The Dominica Government has reinforced CBI Legislation to strengthen the integrity of the CBI Programme, and reinforces Dominica’s position as a leading destination for investment. The New Regulations were published in Commonwealth of Dominica Citizenship Regulations SRO 14 of 2023.
The Government has reiterated its commitment to upholding rigorous compliance standards, even in the face of international scrutiny by making constant improvements to the scheme. The Government has taken steps to uphold highest standards of integrity and transparency in its CBI Programme by addressing vulnerabilities and to restore confidence with international partners and investors.
Under the new rules, Dominica has the power to deprive citizenship if applicants seek to change their name within five years of receiving their certificate of naturalisation.
Authorized agents must be a citizen of Dominica and have their offices registered in Dominica with at least three staff. AAs must also undergo independent due diligence checks, indicating Dominica’s commitment to integrity at every point in its programme.
The main applicant is responsible for the completion and accuracy of the contents of each application form submitted by him and the following conditions shall be applicable – the applicant must personally read the form and sign the certificate of truth on the form.
“The new regulations strengthen the position of the Citizenship Unit, with the added support and oversight by the Committee, led by the Government’s attorney general. These new regulations formally protect the Government of Dominica’s ongoing commitment to due diligence. By consolidating its regulations into a single set of regulations that encompasses all aspects of the citizenship by investment process”, stated Dominica Citizenship by Investment Unit in a press release.
Dominica’s CBI Programme retains its commitment to its robust due diligence procedures and stringent regulations.
Dominica CBIU
The CBIU has also formalised its commitment to ensuring its Authorised Agents and Licenced Promoters uphold the highest standards with the promotional guidelines now enshrined in the regulations.
Extra Scrutiny
The Unit shall, on a monthly basis, share with the Joint Regional Communications Centre of CARICOM IMPACTS (JRCC) the names and bio data of all applicants who have been denied citizenship of Dominica. (12) JRCC is authorized to share the information in subregulation (11) with any other Caribbean jurisdiction operating a CBI Programme.
Applicants can be be refused, if denied citizenship in any other country;
Citizenship can be revoked if imprisoned abroad for “more than 12 months”.
