Most documents in a Dominica application are copies, not originals. But every copy must be made official. This guide explains the steps simply. The rules come from the required documents page of the Citizenship by Investment Unit of Dominica (CBIU), checked on 24 October 2026.
The official rule
According to the CBIU:
- colour copies of documents must be notarised and legalised before submission;
- documents not in English must be translated, notarised and legalised.
Three steps, three different jobs
- Colour copy: a complete, legible image of the document in its original colours. A black-and-white copy is not enough.
- Notarisation: a notary or authorised official confirms that the copy matches the original, or certifies someone's signature.
- Legalisation: a government official confirms the notary's signature and seal so the document is accepted in another country. Between the countries of the Hague Apostille Convention this is done with a single apostille certificate. According to the official HCCH table, Dominica is a party to the Convention, but Iran is not on the list of parties. So no apostille is possible for documents issued in Iran and legalisation follows the traditional route; ask the Authorised Agent for the exact route. T
Which documents
According to the CBIU's list, these are among the documents needing certified colour copies:
- all passports, identity cards and the driving licence;
- documents of a name change (other than by marriage) and military service documents, if any;
- university degrees;
- source of funds documents.
Some documents must themselves be signed before a notary:
- two notarised copies of Form 12;
- the sworn statement of source of funds;
- the affidavit of support for each member aged 18 or over other than the spouse;
- the Statutory Declaration.
The right order
- First, the original document must be complete and correct; a fault in the original is not fixed by certification.
- If the document is not in English: translation, then certification of the translation, then legalisation.
- If it is in English: colour copy, then notarisation, then legalisation.
- Ask the Authorised Agent for the exact order and the officials accepted in your country before you start.
Common mistakes
- A cropped or skewed copy that misses the document's corners or seals;
- notarisation without legalisation;
- a translation spelling names differently from the passport;
- signing forms outside the notary's presence where presence is required.
Tips
- Make a separate list and folder for each family member.
- Keep a good scanned copy of every certified document.
- In the Royal Golden portal, each family member has their own document list, and our specialists check it is complete before submission.
This article is general information and not legal advice.
Sources
- CBIU Dominica, required documents — https://www.cbiu.gov.dm/dominica-citizenship/required-documents/ (checked on 24 October 2026)
- HCCH, status table of the Apostille Convention — https://www.hcch.net/en/instruments/conventions/status-table/?cid=41 (checked on 24 October 2026)