The Citizenship by Investment Unit of Dominica (CBIU) publishes a list of nationalities whose applications are not accepted or are reviewed only under conditions. The information below comes from the official "Banned nationalities" page, checked on 24 October 2026.
Banned
Applications from nationals of these countries are not accepted:
- Belarus
- Russia
- All nationals of northern Iraq, including residents of the cities of the Kurdistan Region: Erbil, Amadiya, Duhok, Kirkuk, Lalish, Ranya, Soran, Sulaymaniyah and Zakho
Suspended
- Yemen: applications from Yemeni nationals are suspended under the government circular "Suspension of Yemeni Applications" of 15 January 2024.
Restricted: Iran, North Korea and Sudan
Applications from nationals of Iran, North Korea and Sudan are refused unless the applicant meets all three conditions below:
- has not lived in that country for at least ten years;
- has no significant assets in that country;
- has no business or similar activity in or with that country, whether full or partial.
The CBIU adds that "Enhanced Due Diligence" may be carried out for applicants who meet these conditions, at the applicant's cost.
Enhanced due diligence for Iranian applicants
According to the official "Enhanced Due Diligence" page, this check is carried out for all Iranian applicants: both citizens of Iran and those whose residence is in Iran. The stated fees:
- Main applicant: US$25,000
- Spouse: US$15,000
- Each dependant aged 16 or over: US$15,000
- Each dependant aged 12 to 15: US$10,000
These amounts also cover the normal due diligence and interview fees. So an Iranian applicant does not pay those two fees separately.
What these conditions mean in practice
- The ten-year condition is about "living in the country", not nationality. Someone with Iranian nationality who has lived in another country for at least ten years meets the first condition in this respect. This must be proven with residence documents such as a residence card, leases and tax records.
- "Significant assets" has no numerical definition on the official page. Any asset in the country of origin should be reviewed clearly and openly before applying.
- The official text covers any business activity "in or with that country". So work history and companies, even if run from another country, must be reviewed carefully.
- A second citizenship or residence in another country does not by itself lift this restriction. The official page gives no separate explanation for dual nationals, and the CBIU gives info@cbiu.gov.dm for further questions.
Before any step
- If you are from one of the restricted countries, check your position with the Authorised Agent before paying anything.
- Any claim of "guaranteed acceptance" for these nationalities is false. The decision rests only with Dominica's authorities.
- False information or hiding a history may lead not only to refusal but also to revocation of citizenship already granted.
If you hold one of these nationalities, raise your situation with us in the free online consultation.
This article is general information and not legal advice.
Sources
- CBIU, banned and restricted nationalities — https://www.cbiu.gov.dm/dominica-citizenship/banned-nationalities/ (checked on 24 October 2026)
- CBIU, FAQ (eligibility) — https://www.cbiu.gov.dm/faqs/ (checked on 24 October 2026)
- CBIU, enhanced due diligence — https://www.cbiu.gov.dm/dominica-citizenship/enhanced-due-diligence/ (checked on 24 October 2026)