The Commonwealth of Dominica has implemented a significant policy shift regarding its Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program, announcing the immediate suspension of application processing for all Iranian nationals. An official memorandum dated March 23, 2026, and circulated to authorized agents, mandates that the new directive became effective on March 24, 2026.
The policy, issued by the island nation’s Citizenship by Investment Unit (CBIU), establishes a stringent set of exceptions. Applications from individuals of Iranian origin will now only be processed under exceptional circumstances. These conditions require that the applicant must not have been a resident of Iran for a minimum of ten years. Furthermore, they must demonstrate they hold no substantial financial assets or business interests within the country and have not engaged in any commercial activities involving Iran.
The memorandum was formally signed by Gregory McDougall, the CBIU’s acting director, who instructed all authorized agents overseeing the program to adhere to the new guidelines without exception. This move represents a tightening of the nation’s due diligence protocols and reflects a cautious approach toward international economic and political relations. The decision underscores a growing trend among nations with CBI programs to enhance vetting procedures and mitigate potential geopolitical risks.