Dominica

Apres Bondie, C'est La Ter ("After God is the earth")

overview

Welcome to Dominica

Dominica, located in the Caribbean, is known for its unspoiled natural beauty, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality. Its economy is driven by agriculture, eco-tourism, and geothermal energy, earning it the nickname 'The Nature Island of the Caribbean.' The country's lush rainforests, hot springs, and iconic landmarks like Boiling Lake, alongside its rich heritage and lively festivals, attract visitors and expatriates seeking adventure, tranquility, and a connection to nature.

overview

Dominica Essentials

National Anthem

Isle of Beauty, Isle of Splendour

Independence Day

November 3, 1978

Haiko

Misty peaks stand proud / Rivers carve the lush valleys / Nature's untouched gem.

Interesting Tradition

Celebrates "Mas Domnik," a carnival featuring sensay costumes and traditional lapo kabwit music.

Weirdest Local Superstition

Walking backwards at night is said to confuse spirits and prevent them from following you.

Strangest Law Still on the Books

Illegal to swear in public, with potential fines or imprisonment as a penalty.

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Come for the history, stay for the future

Come for the nature, stay for the possibilities: Dominica combines unspoiled beauty with a growing focus on eco-tourism and sustainability. Life moves between morning hikes through lush rainforests and afternoon collaborations in eco-friendly initiatives, while evenings are spent enjoying Creole-inspired cuisine. With supportive policies for green investments, Dominica is becoming a haven for professionals seeking innovation in harmony with nature.

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Vini

Immerse yourself in the Nature Isle of the Caribbean, where every moment offers a connection to pristine beauty and resilience. Here, rainforests hum with life, waterfalls sing with joy, and a strong cultural heritage invites you to find peace and inspiration in nature's embrace.

overview

Welcome to Dominica

A nature lover's paradise with lush rainforests and hot springs where adventure meets serenity.

Dominica isn't just a country—it's a nature lover's dream come alive. Here, time dances through lush rainforests and bubbling hot springs, and even a simple hike through its rugged terrain becomes an adventure into the untouched wild. This is a land where cascading waterfalls and vibrant traditions weave together, creating an experience as pure as its air.

From the boiling waters of Boiling Lake to the lush rainforests of Morne Trois Pitons, Dominica offers an untouched paradise for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike. Whether you're drawn to the vibrant streets of Roseau, the pristine beaches of Calibishie, or the rich heritage celebrated in its Creole traditions, you'll find an island brimming with life and authenticity. With its geothermal wonders, abundant marine life, and warm hospitality, Dominica invites you to explore the Nature Island and uncover its countless treasures.

Statistics

Savor the Flavor

Eat

Mountain Chicken (Crapaud; frog legs delicacy) - Callaloo Soup (green leafy soup often with coconut milk)

Drink

Sorrel Drink (hibiscus-based festive beverage) - Kubuli Beer (locally brewed beer)

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Thirsty?

Beer

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

13.19

Wine

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

7.88

Coffee

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

Tea

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

0.12

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Cultural Tips and Etiquette

#1
Locals are called 'Dominicans' and take great pride in their island's natural beauty and heritage.
#2
Traditional music, like Bouyon and Cadence-lypso, plays a central role in celebrations and festivals.
#3
Eco-tourism and environmental conservation are significant aspects of Dominica's culture, and locals encourage respect for nature.
#4
Family and community bonds are strong, with shared meals of dishes like Callaloo soup and Mountain Chicken (a type of frog) being common
#5
Greetings are friendly and polite; handshakes and smiles are appreciated, and it's respectful to address elders with appropriate titles.

overview

Dominica Essentials

Representative Novel

The Orchid House by Phyllis Shand Allfrey (A story of colonial life and changes).

National Animal

Sisserou Parrot

National Pasttime

Cricket

National Souvenir

Carib Kalinago Baskets

National Dish

Mountain Chicken (Crispy Frog Legs)

Famous Festival

World Creole Music Festival

Famous Dance

Bele

Famous Music

Bouyon

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Did You Know?

Dominica is home to the world's second-largest hot spring.

The Boiling Lake is a flooded fumarole filled with bubbling grayish-blue water that is usually enveloped in a cloud of vapor.

Dominica has the longest hiking trail in the Caribbean.

The Waitukubuli National Trail spans 115 miles and crosses the entire island from north to south.

Dominica is known as the "Nature Isle of the Caribbean."

The island is home to 365 rivers - one for each day of the year - and has the highest concentration of dormant volcanoes in the world.

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Dominica’s Key Historical Events

The Kalinago People (Pre-Colonial Era)

April 2014

Dominica was originally inhabited by the Kalinago people, who had a well-established culture and society before European colonization.

1493-1763

July 2014

Christopher Columbus sighted Dominica in 1493. The island changed hands between French and British colonizers until the British ultimately gained control in 1763 under the Treaty of Paris.

1834

February 2015

The abolition of slavery marked a turning point in Dominica’s history, leading to a unique society where former slaves became landowners and exerted political influence.

1978

March 2015

Dominica achieved independence from Britain on November 3, 1978, becoming a sovereign nation and establishing a parliamentary democracy.

2017

October 2016

Hurricane Maria caused catastrophic damage to Dominica, destroying infrastructure and severely affecting the population. The recovery process has since emphasized resilience and sustainable development.

MOBILITY

Access Dominica Residency Rights on the GlobalPassport™ Platform 

NO. OF Mobility Assets

1

MOBILITY

Citizenship Pathways and
Residency Requirements

Citizenship by Birth
Yes
Citizenship by DESCENT
Yes
Citizenship by MARRIAGE
Yes
DUAL Citizenship
Yes
RESIDENCY BY Naturalization
5
PASSPORT VALIDITY
10 years, 5 years for children

MOBILITY

Passport Power

Visa Free Countries

68

Performance Class

Global Contender

Passport Grade

B

Rank

74

Score

129

This visa grants access to:

• 47% of the world's population 

• 65% of UNESCO sites 

• 48% of global GDP 

• 46% of the world's land area 

MOBILITY

Visa-free access to:

map visualization

MOBILITY

Number of American Emigrants to Dominica by Year 

Year
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
Dominica
226
299
356
439
534
623
637

MOBILITY

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Select up to 3 Mobility Assets
Mobility Asset
Approval Time (est.)
Appointment Availability
Term (i.e. duration)
Minimum Investment
Physical Presence Requirement
Cost of Living
English Usage
Quality of Life
Healthcare Ranking
Passport Power
Visa-free Country Access
Number of American Expats
More Details

Rankings

Dominica's Global Rankings 

Dominica, known as the ""Nature Island of the Caribbean,"" is celebrated for its lush rainforests, dramatic volcanic landscapes, and pristine waterfalls. Its economy relies on agriculture, eco-tourism, and geothermal energy. With its vibrant Creole culture, world-class hiking trails, and commitment to sustainability, Dominica appeals to adventurers and nature enthusiasts looking for an unspoiled paradise.

Exceptional performance
Standard performance
Needs Improvement
Rankings are based on 2023-2024 Global Indices and Assessments from recognized international organizations. Updated quarterly to reflect the most recent available data
Cost of Living
2024
Quality of Life
2024
Safety
2024
Happiness
2024
109
Tax Burden
2024
Moderate Load
English Proficiency
2023
53
Rule of Law
2024
Moderate
Healthcare System
2024
Pleasant Climate
2024

Healthcare

Healthcare Overview

Key Health Indicators

Median Age

years

Life Expectancy

years

Obesity Rate

Tobacco Use

Sources

Health care Indicators

Health Expenditure

of GDP

Hospital Beds

per 1000 people

Doctors

per 1000 people

Out-of-pocket

of total expenditure

Sources

Healthcare

Did you Know?

Universal Healthcare Coverage

Dominica offers free healthcare services at public facilities, ensuring access to essential medical care for all citizens. However, specialized treatments may require seeking care abroad.

Private Healthcare Options

While Dominica's private healthcare sector is small, it provides quality services with shorter waiting times compared to public facilities.

Healthcare for Expats

Expatriates in Dominica can access both public and private healthcare services. Many opt for private care or health insurance for better access and convenience.

Medical Evacuations

Due to limited specialized care, Dominica provides medical evacuation services to neighboring countries like Martinique or Barbados for advanced treatment.

Pharmaceutical Accessibility

Pharmaceuticals are accessible in Dominica, with local pharmacies offering a variety of medications, though some specialized drugs may need to be imported.

Healthcare

United Healthcare Coverage Service Index (2000 - 2021)

chart visualization
The World Health Organization's United Healthcare Coverage Service Index (2000-2021) data describes the coverage of essential health services, defined as the average coverage of essential services based on tracer interventions that include reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health, infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases and service capacity and access, among the general and the most disadvantaged population.
Source:

Healthcare

Dominica Healthcare Cost Calculator

This calculator helps you compare healthcare expenditures between different countries based on per capita health spending data. The tool provides a straightforward comparison by allowing you to:
1. Select your current location from the dropdown menu
2. Choose a comparison country to see the difference in healthcare costs

The calculator displays two key metrics:
• Healthcare Expense Difference: The absolute dollar amount difference in per capita healthcare spending between the selected countries
• Percentage Difference: The relative difference expressed as a percentage
Please note that these calculations are based on annual per capita health expenditure data, which includes current prices and purchasing power parities (PPP). The figures represent total healthcare spending, encompassing both public and private healthcare expenses. For the most accurate planning and decision-making, please consult with healthcare providers or insurance companies in your target country for specific coverage options and costs.
Source:

cost of living

Cost of Living Overview

Dominica offers a moderate cost of living, making it an attractive destination for nature lovers and retirees. Urban areas like Roseau are more expensive than rural parts of the island, but overall, the cost of living is reasonable. Housing costs are affordable, with options ranging from modern apartments in the capital to traditional homes in smaller towns. Local produce and goods are inexpensive, while imported products can be more costly.

Cost of Gasoline

per liter

Cost of Meal

(Inexpensive Restaurant)

Monthly Rent

(1 bedroom, City Center)

Monthly Utilities

(85m² Apartment)

Domestic Beer

(0.5 liter draught)

VAT Rate

19.00%

cost of living

Dominica Cost of Living plus Rent Map

map visualization

cost of living

Dominica Cost of Living Calculator

cost of living

Dominica Rent Calculator

Taxation

Taxation Overview

Dominica employs a territorial tax system where only income sourced within the country is taxed. Personal income tax rates are progressive from 0% to 35%. Corporate tax rate is 25%. VAT is set at 15%. Property taxes apply. A Tax Identification Number (TIN) is required for tax purposes. Dominica has limited tax treaties primarily with CARICOM countries.

Tax Residency Requirement

183 days

Worldwide Income Taxation

Yes

Higher Rates for Foreign Assets

No

US Double Taxation Treaty

No

Personal Income

Progressive tax rate based on income levels

0-35%

Personal Capital Gains

Flat rate on investment gains

0.00%

Inheritance

Based on inherited amount and relationship

25.00%

Corporate Income

Standard corporate tax rate applied to business profits

25.00%

Corporate Capital Gains

Tax rate applied to capital gains from corporate investments

0.00%

Dividends

Withholding tax rate applied to dividend distributions

15.00%

Interest

Withholding rate interest payment to non-residens

15.00%

Royalties

Withholding tax rate for royalty payments

15.00%

Work Assignment

Foreign individuals are considered tax residents if they stay in Dominica for more than 183 days in a year

Overall Ranking

Global position in PWC’c Ease of Paying Taxes ranking

84

Ease of Paying Taxes Score

Overall score based on multiple factors

75.6

Total Tax and Cotribution Rate

TTCR percentage including all mandatory contributtions

32.6
%

Time to Comply

Annual hours required to comply with tax regulations

117
HOURS

Number of Payments

Total number of tax payments required annually

37

Post-filing Index

Score measuring the ease of processes after filing taxes

78.9
%

taxation

Dominica Tax Burden Map

map visualization

taxation

Dominica Income Tax Calculator

This calculator helps you estimate your income tax obligations based on your personal situation and country of residence. The calculation includes essential tax elements specific to each jurisdiction, such as personal allowances, various types of deductions or tax credits, and progressive tax rates where applicable. The estimation considers multiple key inputs that vary by country, including your annual gross income (in USD), marital status when relevant, number of dependent children, as well as additional factors like medical expenses, educational costs, and retirement contributions.

The calculator provides three main results:
• Total Deductions and/or Tax Credits (based on jurisdiction-specific rules)
• Net Taxable Income (income subject to tax)
• Final Income Tax amount
Please note that these calculations are estimates and can vary significantly depending on specific circumstances, additional income sources, special deductions, and changes in tax regulations across different countries. Some jurisdictions may use tox credits instead of deductions, have different qualifying criteria for dependents, or consider various types of expenses differently. For precise tax planning and compliance, please consult with a qualified tax professional familiar with your jurisdiction's tax laws.
Source:

CLIMATE

Climate Type

Tropical; moderated by northeast trade winds; heavy rainfall and high humidity, particularly during the rainy season from June to October; dry season from December to May

Average Temperature

26.5°C

Humidity

80

%

Average Annual Precipitation

2000

mm

Rainless Days per Year

150

Best Time to Travel

November-April

Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions About Gaining Residency or Citizenship in Dominica

Find answers to common questions about GlobalPassport™ and our tools guiding you towards residency or citizenship in Dominica.

What Mobility Assets are available to me in Dominica?

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Do I need to speak English to apply for Dominican Mobility Assets?

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Can my family members apply for residency or citizenship in Dominica with me?

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How will the GlobalPassport™ help me move to Dominica?

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Can I keep my own citizenship?

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