Moving to Spain from Dominica

Dominica, the English-speaking island in the eastern Caribbean, should not be confused with the Dominican Republic: its nationals have no dual nationality treaty, no licence exchange and no reduced period for Spanish citizenship. They enter visa-free, but living in Spain requires a permit, handled through the Embassy of Spain in Kingston (Jamaica). Here are the essentials, including if your passport was obtained by investment.

Key facts

• Entry: nationals of Dominica can stay in the Schengen area visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period; the Entry/Exit System (EES) records each crossing. This does not allow work and does not, on its own, let you settle.
• Citizenship by investment: since late 2025, the EU’s revised visa suspension mechanism allows visa-free access to be suspended for countries running citizenship-by-investment programmes, and the Commission has asked Dominica to phase its programme out by June 2028. Visa-free entry still applies today; check before you travel.
• Citizenship: the general requirement is 10 years of legal, continuous residence. When swearing allegiance you must declare that you renounce your previous nationality (its effect in Dominica depends on local law) and pass the CCSE and the DELE A2, because Spanish is not an official language there.
• Documents: public documents from Dominica only need an apostille (Hague Convention), but anything in English requires a sworn translation into Spanish.
• Driving and contributions: there is no licence exchange agreement and no bilateral social security agreement. Once resident you can drive for six months on your licence; after that you need a Spanish licence with theory and practical tests.

How people usually move

• Studies. A degree, master’s or vocational course with a study authorisation, which allows work up to 30 hours a week. It is a stay, not residence: that time does not count towards citizenship. Study permit
• Family. Marriage or a registered partnership with a Spanish or EU citizen gives access to residence as a family member, with the right to work. Family member of a Spanish or EU citizen
• Remote work. The digital nomad visa fits if you work remotely for companies or clients outside Spain, with a relationship of at least three months. You can apply at the consulate or from Spain while legally present. Digital nomad
• Non-lucrative residence. For people living on income or savings without working in Spain: a consular visa, private health insurance with no co-payments or waiting periods, a medical certificate and a criminal record certificate. Non-lucrative residence
• Skilled work. With a highly qualified job in Spain you can apply for the highly qualified professional permit or the EU Blue Card, both processed by the Large Companies Unit (UGE). Highly qualified professional

Documents and apostille

• Police certificate from the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force, requested from the Criminal Investigation Department at Police Headquarters in Roseau. From abroad you can apply by mail or through another person, with fingerprints taken by a police authority.
• Apostille: the authorities designated with the Hague Conference are the Attorney General, the Solicitor General and the Registrar (or Deputy Registrar).
• Records from other countries: if you have lived in another country in the last five years, also prepare its certificate, apostilled or legalised.
• Sworn translation: every document in English must be translated into Spanish by a sworn translator appointed by Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs; it can be done in Spain, on the already apostilled document.

What to keep in mind

• The Embassy of Spain in Kingston, also accredited to Dominica, handles national visas by appointment and in person for residents of its district with proof of residence. If you live in another country, apply at the Spanish consulate covering your legal residence.
• The police certificate usually has to be recent: request it once you have a date for your visa application, because it still needs an apostille and a sworn translation afterwards.
• Check that your documents and applications say “Dominica” and not “Dominican Republic”: it is a common mistake on forms and translations.
• In Spain: register at the town hall (padrón) and, if you came with a residence visa, apply for your TIE within the first month. If you plan to apply for citizenship, the 10 years run from when you obtain legal residence, not from arrival.

Frequently asked questions

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