Grenada

Last Updated: 2026-03-30

Official Portal: Grenada Citizenship by Investment Unit

Embassy Finder: gd.json

Quick Facts

Category	Detail
Residency for citizenship	7 years lawful residence
Language requirement	Yes — English
Cultural knowledge	No formal test required
Processing time	4–6 months (CBI); 6–12 months (naturalization)
Application fee	USD $1,500 (CBI application) + due diligence fees
Dual citizenship	Yes — fully permitted

Dual Citizenship

Grenada fully permits dual (or multiple) citizenship. There is no requirement to renounce prior nationality upon acquiring Grenadian citizenship, whether through naturalization, descent, or investment. Grenadian-born citizens who naturalize abroad also generally retain their Grenadian citizenship unless they voluntarily renounce it. This open stance makes Grenada an attractive second citizenship destination with no nationality conflict concerns.

Acquisition of Nationality

By Birth (Jus Soli)

A person born in Grenada is automatically a citizen at birth if at least one parent is a citizen or lawful permanent resident of Grenada at the time of birth. Birth alone to two foreign nationals temporarily present in Grenada does not confer citizenship.

By Descent (Jus Sanguinis)

Citizenship is transmitted by descent through either parent who is a Grenadian citizen. A child born abroad to at least one Grenadian parent is entitled to Grenadian citizenship. Registration is required to formally document the citizenship. The right of transmission by descent extends to subsequent generations provided registration requirements are met and the lineage is documented.

By Adoption

A child legally adopted by a Grenadian citizen may be registered as a citizen of Grenada. The adoption must be formally recognized under Grenadian law. Adopted children are generally treated on par with biological children for citizenship purposes once the adoption is legally completed.

By Marriage

Marriage to a Grenadian citizen does not confer automatic citizenship. A foreign spouse may apply for naturalization after residing lawfully in Grenada for the required period. The marriage must be legally recognized. There is no shortened residency track solely on the basis of marriage, though spousal residency permits facilitate the qualifying residence period.

By Naturalization (Residency)

Foreign nationals may apply for citizenship by naturalization after completing 7 years of lawful ordinary residence in Grenada. Key requirements include:

Minimum 7 years lawful residence (continuous or near-continuous)
Good character — no serious criminal record
English language proficiency (Grenada is an English-speaking country; no formal language test is administered, but English is the medium of all government interaction)
Intention to remain resident in Grenada
Oath of allegiance to Grenada and the Crown (Grenada is a Commonwealth realm with King Charles III as head of state)
Payment of applicable naturalization fees

Applications are submitted to the Ministry of Legal Affairs or relevant citizenship authority. Processing times vary but typically range from 6 to 12 months. The Governor-General formally grants citizenship upon approval of the application.

Citizenship / Residency by Investment

Grenada Citizenship by Investment Program (CBI)

Grenada’s Citizenship by Investment program was established in 2013 under the Grenada Citizenship by Investment Act. It is administered by the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) under the Prime Minister’s Office. The program consistently ranks among the top two or three Caribbean CBI programs globally due to its combination of processing speed, family inclusion options, and — most critically — its exclusive US E-2 Treaty Investor Visa advantage.

No residency requirement. No visit required. No interview required.

Investment Options

Option 1: National Transformation Fund (NTF) — Non-Refundable Contribution

The NTF is a direct contribution to the Government of Grenada’s development fund. It is the simplest and fastest route.

Applicant Profile	Required Contribution
Single applicant	USD $150,000
Applicant + spouse	USD $150,000
Family of up to 4 (applicant, spouse, 2 dependents)	USD $150,000
Each additional dependent (child)	USD $25,000
Each additional qualifying dependent (parent/grandparent/sibling)	USD $25,000–$50,000

The contribution is non-refundable. Processing and due diligence fees are additional. This is the most common route for applicants seeking speed and simplicity with no asset management obligation.

Option 2: Approved Real Estate Investment

Applicants may invest in government-approved real estate projects. Requirements:

Minimum investment: USD $220,000 in an approved real estate development
Shared ownership (fractional) option available at USD $350,000 minimum
The property must be held for a minimum of 5 years before it can be sold
The real estate must be within a pre-approved development on the government’s list of qualifying projects
After 5 years, the property may be sold and the new buyer may use the same property to apply for citizenship (subject to minimum investment thresholds at the time)

This route appeals to investors who prefer a tangible asset and potential rental income during the holding period, particularly in Grenada’s growing tourism real estate sector.

Due Diligence Process

Grenada operates one of the most rigorous due diligence frameworks in the Caribbean. The process is a 4-stage screening:

Authorized Agent Review — All applications must be submitted through a government-licensed authorized agent. Agents conduct initial KYC and document verification.
CIU Internal Review — The Citizenship by Investment Unit reviews all submitted documents and flags any discrepancies.
Third-Party Due Diligence — An independent due diligence firm conducts background checks on the main applicant and all adult dependents.
Security Clearance — Final security vetting through government security channels.

All adult dependents (18+) undergo full due diligence. Due diligence fees are non-refundable regardless of outcome.

Fee Type	Amount
Application fee (main applicant)	USD $1,500
Due diligence (main applicant)	USD $5,000
Due diligence (spouse)	USD $5,000
Due diligence (dependents 17+)	USD $2,000 each
Processing fee	Varies by agent

Family Inclusion

Grenada’s CBI program allows a broad definition of qualifying dependents:

Spouse (legally married)
Children under 30 who are financially dependent on the main applicant (including stepchildren and legally adopted children)
Parents and grandparents aged 55 and above who are financially dependent
Unmarried siblings who are financially dependent (subject to additional documentation and fees)

This broad inclusion is one of the most family-friendly in the Caribbean and a strong selling point for multi-generational family applications.

Passport Power

A Grenadian passport grants visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to approximately 147 destinations as of 2026, including:

Schengen Area (all 27 countries) — visa-free
United Kingdom — visa-free
Ireland — visa-free
Singapore — visa-free
China — visa-free (one of very few Caribbean passports with this access)
Brazil, Hong Kong, and most of Latin America — visa-free
United States — visa required (but see E-2 treaty advantage below)
Canada — visa required

THE UNIQUE E-2 TREATY ADVANTAGE (Critical Differentiator)

Grenada is the only Caribbean CBI country with a US E-2 Treaty Investor Visa agreement with the United States.

This is not a small detail — it is the single most significant differentiator of the Grenada CBI program compared to all other Caribbean citizenship by investment programs (Saint Kitts, Dominica, Antigua, Saint Lucia, and Vanuatu). No other Caribbean CBI country has this treaty.

What Is the E-2 Visa?

The E-2 Treaty Investor Visa is a US non-immigrant visa category that allows nationals of treaty countries to live and work in the United States by investing a substantial amount of capital in a US business they own or are actively developing. Key characteristics:

Not a green card — it is a non-immigrant status, but it is renewable indefinitely as long as the business continues to operate and the investor remains involved
Allows the investor and immediate family to live in the US — spouse receives automatic work authorization; children under 21 may attend US schools
Investment threshold: No fixed statutory minimum, but USCIS generally expects USD $100,000–$200,000+ in a qualifying business. The investment must be “substantial” relative to the total cost of the enterprise and must be at-risk capital (not just held in a bank account)
Business must be real and operational — a business plan alone is not sufficient; the enterprise must be generating or actively working toward generating revenue
Typically granted in 2-year increments — renewable indefinitely at US consulates; no cap on renewals if the business continues

The Strategy: Grenada CBI + US E-2

Obtain Grenadian citizenship through the NTF contribution (USD $150,000) or real estate route
Receive Grenadian passport (4–6 months processing)
Invest in a qualifying US business (typically USD $100,000–$300,000 depending on business type and USCIS scrutiny level)
Apply for E-2 visa at a US consulate as a Grenadian national
Move to the United States with spouse and minor children

Total cost of the combined strategy: Approximately USD $250,000–$500,000 depending on NTF vs. real estate route and the size of the US business investment — significantly less than the EB-5 investor green card program which requires a USD $800,000–$1,050,000 investment.

Why This Matters

The EB-5 immigrant investor visa (direct path to US green card) costs a minimum of USD $800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area or USD $1,050,000 elsewhere, and carries multi-year backlogs for Chinese and Indian nationals. The E-2 route via Grenada is not a green card, but for many international investors — particularly those from countries that do not have E-2 treaties with the US (China, India, Pakistan, Russia, etc.) — acquiring Grenadian citizenship first unlocks the E-2 pathway entirely. A Chinese national, for example, cannot apply for an E-2 visa with a Chinese passport because China does not have an E-2 treaty. With a Grenadian passport, the same investor becomes eligible.

The combination of Grenada CBI + US E-2 has become one of the most sought-after multi-step immigration strategies in the world for high-net-worth individuals seeking US access without the cost and wait of EB-5.

Important E-2 Caveats

E-2 is a non-immigrant status — it does not automatically lead to a green card
Maintaining E-2 status requires the business to remain active and the investor to demonstrate intent to depart when status ends (though this is understood to be a formality for most investors who renew indefinitely)
E-2 principal applicants must be in “a position to develop and direct the enterprise”
The business must not be “marginal” — it must have the capacity to generate more than a minimal living for the investor (i.e., a passive holding company with no real activity will not qualify)
USCIS and consular officers scrutinize E-2 applications carefully; qualified immigration counsel is strongly recommended

China Visa-Free Access

In addition to the E-2 advantage, Grenada is one of the very few Caribbean passports that grants visa-free access to mainland China. This is a significant benefit for investors with business interests in China who hold passports from countries that require a Chinese visa (including the United States).

Grenada CBI Program Rankings

Multiple independent ranking firms (including the Henley Passport Index, Arton Capital, and the CBI Index published by the Financial Times’ Professional Wealth Management) consistently rank Grenada among the top 2–3 Caribbean CBI programs. The E-2 treaty access and China visa-free access are primary drivers of this ranking.

Business & Entrepreneurship

Company Formation

Grenada offers a relatively accessible business formation environment for a small island nation. Key structures:

International Business Company (IBC) — Available for foreign-owned businesses engaging in offshore activities. IBCs benefit from tax exemptions on income not sourced from Grenada.
Limited Liability Company (LLC) — Standard domestic business structure available to residents and citizens.
Partnership — General and limited partnerships recognized under Grenadian law.

Company registration is handled through the Companies Registry within the Ministry of Legal Affairs. Processing for a standard company takes approximately 5–10 business days. Authorized agents and local law firms facilitate the process.

Tax Overview

Grenada has a moderate tax environment:

Corporate income tax: 28%
Personal income tax: Progressive, up to 28% for residents
VAT: 15% standard rate; hospitality sector has reduced rates
Withholding tax on dividends: 15%
No wealth tax, inheritance tax, or capital gains tax
No estate tax
IBCs: Exempt from income tax, capital gains tax, and withholding tax on income sourced outside Grenada for up to 20 years from registration

Grenada has signed several Tax Information Exchange Agreements (TIEAs) and is generally considered cooperative with international tax transparency standards.

Banking & Financial Infrastructure

Grenada is a member of the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU) and uses the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD), pegged to the USD at a fixed rate of XCD 2.70 per USD. This peg provides monetary stability.

Major banking institutions operating in Grenada include:

CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank
Republic Bank (Grenada) Ltd
Grenada Co-operative Bank
Bank of Saint George
National Commercial Bank of Grenada

CBI applicants and investors can generally open personal and business bank accounts in Grenada, though enhanced due diligence requirements apply for non-resident account holders. The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) regulates the banking sector.

Key Programs & Incentives

Grenada Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC): Promotes foreign direct investment; offers investment facilitation services
Tourism incentives: Approved tourism projects may receive import duty concessions on construction materials and equipment
Agricultural incentives: Import duty waivers on agricultural inputs for qualifying projects
Free zones: Grenada has explored free zone development; specific zones may offer additional benefits for qualifying businesses

Loss of Nationality

Voluntary Renunciation

A Grenadian citizen aged 18 or older may voluntarily renounce their citizenship by making a declaration of renunciation before a designated authority. Renunciation becomes effective upon registration. A citizen who renounces during wartime or under national emergency may be refused renunciation at the discretion of the Minister.

Involuntary Loss

Grenadian citizenship acquired by naturalization (including through investment) may be revoked in the following circumstances:

Fraud, misrepresentation, or concealment of material facts in the application
Conviction of an offense involving fraud or dishonesty
Demonstrated disloyalty or activities against the interests of Grenada
Acquisition of citizenship of another country through voluntary action within 5 years of naturalization (note: this provision applies primarily to naturalization, not CBI grants, and Grenada’s general policy permits dual citizenship)

Revocation requires a formal process and is subject to appeal. Citizenship by birth is not revocable.

Recovery / Resumption

A former Grenadian citizen who lost or renounced citizenship may apply for re-registration or re-naturalization through the relevant authority. Each case is reviewed individually. Recovery is not automatic and is subject to ministerial discretion.

Practical Guide

Documents Needed

For CBI applications (submitted through authorized agent):

Valid passport (all pages, including blank pages) for all applicants
Birth certificates for all applicants and dependents
Marriage certificate (if applicable)
Police clearance certificates from all countries of residence for the past 10 years (for all applicants 17+)
Medical certificate (proof of good health; HIV test required)
Passport-size photographs (recent, per specification)
Bank reference letter demonstrating financial standing
Proof of source of funds (bank statements, tax returns, business ownership documents — typically 3–6 months)
Curriculum vitae / professional biography for main applicant
Completed government application forms (obtained through authorized agent)
For real estate route: property purchase agreement and proof of investment
For NTF route: proof of fund transfer to government account

For naturalization applications:

All of the above for identity documentation
Proof of lawful residence for 7 years (immigration stamps, residency permits)
Character references from Grenadian citizens or community leaders
No criminal record from home country and country of residence

Where to Submit

CBI applications: Must be submitted through a government-licensed Authorized Agent. Direct applications from individuals are not accepted. The list of authorized agents is published on the CIU website at cbi.gov.gd.
Naturalization applications: Submitted to the Ministry of Legal Affairs, Citizenship and Immigration Division, in St. George’s, Grenada.

Processing Time

CBI (NTF route): 4–6 months from submission of complete application
CBI (Real estate route): 4–6 months after completion of investment documentation
Naturalization: 6–12 months; can extend depending on case complexity

Fees

Fee Item	Amount (USD)
NTF contribution (single/family of 4)	$150,000
Real estate minimum	$220,000
Application fee	$1,500
Due diligence — main applicant	$5,000
Due diligence — spouse	$5,000
Due diligence — dependent (17+)	$2,000
Passport issuance	~$300
Authorized agent fee	Varies (typically $5,000–$15,000)

All fees are subject to change. Confirm current fees directly with the CIU or an authorized agent.

Antigua and Barbuda — Fellow OECS and CARICOM member; also offers CBI
Saint Kitts and Nevis — Oldest Caribbean CBI program; strong rival
Dominica — Lowest-cost Caribbean CBI program
Saint Lucia — Newer CBI program; Government Bonds option
Barbados — Welcome Stamp program; no CBI but strong commonwealth passport

Sources

Grenada Citizenship by Investment Unit — cbi.gov.gd
US Department of State — E-2 Treaty Countries List — travel.state.gov
USCIS — E-2 Treaty Investors — uscis.gov
Henley Passport Index 2026 — henleypassportindex.com
Eastern Caribbean Central Bank — eccb-centralbank.org
Grenada Companies Registry — Ministry of Legal Affairs
IMF Article IV Consultation Reports — Grenada
Heritage Foundation — 2025 Index of Economic Freedom — Grenada
Transparency International — Corruption Perceptions Index 2024

Grenada.gd

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