There is a lot of misinformation about citizenship by investment, sometimes from ignorance and sometimes to make a sale. This article sets the most common beliefs against the facts in official sources, checked on 24 October 2026.
"You buy a passport"
Fact: the money is paid as a lawful investment, but citizenship is granted only after the application, due diligence and interview have been reviewed. In Dominica the investment is not even paid before approval in principle.
"Approval is guaranteed"
Fact: the decision rests only with the country's official authority. The CBIU of Dominica announces the outcome of its review as approval, deferral or refusal. Anyone promising "guaranteed approval" is promising something that is not theirs to give.
"You have to live in the country"
Fact: according to the CBIU, Dominica citizenship requires no residence in the country, neither before nor after citizenship.
"A second passport means no tax"
Fact: the CBIU says Dominica has no wealth, gift, inheritance, foreign income or capital gains tax, and personal tax applies only to residents. But the tax of the country where you live does not disappear with a second passport. Under the CRS standard, banks also ask for your tax residence.
"Every nationality is accepted"
Fact: Dominica does not accept applications from nationals of some countries and has strict conditions and enhanced due diligence for others, including Iran.
"The family cannot come along"
Fact: in Dominica the spouse, children under age and education conditions, and parents over 65 under conditions may join in one application, and a minor child can also be added later.
"It takes a few weeks"
Fact: the CBIU says applicants should generally expect at least three months from submission to approval in principle. Preparing the documents takes time before that.
"With a second passport you go everywhere visa-free"
Fact: each passport's travel access depends on its country's agreements and may change. For example, the Council of the European Union ended the visa exemption for Vanuatu nationals in December 2024. Before each trip, check the destination's current rule.
"Anyone can submit an application"
Fact: the CBIU accepts applications only through an Authorised Agent. The official list of agents is published on the CBIU website.
This article is general information and not legal advice.
Sources
- CBIU Dominica, FAQ — https://www.cbiu.gov.dm/faqs/ (checked on 24 October 2026)
- CBIU Dominica, how to apply — https://www.cbiu.gov.dm/dominica-citizenship/how-to-apply/ (checked on 24 October 2026)
- CBIU Dominica, banned and restricted nationalities — https://www.cbiu.gov.dm/dominica-citizenship/banned-nationalities/ (checked on 24 October 2026)
- CBIU Dominica, Authorised Agents — https://www.cbiu.gov.dm/dominica-citizenship/authorised-agents/ (checked on 24 October 2026)
- OECD, international standards on tax transparency — https://www.oecd.org/en/topics/international-standards-on-tax-transparency.html (via the search index; the OECD site refused direct access; checked on 24 October 2026)
- Council of the European Union, "Vanuatu: Council ends visa exemption" (12 December 2024) — https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2024/12/12/vanuatu-council-ends-visa-exemption/ (checked on 24 October 2026)