Dominica Updates Its Banned Nationalities List for Citizenship by Investment Program

Updated List of Banned Nationalities

In April 2026 Dominica Citizenship by Investment Programme tightened its nationality restrictions, creating a clearer split between countries that are fully banned, regions that face targeted restrictions, and applicants who may still qualify only under strict conditions. The result is a more selective framework that prioritizes due diligence, security, and programme integrity.

Fully banned nationalities

• Belarus
• Russia

Regional restriction

• All nationals from Northern Iraq are banned from applying for the Citizenship by Investment Programme, including applicants from the Kurdistan Region, specifically from Erbil, Amedi, Dahuk, Kirkuk, Lalish, Raniya, Soran, Sulaymaniyah, and Zakho.

Suspended applications

• Yemen remains suspended under the official government circular issued in January 2024.

Conditional restrictions

• North Korea
• Sudan
• Iran 

Applicants from these countries are not automatically accepted and are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. To be considered:

• They generally must show that they have not lived in the country for the past 10 years
• Have no substantial assets there, 
• Have not conducted business or similar activity in or with that country during that period.

Even where conditional eligibility is met, Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) may still apply, with any associated costs borne by the applicant.

Context & Background

The updated banned nationalities list is the result of years of geopolitical pressure and legislative reform. Following the Ukraine conflict in 2022, the CBIU immediately suspended applications from Russian and Belarusian nationals, prioritising security over revenue.

The turning point came in February 2023, when five Eastern Caribbean CBI states and the US Treasury signed the Six Principles Agreement, setting binding standards on denial-sharing, mandatory interviews, and enhanced due diligence to combat money laundering and terrorist financing.

Dominica responded decisively, becoming the first Caribbean CBI country to introduce mandatory interviews, then formalising everything through the CBI Regulations 2024, which gave the CBIU full legal authority to refuse applications based on nationality.

The latest update to the banned nationalities list is therefore part of a broader regulatory trend, where Caribbean CBI programs are strengthening oversight, enhancing due diligence procedures, and aligning more closely with global security expectations.

Reasons Behind the Update

Following global compliance rules: Dominica is aligning with international frameworks like Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorism Financing (CFT), which require stricter background checks and risk control.

Geopolitical risks: Countries facing sanctions, conflicts, or political instability are considered higher risk, which directly impacts eligibility decisions.

International pressure: Major partners like the EU, UK, and US are pushing Caribbean countries to tighten their CBI programs to prevent misuse.

Protecting visa-free access: One of the biggest benefits of Dominica citizenship is visa-free travel. To keep agreements with these countries, strict rules are necessary.

The latest updates to Dominica’s banned nationalities list highlight a clear direction: stronger compliance, higher transparency, and a firm commitment to maintaining global trust. As Citizenship by Investment programs continue to evolve under international scrutiny, staying informed is no longer optional; it is essential.

For the latest updates, insights, and expert analysis on Caribbean citizenship programs, visit Karibi Consultants to stay updated with the latest news and developments on Caribbean citizenship by investment programmes.