The two common routes of "investment migration" are sometimes confused: citizenship and residency. Both start with an investment, but their outcome and obligations are very different.
The outcome
- Citizenship: full nationality and the country's passport. A citizen has the right to live, work and study in the country like any other citizen. The CBIU of Dominica says the same of citizens by investment.
- Residency: a residence card or permit. The holder is not a citizen and does not get that country's passport. Their rights depend on the type of residence.
Presence requirements
- In Dominica's programme, residence in the country is required neither before citizenship nor after it.
- In many residency programmes you must spend a set time in the country to keep or renew the residence. This rule differs from country to country.
Duration and renewal
- Citizenship is not renewed. Only the passport is renewed, like any citizen's.
- Residence is usually for a fixed term and must be renewed. Sometimes, after some years and under conditions, it opens the way to permanent residence or citizenship.
Travel
- The passport of the country whose citizen you become has the same travel access as other citizens of that country. For example, according to October 2026 data, the Dominica passport needs no visa for a short stay in Schengen.
- A residence card does not by itself change your passport. You travel on your current passport, unless the destination has a special rule for residence holders.
Which for which goal
- If you need a second passport and travel options and do not intend to live in the programme's country, citizenship is the more direct answer.
- If you intend to live, work or have your children study in a particular country, look at that country's residence.
- Some families plan both: a second citizenship for travel and security, and residence in the country where they live.
An example: the UAE
The United Arab Emirates has long-term residence programmes such as the Golden Visa. It is residence, not nationality. Ask the UAE's official authority about its conditions.
This article is general information and not legal advice.
Sources
- CBIU Dominica, FAQ (benefits, residence) — https://www.cbiu.gov.dm/faqs/ (checked on 24 October 2026)
- English Wikipedia, Visa requirements for Dominica citizens (revision 1374828324) — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_requirements_for_Dominica_citizens (secondary source; checked on 20 October 2026)