"Citizenship by investment" is a lawful way to obtain a country's citizenship. The applicant makes a set investment or financial contribution, passes security and background checks, and the government grants citizenship to them and their eligible family members. Several countries in the Caribbean and the Pacific have such programmes, including Dominica and Vanuatu.
How it works
- The law: each programme rests on that country's laws and regulations and is run by a named government body. In Dominica this body is the CBIU.
- The investment: usually a contribution to a government fund or the purchase of property in approved projects. The government sets the minimum. In Dominica, for example, from US$200,000 for a single applicant.
- Due diligence: the accuracy of the information, criminal records and the source of funds are checked.
- The Authorised Agent: in many programmes, including Dominica, the application is submitted only through an Authorised Agent.
- The decision: only the government decides. No agent can guarantee the outcome.
Why people choose this route
- A second citizenship and passport for themselves and their family
- Easier travel to some countries
- Planning for the family's future and more options for living, studying and working
Limits and realities
- A second citizenship does not by itself give residence or work in a third country. Visa-free travel to the Schengen area, for example, is not a right to live or work in Europe.
- Visa rules change. An example is Vanuatu, which the European Union moved to the list of countries needing a visa with Regulation (EU) 2025/11.
- Some nationalities are not accepted or face strict conditions. Dominica, for example, sets three conditions and enhanced due diligence for Iranian nationals.
- A second citizenship may not fit your current country's law. Check this separately.
- False information leads to refusal or even revocation of citizenship already granted.
Questions to ask before deciding
- What is my main goal for a second citizenship? Travel, family security or future options?
- Do my nationality and history fit the programme's conditions?
- Can I show the source of the money with complete documents?
- What is the total amount, with all the side costs, and where is its official source?
- If the application is refused, what happens to my money?
- Who submits the application to the official authority, and is their name on the official list?
Next step
The complete guides to Dominica and Vanuatu in this section, and the site's "Which programme suits me?" tool, help you compare the two programmes.
This article is general information and not legal or financial advice.
Sources
- CBIU Dominica, FAQ — https://www.cbiu.gov.dm/faqs/ (checked on 24 October 2026)
- CBIU Dominica, banned and restricted nationalities — https://www.cbiu.gov.dm/dominica-citizenship/banned-nationalities/ (checked on 24 October 2026)
- Regulation (EU) 2025/11 of 19 December 2024 — https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2025/11/oj/eng (checked on 24 October 2026)