Dominica is adding a personal presence requirement to its citizenship by investment program in 2026. Applicants, including those renewing investment passports, will need to collect their documents in person in Dominica.
New Personal Collection Requirement
In June 2026, Dominica’s Prime Minister, Dr. Roosevelt Skerrit, announced that applicants under the Dominica citizenship by investment program must collect their documents in person in Dominica.
The requirement also applies to people renewing their investment passports.
The measure is part of broader steps announced by Caribbean countries in 2025 to preserve their investment migration programs under pressure from the European Union. In 2026, St. Kitts introduced mandatory biometrics, while Dominica introduced the personal presence requirement.
The exact process and required documentation for in-person collection have not yet been finalized. Authorities are expected to announce the details as they develop the procedure.
How the Rule Affects Applicants
At this stage, the confirmed requirement is that passports or related documents must be collected in person in Dominica.
The article states that the measure was introduced out of necessity and that practical details will be finalized over time.
Applicants and renewing passport holders should therefore expect additional travel planning and should wait for formal instructions on:
- Where documents must be collected
- What identification or supporting documents will be required
- Whether appointments will be needed
- How the rule will apply to families or representatives
Current Dominica Citizenship Terms
Dominica citizens lost visa-free access to the United Kingdom in 2023 but retained visa-free access to the Schengen Area.
Dominica citizens can enter Schengen countries without a visa and stay for 90 days in every six-month period.
The minimum investment under the Economic Diversification Fund is:
- US$200,000 for a single applicant
- US$250,000 for a family of up to four
The article states that Dominica currently has the lowest investment level for a single applicant compared with other Caribbean citizenship by investment programs.
Dominica citizenship can be obtained through either:
- A non-refundable contribution
- Purchase of shares in resort projects authorized under the program
Real Estate Route: Secret Bay
One real estate option mentioned is Secret Bay, a boutique luxury resort supported by Dominica’s citizenship by investment program.
Secret Bay has operated since 2011 and is described as a six-star luxury resort located within a large national park.
Investment options cited include:
- Shared ownership from US$208,000 per share
- Whole ownership from US$1.49 million to US$4.05 million per villa
The article also describes Secret Bay as an ultra-luxury, secluded eco-villa resort on the northwest coast near Portsmouth, with cliff-top villas, rainforest surroundings, private plunge pools, personal concierges, and tailored culinary experiences.
Travel and Stay Considerations
Dominica’s Douglas–Charles Airport accommodates smaller aircraft, so travelers from Europe, Canada, or much of the United States will likely need to connect through a major Caribbean gateway.
Common connection points include:
- San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Antigua
- Barbados
- St. Maarten
Hotels mentioned for stays in Dominica include:
- Secret Bay, near Portsmouth
- InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa, near Douglas Bay and Cabrits National Park
- Jungle Bay Dominica in Soufrière, described as an eco-luxury resort with wellness programs, yoga, and access to hot springs
Practical Implication
The main change for Dominica citizenship by investment applicants in 2026 is logistical rather than financial: applicants and renewing passport holders should now plan for a trip to Dominica to collect documents in person.
Because the exact procedure is not yet finalized, applicants should treat timing, travel arrangements, and official document collection rules as important planning factors before proceeding.
Source article: apexcapital.one
