Two Routes, Same Starting Line
As of May 2026, Dominica's CBI program offers single applicants two main routes: a $200,000 contribution to the Economic Diversification Fund (EDF), or a $200,000 investment in an approved real-estate project (IRP). The headline numbers are identical. Most first-conversation clients stall here: "If both are $200K, what is the actual difference?"
The difference is not in the sticker price. It is in every dimension that surrounds the sticker price — total cost loaded with fees, holding period, exit liquidity, and processing mechanics. Walking through a real ledger makes the choice clear.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Dimension | EDF Contribution | IRP Real Estate |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price (single) | $200,000 | $200,000 |
| Starting price (family of 4) | $250,000 | $200,000 (flat regardless of size) |
| Government application + DD | $8,000-$11,000 | $10,000-$13,000 |
| Legal + intermediary | $25,000 | $30,000 (includes property contract review) |
| Real estate transfer taxes | N/A | + approximately 10-12% of property value |
| Family of 4 all-in total | ~$295K | ~$265K-$275K |
| Nature of funds | Non-refundable donation | Resellable after 5-year hold |
| Exit after 5 years | No exit (funds already donated) | Must find next buyer (liquidity constraint) |
| Processing timeline | 2-4 months | 3-5 months |
| 2026 actual approval rate | ~95% | ~92% (3% blocked by contract defects) |
Two key gaps. First, the family-of-four EDF starts at $250K (government family premium), while IRP stays at $200K regardless of family size — a family of four going IRP saves $50K versus EDF. Second, IRP property is theoretically resellable after 5 years, while EDF is a one-way contribution.
When EDF Fits — Two Real Files
Of 9 Dominica clients in the last 12 months, 5 chose EDF and 4 chose IRP. Two profiles fit EDF cleanly:
First, single applicants or core families (spouse + one child). At these sizes, the $250K family premium does not apply, and the cost gap between EDF and IRP narrows to just $30K-$45K. EDF wins on simplicity: no property contract leg, no liquidity constraint, processing 1-2 months faster.
Second, families unwilling to carry the "find-a-buyer in 5 years" risk. Client H, a Bay Area tech founder aged 42, chose EDF with this reasoning: "Resale in 5 years is a separate problem. I do not want to hand my children a Caribbean property to dispose of." For this mindset, EDF is the rational choice — $295K, done, no tail obligations.
When IRP Fits — Three Profiles
IRP fits three profile types:
First, families of four or larger. The $50K gap is real. If the file is already locked at four-plus people, IRP is almost the default choice.
Second, families who believe Caribbean property will appreciate. This is a contestable view. After Dominica's new international airport opens in 2027, approved IRP projects within easy access (Tranquility Beach, Cabrits Resort) may see resale market activity. But this is speculation, not steady-state return.
Third, families who want dual asset structure — passport plus offshore property as part of a broader allocation. Client W, a cross-border trade operator from a 3-person household, picked IRP with this logic: "I want USD-denominated assets parked in the Caribbean anyway. A property unit fits my allocation thesis better than a pure donation." That reasoning is defensible.
Two Details Often Skipped
First, the IRP "5-year holding period" is statutory, not market convention. You cannot resell within 5 years; doing so automatically cancels your Dominica citizenship. That $200K-$220K is locked for 60 months. The liquidity constraint is real and binding.
Second, current 2026 approved IRP prices include a meaningful "airport expectation premium." If the 2027 airport opens on schedule and as specified, the premium holds. If the airport is delayed or scaled back, market pricing recalibrates — directly affecting your 2030 exit value.
Ken's One Line
Single applicants or small families uncomfortable with property risk should go EDF — $295K, clean. Families of four-plus willing to accept the 5-year liquidity lock should go IRP — save $50K and hold a real offshore asset. For families that fit neither profile cleanly, WhatsApp +1 559 566 6666 with "Dominica EDF" in the first message; 15 minutes is enough to walk the actual numbers.
