The Dominica Citizenship by Investment Programme was introduced in 1993 by the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica and is now one of the world’s longest-running economic citizenship schemes.
The Government and team at the CBIU are dedicated to administering and strengthening the Dominica Citizenship by Investment Programme and seeing the nation and its economy flourish.
Introduction
The Government has established the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CBIU) within the Ministry of Finance to promote and administer the Citizenship by Investment Program. The Unit will be dedicated to the effective management and processing of the applications that are received by the Government.
The Unit exercises strict regulatory controls over the Program and is dedicated to streamlining the process for applicants seeking to obtain the citizenship of Dominica. The Unit ensures the highest professional standards and is committed to strict enforcement of the regulations. The Unit is headed by the Director of the CBIU, who is supported by Senior Examiners, Examiners, and administrative staff. For further information, here are the contact details for the CBIU
The Dominica Citizenship by Investment Unit (CBIU) stands out as a trusted entity in the realm of citizenship programmes. Choosing the CBIU means aligning with a reputable organisation that prioritises both the interests of its applicants and the welfare of Dominica, making it an ideal choice for those seeking citizenship through investment.
The CBIU is responsible for overseeing and managing the country’s successful CBI Programme, which has gained international recognition.
High Vetting Standards
The CBIU has strengthened the already rigorous due diligence procedures to ensure that only individuals of good character and reputation are granted citizenship. This commitment to maintaining high standards has helped to build trust and confidence in the Programme among investors and the international community.
Sustainable Development
One of the key aspects of the Dominica CBIU is its focus on sustainable development. The programme has been instrumental in funding various projects aimed at improving infrastructure, healthcare, education, and tourism in Dominica. These investments have not only benefited the local economy but have also enhanced the quality of life for the citizens of Dominica.
The Dominica CBIU’s commitment to transparency and accountability is evident in its strong regulatory framework. The Programme operates under strict guidelines and regulations, ensuring that all applicants are thoroughly vetted, and that the Programme’s integrity is maintained. This approach has earned the trust of investors and has positioned Dominica as a leader in the CBI industry.
- Renowned for its commitment to efficiency and transparency, the CBIU has established a robust framework that ensures a smooth application process.
- The CBIU enforces Government’s stringent due diligence measures, which thoroughly vet applicants to maintain the integrity of the Programme.
- The CBIU’s dedication to national development through investments in various sectors, including real estate and the Economic Diversification Fund, reflects its mission to enhance the country’s economy while providing valuable opportunities for investors.
CBIU Role and Duties
The Citizenship by Investment Unit (CBIU) is the government authority that administers the Programme, managing everything from the application process to finding new investment opportunities.
The CBIU shall be responsible for –
- administering the Citizenship by Investment Programme
- reviewing and processing all applications for Citizenship by Investment submitted to the Unit;
- ensuring that all due diligence background checks are comprehensive and completed throughout the application process, including compliance with the mandatory interview requirements; and
- providing sufficient information to justify any recommendation to the Minister to approve or deny an application for Citizenship by Investment
Applications must submitted to the CBIU must be done solely through appointed authorized agents. An applicant who is sixteen years of age and over shall undergo due diligence background checks before any decision is made in relation to his or her application.
Financial Intelligence Unit
All background due diligence checks shall be commissioned by the FI Unit which shall engage one or more independent firms to conduct these checks in accordance with the requirements set and instructions given by the Unit. Every due diligence report received shall be examined by the Unit and every applicant shall attend an interview virtually or in person.
The FI Unit shall conduct an enhanced due diligence background check on applicants named in an application for specified countries. The new FI unit will operate under the auspices of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) alongside the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CBIU) and will be responsible for reviewing all applications and commence its operations from Oct 2024.
Data Sharing
The FI Unit shall, on a monthly basis, share with the Joint Regional Communications Centre of CARICOM IMPACS (JRCC) the names and bio data of all applicants who have been denied citizenship of Dominica. JRCC is authorised to share the information in subregulation (11) with any other Caribbean jurisdiction operating a Citizenship by Investment Programme.
The Role of Financial Intelligence Unit shall be –
- Review and process all applications for citizenship made in accordance with Regulations;
- Ensure that all due diligence background checks are comprehensive and completed throughout the application process, including compliance with the mandatory interview requirements; and
- Ensure sufficient information is provided to justify any recommendation to the Minister concerning an application or applicant.
The official website is https://cbiu.gov.dm
