies the tax rate on residential rental income of an individual .

How rental income and resale work

The real estate route may interest investors who assess not only citizenship, but also the return of capital. Before buying, they need to check how income is calculated, how long the property must be held, and when it can be sold.

Rental income expectations

Approved real estate projects in Dominica often operate as hotels or resorts. The investor buys a share, suite, villa, or another unit, while the operator manages bookings, guests, maintenance, and daily operations.

Projected returns depend on the project. For example, project materials for InterContinental, Secret Bay, Hilton and Anichi indicate expected income of 3—7% a year. The final result depends on the hotel operator, occupancy rate, seasonality, operating expenses, taxes, and the terms of the management agreement. 

Holding period

To qualify for citizenship through real estate, the investor needs to hold approved property for at least 3 years from the date citizenship is granted. During this period, selling the property may affect compliance with the investment requirement.

If the investor wants to sell the property to another buyer who will also use it for Dominica citizenship by investment, the holding period is 5 years from the date citizenship is granted.

What documents are required to purchase real estate and obtain Dominica citizenship

To obtain Dominica citizenship through real estate purchase, the investor prepares one document package for the CBI Unit. It includes personal, family, financial, medical, and real estate documents.

Passportivity lawyers translate the documents, prepare government forms, help obtain certificates, and submit the file to the Dominica CBI Unit.

The main document package usually includes:

• all valid passports;
• a resume;
• 8 passport-sized photos;
• birth certificates of all applicants;
• marriage or divorce certificate, if applicable;
• university degree;
• military ID, if applicable;
• police clearance certificate;
• proof of residence;
• bank statement for the past year;
• bank letter;
• professional reference;
• 2 personal references;
• proof of good health: blood and urine test results;
• documents confirming the reservation or purchase of approved real estate.

If a foreigner buys property in Dominica outside the citizenship program, general land purchase rules apply. Non-citizens need an Alien Landholding License, or ALHL, to buy 1 acre or more for residential use, or 3 acres or more for commercial use. For smaller plots, the licence is not required ^[6] Source: Aliens Land Holding Regulation Act 1995, Act No. 17 of 1995 .

Risks to check before buying

Approved real estate is still a real estate investment. Before signing, investors need to check not only the passport outcome, but also the project status, payment terms, and exit rules. 

Non-approved property. Not every property in Dominica qualifies for citizenship by investment. The object must be part of a project approved by the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica.

If an investor buys a villa, apartment, or land plot outside the approved list, the purchase will not meet the real estate requirement for citizenship. This applies even if the property is legal, well-located, and suitable for personal use.

Developer and construction risk. Approved projects can be at different stages. Some resorts already operate, while others are still under construction.

For example, InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa is an operating hotel. Anichi Resort & Spa and Tranquility Beach Resort are construction-stage projects. For unfinished projects, the buyer needs to check the completion date, permits, construction reports, and the developer’s previous projects. A delay can affect the start of rental income and the date when the resort begins full operations.

Payment terms also matter. The agreement should explain when the investor transfers money, whether payments are linked to construction milestones, what happens if the project is delayed, and whether funds are protected by escrow or another payment structure.

Document inconsistencies. Names, passport numbers, addresses, bank details, and property details must match across the citizenship file and purchase documents. Even a small typo can delay the process: the investor may need a corrected form, a new notarised translation, an updated bank letter, or a revised Sale and Purchase Agreement.

The property documents need special attention. They must show that the investor buys real estate in an approved CBI project and that the investment amount meets the program requirement.

Key points about Dominica citizenship by investment through real estate 

1. Foreign investors can obtain Dominica citizenship by buying approved real estate.
2. Minimum investment is $200,000. Investors can buy a hotel share, resort suite, villa, or another unit in a government-approved project.
3. The investor needs to hold the property for at least 3 years after citizenship is granted. If the property is resold to another CBI applicant, the holding period is 5 years.
4. Rental income is estimated at 3—7% a year. The final return depends on the project, hotel operator, occupancy rate, seasonality, expenses, taxes, and agreement terms. 
5. The citizenship by investment process is fully remote and usually takes at least 8 months. Applicants do not need to visit Dominica or take language or history exams.