Grenada passport by investment: step-by-step guide to second citizenship

Grenada citizenship by investment is a program established in 2013 under the Citizenship by Investment Act No. 15 of 2013 and the Citizenship by Investment Regulations, 2013[1].

Grenada offers two investment options for prospective applicants:

1. Non-refundable contribution of $235,000 to the National Transformation Fund.
2. Purchase of government-approved real estate worth at least $270,000.

The Grenada citizenship program does not require investors to pass language tests, take history exams, or visit the country.

An investor can include their entire family in the application — namely, a spouse, children, parents, grandparents, and siblings. The contribution amount and associated fees may increase depending on the number of family members included.

Grenada’s CBI program stands out for its unique combination of global mobility, access to key markets like the US and China, and flexible terms that suit international investors. For those seeking a stronger passport, tax advantages, or a secure second home, these are the key pros of Grenada citizenship by investment.

1. Fast and fully remote application process

The entire process of obtaining Caribbean citizenship can be completed without visiting the country. Applications are submitted through licensed local agents, who provide Grenada citizenship consultation and support applicants at every stage of obtaining citizenship by investment.

Applications are processed within at least 8 months. The timeline remains consistent, provided all documents are in order and no issues arise during the Due Diligence checks.

2. No residence or visitation requirements

There is no obligation to reside in Grenada at any point before, during, or after acquiring citizenship. Citizenship is granted for life and does not depend on physical presence, renewal of residence permits, or demonstrating ties to the country.

The flexibility of Caribbean citizenship makes it an ideal Plan B. Investors can maintain their current residence and lifestyle while securing a second passport.

3. Visa-free travel to 140+ destinations

Grenadian citizenship offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 148 countries and territories worldwide, including the Schengen Area, the UK, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

Grenada has a mutual visa-waiver agreement with China, allowing its citizens to stay for up to 30 days each year without a visa — a rare privilege in the Caribbean, shared with Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica.

4. Living, doing business, and studying in the US

Grenada and the US have a treaty on mutual trade and navigation, which allows Grenadian citizens to apply for a 5-year E-2 visa to live, operate a business, and study in the US[3].

In addition, Grenadian passport holders are eligible for B-1/B-2 visitor visas valid for up to 10 years, allowing stays of up to 6 months per visit for tourism, business, or family purposes[4].

5. Six-month visa-free stay in the UK

As a Commonwealth nation, Grenada maintains close ties with the UK. Citizens can enter the country without a visa and stay for up to 180 days per year.

The visa-free access makes it easier to seek medical care, attend business events such as trade fairs and conferences, and take part in British education.

6. Tax neutrality for global assets

Grenada applies a source-based tax system, meaning only income earned within the country is taxed. There is no taxation on foreign income, capital gains, wealth, or inheritance[2].

For investors and entrepreneurs with international assets, setting up holding companies or trusts under Grenada’s tax rules can help protect wealth over the long term.

7. Global business reach with English-speaking infrastructure

Grenadian citizenship facilitates easier entry into major financial centres including New York, London, Singapore, and Dubai. 

The country's legal system is based on English common law, and English is the official language, which simplifies international contracts, investment structuring, and opening bank accounts.

Grenada is a member of regional organisations such as CARICOM and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States, enabling expanded trade, investment, and banking opportunities across the Caribbean.

8. Profitable real estate investment

Investors may qualify for citizenship by purchasing real estate in approved developments with a minimum value of $270,000. Properties are typically in luxury resorts, marinas, or eco-tourism complexes.

After 5 years, the property can be resold to another citizenship applicant, offering the potential to recover the original investment. In the meantime, many developments offer rental income with average annual yields of 4%, managed occupancy, and full property maintenance.

9. Retention of existing citizenship

Grenada allows its citizens to hold multiple nationalities without requiring them to renounce their original citizenship. There are no restrictions on owning property, conducting business, or holding public office with more than one passport.

For individuals whose home countries also permit second citizenship, this offers the freedom to preserve existing rights while gaining the benefits of an additional nationality.

10. Natural beauty and safe environment

Grenada is one of the Caribbean’s most scenic islands, known for its lush rainforests, volcanic peaks, and over 40 beaches with white or black sand. Often called the “Spice Isle,” it offers unique natural attractions like waterfalls, coral reefs, and the world’s first underwater sculpture park.

Regarded as one of the safest islands in the Caribbean, Grenada offers political stability, low crime, and reliable healthcare system. The Global Organized Crime Index 2023 ranks it 2nd safest Caribbean country with low criminality and notes that, unlike much of the region, transit activity is not linked to violence[5]. 

Grenada’s healthcare system is considered safe and reliable, with 100% skilled birth attendance, zero maternal mortality, and full tuberculosis treatment success[6].

11. Low-cost Plan B

Grenada keeps ongoing costs modest, making a second passport practical to maintain. Among Caribbean countries with citizenship by investment, Grenada has the lowest cost of living; a single resident spends about $530 per month on rent and utilities, with everyday expenses remaining competitive across the region.

For families weighing where to base themselves seasonally, this pricing helps keep a Plan B affordable without sacrificing safety or mobility. Even in neighbouring CBI countries, typical daily costs for one person do not exceed $700, so Grenada sits at the value end of an already cost-efficient set of options.

Grenada’s passport gives the freedom of movement across 148 countries. It is easier for citizens to travel the world:

• there is no need to apply for a visa in 90 countries;
• in 26 countries, a visa is issued upon arrival;
• for 32 countries, an electronic travel authorisation, eTA, needs to be arranged in advance.

The list of visa-free countries and entry conditions constantly changes, depending on the geopolitical situation. Therefore, it is advisable to check the current entry conditions on the website of the country’s consulate before travelling.

Two routes are available under the Grenada CBI programme: a $235,000 fund contribution or a $270,000 real estate investment. Additional fees apply, and the total cost depends on the number of applicants and their relationship to the main investor.

Grenada citizenship by fund investment — €235,000+

A $235,000 non-refundable contribution to the National Transformation Fund, NTF, is the simplest path to Grenadian citizenship. The NTF finances public priorities such as modernising hospitals and schools, expanding renewable energy, and rebuilding transport infrastructure including roads, marinas, and ports. Funds are allocated under government oversight to projects with clear social and economic impact.

The NTF route suits applicants who prefer a clean, asset-light pathway with no property management or resale timelines. It avoids construction risk and ongoing ownership obligations, offering a faster, more predictable close.

Grenada citizenship by investing in real estate — €270,000+

The investor can buy real estate from a list the country's government has approved, mainly for tourist projects. Real estate in Grenada is famous for holidays all year round. Seasonal changes in rental prices fluctuate less than 1.5 times.

Two investment options are available:

• $270,000 — for a share in an approved tourism project, if at least two applicants jointly invest a total of $440,000 or more.
• $350,000 — for full ownership of a property or for a share that does not meet the conditions for the lower threshold.

Exit and resale conditions. The property can be sold after 5 years, including to another CBI applicant. The investor does not need to be present in Grenada to complete the sale. 

A 5% property transfer tax applies at resale, and the original investment fully qualifies toward citizenship[7].

Rental income potential. Investors can earn rental income during the 5-year holding period, with average yields ranging from 3 to 5% annually. Units in hotel complexes rent for around $2,000 per month. 

Most projects include 14 days of free stay per year for the investor and their family.

Additional expenses

Additional expenses cover Due Diligence, state duties, and professional services such as document registration, translation, and legalisation. The total cost depends on the investment route and the family’s composition.

The state fee is $50,000 for a family of up to four. It is paid only in case of real estate investment. The fee increases by:

• $50,000 per parent or grandparent under 55;
• $75,000 per sibling.

From the fifth applicant onward, the fee also increases by $25,000 per child, parent, or grandparent over 55.

Other government fees include:

• application fee: $1,500 per person;
• Due Diligence: $5,000 per applicant aged 17 or older;
• interview fee: $1,000 per person aged 17 or older;
• processing fee: $1,500 per adult, $500 per minor;
• passport issuance: $350 per adult, $250 per minor;
• courier fee: $150;
• bank fee: 1% of the investment amount plus $150 for bank Due Diligence.

Investors should be cautious of illegal discounting, including “cash-backs,” side letters, rebates, or buy-back guarantees that reduce the statutory investment or fees. Caribbean CBI programmes prohibit pricing below government-set minimums; engaging in such schemes can lead to refusal or revocation of citizenship, delisting of projects, sanctions on agents, and financial loss.

To remain compliant, pay only the published amounts into authorised escrow and work exclusively with licensed agents. Treat as red flags any promise of net-of-rebate pricing, guaranteed refunds that lower the statutory outlay, or time-limited “special offers” that undercut the official schedule.

To obtain Grenada citizenship, the main applicant must be over 18, have no criminal record or prosecution, no visa or citizenship refusals, not be under sanctions, and have legal income.

The investor’s family members can also obtain Grenada nationality. The conditions for participation in the Grenada CBI program are the following:

1. Spouse — in an officially registered marriage with the investor.
2. Children under 30 — financially dependent on the spouses, can be from previous marriages.
3. Parents and grandparents — financially dependent on the investor.
4. Siblings over 18 — financially supported by the investor, unmarried and without children.

Let's consider a family of five as an example. The total cost of obtaining Grenada citizenship for a family of five is $265,450 through the government fund contribution route and $350,450 through real estate investment. This estimate includes the main applicant, their spouse, one parent, and two children aged 7 and 25.

The real estate path involves higher overall costs due to an increased administrative fee. Including additional family members raises this fee even further.

Grenada citizenship requirements regarding documents are the following:

• copies of the birth certificates of each applicant;
• passport-sized photos of each applicant taken within 6 months;
• certified colour copies of all the pages in the current passports of all applicants;
• certified colour copies of all valid ID cards;
• proof of address for the main applicant;
• marriage or divorce certificate for the main applicant and the spouse, if applicable;
• police certificate for all applicants over 16;
• university or college diplomas where applicable;
• character reference letter for the main applicant;
• bank reference for the main applicant;
• proof of source of funds for the main applicant;
• health insurance;
• HIV test results for all applicants over 12;
• affidavit in support of dependents by the main applicant;
• resume or CV from the main applicant and the spouse.

All the documents must be translated into English and certified by an official translator if the originals are in another language.

Grenada allows dual citizenship, meaning individuals can hold citizenship in Grenada along with passports from another country. It benefits those who wish to obtain second citizenship by the investment while retaining their current citizenship.

There are several important points to consider when obtaining dual citizenship in Grenada:

1. Grenada recognises and allows its citizens to hold citizenship from other countries. However, it's essential to check the laws and regulations of your current country of citizenship to ensure they permit dual citizenship.
2. Dual citizens of Grenada have the same rights and responsibilities as other Grenadians. This includes the right to live, work, and study in Grenada and the obligation to abide by the country's laws and pay taxes, if applicable.
3. Having Grenadian citizenship can provide visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to many countries worldwide. However, it's essential to consider any travel restrictions or visa requirements that may apply to citizens of your other country of citizenship.

Grenadian citizens can apply for a US E-2 visa by investing in an American business, thanks to a bilateral treaty on trade and navigation between Grenada and the US. Other Caribbean nations and many countries worldwide do not have such an agreement in place, making Grenada a rare exception.

Obtaining conditions

An E-2 visa can be obtained by foreign citizens who want to invest in a business in the US. The exact investment amount is not specified in the law; in practice, $200,000—250,000 is enough. 

Another mandatory requirement is spending at least 3 years in Grenada before applying for the US E-2 Visa. The same condition is valid for all treaty countries.

To apply for an E-2 visa, an investor only needs to provide a business plan. It must have at least five jobs planned. The investor must have the amount no less than necessary for the family to live from the bank account.

Documents for a visa can be submitted at a US consulate in any country where citizens of Grenada are allowed to enter. A visa can be obtained within 1—2 months and 15 days under an accelerated procedure.

Pros and cons of the E-2 visa

Pros. The visa entitles the investor and their family to live, do business, study, and work in the United States. 

The visa validity is up to 5 years. The investor can renew a visa many times if it is documented that their business generates income.

Cons of the E-2 visa. The E-2 visa does not allow the holder to get a Green Card. If the investor can confirm the business's profitability, they can switch to an EB-5 visa, which is an immigration type.

Grenada offers a favourable tax environment for both individuals and companies. The country follows a source-based taxation system, meaning only income earned within Grenada is taxed. There is no tax on foreign income, capital gains, inheritance, or gifts, making it attractive for international investors and entrepreneurs.

Personal tax rates

Tax rates in Grenada are the following:

• income tax — 10% on the first EC$24,000 and 28% on income above that threshold;
• dividends — 15%;
• residential real estate — 0.2% on land and 0.3% on buildings;
• the transfer of ownership — 5% for citizens, 15% for non-citizen sellers, and 10% for non-citizen buyers;
• the income of companies in the country — 10 to 30%.

VAT is charged at 15%, with a reduced 10% rate for hotels and tourism services. Some essentials are zero-rated or exempt.

Business taxes

Companies in Grenada may register as a Limited Liability Company or an International Business Company. 

Key taxes are:

• corporate tax — 28% on net profits for resident companies;
• VAT — 15% standard rate, 10% for hotel accommodation;
• commercial property tax — 0.5% on land, 0.3% on buildings.

1. The Grenada Citizenship by Investment Program is one of the most popular and cost-effective routes to Caribbean citizenship.
2. Applicants can choose between two investment options: a $235,000 contribution to the National Transformation Fund or a real estate purchase of at least $270,000.
3. Investors may move with their spouse, children under 30, parents, grandparents, and siblings over 18.
4. Grenada citizens gain visa-free access to over 148 countries.
5. Additional benefits include favourable tax policies and the possibility to live, work, or study in countries like the US and the UK.
6. The application process takes around 8 months and can be completed remotely.

1. Source: Grenada Citizenship by Investment Regulations 2013
2. Source: Inland Revenue Division — Government of Grenada: Taxes
3. Source: E-2 eligibility for Grenadian citizens — U.S. Department of State list of Treaty Countries shows Grenada
4. Source: B-1/B-2 visitor visa validity for Grenada — U.S. State Department Reciprocity Schedule
5. Source: Global Organised Crime Index 2023 — Grenada
6. Source: Pan American Health Organization — Grenada
7. Source: Inland Revenue Division — Government of Grenada: Property transfer tax
8. Source: IMI Daily — Grenada CIP Breaks Processing Record in 2024