Dominica is a white jurisdiction, a transparent and legal offshore centre with a good reputation in the global business community. FATCA and CRS standards are observed here, international regulators have no complaints about the state, and banks can work with non-residents — both legal entities and individuals. Registering a company in Dominica creates favourable conditions for the development of commercial projects in the B2B/B2C sector, trust, stock and holding structures, online businesses, while protecting and diversifying assets.
The main advantage of the jurisdiction is its favourable fiscal climate. Dominica has a 0% corporate tax rate for non-resident companies on foreign income. Therefore, the jurisdiction is often used to launch cross-border businesses when a local presence is not required. There is no capital gains tax in Dominica, and transactions with corporate or personal assets do not increase the tax burden. The country has lenient rules for registration and doing business. The Dominica Companies Act 1994/2019 allows the use of nominee services and does not set requirements for minimum authorised capital or mandatory annual shareholders’ meetings.
New rules for registering an offshore company in Dominica Amendment Acts 2019 have abolished the possibility of opening a legal entity in the IBC format. However, all the key advantages of the jurisdiction and soft corporate rules have been retained. Compliance with FATCA and CRS has eliminated potential claims from international regulators. Dominica is now an offshore jurisdiction with a very good reputation and expanded opportunities for conducting cross-border commercial transactions, asset structuring and tax optimisation.
Key advantages for business:
- no capital gains tax, dividends or income from foreign sources for non-residents;
- the procedure for opening a company in Dominica is simplified thanks to lenient corporate requirements: simple transfer of shares and asset management, no minimum share capital requirements, foreigners can be directors and shareholders, several legal forms of doing business;
- it is possible to obtain citizenship through investment in Dominica;
- Compliance with modern FATCA and CRS standards and participation in the automatic exchange of financial information increases confidence in Dominica as an offshore jurisdiction.
- The jurisdiction is well suited not only for international trade, but also for registering holding companies, asset management, and intellectual property ownership.
The cost of registering a company in Dominica is low, and corporate rules are more focused on cross-border transactions. Domestic business is also promising, especially given the favourable tax climate. A bank account for a company in Dominica can be opened with less risk of rejection, as the jurisdiction complies with financial transparency regulations by implementing full compliance with FATCA and CRS.
Who would be interested in establishing a company in Dominica
Traditional tax-free territories are gradually transforming to meet the demands of the times. Dominica is an offshore jurisdiction that has managed to combine attractive business conditions and a favourable tax climate with transparency, a good reputation and the implementation of KYC/AML standards. Therefore, it is possible to launch commercial or investment projects of various kinds here.
Possible objectives for incorporation in Dominica:
| Area | Key advantages |
| Fintech, technological and investment projects B2B and B2C |
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| International holding companies, groups of companies |
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| Digital business — online, e-commerce, IT and IP structures |
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| High net worth individuals (HNWIs), family offices |
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| Compliance-oriented structures |
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To open a company in Dominica, contact the specialists at Imperial & Legal. We will help you choose the appropriate legal form for your business, prepare a package of documents and submit them for state registration with the CIPO – Companies and Intellectual Property Office. We will also take care of opening a corporate bank account, obtaining licences and permits, and registering with the tax authorities (IRD, Inland Revenue Division).
Personal taxation
The main regulatory document is the Income Tax Act, Chapter 67:01. When determining tax liabilities, the standard rule applies: residents include all income in the tax base, while non-residents include only that part of income that was received in the jurisdiction itself. Resident status is granted if an individual has a permanent place of residence in Dominica or has been in the country for at least 183 days in the reporting year. The main advantage is the right to a deduction of EC$30,000 and certain other benefits. However, for effective tax planning, it is best to contact our specialists.
Personal income tax (PIT) rates applicable in 2026:
| Taxable income | PIT rate |
| Up to EC$30,000 | 0 |
| From EC$30,000 to EC$50,000 | 15 |
| From EC$50,000 to EC$80,000 | 25% |
| Over EC$80,000 | 35 |
In addition to personal income tax, individuals may have additional tax obligations, but their applicability depends on the specific situation:
- social security contributions DSS, Dominica Social Security — 6% for employees and 12% for the self-employed;
- property tax — usually 0.25%–1% of the assessed value of the property;
- rent — included in personal income tax if an individual receives income from renting out property;
- stamp duty — liabilities arise when transferring ownership and/or notarised transactions — 2.5%–4% of the amount;
- inheritance and gift tax, capital gains tax — none.
Corporate taxation
It is no longer possible to register an international business company – IBC in Dominica as of 2019. However, subject to certain conditions, corporate income tax will be 0%. The commercial structure must not have tax resident status in the jurisdiction, and the source of income must be located abroad.
Formal criteria for maintaining non-resident tax status:
- the company’s directors and management are non-residents;
- general meetings of management and shareholders are held outside Dominica;
- the registered legal address is formal, the company has no employees in Dominica, no physical office, and does not conduct business in the jurisdiction;
- the corporate account is opened in a foreign bank;
- all income is received abroad, contracts are concluded abroad, and the other party to the transaction — a natural or legal person — is not a tax resident of Dominica.
Tax consequences:
| Criterion | Resident company | Non-resident company |
| What income is included in the tax base | Worldwide | Only income sourced in Dominica |
| Withholding tax | Not applicable to payments to residents | 15% on dividends, royalties, interest and services |
| Reporting | Data must be submitted for all transactions | Mandatory reporting only for income received in Dominica |
| Availability of tax incentives — tax holidays, incentives | Yes | In most cases, no |
Main corporate taxes in Dominica:
- corporate — 25%;
- withholding tax — 15%;
- VAT — 15%, with reduced rates of 10% for the hotel and tourism industry and 0% for export operations;
- customs duties — the rate depends on the type of goods imported, from 0% to 35%;
- excise duty — the rate depends on the goods;
- Environmental tax — 1% of the value of imported goods or a fixed rate.
Additionally, property and property transfer taxes are payable — 0.25%–1% and 2.5%–4%, respectively. Local service and infrastructure fees may also apply. If the company has employees, the employer must pay tax to the wage fund at a rate of 7%, with an additional 6% deducted from the employee’s income.
Legal forms of doing business
Registering a company in Dominica in 2026 remains as transparent, simple and inexpensive as before. The exclusion of the IBC format from corporate law has not made the jurisdiction less attractive to the corporate segment. Business people have access to seven organisational and legal types of businesses, each geared towards different goals and objectives. Therefore, be sure to ask our specialists to explain the advantages and features of each format so that you can make a well-considered and informed decision.
Comparison of legal forms:
| Type of business structure | Establishment of a legal entity | Liability of participants | Taxation | Options for use |
| Sole proprietor | No | Unlimited | 0%–35% through personal income tax | Services, microbusiness |
| Partnership | No | Full/limited | 0%-35% for each partner via personal income tax | Joint business of participants |
| Private limited company, Private Company Ltd | Yes | Limited | 25 | Small and medium-sized businesses |
| Public company, Public Company | Yes | Limited | 25 | Large business, IPO |
| External Company | Yes | Depends on the jurisdiction of registration | Only income earned in Dominica | Foreign companies |
| Non-profit organisation | Yes | Limited | No | Charity |
To register an offshore company in Dominica, non-residents most often choose the format of a Private Company Limited by Shares or LLC — a limited liability company. In certain cases, when it is necessary to launch a holding structure, family office or project related to asset protection, investment or the creation of effective inheritance mechanisms, we will recommend other business formats. However, establishing a company in Dominica by opening a Private Company Limited is a good universal option without significant legal restrictions.
Why we most often register limited liability companies on behalf of our clients:
- legal transparency and tax neutrality;
- the ability to manage the business from abroad;
- access to high-quality banking services;
- the ability to participate in the investment citizenship programme;
- extended opportunities for legal tax optimisation.
Citizenship by investment programme
Incorporating a new business in Dominica will be of interest to business people and investors who need an offshore company in the Caribbean region in a jurisdiction with a good reputation. One of the important advantages that does not directly affect business is the CBI programme, which has been in operation since 1993. It allows you to quickly obtain a Dominica passport in exchange for an investment in the Economic Diversification Fund – EDF or an approved real estate project.
Advantages of the Dominica CBI programme:
- no minimum residence requirements in the jurisdiction;
- fully remote procedure through a licensed agent, minimum waiting time — no more than 6 months;
- investment threshold — from $200,000, Dominica’s investment citizenship is transferable by inheritance;
- visa-free travel to 145+ countries, the possibility of obtaining a B1/B2 entry visa to the United States and an ETA to Canada;
- family members can be included in the application: husband or wife, children under 31, parents, grandparents over 65, and in some cases, brothers and sisters.
Terms and conditions of the Dominica CBI programme:
| Parameter | Value |
| Regulatory document | Citizenship by Investment Act, 1993 |
| Investment options |
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| Dual citizenship | Permitted |
| Minimum contribution | EDF Fund:
Real estate project, term of ownership — 3 years, if with subsequent resale — 5 years:
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| Application processing time | 3 to 6 months |
| Due diligence | Mandatory, paid separately:
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| Additional fees for investors in Dominica real estate |
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| Basic requirements for applicants |
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Citizenship and residency in Caribbean countries is a popular option with a relatively low entry threshold. To comply with all formalities, eliminate the risk of rejection and speed up the process, please contact our specialists.
Banking services and KYC
The financial sector in this jurisdiction is one of the most developed in the Caribbean region. Banks in Dominica are willing to work with non-residents, but compliance with KYC/AML principles is mandatory. Therefore, you and your business will have no problems accessing modern financial services. We will open a bank account for your company in Dominica or a personal account with a suitable financial institution. At your request, we can offer comprehensive products such as “account + company in Dominica”.
Features of the banking sector in the jurisdiction:
- the financial system is controlled by the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank ECCB, while the activities of non-bank financial institutions fall under the responsibility of the Financial Services Unit FSU of the Dominica Ministry of Finance;
- National banks are represented in the jurisdiction, and branches of international financial institutions operate there.
- There are no currency controls in Dominica.
- a minimum set of documents is required to open an account; for corporate accounts, this includes a company registration certificate, personal documents of all directors and signatories on the account, and confirmation of the legality of the source of funds;
- Remote account opening is possible, but some banks insist on the applicant’s personal presence.
When opening a bank account for your company in Dominica, we will ensure compliance with KYC/AML regulations and verify the completeness of the documentation. However, some financial and credit institutions, when evaluating applications from non-residents, may request additional proof of reliability. This is normal practice and there is no cause for concern: our specialists will be in contact with the bank staff, so we will process requests as quickly as possible.
How to register a company
The tax advantages of Dominica are a sufficient argument for registering an offshore legal entity here. But to start a secure business, you need to be sure that everything is done correctly: opening a bank account, preparing tax and accounting reports, collecting a package of documents, choosing an investment option to participate in the CBI programme. Imperial & Legal specialists will take care of all the legal and administrative hassles, so you can focus on your current affairs.
Approximate time estimate:
Why Imperial & Legal?
The short registration period for companies in Dominica is not the only reason to seek our assistance. Our experience, connections in the business community, understanding of the challenges faced by business people, and focus on the end result are equally important reasons to start working with us.
Why we are trusted:
- extensive experience in successfully registering offshore companies in Dominica;
- only proven licensed partners;
- Comprehensive legal support for registration;
- a professional international team;
- all services under one roof: incorporation in Dominica, bank accounts, accounting, reporting, preparing clients for participation in the CBI programme, etc.
The solutions we offer do not require your mandatory participation in legal and administrative actions. We ensure full compliance with FATCA and CRS, tax and financial transparency. Our specialists will prepare you for participation in the citizenship by investment programme in Dominica, select the best investment options, and create a secure legal environment for investments by launching a holding or fund structure.
Imperial & Legal also provides offshore support and assistance in Dominica at all stages of business operations. Typical examples include annual registration renewal, changes in management structure, preparation and submission of reports, and tax optimisation.
