Dominica. Your guide to Economic Citizenship 2017

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Blaise Baker
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1 Dominica Your guide to Economic Citizenship 2017

THE COMMONWEALTH OF DOMINICA THE COMMONWEALTH OF DOMINICA Dominica, officially known as the Commonwealth of Dominica, is situated along the Eastern Caribbean archipelago between Guadeloupe to the

The island is 290 square miles, approximately 29 miles long and 16 miles wide and has a volcanic, mountainous landscape covered in lush, tropical rainforest.

3 THE COMMONWEALTH OF DOMINICA THE COMMONWEALTH OF DOMINICA Dominica, officially known as the Commonwealth of Dominica, is situated along the Eastern Caribbean archipelago between Guadeloupe to the north and Martinique to the south. The largest of the Windward Islands, Dominica is surrounded by the Caribbean Sea on its west coast and the Atlantic Ocean on the east. The island is 290 square miles, approximately 29 miles long and 16 miles wide and has a volcanic, mountainous landscape covered in lush, tropical rainforest. It is often referred to as the Nature Island of the Caribbean, with its 365 rivers (one for each day of the year) and numerous impressive waterfalls. In recent years, the country has become something of an eco destination for nature lovers and one of its rainforests is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Dominica s population, recorded as 71,293 in the 2011 census, is a mix of African, Carib, English and French all fully reflected in the island s rich architecture, music and culture. The Government is a parliamentary democracy with a President as Head of State. The executive power is with the Cabinet led by Prime Minister, the Honourable Mr. Roosevelt Skeritt, Labour Party (3rd term in office). Useful information: Capital: Roseau (on the leeward side of the island) Population: 71,293 (2011 census) Language: English and French Patois (or Creole) Religion: Christian (Roman Catholic) Currency: East Caribbean Dollar (pegged to the US Dollar XCD$2.7 = US $1.00) Head of State: President Head of Government: Prime Minister: Roosevelt Skeritt Dominica is a member of the United Nations, The Commonwealth of Nations, Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Your Guide to Economic Citizenship 2

5 THE COMMONWEALTH OF DOMINICA THE LEGAL BASIS FOR CITIZENSHIP OF DOMINICA DOMINICA CONSTITUTION - CHAPTER VII SECTION 101 Dominica Citizenship can be granted through Naturalization if a person who has not been continually resident in Dominica for more than 5 years applies for Naturalization and pays the prescribed fees. In 1993, the Government of Dominica amended the country s Constitutional Act and introduced the Dominica Economic Citizenship programme when it waived the 5 year residency requirement to allow investors to apply for citizenship by making a stipulated investment. The Dominica Government considers its citizenship programme to be one of its main sources of funds for the socio-economic development of Dominica. The Government directs capital from economic citizenship investments towards public and private sector projects, with an emphasis on tourism and agriculture in the private sector, and the building of schools and hospital renovation in the public sector. Why Dominica Citizenship? The Dominica Citizenship programme enables applicants to have a second citizenship and passport with no requirement for residency. Dominica Citizens may hold dual-nationality. The Dominica Government will not disclose details of its Citizens to another country so there is no need to surrender current citizenship unless there is a desire to. Following the proper procedures, applications for citizenship can be processed swiftly and it is possible to be in possession of a passport within 3 months of applying. Citizenship is for life. Adults are granted a Dominica Passport for 10 years, Children 5 years. We can assist with all passport renewals. Dominica has a generous tax regime with no personal income, capital gains, inheritance, wealth or gift taxes. Foreign income is only taxed if residency in Dominica is more than 180 days a year. Citizens of Dominica do not require a visa to travel to the United Kingdom or the European Schengen states. Your Guide to Economic Citizenship 2

7 THE COMMONWEALTH OF DOMINICA CITIZENSHIP APPLICATION - THE PROCESS Step 1: Document Preparation You will prepare the required paperwork and the Government application forms. We will support you every step of the way, reviewing documents as you prepare them. Step 2: Due Diligence The next stage of the process when applying for citizenship of Dominica is Due Diligence. Due Diligence is undertaken by independent agencies, based in the United States and approved by the Dominica Government. When we submit your application documents to the Government your due diligence fees are payable in full. The fees for due diligence are the same whether you choose donation or the real estate option. Due diligence Fees are as follows: Main Applicant $7,500 Spouse $4,000 Each child over 16 years $4,000 We will liaise on your behalf with the Citizenship by Investment Unit and keep you informed of progress and let you know if any supplementary documents are required. Once the process of due diligence is completed, the background report is sent directly to the Dominica Government for review by the committee. progress to the Citizenship Committee who will consider your application based upon the documents submitted and findings in the due diligence report. We will receive written confirmation and forward a copy of the letter to you to advise if you have been successful in your application or if they require any additional information Step 4: Payment Once your citizenship application is approved you will receive written confirmation requesting you to pay the Government Investment fee. The payment will be made directly to the Government of Dominica. For information on the fees please see the following link: Step 5: Naturalization Of Dominica After your investment has arrived with the Dominican bank, each family member will become a naturalized citizen of Dominica and will receive a naturalisation certificate. Step 6: Obtaining Dominica Passports Upon receipt of your Naturalization Certificate signed by the Labour and Immigration Minister of Dominica, your Dominica passport application will be submitted and your Dominica passport will be issued within 7-10 working days. We will scan and you a copy of your Dominica passport before delivering it with a courier. Step 3: Citizenship Committee Approval There is currently no mandatory interview requirement and no requirement to visit or reside in Dominica to obtain economic citizenship. After a successful due diligence report, your file will Your Guide to Economic Citizenship 2

9 THE COMMONWEALTH OF DOMINICA DOMINICA GOVERNMENT INVESTMENT FEES Dominican Citizenship may be obtained via 2 Options: Option 1. By either a donation to the fund which is a non- refundable investment. Option 2. Through a real estate purchase into a Government approved property. Option 1. GOVERNMENT FUND OPTION USD 100,000 Single Applicant USD 175,000 Applicant and Spouse USD 200,000 Family option (includes two children) Any additional dependants cost USD 25,000 (for any dependants up to the age of 30 andin full time education, or dependant parents over the age of 55) The fees are not payable until you have passed the due diligence process. You pay the Government of Dominica citizenship account directly, after you receive approval in writing of citizenship. Option 2. REAL ESTATE OPTION In addition to the property purchase, which must be for a minimum of USD 200,000 into a Government approved real estate project, the following Government Fees are applicable. USD 50,000 Single Applicant USD 75,000 for family up to 4 persons, including the main applicant USD 100,000 for family up to 6 persons, including the main applicant USD 20,000 for each additional dependant aged under 18 years; USD 25,000 for each additional dependant aged over 18 years DUE DILIGENCE FEES The due diligence fees are applicable for either the real estate or Government Fund Option and are as follows: USD 7,500- Main Applicant USD 4,000- Spouse USD 4,000 - Dependents aged 16 years and over Your Guide to Economic Citizenship 2

11 THE COMMONWEALTH OF DOMINICA DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR A DOMINICA CITIZENSHIP APPLICATION 1 One complete and notarized copy of Application Forms D1, D2, D3 and D4 for all applicants over 16 years 2 Two Notarised copies of Application form 12 required on each applicant, children included. 3 Letter of Employment, or if self-employed, corporate documents and your latest Audited Financial Statement. 4 Two Notarised copies of the Birth Certificate for each applicant. 5 Proof of residential address for the Main Applicant. 6 Certified Copy of Military Record if applicable. 7 Bank statements for the last 12 months. 8 Original signed reference letter from your bank, required of the main applicant. It must show you have held an account for a minimum of two years. 9 Police record from your country of birth, and from your country of residence if different for all applicants over 16. Children aged must have a sworn affidavit that they do not have a criminal record. 10 Notarized Marriage certificate/and notarized dissolution of marriage (if applicable). 11 Certified copy of Passport, driving license, residency permits and national identity cards if applicable. 12 Letter of application addressed to the Minister requesting citizenship 13 Resume or detailed background report for all working applicants. 14 Eight passport size photos. Photos must be on a white background with ears showing. 15 Notarized copies of university/college diplomas, if applicable. 16 An original letter of recommendation from the Principal/Dean of the school or university for all dependents All original documents that are not in the English language must be legally translated and notarised. We require the original and the translated copies. Your Guide to Economic Citizenship 2

13 THE COMMONWEALTH OF DOMINICA WHY CHOOSE ISLANDS GROUP? Islands Group is recognized as the leader in obtaining fast-track citizenship programmes, with no requirement for residency, in Dominica, St Kitts and Nevis and Antigua in just 3 to 4 months. With offices in each jurisdiction, our local lawyers and professional offshore consultants are on hand to advise you on the best programme for you to obtain an irrevocable second passport. Firstly, we will liaise with you to ensure your application forms are completed accurately to ensure a successful application and secondly, with the Due Diligence Agency and Government on a daily basis, to expedite your application. With over 12 years experience of successfully guiding families through what can often be a complicated process, our past clients are more than happy to be contacted by you to offer reassurance on the whole process. We understand that there are often substantial time zone differences, particularly with the Middle East and Asia but we will always be on hand on your time to give you current updates. Whether you are considering a second citizenship due to your current nationality being restrictive with issuing visas, personal security or opening opportunities for your children, acquiring a second citizenship is a wise decision and an investment for the future: Your citizenship of choice is for life, your spouse and children can be included and dual nationality is recognised. It is also an incredibly effective tool for tax planning and offering more privacy in banking and investments. The jurisdictions we offer have generous tax regimes - no Wealth, Gift, Inheritance, Foreign Income or Capital Gains Tax and No Personal Income tax. Once you have received your second citizenship we are here to help and support you should you require assistance in opening bank accounts, driving licences and other services in the jurisdictions. 13 Your Guide to Economic Citizenship

15 UAE Caribbean website:

Introduction & Fact Sheet

Introduction & Fact Sheet Dominica The Nature Island Dominica is a beautiful island in the Lesser Antilles region of the Caribbean Sea. It is located to the southeast of Guadeloupe and the northwest of