A large part of the delays in citizenship files comes from incomplete or incorrect documents. Dominica's Citizenship by Investment Regulations state clearly which documents are accepted, in which language, with which translation and signed by whom. This article is based on the official text of the "Commonwealth of Dominica Citizenship by Investment Regulations 2024" (Statutory Rules and Orders No. 8 of 2024), published on the "Legal Basis" page of the Citizenship by Investment Unit (`CBIU`) and checked on 25 October 2026.
General rules
| Topic | Official text (regulation 4) |
|---|---|
| Age of the main applicant | at least 18 |
| Name undertaking | a written undertaking not to change one's name for five years after the certificate of naturalisation, except by marriage |
| Forms | the prescribed forms, with original documents or certified copies |
| Language | forms in English; any non-English document with an "authenticated translation" |
| Submission | only through an Authorised Agent, with payment or proof of payment of the fees |
| Completeness | an application is accepted and processed only once all forms and documents are complete, signed and dated, with proof that all fees have been paid |
Translation: two separate rules
The definition of an "authenticated translation" in regulation 2: a translation made either by a professional translator officially accredited to a court of law, a government agency, an international organisation or a similar official institution; or, in a country without officially accredited translators, by a company whose business is professional translation.
The special rule for four documents in regulation 4(5): translations of birth certificates, marriage certificates, police certificates and the passport biodata page must be certified by the relevant government authority, embassy or consulate of the country where the document was issued.
| Document | Translation rule |
|---|---|
| Birth certificate, marriage certificate, police certificate, passport biodata page | translation certified by the government authority, embassy or consulate of the issuing country |
| Other non-English documents | an "authenticated translation" under the definition in regulation 2 |
Certified copies
Regulation 2 defines a "certified copy" as a photocopy certified by a notary public to be a true copy of the original. Under regulation 4(16), a copy certified by a notary must itself be authenticated:
| Where notarised | Authentication required |
|---|---|
| Countries party to the Hague Convention of 5 October 1961 | an apostille |
| The United States, Canada and countries not party to the Apostille Convention | proof of the expiry date of that notary's commission |
Who signs the form?
Under regulation 4(7), the main applicant is responsible for the completeness and accuracy of the forms, and these rules apply:
| Person | Who reads and signs the form's "certificate of truth" |
|---|---|
| Each adult applicant | themselves |
| A child under 18 | both parents, as legal guardians |
| A child under 18 in the sole custody of one parent or under another person's guardianship | that parent or guardian, with the legal document of custody or guardianship from a court or relevant authority |
| A dependant aged 18 or over who cannot complete the form because of a mental or physical disability | the person with the legal right to act for them, with the legal document showing that right |
Two forms have further rules:
- The fingerprint and photograph verification form and the waiver of residence requirements form: must be completed, signed and stamped by a registered fingerprinting officer, justice of the peace, notary public or commissioner of oaths.
- The medical form: must be completed, signed and stamped by a registered medical practitioner.
The affidavit of support and proof of study
| Document | Official text |
|---|---|
| Affidavit of support | for each dependant over 18, except the spouse, confirming that they are supported by the main applicant or their spouse (regulation 4(6)) |
| Proof of study | a dependant aged 18 to 30 studying at a recognised institution of higher learning submits official transcripts or a letter signed and stamped by the competent authority confirming current enrolment (regulation 4(15)) |
| Police certificate | under regulation 2, a statement from a national law enforcement authority on the status of a person's criminal record |
Due diligence and the interview
- Under regulation 4(13), every applicant aged 16 or over undergoes due diligence background checks before any decision.
- Under regulation 4(10), every application and every due diligence report is examined by the Financial Intelligence Unit, and every applicant attends an interview, in person or virtually.
The articles "Due diligence in Dominica's citizenship programme" and "The Dominica citizenship interview: what to expect" have more details.
The consequence of errors on the form
Under regulation 4(8), a false statement or the omission of requested information may lead to the application being rejected. If found later, citizenship may be deprived and prosecution under the Perjury Act is also possible. So the "certificate of truth" is not just an administrative signature.
Two examples
These examples are hypothetical and only apply the official text.
Example 1: a family with a 19-year-old student and a 10-year-old child.
| Person | Special documents and signatures under the Regulations |
|---|---|
| Main applicant | signs the "certificate of truth" of their own form; an affidavit of support for the 19-year-old |
| Spouse | signs their own form; no affidavit of support needed |
| 19-year-old | signs their own form; transcripts or an enrolment letter; due diligence because they are over 16 |
| 10-year-old | both parents read and sign the form; if there is sole custody, the custody order |
Example 2: notarised copies in two countries. An applicant had a copy of their passport certified by a notary once in a country party to the Apostille Convention and once in the United States.
| Where certified | Authentication required under regulation 4(16) |
|---|---|
| Country party to the Convention | an apostille |
| United States | proof of the expiry date of the notary's commission |
Practical points
- Before translating, ask whether your document is one of the four whose translation needs certification by the embassy or a government authority of the issuing country.
- For children, arrange both parents' signatures in advance; if one is not available, have the custody document ready.
- Only a registered medical practitioner completes and stamps the medical form.
- For student children, get the enrolment letter close to the date of application.
- Also see the articles "What an apostille is and where it is needed", "English translation of documents for a citizenship application" and "Colour copies, notarisation and legalisation of documents: a practical guide".
Royal Golden does not give legal advice. This article is general information, and the decision on accepting any document rests with the Government of Dominica.
Sources
- Dominica Citizenship by Investment Unit (CBIU), legal basis and relevant legislation — https://www.cbiu.gov.dm/dominica-citizenship/legislation/ (checked on 25 October 2026)
- Commonwealth of Dominica Citizenship by Investment Regulations 2024, Statutory Rules and Orders No. 8 of 2024 — https://cbiu.gov.dm/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/SRO-No.-8-of-2024.-Commonwealth-of-Dominica-Citizenship-By-Investment-AmdNo.2-Reg.-2024-1.pdf (checked on 25 October 2026)