Among the eligibility conditions of Dominica's citizenship programme is a clause that gets little attention: the undertaking not to change your name. This article explains it. The source was checked on 24 October 2026.
The official rule
According to the official page of the Citizenship by Investment Unit of Dominica (CBIU), the applicant certifies that:
- for five years after receiving the Certificate of Naturalisation, they will not change their name or seek to change it;
- the only stated exception is a change of name through marriage.
Why there is such a rule
The CBIU does not give the reason for this rule on that page. The general understanding is this: Caribbean citizenship programmes have come under closer scrutiny from other countries in recent years, including the European Union, and one concern has been that someone could hide their former identity with a new citizenship and a new name. The five-year undertaking keeps the link between the former and the new identity clear.
Before submission
Most name problems surface before citizenship, not after:
- The name must be written the same way in the current passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate, education documents and police clearance certificates.
- If your name has changed before, prepare the official document of the change.
- The Latin spelling of Persian names sometimes differs between documents. Even this small difference can cause questions and delay. Choose one Latin spelling before translating documents and use it everywhere.
After citizenship
- If you marry within the first five years and your surname changes, this is the exception. Keep the marriage certificate ready for updating the passport.
- Any other change of name during this period is inconsistent with the undertaking you gave. Before any step, ask the Authorised Agent and your lawyer.
This article is general information and not legal advice.
Sources
- CBIU Dominica, eligibility conditions on the FAQ page — https://www.cbiu.gov.dm/faqs/ (checked on 24 October 2026)