How to start a business in Dominica as a foreigner (2026)

Legal framework

Companies Act No. 21 of 1994 (domestic companies); International Business Companies Act 1996 (IBCs); administered by the Companies & Intellectual Properties Office (CIPO) under the Ministry of Trade

Key points: starting a business in Dominica

1. 01Foreign Ownership

   Foreign nationals may own 100% of a company registered in Dominica, both domestic companies and IBCs, with no nationality or residency restrictions on directors or shareholders.

   investdominica.com state.gov

2. 02Official Registration Steps

   The Invest Dominica Authority lists 8 steps: (1) register/incorporate with CIPO, (2) register with Inland Revenue Division, (3) obtain VAT number, (4) register with Dominica Social Security, (5) obtain Alien Land Holding Licence if acquiring land above thresholds, (6) seek Physical Planning Division approval if required, (7) obtain other agency approvals as needed, (8) apply for work permits for foreign staff.

   investdominica.com cipo.gov.dm

3. 03Minimum Capital

   There is no statutory minimum paid-up capital for domestic companies or IBCs. The standard authorised share capital for an IBC is US$100, with a minimum issuance of one share, but this is a nominal default, not a mandated minimum.

   cipo.gov.dm investdominica.com

4. 04Timeline & E-Filing

   CIPO offers an e-filing system allowing immediate review of applications upon data entry. IBC incorporation typically takes 1-5 working days; domestic company registration follows a comparable timeline once signed forms and fees are submitted in person.

   cipo.gov.dm cipo.gov.dm

5. 05Automatic Tax Registration

   Upon CIPO incorporation, company information is automatically shared with the Inland Revenue Division, and the entity is registered as a taxpayer; tax registration confirmation is issued alongside the incorporation certificate.

   cipo.gov.dm dominica.gov.dm

6. 06Land Holding Restriction

   Foreigners may hold up to 1 acre for residential or 3 acres for commercial purposes without a licence. Larger holdings require an Alien Land Holding Licence, with a fee equal to 10% of the land's market value, a restriction on property only, not on company formation itself.

   investdominica.com state.gov

Sources

1. 1.cipo.gov.dm/businesses-and-companies/companies
2. 2.cipo.gov.dm/fees/international-business-companies-ibc
3. 3.investdominica.com/doing-business/start-a-business/
4. 4.state.gov/reports/2025-investment-climate-statements/dominica
5. 5.dominica.gov.dm/laws/chapters/chap78-46.pdf
6. 6.cipo.gov.dm/