Efficient vetting of applications is the cornerstone for the integrity of Dominica’s citizenship by investment program (DCBIP).
Dominica Government employs strict due diligence process and the intense vetting of potential investors, which ensures that only reputable and credible applicants are admitted. Dominica executes all background checks internally, as well as through external parties to protect the integrity of the Programme. It is also essential to know that due diligence is a mandatory requirement for all applicants above the age of 18. Dominica also restricts certain blacklisted country nationals from applying for the CBI program.
Dominica has only two investment routes for CBI program. The first is donation option to government fund (US$100,00) and secondly there is real estate option (US$200,000).
First all submitted applications by agents is screened by the Citizenship by Investment Unit and are obligated to submit a range of documentation including police clearances, from their current country of residence. These documents are verified, and potential applications are then sent to the Joint Regional Communication Center (JRCC), who then vet the applicants against their internal databases, and forward their results to the CBIU. This rigorous process of evaluating an applicant’s legitimacy to acquire citizenship from a country is the cornerstone of Dominica’s CBI Programme.
Following this initial screening, the CBIU forwards the verified documents to one of their subcontracted investigative agencies that specialise in identifying corruption, terrorism, and money laundering. These highly reputable agencies assess the risk of the applicant by employing a range of tactics to mine for information. These include one-on-ones with former business partners, local law enforcement, employees, and friends. The aim is to assess the applicant’s reputation, and once that has been established, a more intensive screening process ensues to confirm the applicant’s suitability for citizenship.
This process is further supported with information acquired from databases, such as terrorist watch lists as well as political, litigation and criminal databases. A report summarising its findings is then generated, identifying the individual’s type and source of wealth. It also provides a grade for the level of risk the applicant may pose – very low, low, medium, or high risk.
Once due diligence reports are issued to Dominica’s CBIU, a committee determines the decision on whether to grant or deny citizenship to an applicant. Official notification is then delivered to the applicant’s local agent.
If the applicant qualifies, a letter of approval is issued so that further investment steps can be completed for the issue of citizenship certificate and passport.
