Dominica's CBI Programme ranks best in the world for the fourth consecutive year: CBI Index

CBI Index, which was released on 7th of September, 2020, which outlined 14 different CBI Programmes across world in 9 pillars of rating – Freedom of Movement, Standard of Living, Minimum Investment Outlay, Mandatory Travel or Residence, Citizenship Timeline, Ease of Processing, Due Diligence, Family and Certainty of Product.

The CBI Index is the world’s most reliable comparison tool for active citizenship by investment programmes. It serves as practical guide for individuals and entities wishing to learn more about Economic Citizenship, displaying data-driven study of CBI Industry.

According to the publication, Commonwealth of Dominica stood first in the charts of comparison as the nation’s CBIP cliched the top position in 6 pillars out of total 9. “Emerging for the fourth consecutive year as the world’s best CBI programme, Dominica balances an excellent reputation for meeting the needs of investors with strong due diligence, a low minimum investment outlay efficient processing and a renewed focus on family reunification,” report stated.

Notably, Commonwealth of Dominica introduced new definition of dependent under the CBI Programme which included inclusion of siblings in single CBI application. An independent research consultant, James McKay gives comprehensive explanation of Dominica’s CBI Programme. Researcher states that Dominica’s wider age eligibility makes it more sibling friendly programme.

Prime Minister of Dominica, Dr Roosevelt Skerrit stated “For us, foreign investors who become our citizens through CBI are truly valuable partners. We are proud to call them our own and to offer them a truly spectacular place to call home.”

The head of the CBI Unit (CBIU) in Dominica, Ambassador Emmanuel Nanthan, expressed gratitude after being ranked as world’s best CBIP. “We are honoured to be crowned once again the world's best country for citizenship by investment. CBI plays a major role in our economy and daily lives, and we work hard to maintain high standards of integrity, efficiency, and, importantly, a tangible impact on our population," he added.

Dominica’s CBI Programme was launched in 1993, and is recognised for being one of the world’s most dynamic and transparent choices for economic citizenship. It performs a significant role in promoting social and environmental matters, especially sustainable development.

The programme offers two investment opportunities: a one-time contribution to the government, commonly known as the Economic Diversification Fund (EDF) option, or an investment in government-approved real estate. Funds transferred to the EDF have been instrumental in Dominica’s national development, particularly through the reconstruction of key infrastructure, sustainable housing, and the agricultural sector.

The EDF option requires a contribution of US$100,000 for a single applicant – a value that increases as family members are added to an application. The real estate option requires an investment amounting to at least US$200,000, to which a single applicant must add a US$25,000 real estate Government Fee. The real estate shall be held for a duration of 3 years, which extends to five years if the eventual buyer is too an applicant for CBI.