The Government of Dominica has reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing discussions with the European Union (EU) over the future of the country’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme, as it seeks to preserve diplomatic relations while protecting national economic and development priorities. According to the government, the EU has indicated that Dominica and other Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) countries operating citizenship-by-investment schemes must move away from the programmes by June 2028 to maintain visa-free access to the Schengen Area. The position follows amendments to the EU’s visa suspension framework under Regulation (EU) 2025/2441, which added the operation of investor citizenship schemes among the grounds for potentially suspending visa-free travel.
The government has emphasised the programme’s contribution to Dominica’s economic development, noting that CBI revenues have helped finance infrastructure projects, disaster recovery efforts and initiatives aimed at strengthening national resilience. These investments have also supported employment and reduced the pressure that such expenditure might otherwise have placed on the national budget. Officials have therefore stressed the need for a carefully planned transition should the programme be discontinued, given the potential implications for public finances and ongoing development projects.
At the regional level, Dominica is collaborating with its OECS counterparts to establish the Eastern Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Regulatory Authority (ECCIRA). The proposed body is intended to enhance regulatory oversight, strengthen due diligence procedures and promote consistent standards among participating countries. Meanwhile, regional governments are engaging the EU on the financial and economic consequences of ending their CBI programmes, highlighting the vulnerabilities of small island economies and calling for realistic implementation timelines and transitional assistance.
The discussions are also addressing the need for financial and technical support to develop alternative revenue streams, diversify national economies and safeguard development gains. The Dominican government said it would continue working with European and regional partners to find a practical arrangement that addresses the EU’s concerns while limiting disruption to the country’s economic stability. A further communication with the EU is expected by November 12, 2026, with the government pledging to keep the public updated as negotiations continue.
