Ordinary naturalisation and conflicting old wording

Seven-year Act wording includes the final year

Section 8(1) requires residence in Dominica throughout the twelve months before application and residence, government service or a combination throughout seven years immediately before application. The final twelve months fall within that seven-year period, not after it. This wording does not establish a separate permanent-residence-permit holding period.

Capacity, character, English and civic knowledge

The ordinary applicant must be of full age and capacity, with full age defined as 18, of good character, and have adequate knowledge of English and of a Dominican citizen's responsibilities. The Act supplies no numeric CEFR standard or general language-test exemption in these provisions.

Future intention and oath before grant

The applicant must intend to reside in Dominica or enter or continue government service. Section 8 gives the Minister discretion, including residence adjustments and waiver in special circumstances; these are not the baseline route. An oath or affirmation must precede the naturalisation certificate, and citizenship begins on its date.

Foreign nationality does not itself bar citizenship

Section 6(2) says the Act does not prevent an otherwise qualified person from becoming Dominican because that person is another country's national. This removes that nationality-based bar under Dominican law; it does not determine whether the other country permits retention or guarantee approval of the application.

Registered renunciation and a nationality safeguard

An adult of full capacity who is or is about to become another country's citizen or national can renounce Dominican citizenship by registered declaration. If the intended other nationality is not obtained within twelve months after registration, the person is deemed to have remained Dominican. Wartime registration requires the Minister's consent.