Adding a Child After Dominican Citizenship: Time Limits, Age and Fees

Dominica’s S.R.O. 46 of 2025 removed the words limiting the relevant post-citizenship child provision to a period of no more than 5 years after the main applicant obtained citizenship. Gazetted on 27 November 2025, the amendment changes paragraph 3(1) of Schedule 1 to the 2024 regulations. The requirement that the child be under 18, and the biological or legal-adoption relationship, remain relevant.[1][2]

The passage of more than 5 years since the parent’s citizenship is therefore no longer, by itself, the restriction it was under that provision. The child’s age, relationship and applicable addition category still determine eligibility and fees.

Understand the narrow scope of the amendment

The amendment deletes specific wording linked to the main applicant’s citizenship date. It does not replace every rule for later family additions. The Citizenship by Investment Unit’s current FAQ likewise says that a biological or adopted minor child can be added without a time restriction relating to when the main applicant obtained citizenship.[1][3]

For example, a parent who became a citizen many years ago should not continue to apply the former 5-year test to a child who is still under 18. That example illustrates the timing change only; eligibility, guardianship and the correct application category still require assessment.

Do not apply one quotation to every minor child

Schedule 1 distinguishes the child-registration provision from applications for a new spouse and for a person who was already a dependant when the original application was made but was not included. Those routes can attract different fees.[2]

Before obtaining a quotation, the family should explain when the child was born or adopted, the circumstances at the time of the original application and the provision intended for the new request. Current minority alone should not be used to put every case into a single fee category. Older flowcharts that predate the 2024 and 2025 changes should also be treated with care.

Identify the fees attached to the provision

For registration under Schedule 1, paragraph 3(1), paragraph 3(2) specifies a US$2,000 processing fee, US$500 for each naturalisation certificate and US$4,000 for due diligence on a child aged 16 or older. Interview requirements are separate: the current CBIU FAQ requires applicants aged 16 and above to attend, with a US$1,000 fee per interview.[2][3]

These are government charge categories, not a complete quotation including professional services, passport procedures and document preparation. Where a child is approaching 16 or 18, the actual submission plan needs to address the relevant age conditions rather than relying only on the age at the first consultation.

Preserve the relationship and guardianship evidence

Birth or adoption records establish the relationship with the main applicant. Regulation 4 also governs forms signed for minors and the evidence required where a parent has sole custody or another legal guardian acts for the child.[2]

The parent’s naturalisation record and the child’s identity and family documents should connect clearly. A parent’s citizenship does not automatically complete the child’s registration through the investment programme. Removing a time restriction leaves the assessment and formal approval requirements in place.

The change provides more room for family planning. The practical priority is still to establish the correct category, age position, guardianship evidence and fee basis while the child is eligible, then proceed through an Authorised Agent.

Official sources

1. Commonwealth of Dominica — S.R.O. 46 of 2025
2. Commonwealth of Dominica — S.R.O. 8 of 2024
3. Dominica CBIU — FAQ

General policy information; individual circumstances and the competent authority’s requirements govern each application.