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DominicaPermanent residence

Permanent residence in Dominica

The programme allows foreign nationals to obtain the status of permanent resident of Dominica after a long period of living or working on the island. The decision rests on the discretion of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Immigration and Labour. Permanent residents receive a settled status and the right to live on the island. After a certain period of permanent residence they may apply for citizenship of Dominica.

Residence
The application is accepted after 5 years of living or working on the island.
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The status of permanent resident of Dominica

Source: Government of Dominica portal — How Do I Apply for Permanent Residence

Who can obtain permanent residence

The programme is intended for people with long-standing ties to Dominica through living or working on the island.

Suitable for

  • Foreign nationals living or working on the island for longer than the set period
  • CARICOM nationals and nationals of other countries
  • People who intend to remain in Dominica permanently

Advantages

  • A settled status as a permanent resident
  • The chance to apply for citizenship after a set period
  • The chance to live and work on the island without the limits of a residence permit

When the programme will not suit you

You have lived on the island for less than the set period

Apply for a Residence Permit

You are looking for a temporary permit for a short stay

Obtain a visa or a tourist permit

You plan to move to another country

Consider other residence programmes or visas

What it costs

Fee for CARICOM nationalsPaid at the Treasury400 EC$ (East Caribbean dollar)
Fee for nationals of other countriesPaid at the Treasury800 EC$ (East Caribbean dollar)
Total government feesThe sum of the mandatory rows in the table. Charges with no official price list are in the list below.1 200 EC$ (East Caribbean dollar)

Paid separately

  • The services of a lawyer or consultant — Not part of the government fee
  • Document translation — Paid separately where required

Documents to gather

All documents must be originals or certified copies. Documents not in English require a certified translation.

  • The completed application form (available from the Labour Division)
  • A medical certificate of good health and freedom from infectious diseases over the last three years
  • Two references from people who have known the applicant since their arrival in Dominica
  • A statement of financial standing from a bank or a letter from the employer
  • A police certificate
  • A marriage certificate
  • Copies of every work and residence permit issued in Dominica
  • A covering letter requesting permanent residence

How the process runs

Consideration of the application runs through several stages; the decision rests on the minister's discretion.

  1. 1

    Preparing the documents

    Depends on the applicant

    Gather every required document from the list of requirements. Make sure that all copies are properly certified and that documents in foreign languages have a certified translation.

  2. 2

    Filing the application

    One day

    File the completed application and all documents with the Labour Division of the Ministry of National Security, Labour and Immigration. Pay the set fee at the Treasury. Obtain confirmation that the application has been received.

  3. 3

    Consideration of the application

    Not officially stated

    The ministry considers the application. The decision rests on the discretion of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Immigration and Labour.

  4. 4

    Receiving the decision

    Once consideration is complete

    You are notified whether your application has been approved or refused. On approval you are issued a document confirming your status as a permanent resident.

What comes next: permanent residence and citizenship

Route to citizenship

After 7 years of residence you apply for citizenship: the forms are obtained from the Labour Division and the fee is 250 East Caribbean dollars. On approval you take the oath at the Registry and pay 2,000 East Caribbean dollars.

Frequently asked questions about Permanent residence

How long must I live on the island before applying for permanent residence?
The applicant must have lived or worked on the island for the set period. The requirement ensures that the candidate has deep ties with Dominica and shows a serious intention to remain on the island permanently.
What does the minister's discretion mean when the application is considered?
The decision to grant permanent residence remains the final prerogative of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Immigration and Labour. That means approval is not guaranteed even where every formal condition is met.
Can I obtain citizenship of Dominica as a permanent resident?
Yes, after a certain period of permanent residence in Dominica you may apply for naturalisation and citizenship. Naturalisation has its own requirements and fees, which differ from those of the permanent residence programme.
What is the difference between a residence permit and permanent residence?
A residence permit is valid for a limited term and must be renewed periodically within set deadlines. Permanent residence gives a more settled status with no need for regular renewal. Permanent residents receive longer-term protection and rights of residence on the island.
Nationals of which organisation pay a reduced fee when applying for permanent residence?
CARICOM (Caribbean Community) nationals pay the set fee, while nationals of other countries pay a higher one. CARICOM includes countries and territories of the Caribbean region such as Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda, and other member states.

Other ways to move to Dominica

Every route in one list — migration programmes: Dominica.

The terms and the amounts are checked against official sources — the link sits under each section.Last checked on: 7 August 2026.