Grenada Citizenship: 4 Proven Ways to Obtain a Caribbean Passport

The Immigration and Passport Department of Grenada provides four types of passport: ordinary, diplomatic, official, and emergency. Since 2023, Grenada has issued only biometric passports with an embedded electronic microprocessor^{[1]Source: Embassy of Grenada in the USA confirms the introduction of ePassports}.

1. An ordinary passport is a standard document granted to citizens of Grenada. It can be obtained by:

• birth;
• descent;
• marriage;
• naturalisation;
• investment.

Grenada citizenship by investment is granted for a contribution of at least $235,000 in the country’s economy. This route does not require applicants to pass language proficiency tests, take history exams, or visit the country.

2. A diplomatic passport is obtained by Grenada diplomats, high-ranking government officials, and their immediate family members travelling for official state business.

3. An official or service passport is issued to employees of the Grenada government. The document allows them to travel abroad for work-related purposes. Holders of official passports are not granted full diplomatic immunity.

4. An emergency passport is a temporary travel document issued in urgent situations. For example, when an individual has lost their passport, had it stolen, or cannot wait for a standard passport to be processed. Emergency passports are valid for a limited period.

Emergency passports are issued for a limited period or a single journey and are intended only for urgent travel. They do not eliminate the requirement to apply for a standard passport replacement through the regular procedure.

The Grenada Citizenship by Investment, CBI, programme offers foreigners an opportunity to obtain a passport of the country for a minimum investment of $235,000.

Established under the Grenada Citizenship by Investment Act 2013, the programme continues to attract investors and their families. Official statistics show that 1,124 people obtained citizenship in 2025^{[2]Source: Investment Migration Agency Grenada: 2025 statistics}, followed by a further 539 in the first quarter of 2026^{[3]Source: Investment Migration Agency Grenada: Q1 2026 statistics}.

The investor needs to be over 18, have no criminal record or serious illnesses, and be capable of proving the legality of the income.

The main applicant can be joined by a spouse, children under 30, parents, grandparents, and unmarried siblings over 18 with no children of their own.

Grenada offers two investment options: a non-refundable contribution of $235,000+ and a real estate purchase of $270,000+. Additional expenses depend on the chosen route and number of family members.

Option 1: Non-refundable contribution — $235,000+

1. The applicant can donate at least $235,000 to the National Transformation Fund, NTF. The fund finances local projects in various industries, including tourism, alternative energy, and agriculture.

The minimum contribution threshold is $235,000 for a single investor and a family of up to 4 people. There are extra contributions if the following family members are included in the application:

• $25,000 per parent or grandparent over 55 or child, starting from a fifth family member;
• $50,000 per parent or grandparent under 55;
• $75,000 per sibling.

Option 2: Real estate purchase — $270,000+

The investor can buy real estate from a government-approved project. They can buy properties in full ownership or shares and return the investment in 5 years.

The minimum investment is $270,000 for buying a share in a real estate tourist project if at least two people jointly invest and their combined investment totals at least $440,000. Otherwise, purchasing approved property requires a minimum investment of $350,000.

The minimum threshold is the same for a single investor and a family, regardless of its size. However, the investor must also pay a state fee of $50,000 for a single investor or a family of up to 4 people. Starting from a fifth family member, it increases by:

• $25,000 — for a parent or grandparent over 55 years old or a child; 
• $50,000 — for a parent or grandparent under 55; 
• $75,000 — for a sibling.

Additional expenses

Regardless of the investment options chosen by the applicant, the following fees must be paid:

• application fee — $1,500 per person;
• Due Diligence fee — $5,000 per person over 17;
• interview fee — $1,000 per person over 17;
• processing fee — $1,500 per adult, $500 per child under 16;
• passport fee — $350 per adult, $250 per child under 16;
• bank fee — $4,500 if applying through a non-refundable contribution or $6,000 if purchasing real estate;
• courier fee — $150+, depending on the investor’s location.

Real estate buyers also pay a share registration fee. Its amount depends on the project but is about $11,000.

A person born in Grenada is generally a citizen from birth. A person born outside Grenada after February 7th, 1974 is also a Grenadian citizen if either parent was a Grenadian citizen by birth or naturalisation at the time of the person’s birth^{[4]Source: Embassy of Grenada in China confirms the grounds for obtaining Grenada citizenship}.

A child adopted by a Grenada passport holder also becomes eligible for citizenship in the country^{[5]Source: Grenada Citizenship Act}. The same can be applied even to people born upon aircraft or ships registered in Grenada.

If the Grenada citizenship is a child’s second citizenship, they must submit the following documents to apply:

• birth certificates of the child and the Grenadian parent;
• passport photos;
• medical certificate;
• completed government form signed by a Justice of the Peace or Notary Public;
• reference letter from a reputable person in the community for an applicant over 18;
• police certificate for an applicant over 18^{[6]Source: Instruction sheet for citizenship: Children of Grenadian parent(s) under 18 years of age}.

The process of obtaining citizenship usually takes between 4 and 6 weeks.

A foreigner who marries a Grenadian citizen is eligible to apply for citizenship, regardless of the way their spouse has obtained the passport^{[5]Source: Grenada Citizenship Act}.

The following documents must be submitted:

• birth certificates of both spouses;
• marriage certificate;
• full passport of the applicant;
• passport photos;
• citizenship by marriage application signed by a Justice of the Peace or Notary Public;
• letter of concurrence from the Grenadian spouse;
• police certificate;
• medical certificate;
• reference letter from a reputable person in the country of residence;
• bank statement^{[7]Source: Instruction sheet for citizenship: Married to a Grenadian}.

The process of obtaining Grenada citizenship by marriage can take between one month and one year, depending on the workload of the relevant entity.

A long-term resident of Grenada can become a citizen if they have resided in Grenada for 12 continuous months before applying. Before the 12 months, they must reside in Grenada for 7 years. For a citizen of another Caribbean country, that period is 4 years^{[5]Source: Grenada Citizenship Act}.

The applicant submits the following documents:

• birth certificate;
• passport photos;
• medical certificate;
• completed government forms;
• reference letter from a reputable person from the applicant’s country of birth or residence and Grenada;
• police certificate from the applicant’s country of birth or residence and Grenada;
• bank statement;
• letter explaining the applicant’s motivation to become a citizen of Grenada.

Grenada allows dual citizenship, meaning that an individual is not required to give up the first nationality, provided that their current country of citizenship allows it as well.

Dual citizens can enjoy the benefits of both passports. They have the same rights and obligations as any other citizen of Grenada. They are entitled to the same protections and benefits, such as the right to vote and run for public office.

They can use their Grenadian passport to travel to 162 countries without a visa and their other passport to travel elsewhere, depending on the entry requirement.

For the freedom of travel, Grenada is ranked 48th out of 196 countries in the Immigrant Invest Passport Index. 

Citizens of Grenada travel visa-free to 162 countries, including the Schengen Area, the UK, China, and Malaysia.

As a ‘Plan B’ country, Grenada holds the 43rd position in the same ranking, placing it ahead of Greece, Italy, and the UAE. 

As a Commonwealth member, Grenada provides a secure legal framework, strong international ties, and safety from military conflicts or geopolitical tensions.

For the quality of life in the Immigrant Invest Passport Index, Grenada is ranked 72nd, leaving behind China, Seychelles, and Vanuatu. 

In most parts of Grenada, medical services are accessible within a five-kilometre radius, including both public hospitals and private clinics. 

The education system in Grenada is modelled on the British one. Students can enrol in prestigious universities within the country, such as St George’s University of Medicine, or study in the UK and the USA under preferential terms.

Grenada citizenship can provide greater mobility, long-term security, and access to international business, banking, and tax-planning opportunities. These benefits can support both personal freedom and family planning across multiple jurisdictions.

1. Safe haven in the Caribbean

Grenada citizens can enter the country at any moment, even if the borders are closed. They can spend an indefinite amount of time there, enjoying life by the sea in a warm Caribbean climate.

2. Visas to the United States

Grenada citizens can qualify for an E-2 visa to the USA, allowing them to live and work there, as well as establish or buy a business. Usually, a minimum investment of $100,000 is required to obtain the visa.

Applicants who obtained Grenadian citizenship by investment must have been domiciled in Grenada for at least three continuous years before applying for an E-2 Visa.

Grenada passport holders may also apply for a multiple-entry B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa valid for up to 10 years. The visa’s validity does not determine how long the holder may remain in the US. The authorised stay is set by US border officials upon each entry.

Since April 2nd, 2026, Grenada has been included in the US Visa Bond Pilot Program. Eligible B-1/B-2 visa applicants must pay a bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, with the amount determined during the visa interview. The bond is designed to discourage overstays and is refunded if the traveller follows the visa conditions and leaves the US on time^{[8]Source: The US Department of State, Travel.State.Gov: Countries subject to visa bonds}.

3. Increased freedom of travel

Grenada citizens can visit 162 countries without a visa, including the UK, the Schengen Area states, China, and Hong Kong.

They can spend 90 out of 180 days in the Schengen Area countries.

Travellers with a Grenadian passport can also spend up to 30 days without a visa in China and Singapore. 

To visit Australia and the UK, they can apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation, eTA, which is both faster and cheaper to obtain than a regular visa.

Visa-free countries for Grenada passport holders

4. Business and banking opportunities

Investors can register international companies in Grenada to reduce tax payments and avoid currency control restrictions in transactions with foreign partners.

In addition, it might be easier for them to open accounts in European or American banks. That allows them to keep their money in hard currency and pay lower commissions for international transfers.

5. Tax optimisation

Grenada doesn’t tax individuals on income earned outside the country. Residents of the country also don’t pay taxes on interest, royalties, and dividends. There are no taxes on inheritance, capital gains, and stamp duty, either.

If individuals receive income from a local Grenadian source, the tax rate is 10% on the first EC$24,000, or $8,900, and 28% on income exceeding this amount.

Obtaining Grenadian citizenship does not automatically affect a person’s tax residency. A person generally becomes a Grenadian tax resident only after spending more than 183 days a year in the country.

6. No need to renounce the first passport

Grenada recognises dual citizenship, meaning that if a foreigner wants to obtain a Grenadian passport, they can do that without renouncing their current nationality — unless the other country does not allow dual citizenship.

7. Chance to study abroad

Grenada citizens can receive education on preferential terms in the UK and the US due to close historical ties with those countries.

Even if they choose to receive higher education in Grenada, students can benefit from interactions with universities in the UK and the US.

Grenada is one of five Caribbean countries offering citizenship by investment. Others include:

• Antigua and Barbuda,
• Dominica,
• St Kitts and Nevis,
• St Lucia.

The table below compares them on the factors most relevant to investors.

Before applying for Grenada citizenship, investors should assess the financial, compliance, and practical risks that could affect approval, costs, and family eligibility. Careful preparation helps identify potential issues early and reduce avoidable losses or delays.

Application denial or citizenship revocation over source-of-funds issues

Grenada's Due Diligence process screens for false information, illegal financing structures, and weak source-of-funds documentation. Clients whose wealth originates from cryptocurrency, multi-jurisdictional corporate structures, or cash-heavy businesses often underestimate the scrutiny applied to fund tracing.

Engaging a licensed agent with an in-house compliance function before any funds are committed allows a preliminary assessment of whether the source-of-funds evidence is likely to satisfy government requirements.

Possible exclusion from Caribbean CBI programmes after one rejection

Caribbean citizenship by investment programmes, including that of Grenada, share applicant information. A refusal under one programme may therefore affect applications across other Caribbean CBI jurisdictions. Careful screening and thorough preparation before filing are essential.

Limited resale options and liquidity risks in approved real estate

Only property in a government-approved project qualifies for the programme. 

Reselling fractional hotel shares can be difficult because demand on the secondary market is limited. Guaranteed buy-backs are prohibited, so investors should not assume that they will be able to sell at the original price or within a particular timeframe.

Investors should also assess construction risk. Approved projects may be completed, under construction, or still at an early development stage when the investment is made. Delays may affect the property’s use, rental income, and eventual resale.

Total costs exceeding the advertised minimum

The minimum investment figure is a starting threshold, not an all-in budget. Government processing fees, Due Diligence fees per applicant, passport fees, courier charges, share registration fees, and advisory fees all add to the total. For families with multiple dependants, these additional costs can be material.

Delays caused by difficult-to-obtain documents

Police clearance certificates, birth certificates, and civil status documents can be practically difficult to obtain in countries with limited civil administration. Clients from certain jurisdictions may face months-long delays in obtaining documents that are nominally straightforward, which can push the overall timeline significantly beyond the standard estimate.

Programme rule changes affecting costs or eligibility

Caribbean CBI programmes have a history of policy change, and Grenada is no exception. Making a programme decision based on current, verified rules rather than anticipated future changes, and submitting only with a properly prepared file, is a more reliable approach than optimising purely for timing.

Immigrant Invest is a licensed authorised agent for the Grenada CBI programme. As applications cannot be filed independently, we manage the process on the client’s behalf. 

Our team includes immigration lawyers with experience in documenting complex sources of funds, including family trusts, private equity holdings, international business income, and listed securities. 

Before taking on a case, our in-house compliance team, led by CAMS-certified AML specialists, assesses visa histories, financial arrangements, and any other factors that may affect eligibility. Clients also receive a clear, itemised breakdown of government, Due Diligence, passport, courier, and advisory fees before making any financial commitment.

Each application follows a structured process covering consultation, compliance review, strategy, document preparation, filing, and passport delivery. Support continues after citizenship is granted, including assistance with passport renewals, document updates, and family matters.

By combining licensed agent status, specialist compliance review, transparent fees, and ongoing support, we aim to reduce application risk and give our clients a clear assessment of their prospects before we proceed. With offices in several countries and a multilingual team, we provide coordinated support across jurisdictions and time zones.

1. There are multiple ways to obtain Grenada citizenship as a foreigner, including by birth or descent, by marriage, and by naturalisation.
2. Grenada citizenship by investment is an opportunity for individuals and their families to become citizens of Grenada for a minimum contribution of $235,000.
3. The most popular investment option is purchasing real estate for at least $270,000 from a list of state-approved projects. The money can be returned in 5 years.
4. Holders of a Grenadian passport can travel to 162 countries visa-free and obtain business and tourist visas to the United States.
5. The benefits of Grenada citizenship extend beyond travel: it opens opportunities to optimise taxes, start a new business and open bank accounts in European or American banks.