Living in Dominica

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Living in Dominica

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Living in Dominica

This guide sets out essential information for British citizens moving to or living in Dominica. There is no British High Commission in Dominica. The British High Commission in Barbados maintains diplomatic relations. See Our services section for information on what we can and cannot do for British nationals.

This information is provided as a guide only. You should get definitive information from the Dominican authorities. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is not liable for any inaccuracies in this information.

Support for British Nationals Abroad sets out how British nationals can stay safe abroad and how the FCDO can help if you do get into difficulty.

Read general guidance on moving or retiring abroad.

To stay up to date; follow the British High Commission Barbados:

Before you go

See our travel advice for Dominica for up-to-date information on entry requirements, local laws and customs, safety and emergencies.

Visas and residency

Check the entry requirements for Dominica travel advice.

Passports and travel

You can apply for or renew your British passport from Dominica.

Check Dominica travel advice for passport validity requirements.

Healthcare in Dominica

There is no reciprocal health care in Dominica.

You should ensure you have private healthcare cover for Dominica. Check the Dominica list of medical practitioners. UK travel insurance providers will usually not cover your healthcare costs if you live overseas.

Medicine

If you are on a prescription for any medication you should ensure you have a supply of it, or are able to obtain it in Dominica. Certain medicines may not be available in Dominica (including major brands readily available in the UK), and you may be prohibited from taking them into the country.

Read the guidance if you need to travel abroad with medicines. You should consult your GP before travelling to Dominica to find out about any alternative medication.

Working in Dominica

If you are planning to move to Dominica and work, you may need a visa. See the Dominica government’s guidance on residency and work permits at Dominican Ministry of National Security and Home Affairs Immigration division and the Labour division (for Citizenship and Naturalization, work and residence permits, student and entry visas) or Dominican High Commission in London.

You may be able to apply for a short term or a long-term work permit. You will have to pay a fee for your work permit.

Studying in Dominica

If you plan to study in Dominica, you must contact the Dominican Ministry of National Security and Home Affairs Immigration division and apply for a student visa.

You will need to provide:

2 recent passport-sized photographs
applicant’s birth certificate in English
applicant’s certificates

Contact the relevant education provider in Dominica to check what fees you have to pay.

Tax

The UK has taxation treaties with Dominica to ensure that people do not pay tax on the same income in both countries. Ask the relevant tax authority about double taxation relief.

You should get professional advice on paying tax in Dominica. Find a lawyer in Dominica.

Read guidance on:

tax if you leave the UK to live abroad
tax on your UK income if you live abroad
tax if you get a pension and live abroad
paying National Insurance while abroad to protect your State Pension and entitlement to other benefits and allowances.

Benefits

Check which UK benefits you can claim while abroad and how to claim them.

Many income-related benefits such as Pension Credit and Housing Benefit cannot be paid if you’re abroad for more than 4 weeks.

British nationals may be entitled to UK benefits while living in Dominica.

The UK basic state pension is payable in Dominica. Contact the International Pension Centre for more information on getting your pension in Dominica.

Pensions

Read State Pension guidance if you have lived in Australia, Canada or New Zealand and you are claiming or waiting to claim your UK State Pension.

If you retire in Dominica, you can claim your UK State Pension or new UK State Pension. Contact the International Pension Centre for further information.

Life certificates for UK State Pensions

If you get a ‘life certificate’ from the UK Pension Service, you must respond as soon as possible. Your payments may be suspended if you do not.

Money and banking

There is a limited number of banks in Dominica and you should ask them directly about how to open an account. You will usually be asked to provide a reference from your UK bank.

Accommodation and buying property

See buying a property abroad.

Driving in Dominica

Read general guidance on driving abroad.

Read the guidance on what actions you must do to drive legally in Dominica. You should buy a temporary licence through the Inland Revenue Division. These are valid for 1 or 3 months.

If you’re asked for a letter authenticating, certifying or validating your UK driver’s licence, you should contact your UK issuing office (for example, the DVLA).

If you wish to bring your vehicle with you to Dominica, read guidance on taking vehicles out the UK.

Disabled drivers

If you have a UK Blue Badge and live in Dominica, you must return it to the original UK issuing authority.

Voting

Some non-nationals may have the right to vote in Dominica elections. Check the Dominican government’s website for eligibility.

You may be able to vote in some UK elections. You can:

Births, deaths, marriage and civil partnership

Births

If your child is born in Dominica you should register the birth with the local authorities. You can then register with the UK authorities and apply for a UK birth certificate.

If your child has British nationality, you do not need to register the birth with the UK authorities to apply for a British passport.

Deaths

If someone dies in Dominica read our guidance on:

What to do if someone dies abroad
Bereavement guidance for Dominica
English-speaking funeral directors in Dominica

Marriage and civil partnership

Find out how you can get married or get a civil partnership abroad. To get married in Dominica, you should apply for a marriage certificate.

Pets

If you wish to bring a pet to Dominica, contact the Division of Agriculture, Veterinary Unit.

Emergencies

dial 1 (767) 448-2222 / 911 for the ambulance or fire brigade
dial 1 (767) 448-2222 / 911 to report a missing child

If you have been the victim of a rape or sexual assault in Dominica, read the guidance on rape or sexual assault abroad.

View the list of lawyers in Dominica.

If you’re the victim of a crime, have been arrested, or are affected by a crisis, contact the British High Commission Bridgetown on +1 246 430 7800.

Read the guidance on international parental child abduction if your child may be at risk of this.

Returning to the UK

Read the guidance on returning to the UK permanently which includes information on bringing family members, tax and access to services.

Living in Dominica