The Dominican Republic is one of the most scenic countries on the planet. From its pristine beaches to picturesque landscapes and quaint villages, the
The Dominican Republic is one of the most scenic countries on the planet. From its pristine beaches to picturesque landscapes and quaint villages, the nation teems with attractions that are sure to pique the interest of any adventure seeker. No wonder it has been christened “The Nature Isle of the Caribbean.”
However, the Dominican Republic isn’t all about natural wonders. The country is also a haven for investment tourism. Many investors cite a friendly business environment, access to millions of potential customers, and a favorable tax regime as their primary reasons for setting up business ventures in this Caribbean nation.
It’s even more reassuring to know that you don’t need to be a Dominican by birth to tap into its thriving economy. You can acquire legitimate citizenship by exploring the country’s citizenship by investment (CBI) program.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Dominican Republic’s CBI program.
What Is CBI?
Citizenship by investment is a legal mechanism implemented by many countries, which grants citizenship to foreign nationals in exchange for a commitment to invest in the said nation. This program allows you to set up business ventures in other countries without being subjected to the often stringent foreign tax laws.
The Dominican Republic was among the first countries to introduce citizenship by investment, having launched the program in 1993. The country has registered tremendous economic growth since then, partly attributed to its CBI initiatives.
But as you shall find, acquiring a Dominica passport by investment provides more benefits beyond economic ones.
Why Explore the Dominican Republic’s CBI Program?
The Dominican Republic is an upper-middle-class income country. The nation ranked 80 out of 189 countries in the 2021-2022 Human Development Index. It has a GDP of USD 113.54 billion, making it one of the richest countries in the Caribbean. Acquiring citizenship by investment is the most efficient route to tap into the Dominican’s vibrant economy as a foreign national.
Obtaining Dominican citizenship through the CBI program also gives you unhindered access to all fifteen states in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) economic bloc. You can work, study, or live in any of the CARICOM territories and leverage the bloc’s free trade agreement to offer your merchandise throughout the region (with a few exceptions). Other perks include the elimination of non-tariff barriers to trade and common product standardization policies.
Besides, CARICOM signed the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the European Union (EU) on 15th October 2008, liberalizing trade and investment between member states of the two economic blocs. Thanks to this groundbreaking development, Dominican Republic investors now have access to an even wider market in the EU’s 27 member states without incurring additional tariffs.
Holding a Dominican passport also allows you to travel to numerous countries as a tourist. The passport currently enjoys visa-free access to dozens of countries, including prime investment destinations like the United States, China, Singapore, and Australia.
The Dominican Republic’s CBI program also provides benefits from a tourist standpoint. You can explore the nation’s idyllic islands, soak in its enchanted beaches, and marvel at its imposing mountains worry-free.
Investment Routes for the Dominican Republic’s CBI Program
There are two primary ways to be eligible for citizenship in the Dominican Republic: by investment program. You could choose between donating to Dominica’s Economic Diversification Fund (EDF) and investing in specific government-approved real estate projects.
The minimum amount you can donate to the EDF is $100,000 for a single applicant or $200,000 for a four-member family, exclusive of fees.
If you prefer to invest via the real estate route, you’ll be required to pay $200,000, which is one of the most affordable among countries offering the CBI program.
Meeting Other Eligibility Criteria
Besides fulfilling the required financial obligation, Dominican’s CBI program applicants must meet certain additional criteria.
First, an applicant must be a person of integrity. They must have a clean criminal record and provide police reports. They must also not have outstanding visa denials.
CBI applicants must also submit the relevant documentation. These include government-issued identification cards, proof of address, bank statements, business/employment documents, and medical records.
If you’re pursuing a CBI through the real estate route, you must provide a sales and purchase agreement.
Lastly, while primary applicants to the Dominican Republic’s citizenship by investment can invite family members, the program only allows legal spouses, children up to thirty years, and dependent parents over 65 years.
Applying for the Dominican’s CBI Program
The process of applying for citizenship in the Dominican Republic by investment program is straightforward.
1. Identify an Authorized Agent
Authorized Agents are professionals officially licensed by the Dominican Citizenship by Investment Unit (CBIU) to work for prospective CBI applicants.
All CBI applications should come through Authorized Agents, as the CBIU unit doesn’t process direct submissions.
2. Contact the Identified Agent
After identifying an Authorized Agent, contact them for insights into how to prepare the required documentation. These include personal, financial, and medical documents.
The Agent may also facilitate medical examinations by scheduling appointments on your behalf.
3. Submit the Documents
Your Authorized Agent will confirm that all paperwork is duly filled before submitting your application to the CBIU.
They’ll then take care of all queries and correspondences on your behalf while keeping you in the loop on the progress of your application.
4. Wait For CBIU Feedback
After the CBIU receives your application, the agency shall conduct an extensive background check to ensure every piece of information checks out. You (and any secondary applicant aged 16 years or over) will be invited to mandatory interviews as part of the vetting process.
The CBIU will then contact you through your Authorized Agent on the status of your application. Expect a yes (approval in principle), no (denial), or wait (delay for cause) response.
5. Pay the Investment Amount
If your application is successful, you must donate to the Economic Diversification Fund or complete the pending real estate investment.
After receiving proof of payment, the CBIU will officially grant you citizenship status by issuing you a naturalization certificate.
How Long Does It Take To Process CBI Applications?
Most CBI applications are processed within 60 – 90 days. However, the duration will depend on the volume of similar requests and the extent of due diligence required.
Besides the processing time, applicants may need around two to six weeks to gather the required documentation and submit a formal application.
Wrap Up
Dominica’s CBI initiative is an innovative program that has granted many aliens the opportunity to obtain citizenship in this Caribbean nation.
The program has also contributed immensely to Dominica’s economy since its introduction over three decades ago.
