FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Select one of the frequently asked questions below to learn more about buying, selling, and renting real estate. Also, begin to think about important things to consider when diving into your real estate search.

NO you can transfer /sell without registering any property forming part of the Estate into your name.
You will pay what are called Transmission Fees which are as follows:

  • Stamp Duty EC$7.50
  • 1% Assurance Fund
  • 1% Judicial Fees

These Fees are calculated on the Valuation obtained for Probate /Letters of Administration and are in addition to the 2.5% Vendors stamp duty which will be calculated on the market value of the property at the time of Sale.

Your loved ones will not be burdened by death duties or capital gains tax in Dominica.

Foreigners pay a total of 20.5% this includes 10.5% transfer fees and 10% alien land holding license. If you are not a Dominican or from any of the OECS states the 10% alien land holding license fee must be paid. However if someone buys land for up to an acre for residential purposes in addition to paying for the license one must also apply for the license. This is a process. If up to 3 acres of land is purchased for business purposes the license must also be applied for in addition to paying for the fees.

Yes. BNS and NBD offer loans to non nationals. The requirements for BNS are as follows: income tax returns for the past two years, two reference letters, job letter, credit bureau cheques, 30% cash down payment (if it is a house) 50% cash down payment (if it is land), 10% cash held on savings account for overruns, this must be a vacation home; not for rental purpose. The requirements for NBD are: proof of address, photo ID, proof of income, job letter and audited financial statement for up to six months to a year.

Yes anyone can own land in Dominica providing all the respective fees are paid for.

Yes, as long as all the proper paper work is done and most importantly all the relevant tests for the animal.

Dominica is 288 sq miles. The island is 29 miles long and 16 miles wide.

Depending on the location you choose you can expect to pay from US$370 and up.

Yes most of the villages have bus service.

Dominica is regarded as one of the safest countries in the Caribbean. Sensible precautions should be taken as in any country and tourists should not visit isolated areas unaccompanied.

There are many events that take place in Dominica during the Carnival Season, such as Calypso competitions, the National Queen Show, the Princess Show, Kiddies Carnival and more.

Roseau is the capital city and Portsmouth on the North West coast is the second town.

 2016 Public Holidays
Calendar DatesDayHoliday
January 1stFridayNew Year’s Day
February 8thMondayCarnival Monday 
February 9thTuesdayCarnival Tuesday
March 25thFridayGood Friday
March 28thMondayEaster Monday
May 2ndMondayLabour Day (May Day)
May 7th, 14th, 21stSaturdaysHike Fest
May 15thSundayJazz ‘n Creole at Cabrits
May 16thMondayWhit Monday
August 1stMondayAugust Monday (Emancipation Day)
October 24th to 27thMonday to ThursdayCreole in the Park
October 28th, 29th, 30thFriday, Saturday, SundayWorld Creole Music Festival
November 3rdThursdayNational Day – Independence Day
November 4thFridayNational Day of Community Service
December 25thSundayChristmas Day
December 26thMondayBoxing Day

The local currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC$2.67 = US$1.00), however US dollars are accepted at most business outlets and shops. US Dollars can be changed into local currency at any of the banks or Exchange Bureaus.

Dominica is very mountainous with sparkling waterfalls, 365 rivers and rain forests. It is a popular destination for American and European tourists, particularly those interested in diving and eco tourism. It also has the world’s second largest boiling lake. · The island is volcanic and therefore most of the beaches have black sand. There are a few white sandy beaches in the North of the Island. · Dominica is widely acknowledged to be both the best dive destination and prime whale watching island in the Caribbean.

If you want to know more about Dominica please contact us by phone, fax or e-mail.

If you are building a concrete house (which is the most common in Dominica ) the cost will very much depend on the quality of the finish you require and where the property is located as transportation costs of materials from Roseau can be quite high. Building costs for a good finish are at the present time between EC$180 – EC$200 a sq ft. It could be cheaper if your home is built of wood or if you are prepared to undertake a lot of the work yourself.

You will have to apply for a residency permit, otherwise you are allowed to stay for a month at a time and would have to obtain extension. If you are coming from a Commonwealth Country, you are entitled to stay for 6 months at a time. Read more details about Residency here.

Dominica’s zip code is 00152

The approximate population of Dominica is 71,293 as of last census conducted in May, 2011.

The average daytime temperature ranges from 75-85 degrees, with cooler temperature in the mountains. The nighttime temperature is generally in the low 70s. The rainy season is from July to October and the dry season from February to May. The hurricane season is from June to November.

Dominica has a democratically elected government. Election in December 2014 returned the ruling DLP to a fourth term in office.


Dominica has a basic health care system. The main Hospital is the Princess Margaret Hospital in Goodwill, Roseau. Most of the larger villages have a heath centre. If you are a non-national you will receive medical care at the hospital. Fees are 4 times what a citizen would pay. The price depends on the type of x-ray and the age range. Doctors fees are based on the specialty of doctor

There are many small hotels and guesthouses available to rent. In Roseau the main hotel which is frequented by business people and tourists is the Fort Young Hotel. More places to stay in Dominica

The Commonwealth of Dominica, also known as the Nature Isle of the Caribbean, is located in the Eastern Caribbean, between the French Islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe. Ferry service is available between Dominica Martinique, Guadeloupe and St. Lucia.

Dominica has signed Tax Information Exchange Agreements with the following countries:

 

Australia Denmark Greenland
Belgium Finland Faroe Islands
United Kingdom Iceland United States
New Zealand Norway Canada
The Netherland Sweden Germany
Portugal    

Many food items from the States and Europe are available in the supermarkets. It is possible to source most items.

Dominica is particularly attractive to retirees because if your Pension is paid from another country you will not be taxed on that pension in Dominica.

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