Dominica Citizenship Application in 2026: Step by Step, Documents and Timeline

The Dominica application is done remotely, in English, through an authorised agent. It is not complicated, but it is strict: most delays I see come from documents that are incomplete or inconsistent. Here is the sequence as described in the CBIU 2026 Application Process Guide and the CBIU FAQ, with my practical notes.

Step 1. Choose an authorised agent

The CBIU does not accept files directly. The agent registers you, gives you the forms and is responsible for submitting a complete file. Check that the firm is on the CBIU list of authorised agents.

Step 2. Collect documents

The CBIU guide estimates 2 to 6 weeks for this stage. In my experience police certificates and the proof of the source of funds take longest. The core set:

• passport copies certified or apostilled, and national ID if you have one;
• birth certificates for everyone, marriage certificate, and divorce or custody papers where relevant;
• police clearance certificates from your country of citizenship and countries where you have lived;
• bank reference letters and proof of the source of the money for the investment;
• a CV and proof of address;
• passport-style photos and the medical certificate.

Every document not in English must be translated. BRIDGES lists the full set with notes on legalisation in its documents article.

Step 3. Fill in the forms

Form	Purpose
Form 12	Application for naturalisation, with waiver of residence under section 8
D1	Disclosure form for every applicant
D2	Fingerprints and photo certificate, everyone aged 16 and over
D3	Medical questionnaire, including blood and urine tests and an HIV test from age 12
D4	Investment agreement for the EDF route
Passport application	One per person

The agent checks that names, dates and addresses match across all forms. This is where many problems start.

Step 4. Due diligence and the interview

The CBIU and international firms check each applicant aged 16 and over. Due diligence costs $7,500 for the main applicant and $4,000 for each dependant aged 16 and over. The interview is mandatory for everyone aged 16 and over, costs $1,000 per interview and is usually online. Expect questions about your work, your money and why you chose Dominica. I prepare clients by going through their own file with them: the officer will ask about what you wrote.

Step 5. Approval in principle and payment

If the checks are clear, you receive approval in principle. Only then do you pay the EDF contribution or complete the property purchase, plus the certificate fee of $500 per person. Payment can be in US dollars, euros or pounds.

Step 6. Certificate, oath and passport

The CBIU issues the certificate of naturalisation. Each new citizen signs the oath of allegiance before a notary public, a justice of the peace or a commissioner of oaths, and the passports are issued.

How long it really takes

Source	Estimate
CBIU FAQ	At least 3 months from submission to approval in principle
BRIDGES, 2026 practice	8 to 10 months from start of document collection to passport

BRIDGES explains that due diligence has grown to about 4 to 7 months. I tell families to plan for the longer figure and to be pleasantly surprised if it is faster.

Common reasons for refusal

The CBIU will not approve an applicant who has a criminal record other than for a minor offence, hid an investigation, was refused citizenship elsewhere, was refused a visa to the EU or the UK, or was refused a visa to a country where Dominicans travel visa-free without later getting one. False information leads to refusal or later loss of citizenship. If any of this applies to you, say so to your agent at the start. More detail in BRIDGES requirements.