The Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica wishes to update the public on its ongoing engagement with the European Union (EU) concerning the future of the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme.
Our aim is to maintain strong relations with our European partners while safeguarding Dominica’s economic stability and development interests.
The EU has indicated that Dominica and other OECS countries operating CBI programmes must transition away from them by June 2028 to retain visa-free access to the Schengen Area.
Under Regulation (EU) 2025/2441, amending Regulation (EU) 2018/1806, the EU has revised its visa suspension mechanism to include the operation of investor citizenship schemes among the grounds for suspending visa-free travel.
For Dominica, CBI revenue has helped finance major infrastructure, disaster recovery and national resilience. These investments support employment and development, and might otherwise have placed substantially greater demands on public finances.
Any change to this source of revenue therefore requires careful consideration and planning.
Government is also working with regional partners towards establishing the Eastern Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Regulatory Authority (ECCIRA).
This initiative is intended to strengthen oversight, due diligence and common standards across participating states, and build confidence in the integrity and robustness of our programmes.
Alongside this work, Dominica and its OECS partners are discussing with the EU the economic and fiscal implications of discontinuing CBI programmes.
Our countries have highlighted the circumstances of small, vulnerable economies and the importance of realistic timeframes and appropriate transitional support.
These discussions include consideration of financial and technical assistance to develop alternative revenue sources, advance economic diversification and protect development gains.
The Government will continue this engagement in a spirit of cooperation, seeking a practical agreement that addresses the EU’s concerns and allows any transition to be managed responsibly, with minimal disruption to public finances and ongoing development projects.
We will communicate further with the European Union by 12 November 2026 and keep the Dominican public informed as discussions progress.
