Dominica has introduced a significant reform to its Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program, marking a shift away from its long-standing fully remote model. Under the new policy, applicants will be required to physically travel to the country before receiving their passports, reflecting a broader move toward stricter regulations and stronger ties between new citizens and the nation.

1. The Policy Change
Dominica has announced a major shift in its Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program. Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit confirmed that new citizens must physically visit the country before receiving their passports, ending the fully remote model.

2. New Physical Presence Requirement
Applicants are now required to travel to Dominica in person to collect and renew passports. The goal is to create a stronger connection with the country.

3. Previous Program Structure
Since 1993, the program allowed 100% remote processing with no physical presence required, which was a key advantage but later became a major weakness.

4. Regional Context and Agreements
The change aligns with a regional agreement (2025) among Caribbean countries to introduce at least 30 days of physical presence within the first five years.

5. International Pressure and External Factors
The reform is driven by pressure from the United States and the European Union, including travel restrictions and stricter visa policies due to the absence of residency requirements.

6. Economic Importance of the CBI Program
CBI remains economically crucial, funding housing, healthcare, infrastructure, and climate-resilient development projects.

7. Similar Reforms in Neighboring Countries
Other countries are tightening their programs:

• Saint Kitts and Nevis → “genuine-link” requirements
• Antigua and Barbuda → potential increase to 90 days of physical presence

8. Implementation Timeline and Transition Period
Applications submitted before the end of June 2026 may still follow the current rules (no visit), although no official cutoff has been formally confirmed.

Summary

Dominica is ending its no-visit citizenship model by introducing a mandatory physical presence requirement for new citizens. This change aligns with regional Caribbean reforms and responds to increasing pressure from the United States and the European Union. While the program remains economically vital, future applicants should expect travel obligations and a more engagement-based citizenship process.