Grenada Citizenship by Investment: A Step-by-Step Guide

What is Immigration?

Immigration means the legal process of entering, residing in, working in, or naturalizing as a citizen of a country where you are not currently a citizen. In Grenada, immigration covers visas, residence permits, work permits, naturalisation, and the fast-track Citizenship by Investment (CBI) route.

Grenada’s framework allows several paths: short-stay visits under the Immigration Act (Cap. 145), temporary or permanent residence, registration or naturalisation under the Citizenship Act (Cap. 54), and investment-based citizenship under the Citizenship by Investment Act, 2013 (Act No. 15 of 2013) and its Regulations. The system is administered by the Immigration and Passport Department (within the Royal Grenada Police Force) and the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) under the Ministry of Finance.

Why Might You Need Legal Help with Immigration?

You need legal help to navigate eligibility, documentation, and regulatory changes that can delay or derail applications. In 2024-2025, due diligence standards in Grenada and the wider Caribbean are stricter, so an experienced lawyer helps anticipate issues and present your case cleanly.

A lawyer or regulated agent can assess the best route (CBI vs. residence and later naturalisation), provide a source-of-funds roadmap that satisfies CIU scrutiny, coordinate police certificates and apostilles, manage dependants’ eligibility, and handle complex histories like prior visa refusals or name/identity discrepancies. For CBI, Grenada only accepts applications through Licensed Marketing Agents and Local Authorised Agents, so professional guidance is not optional - it is mandatory for submission and often decisive for approval.

How Does the Immigration Process Work?

The process depends on your pathway, but it always starts with eligibility, documentation, official filing, and security checks. For Grenada’s CBI, plan on 3-6 months from filing to approval, then investment completion and passport issuance.

1. Choose your pathway:
   • Short visits or extensions under the Immigration Act (Cap. 145)
   • Work permit and residence (via Ministry of Labour and Immigration Department)
   • Naturalisation after lawful residence under the Citizenship Act (Cap. 54)
   • Citizenship by Investment under the Citizenship by Investment Act, 2013
2. Gather documents:
   • Valid passport, birth and marriage certificates, photos
   • Police certificates from all countries of residence (generally last 10 years)
   • Medical exam and questionnaire
   • Proof of funds, bank reference, source-of-wealth/source-of-funds reports (for CBI)
   • Apostilles or legalizations as required
3. File through the correct body:
   • CBI: through a Licensed Marketing Agent and Local Authorised Agent to the CIU
   • Visas/residence: Immigration and Passport Department
   • Work permit: Ministry of Labour (Labour Commissioner)
4. Due diligence and interviews:
   • Multi-layer security checks for CBI, often including an interview
   • Verification of documents and background across international databases
5. Decision and next steps:
   • CBI: Approval in principle, make the investment, receive certificate of registration, then passport
   • Residence: Permit issued for a fixed term; you may later apply for permanent residence or naturalisation

What are the Specific Grenada Legal Requirements?

For CBI, you must contribute to Grenada’s National Transformation Fund (NTF) or invest in an approved real estate project, pass due diligence, and be of good character. For residence and naturalisation, you must lawfully reside for the statutory period, maintain clean records, and meet character and integration requirements.

• Citizenship by Investment (Act No. 15 of 2013 and Regulations):
  • Minimum investment: harmonized regional floor of USD 200,000 in 2024-2025
  • Options:
    • Contribution to the National Transformation Fund (NTF)
    • Investment in an approved real estate project (tourism or other government-approved sectors)
  • Mandatory due diligence: police certificates, financial screening, and often applicant interviews
  • Eligible dependants typically include spouse, children (age limits apply), and sometimes dependent parents
  • No residency or language test for CBI applicants
• Naturalisation (Citizenship Act, Cap. 54):
  • Typical residence: generally 5 years of lawful residence, including at least 1 year immediately before application
  • Good character and intention to continue residing in Grenada
  • Registration routes for spouses and minors exist under the Act
• Visas and residency (Immigration Act, Cap. 145 and Regulations):
  • Entry and extension of stay controlled by the Immigration and Passport Department
  • Work permits administered through the Ministry of Labour
  • CARICOM Skilled Nationals can apply for a Skills Certificate for facilitated entry and work

Typical timelines: CBI 3-6 months to approval, 1-4 weeks to passport after investment completion; work permits 4-8 weeks; visitor extensions 1-3 weeks; permanent residence 6-12 months; naturalisation 12-18 months from eligibility. Costs vary: non-CBI immigration fees are modest administrative charges, while CBI costs start from USD 200,000 plus due diligence and government fees.

What Grenada Laws and Regulations Apply?

Key laws and agencies define your rights, obligations, and procedures. The most important for investors is the Citizenship by Investment Act, 2013 and its Regulations, administered by the CIU.

• Citizenship by Investment Act, 2013 (Act No. 15 of 2013) and Citizenship by Investment Regulations, 2013:
  • Establishes the CBI program, investment options, due diligence, revocation powers, and confidentiality
  • Governing body: Grenada Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU), Ministry of Finance
• Citizenship Act (Chapter 54 of the Continuous Revised Laws of Grenada):
  • Provides for citizenship by birth, descent, registration, and naturalisation
• Immigration Act (Chapter 145) and Immigration Regulations:
  • Controls entry, extensions, residence permits, and removal
  • Administered by the Immigration and Passport Department, Royal Grenada Police Force
• Passports legislation:
  • Sets passport issuance rules and offences related to travel documents
  • Administered by the Immigration and Passport Department
• Aliens Landholding Regulation legislation:
  • Requires a licence for non-citizens to acquire land; CBI investors who become citizens are exempt
• Labour and work permit framework:
  • Work permits are processed by the Ministry of Labour (Labour Commissioner) for non-citizens
• Regional 2024 Memorandum of Agreement on CBI minimum standards (Caribbean Five):
  • Harmonized minimum USD 200,000 contribution, enhanced due diligence, data-sharing among CIUs

Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Guide: Top Programs for a Second Passport in 2025

The fastest lawful route to a second passport in the Caribbean is CBI, and 2024-2025 reforms introduced a common USD 200,000 minimum floor. Grenada stands out for USA E-2 treaty access, while Antigua often delivers the lowest total family cost.

Below is a high-level comparison to help you shortlist programs. Values are indicative starting points for single applicants and a family of four (main applicant, spouse, two dependent children). Government fees, due diligence, agent fees, and real estate closing costs vary by case and can materially change the total.

Important: The 2024/2025 harmonization means any advertisement of a USD 100k Caribbean passport is outdated. Always compare total cost, including due diligence, government, and agent fees, especially for families.

Grenada CBI: Process and Costs in Detail

Grenada’s CBI process runs 3-6 months and must be filed through licensed professionals. Expect multi-agency due diligence, and be prepared to evidence lawful source of funds with bank statements, corporate records, and tax returns.

1. Initial eligibility and KYC:
   • Your Licensed Marketing Agent conducts Know-Your-Client checks and pre-screens risks
2. Document preparation:
   • Passports, civil status documents, police certificates, medicals, bank references, proof of address
   • Source of wealth and source of funds dossier, with translations and apostilles as required
3. Submission to CIU:
   • Your Local Authorised Agent in Grenada files to the CIU under the Citizenship by Investment Act, 2013
   • Government processing and due diligence fees are paid at filing
4. Due diligence and interview:
   • CIU conducts internal and external checks; interviews may be required
5. Approval in principle:
   • On approval, complete the investment: NTF contribution or real estate purchase per approval letter
6. Citizenship and passport:
   • Certificate of Registration is issued; you take the Oath of Allegiance
   • Passport is issued by the Immigration and Passport Department

Indicative fees and costs (subject to change): minimum NTF contribution USD 200,000; due diligence typically USD 5,000 per adult; processing and application fees per applicant; real estate option includes government fees and project closing costs. Dependants’ ages affect fees. Your lawyer should provide a written itemized quote before you commit.

How Grenada Stands Out: USA E-2 Visa and Travel

Grenadian citizens can apply for the USA E-2 Investor Visa thanks to the treaty with the United States, which allows qualifying investors to live in the US to direct and develop their enterprise. If you obtain Grenadian citizenship by investment, US law now requires you to have held Grenadian nationality for at least 3 years before making an E-2 application.

Travel privileges for Grenadian citizens include visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to a broad set of countries, including the Schengen Area and the United Kingdom, subject to each destination’s policies. Visa regimes can change; your advisor should verify current access relevant to your travel profile at time of application.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Grenada CBI take?

Typical processing runs 3-6 months from complete submission to approval in principle, then 2-4 weeks for issuance after investment completion. Timelines depend on document quality, due diligence findings, and whether an interview or clarifications are required.

Can I include my family in a Grenada CBI application?

Yes, you can usually include a spouse, dependent children (age limits apply), and sometimes dependent parents. Fees vary by age and relationship, so your total cost can differ significantly from a single applicant’s cost.

Do I need to visit Grenada for CBI?

No visit is required to apply or receive Grenadian citizenship by investment. The Oath of Allegiance can be arranged through authorized officers, and passports are issued by the Immigration and Passport Department after registration.

Can my Grenadian citizenship be revoked?

Yes, citizenship can be revoked under the Citizenship by Investment Act, 2013 and the Citizenship Act for reasons such as fraud, concealment of material facts, serious criminality, or threats to national security. Your agent and lawyer should ensure full disclosure to mitigate revocation risks.

Is my investment in Grenada real estate refundable?

Real estate investments are not donations, but liquidity and exit depend on market conditions and the project’s resale rules. The CIU requires approved projects and sets minimum holding periods; your contract should clearly state exit terms and timelines.

What due diligence documents will I need?

Expect police certificates from countries of residence, bank and professional references, detailed source-of-wealth and source-of-funds evidence, certified passports and civil documents, and a medical questionnaire. Documents often require notarization and apostille.

Does Grenada allow dual citizenship?

Yes, Grenada permits dual citizenship. You should also confirm your home country’s stance on dual nationality to avoid inadvertent loss of original citizenship.

Will Grenadian citizenship give me the right to live in the EU or UK?

No, it grants visa-free or visa-on-arrival access in many cases but not the right to reside. If EU residence or citizenship is your goal, consider Malta’s program, which confers EU rights after completion of its residency and contribution requirements.

How does the 2024-2025 price harmonization affect me?

The Caribbean Five agreed on a minimum USD 200,000 floor for CBI contributions and tighter due diligence, so older “USD 100k passport” offers are outdated. Focus on total cost by family size, processing reliability, and your mobility goals.

Can Grenada citizenship help me obtain a USA E-2 visa?

Yes, Grenadian citizens are eligible for the USA E-2 treaty investor visa, but if your nationality was obtained by investment, US law requires holding that nationality for at least 3 years before applying. You still must invest in and actively direct a qualifying US enterprise to qualify.

When Should You Hire a Lawyer?

Engage a lawyer early if you have dependants, a complex financial profile, or any past immigration or legal issues. Professional guidance prevents costly delays and improves approval odds under stricter 2024-2025 due diligence standards.

• Complex source of funds (multiple companies, crypto, trusts, or recent large transfers)
• Politically Exposed Person (PEP) status or high public profile
• Past visa refusals, name changes, or adverse media
• Custody or consent issues for minor dependants
• Criminal records, sanctions screenings, or compliance red flags
• Real estate investment review and contract negotiation in approved projects

What are the Next Steps?

Start with a structured plan: eligibility, documentation, agent engagement, and a realistic timeline. Your advisor should put every fee and milestone in writing.

1. Define your goals:
   • Is E-2 access critical? Is total family cost the priority? Do you prefer donation or real estate?
2. Book a legal consultation:
   • Get a risk assessment and program comparison tailored to your family size and timeline
3. Select a Licensed Marketing Agent and Local Authorised Agent:
   • Only licensed agents can submit Grenada CBI files to the CIU
4. Document checklist and KYC:
   • Collect civil documents, police certificates, financial statements, and evidence of funds
5. Pre-clear source of funds:
   • Agree on a narrative and evidence matrix that satisfies CIU due diligence standards
6. File and monitor:
   • Your agent submits to the CIU, responds to queries, and coordinates any interview
7. Complete investment and oath:
   • On approval in principle, make the NTF contribution or close on real estate, then take the Oath of Allegiance
8. Receive passport and plan use:
   • Obtain your passport, review travel rules, and prepare any E-2 or residency strategies you intend to pursue

Additional Grenada Immigration Pathways

Beyond CBI, you can live and work in Grenada through visas, work permits, residence permits, and later naturalisation. These paths suit those who plan a physical move or long-term ties independent of CBI.

• Visitor entry and extensions:
  • Many nationals receive visa-free entry; extensions are processed by the Immigration and Passport Department
  • Typical processing: 1-3 weeks for extensions
• Work permits:
  • Apply through the Ministry of Labour for employer-specific authorisation before taking up employment
  • Typical processing: 4-8 weeks; renewals possible
• Residence permits:
  • Temporary or permanent residence under the Immigration Act (Cap. 145); criteria vary by category
  • Permanent residence generally after extended lawful stay and good character
• Naturalisation and registration:
  • After meeting residence requirements, you can apply for Grenadian citizenship under the Citizenship Act (Cap. 54)
• CARICOM Skilled Nationals:
  • Qualified nationals from CARICOM states may obtain a Skills Certificate for facilitated work mobility

Compliance Tips for 2024-2025 Applicants

Regulators across the Caribbean have strengthened due diligence, information sharing, and escrow safeguards. A meticulous file significantly improves your approval chances.

• Use only Licensed Marketing Agents and Local Authorised Agents recognised by the Grenada CIU
• Prepare a clear, well-evidenced source-of-wealth narrative tied to verifiable banking records
• Disclose all prior visa refusals, immigration issues, and name changes
• Expect interviews and be consistent with your documents
• For E-2 planning, consider the 3-year holding requirement post-CBI before filing in the USA

Contact Points and Government Bodies

Knowing where your application goes helps you track progress and verify legitimacy. Always cross-check the latest forms and fees.

• Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU), Ministry of Finance:
  • Administers CBI applications, due diligence, approvals, and program policy
• Immigration and Passport Department, Royal Grenada Police Force:
  • Handles visas, entry extensions, residence permits, and passport issuance
• Ministry of Labour (Labour Commissioner):
  • Issues work permits for non-citizens before employment begins

Why Work With a Grenada-Focused Immigration Lawyer

Local expertise is essential because Grenada-specific rules, forms, and practice notes change and may not be reflected in older online guides. A Grenada-focused lawyer coordinates directly with licensed agents, ensures statute-compliant filings, and anticipates CIU queries.

• Up-to-date on CIU circulars, acceptable document formats, and interview practices
• Understands family structuring for dependants and long-term travel goals
• Advises on real estate project selection and contractual protections
• Plans for E-2 timing, tax residency implications, and dual citizenship considerations

Summary: Choosing the Right Program for 2025

If E-2 access is crucial, Grenada or Turkey are your main options; if family cost is your top priority, Antigua often wins after harmonization; if premium EU mobility and settlement rights are required, Malta is the gold standard at a higher price point. Dominica, Saint Lucia, and St Kitts remain reputable with differences in fees and due diligence posture.

For Grenada specifically, expect a minimum USD 200,000 investment plus due diligence and fees, plan for 3-6 months processing, and work only through licensed agents. With EU and UK pressure driving stricter screening across the region, professional legal guidance is now central to a successful outcome.