Dominica Citizenship by Investment through Real Estate
Your Gateway to Sustainable Luxury Living
Dominica citizenship by real estate investment draws discerning buyers to the “Nature Isle of the Caribbean,” is a destination where untouched landscapes and modern luxury coexist. With its lush rainforests, volcanic peaks, and crystal-clear waters, Dominica is perfect for those seeking an exclusive retreat. Beyond its natural beauty, Dominica boasts a rich cultural heritage shaped by African, French, and British influences, offering an unmatched Caribbean experience.

Can foreigners buy real estate in Dominica, and how much it costs
Foreigners are allowed to purchase properties in Dominica. Yet, they need to get a special licence to do that. Investors are exempt from this requirement if they participate in the Dominica citizenship by investment program.
The government of Dominica does not publish property price statistics. Real estate experts estimate that the minimum price for a square metre is $500. And it may reach a maximum of $5,000 per sqm.
Prices for property in Portsmouth, Soufrière, Salisbury and Roseau, the country’s capital, are about 10% higher than the national average. The demand for housing in these towns can be explained by the fact that beautiful nature is combined with developed infrastructure in these areas, and the main attractions are nearby. Therefore, renting out housing and selling it with profit is easy.

10 reasons why investors buy property in Dominica
The main reason investors buy property in Dominica is the opportunity to make money. Housing here is in demand all year round: it can be resold and rented out.
1. Earning by renting out. While owning the property, you can receive rental income from 4% per annum. The yield of a secluded villa with all amenities, four bedrooms, and a private pool is up to 10% per annum.
2. Getting income from the sale. Investors can buy an apartment, a cottage, a villa, or a share in a hotel and sell it at a profit a little later. Already a year after the purchase, you can sell the property for 2—5% more expensive.
3. Supporting eco-initiatives. Dominica’s government supports ecotourism and eco-construction. World-famous operators like Kempinski, Hilton, and Marriott have built luxury hotels in the country over the past five years. These resort projects have different concepts but are united by a respect for wildlife.
4. Obtaining citizenship. Those foreigners who buy real estate in Dominica for $200,000 can get a passport of the country, which allows them to visit 146 countries without visas.
5. Property prices in Dominica are more affordable than in most Caribbean countries. As mentioned before, the minimum price for a square metre starts at $500. Due to the government’s control over the number of property investments in Dominica, the real estate market has remained stable in recent years.
6. The cost of living is relatively low compared to the United States or EU countries. Life in Dominica is 20% cheaper than in the USA and 17% cheaper than in France. The average utility bill for an 85 sqm apartment in Dominica is about $46 per month. The unlimited internet plan costs $65 per month.
7. Taxes. Tax residents in Dominica are not charged taxes on capital gains or inheritance. They are also eligible for various tax deductions. Real estate owners in Dominica pay a property tax of only 1.25% of the cadastral value. When buying property, investors pay a 4% stamp duty, which is the average rate worldwide.
8. Proximity to the USA. It is possible to get to the United States from Dominica in about 5 hours by plane. For Americans, Dominica can be a perfect place to purchase a vacation home.
9. Safety. Dominica offers peace and a laid-back lifestyle. The country can boast of a low crime rate as well as political, economic, and social stability. In 2023, Dominica was named the safest country in the Caribbean and earned the 38th spot globally. The crime rate has decreased by 33% since 2020. The last registered rate was 754 cases per 100,000 people for burglary and 96 cases for robbery.
10. Pristine nature is one of Dominica’s unique features, which is why foreigners choose to relocate there. The local property market is composed of beautiful villas and hotels in the rainforest. Many properties have beaches, waterfalls, lakes, or bays in their vicinity.

Best cities to invest in real estate in Dominica
Roseau. Foreigners who put the infrastructure first tend to purchase property in the capital of Dominica. Although real estate prices are the highest there, the city provides plenty of job and business opportunities. Roseau manages to combine modern amenities, historical sites, high-end property, and the beauty of nature.
Portsmouth is perfect for those who are seeking peace and tranquillity. It is the second-largest city in Dominica after Roseau, so the place does not lack hotels and restaurants. Portsmouth is a popular tourist destination for whale-watching and diving.
Soufrière is a village in the southwest of the island. The place is surrounded by tropical forests and is known for its breathtaking views. Property and living in Soufrière are more affordable than in the previous two cities.
Calibishie is a picturesque village on the north coast of Dominica. It offers a wide range of natural sights, from steep cliffs to palm-fringed beaches. Calibishie will be great for those who dream about a secluded villa overlooking the sea.
Marigot is quite a large village that is famous for having the best beaches. Dominica’s main airport is located there. Marigot also has stunning waterfalls nearby and excellent restaurants and hotels.

Step-by-step process of buying real estate in Dominica
As an investor, you need to go through 5 key steps to purchase property under the Dominica Citizenship by Investment Program:
- Choose a property from the list of pre-approved real estate projects.
- Contact an authorised agent. Immigrant Invest lawyers will help you prepare the necessary documents and submit them to the Dominica CBI Unit.
- Undergo a Due Diligence check. All applicants over 16 must attend a mandatory interview. After the application submission, applicants usually need to wait around 3 months for approval.
- Make an investment if your application has been approved. You conclude a purchase and sale agreement with the real estate developer, transfer the money, and pay state fees.
- Obtain your passport. Once the bank confirms the investment, the CBI Unit will issue your new passport and certificate of naturalisation. Immigrant Invest lawyers organise the delivery of the documents.
As an independent buyer, you can buy property in Dominica by following these steps:
- Find a property that interests you and make an offer.
- If your offer has been accepted, hire a lawyer to draw up a purchase and sale agreement.
- Find a certified surveyor who will value the property and prepare the necessary documents for the title transfer.
- Pay a 10% deposit for the seller’s lawyer to hold in escrow.
- Obtain an Alien Landholding Licence from the Dominica government.
- Pay the rest of the sum and all the required fees. Once it is done, you will obtain a Memorandum of Transfer.
- Submit the Memorandum of Transfer and other relevant documents to the Land Registry to get registered as the new owner of the property.
How to sell real estate profitably
Residential properties in Dominica grow in price by an average of 4% per year. After 5 years of ownership, the investor can earn 15—20% on the price difference. The income will at least cover the duties and fees the investor paid when applying for citizenship.
Upon selling real estate, investors pay a stamp duty of 2.5% of the transaction amount.
Legal and realtor services cost 1 to 2.5% of the sale. Participants of the Dominica real estate investment program do not need these services: a management company finds a buyer in cooperation with the licensed agent of the program
Benefits of the Dominica citizenship program
Since 2017, the Dominica program has been a solid leader in the ranking of citizenship programs. Let us list the main advantages of a Dominica passport.
146 visa-free destinations. Dominica citizens enter the Schengen States, Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore and 115 other countries without a visa.
Long-term US visa. The United States issues B-1/B-2 visas to Dominica citizens for 10 years. On such a visa, investors can freely enter the USA on business or vacation. You can stay in America for up to 90 days a year.
Fast-track citizenship route. Dominica citizenship can be obtained within 4 to 6 months. For comparison, to get a passport of an EU country, you need to wait at least 1 year, 5 years