Temporary residence permit in Dominica
The residence permit programme allows foreign nationals to stay in Dominica on terms other than tourist status. The applicant remains a visitor until formal approval is given by the Ministry of National Security, Labour and Immigration, and must extend their permitted stay while the application is considered. A residence permit and a work permit are separate immigration statuses, and holding one does not automatically confer the other. Once the residence conditions are met, the holder may move to permanent residence and then apply for citizenship.
Source: Government of Dominica portal — How Do I Apply for a Residence Permit
Who may apply
The residence permit suits foreign nationals who wish to remain in Dominica on terms other than tourist status.
Foreign nationals in work
- People with a trade and qualifications
- Those holding a job offer
- Professionals seeking to stay in the country
Family migrants
- Spouses of citizens or residents
- Family members moving to join relatives
- Those with a sponsor in Dominica
Self-supporting applicants
- Entrepreneurs and investors
- Pensioners with sufficient means
- Remote workers
When the programme will not suit you
Citizens of Dominica
Citizens have the right to live in the country freely and need no permit
Those who need only a work status
A separate work permit must be obtained; a residence permit does not replace it
Those seeking citizenship immediately
Citizenship requires a qualifying period of residence first; start with a residence permit
What it costs
| Filing fee for CARICOM nationalsPaid at the Treasury on filing | 250 EC$ (East Caribbean dollar) |
|---|---|
| Filing fee for other foreign nationalsPaid at the Treasury on filing | 800 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. | 1 050 EC$ (East Caribbean dollar) |
Paid separately
- Tourist visa — A residence permit is a different status; no tourist visa is required
- Work permit — Obtained separately; holding a residence permit does not confer the right to work
Documents to gather
The full list of documents for a residence permit application in Dominica.
- A valid passport (valid for at least 6 months)
- Two passport photographs
- A medical certificate of good health with an HIV test and a chest X-ray
- Two letters of reference (at least one from the last employer)
- A financial statement from a bank
- A police certificate
- Proof of a return ticket or a deposit to pay for one
- A letter from a friend or relative accepting responsibility
- A covering letter requesting the permit
- A marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Two copies of the receipt for the fee
How the process runs
Obtaining a residence permit runs through several stages of dealing with the ministry.
- 1
Preparing and filing the documents
The applicant prepares every required document and files it with the Labour Division, Ministry of National Security, Labour and Immigration in Roseau. Two copies of the documents and payment of the fee at the Treasury are required.
- 2
Extending the permitted stay while the application is considered
Once the application is filed the applicant remains a visitor. It is important to extend the permitted stay for the period of consideration so as not to breach immigration law.
- 3
Consideration of the application by the ministry
The Ministry of National Security, Labour and Immigration checks the documents supplied and carries out the necessary vetting of the applicant. Requests for further information are possible at this stage.
- 4
Approval and change of immigration status
Once approved, the applicant is issued a residence permit. From that point the foreign national holds resident status in Dominica. To work, a separate work permit must be obtained.
Timelines and rights
Work
A residence permit and a work permit are separate immigration statuses. Until the status is changed, the holder remains a visitor.
Renewal and the grace period
The residence permit is renewable. To renew it the applicant files with the Ministry of National Security, Labour and Immigration. The renewal requires a financial statement from a bank, a police certificate, a sponsor's letter and a covering letter. The renewal fee remains the same: the East Caribbean dollar amounts for CARICOM nationals and for other nationals respectively. The renewal must be started before the current permit expires.
What comes next: permanent residence and citizenship
Route to permanent residence
Permanent residence is granted after 5 years of living or working on the island.
Route to citizenship
Citizenship is applied for after 7 years of residence, on the Application Form For Citizenship after Seven Years Residency. A copy of the current permit is attached to the file.
Frequently asked questions about Temporary residence permit
What is the difference between a residence permit and a work permit?
What passport is required to apply?
Can I move from a residence permit to permanent residence?
What happens if my residence permit expires?
Other ways to move to Dominica
- Contribution to the Economic Diversification FundCitizenship by investment
- Investment in approved real estateCitizenship by investment
- Permanent ResidencePermanent residence
- Citizenship by virtue of residenceNaturalisation
- Citizenship by marriageCitizenship by marriage
- Citizenship by birth or parentageCitizenship by descent
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.