By Samuel Olowo
Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) has officially suspended the processing of applications from Iranian nationals, according to a memorandum dated March 23, 2026. The directive, signed by Gregory McDougall, Officer in Charge of the CIU, took immediate effect and was circulated to authorized agents.
Strict Conditions for Limited Eligibility
Under the new policy, Iranian nationals will only be considered if they meet all three of the following conditions:
They have not resided in Iran for at least ten years
They hold no substantial assets in Iran
They have not conducted any business or economic activity involving Iran within that period
These requirements significantly narrow eligibility, effectively creating a near-total restriction.
A Policy That Keeps Changing
Dominica’s stance on Iranian applicants under its Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program has shifted multiple times in recent years:
Before May 2022: Iranians were restricted and could only apply under strict conditions
May 2022: Restrictions were lifted, allowing full eligibility
July 2023: Enhanced due diligence measures and mandatory interviews were introduced, with fees reaching up to US$70,000 for a family of four
Now, the latest move goes further by excluding applicants with any recent ties to Iran.
Global Pressure and Geopolitical Influence
The timing of this suspension aligns with escalating tensions involving the United States and Iran. Recent actions by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Office of Foreign Assets Control highlight increasing international scrutiny.
Mounting Scrutiny on Dominica’s CBI Program
Dominica is also facing growing external pressure:
A December 2025 proclamation by Donald Trump imposed partial travel restrictions
U.S. visa validity for Dominican nationals has been reduced
The European Union has warned that CBI programs could trigger visa suspensions
Regional Comparisons
Across the Caribbean:
Saint Kitts and Nevis and Saint Lucia: outright bans
Grenada and Antigua and Barbuda: conditional access
Dominica had been the most flexible option—until now.
A Near-Ban in Practice
Although technically conditional, the policy effectively excludes most Iranian nationals. Only those fully disconnected from Iran for at least a decade may qualify.
The rules mirror restrictions applied to North Korea and Sudan.
Looking Ahead
Dominica has not issued a detailed public explanation. Whether this is temporary or permanent will likely depend on global political developments beyond Dominica’s control.
