Many people think the proof of citizenship is the passport. In Dominica the main proof of citizenship is the Certificate of Naturalisation, and the passport is issued after it and on the strength of it. The information below comes from the official pages of the Citizenship by Investment Unit of Dominica (CBIU), checked on 24 October 2026.
When it is issued
According to the CBIU's page on how to apply, the fifth and last step is "payment of investment and issuing of Certificates of Naturalisation":
- After approval in principle, the contribution to the Economic Diversification Fund is paid or the purchase of approved real estate is completed.
- On receiving proof of payment, the CBIU issues the Certificate of Naturalisation.
- Each applicant signs the Oath of Allegiance to Dominica before a Notary Public, a Justice of the Peace or a Commissioner of Oaths.
The official fee
The CBIU states the fee for the Certificate of Naturalisation as US$500 per person. The CBIU describes all the fees on that page as approximate.
What the certificate is for
- Proof of citizenship: the CBIU calls it the evidence "of your citizenship".
- Applying for a passport: with this certificate, you or your Authorised Agent apply for the Dominica passport. An adult's passport is valid for ten years and a child's under 16 for five years.
- Renewing or replacing the passport in future: keep the certificate for these.
- Adding a child after citizenship: the parent's certificate will be part of the documents.
The name rule
The applicant undertakes not to change their name for five years after receiving the Certificate of Naturalisation, except through marriage. So note the date the certificate was issued.
Keeping it safe
- Keep the original somewhere safe and have certified copies and a scanned copy.
- Do not carry the original without reason. A certified copy is enough for most purposes.
- If the certificate is lost or damaged, contact the CBIU through the Authorised Agent.
- Each family member's certificate is issued separately. File each person's documents separately.
In the Royal Golden customer portal, the documents you receive at the end of the application appear in the documents of that application.
This article is general information and not legal advice.
Sources
- CBIU Dominica, how to apply and fees — https://www.cbiu.gov.dm/dominica-citizenship/how-to-apply/ (checked on 24 October 2026)
- CBIU Dominica, FAQ (oath, passport, name, adding a child) — https://www.cbiu.gov.dm/faqs/ (checked on 24 October 2026)