Grenada Citizenship by Investment

The Grenada citizenship by investment program allows you to obtain direct citizenship and a passport in a matter of months. Grenada's key advantage is its bilateral treaty with the United States, which provides access to the US E-2 Treaty Investor Visa—something no other Caribbean CBI program offers. Below are the questions our clients ask most often.

What is the Grenada citizenship by investment program?

Grenada's citizenship by investment program was established under the Grenada Citizenship by Investment Act No. 15 of 2013. It allows foreign nationals to become full citizens of Grenada by making a qualifying financial investment, either a donation to the National Transformation Fund (NTF) or a purchase of government-approved real estate.

The program is administered by the Citizenship by Investment Committee (CIC), which reviews every application, coordinates due diligence checks, and makes recommendations to the Minister responsible for citizenship. The current CEO of the Citizenship by Investment Unit is Thomas Anthony, based at Burns Point, St. George's, Grenada.

Grenada signed a bilateral treaty with the United States in 1989, making Grenadian citizens eligible for the US E-2 Treaty Investor Visa. No other Caribbean CBI passport offers this. For investors planning to live, work, or run a business in the United States, this treaty access is often the deciding factor.

How much does Grenada citizenship by investment cost?

Grenada offers two investment routes, each with different cost structures.

National Transformation Fund (NTF) donation:

This is a non-refundable contribution to a government development fund. The amounts, updated as of July 2024 under SRO No. 12 of 2024, are:

• Main applicant plus up to 3 dependants: USD 235,000
• Each additional dependant beyond 3: USD 25,000
• Dependent parent or grandparent under 55 (paragraph f): USD 50,000 per person
• Dependent sibling (paragraph g): USD 75,000 per person

Approved real estate investment:

The alternative is purchasing a unit in a government-approved real estate project, typically a hotel or resort development. The minimum amounts are:

• Sole purchase: USD 350,000 minimum
• Shared purchase (two or more buyers in a tourism accommodation project valued at least USD 440,000 total): USD 270,000 per share

Real estate investors must also pay a government contribution of USD 50,000 for the main applicant and up to 3 dependants, plus USD 25,000 for each additional dependant. The real estate must be held for at least five years before it can be resold.

Beyond the investment itself, add due diligence fees, processing fees, legal fees, and bank due diligence fees (processed through Grenada Co-operative Bank Limited). You can calculate a full cost breakdown for your situation above.

What is the difference between the NTF and real estate options?

The NTF route is simpler. You make a one-time non-refundable donation and you're done. No property to manage, no holding period, no resale later.

The real estate route requires more upfront capital but you own an actual asset. You purchase a share in a government-approved property (most often a resort or hotel), and after a mandatory five-year holding period, you can sell it. Some investors value this because the property retains value, though returns vary by project.

The NTF route at USD 235,000 for a family of up to four is the more popular choice for applicants who want the simplest path to citizenship. The real estate route appeals to investors who want a tangible asset in the Caribbean or who plan to use the property personally.

What are the eligibility requirements?

Under Section 5 of the Grenada Citizenship by Investment Act, an applicant must be at least 18 years of age and meet all application requirements set out by the CBI Committee.

Your application will be denied if you have provided false information, have a criminal conviction (for an offence carrying more than six months imprisonment in Grenada), are the subject of a criminal investigation, are considered a national security risk, are involved in activity likely to cause disrepute to Grenada, have been denied a visa to a country with which Grenada has visa-free travel and have not subsequently obtained one, or have been denied citizenship by investment in another Caribbean jurisdiction.

You will need to demonstrate that your source of funds is legitimate. Bank statements should show a minimum balance of at least USD 250,000. The program accepts income from employment, self-employment, property sales, investments, and other documented legal sources.

How long does the application take?

Processing typically takes 5 to 7 months from the submission of a complete application. Under Section 8(2) of the Act, the CBI Committee is required to notify the agent of its decision within 60 days of receiving a complete application.

In practice, the overall timeline from start to finish is roughly 6 to 9 months when you factor in document preparation, bank due diligence clearance (one to two weeks), the CBI Committee's review and due diligence process, and passport issuance after approval.

The bank clearance step is specific to Grenada. All CBI transactions are processed through Grenada Co-operative Bank Limited, which conducts its own due diligence on the main applicant and any sponsor before funds are accepted. This typically adds one to two weeks before the formal CBI application is even submitted.

Once approved, the remaining steps (Oath of Allegiance, passport application, and issuance) take an additional two to three weeks.

Do I need to visit Grenada?

No. You can obtain Grenada citizenship without visiting the country. The entire application process, including document submission, due diligence, and approval, can be completed remotely.

The Oath of Allegiance can be sworn before a Notary Public or Commissioner for Taking Oaths in the jurisdiction where you are physically located, or remotely before a Grenadian notary public. You do not need to travel to Grenada for this step.

That said, applicants may be required to attend an interview at a Grenadian embassy or High Commission as part of the due diligence process, as provided under Section 7 of the Act. This is not always required, but you should be aware it is a possibility.

One upcoming change to note: Grenada has announced that starting in 2026, investors and their families will be required to spend at least 30 days in Grenada within the first five years of obtaining citizenship. This is a new requirement and we will update this page as implementation details are confirmed.

Can I include my family in the application?

Yes. Grenada's definition of "dependant" is broader than most CBI programs. Under the Act, your application can include:

• Your spouse
• Children under 18
• Children between 18 and 30 who are dependent on you (a sworn affidavit of support is required for those over 18)
• Children over 18 with a physical or mental disability who live with and are fully supported by you
• Parents and grandparents over 55 who are fully supported by you or your spouse
• Parents and grandparents under 55 who are fully supported by you or your spouse (at an additional cost of USD 50,000 per person)
• Siblings of you or your spouse who are at least 18, single, and have no children (at an additional cost of USD 75,000 per person)

If a child is born within 12 months of the original citizenship grant, they can be added to the application by filing with the Committee within six months of the birth, under Section 5A of the Act.

Can citizenship be passed down to my future generations?

Yes. Grenada citizenship obtained through the investment program can be passed on without restriction to future generations.

Do I need Apostilles on my documents?

Yes. Grenada requires an Apostille on your documents, and the Apostille must come from the same country where the document was issued. This means you cannot have a document issued in one country and apostilled in another.

Under Section 5(11) of the Act, certified copies must be authenticated by an Apostille in accordance with the Hague Convention of 1961. If you are in a country that is not a party to the Hague Convention, authentication can be done through validation of the notary's certificate by the relevant government department, or by any other method approved by the Committee or the Minister of National Security.

Do I need to ship physical copies of my documents?

No. Grenada does not require physical copies of your documents to be shipped. Certified and apostilled scanned copies are accepted for submission. This is one of the reasons the entire application process can be completed remotely.

All documents must still be certified by a Notary Public or lawyer in the jurisdiction where you are physically located. The original document in physical form must be presented to the certifier, but the certified copies themselves can be submitted digitally.

What documents do I need to apply?

Grenada requires a substantial set of documents. Here is the full list:

Prescribed forms: Form 1 (Personal Information), Form 2 (Fingerprints, for applicants 17 and over), Form 3 (Particulars for Home Affairs), Form 4 (Medical, for all applicants), Form 5 (Employment Status, Source of Funds, and Business Affiliates), Form 6 (Investment Confirmation), a Letter of Authorization (for applicants over 17), an Oath of Allegiance (completed after approval), a Passport Application, and an Interview Application Form (for applicants over 17).

Supporting documents: Certified birth certificates for all applicants; certified color copies of all passports (all pages, valid at least 6 months); certified copies of national ID cards; police certificates from every country where you have lived for at least one year in the past 10 years (valid within 6 months); a medical exam with HIV test results (for applicants 12 and over, test within 3 months of the exam); proof of residential address (utility bill, lease agreement, property deed, or bank statement); marriage/divorce/death certificates where applicable; bank reference letter (within 6 months); character reference letter; certified education certificates; 12 months of bank statements; proof of source of funds; a CV or resume for the main applicant and spouse; and eight certified passport-sized photographs.

For dependants over 18, you will also need a sworn affidavit of support. For minor children where both parents are not on the application, an affidavit of consent from the non-applicant parent is required.

All documents not in English must be translated by a certified translator. Your CitizenX concierge will walk you through each item and make sure nothing is missed.

Who can certify my documents and forms?

Grenada updated its certification standards in November 2025. Here is how each type of document should be handled:

Certified true copies must be certified by a lawyer or notary public in the jurisdiction where you are physically located (this includes a legal consultant in the UAE). The original document must be presented in physical form to the certifier. The certification date must be within 6 months.

Affidavits must be witnessed by a lawyer or notary public in your jurisdiction, or remotely by a Grenadian notary public.

Form 1 (Personal Information) must be witnessed by a lawyer or notary public in your jurisdiction, or remotely by a Grenadian notary public.

The Oath of Allegiance must be sworn before a Notary Public or Commissioner for Taking Oaths in your jurisdiction, or remotely by a Grenadian notary public.

Fingerprints (Form 2) can be taken by police, immigration personnel, a forensic expert, or a lawyer/notary authorized to perform this service.

Can I use cryptocurrency as a source of funds?

Grenada does accept cryptocurrency as a source of funds, but with specific conditions. The platform (Virtual Asset Service Provider, or VASP) must be regulated and accepted in the United States, United Nations, and European nations, and must have no open cases of money laundering or illicit activity.

If your funds come from crypto, you will need to provide: a completed GCBL Source of Wealth Form or affidavit with supporting documents detailing the source of the initial investment, profits generated, and trading details; the name and details of the VASP used; an activity statement from the VASP showing your trading history; and documentation verifying your ownership of the virtual assets.

Grenada Co-operative Bank Limited will scrutinize crypto-sourced funds closely, so document everything thoroughly.

What is the bank due diligence process?

Grenada has a separate bank due diligence step that runs alongside (and sometimes before) the main CBI application. All CBI investment transactions go through Grenada Co-operative Bank Limited, and the bank must confirm that there are no adverse media or sanction matches against the main applicant and sponsor, and that the source of funding is legitimate.

For the bank review, you submit Forms 1, 5, and 6 from the CBI application, along with certified copies of two pieces of valid ID (one must be a passport), proof of current permanent address, police certificates, and source-of-funds documentation.

Self-employed applicants need to provide 12 months of company bank statements (if they own 50% or more of the company), company registration documents, and either a recent income tax assessment or audited financial statements. Employed applicants need a current job letter (within 6 months) or a personal income tax assessment.

Bank clearance typically takes one to two weeks. Your application cannot move forward until the bank is satisfied.

Which countries' nationals are restricted from applying?

Grenada has restricted persons born in North Korea, Russia, and Belarus from applying for citizenship by investment. Nationals of Iran, Afghanistan, Yemen, and Sudan are also ineligible unless they qualify for specific exceptions assessed on a case-by-case basis.

If you hold citizenship from a restricted country but also have citizenship or permanent residency in a non-restricted country, you may still be eligible. Contact us to discuss your situation.

Does Grenada allow dual citizenship?

Yes. Grenada permits dual and multiple citizenships. You do not need to renounce your existing nationality when you become a Grenadian citizen, and Grenada does not notify your home country of your new citizenship status. Grenada does, however, publish the names of all new citizen investors online.

Which countries can I travel to with a Grenada passport?

A Grenada passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to approximately 147 countries and territories, making it one of the strongest passports available through any CBI program. The Grenadian passport typically ranks around 27th globally in travel freedom.

Key visa-free destinations include the United Kingdom (eTA as of January 2025, GBP 10 for two years), the EU Schengen Area (90 days per 180-day period), China (30 days—rare for a CBI passport), Singapore, Russia, Brazil, Hong Kong, and the full Caribbean.

Grenada has kept its Schengen access even though other CBI countries like Vanuatu have lost it in recent years.

What is the US E-2 Treaty Investor Visa, and why does Grenada matter?

The E-2 is a US visa that allows citizens of treaty countries to live and work in the United States by investing in a US-based business. Grenada has had a bilateral investment treaty with the US since 1989, making Grenadian citizens eligible to apply.

This is the single biggest differentiator of the Grenada CBI program. No other Caribbean CBI country has this treaty with the United States. For investors who want a pathway to living and working in the US, Grenada is the only CBI option that provides one.

However, there is an important limitation. Under the AMIGOS Act (passed in late 2022), investors who acquire citizenship through a financial investment must be domiciled in that treaty country for a continuous period of at least three years before they can apply for an E-2 visa. You cannot simply obtain a Grenada passport and immediately file an E-2 application. You must establish genuine residence in Grenada for three years first.

The E-2 visa requires a separate "substantial" investment in a US business and renews as long as the business operates. It covers you, your spouse, and children under 21, and your spouse can work independently.

What are the tax benefits of Grenada citizenship?

Grenada does not tax worldwide income. There is no income tax on foreign earnings, no capital gains tax, no inheritance tax, and no wealth tax for citizens who do not reside on the island.

If you live and conduct business in Grenada, you will be subject to local taxes on commercial activities within the country. But for CBI citizens who continue living elsewhere, Grenada does not impose any tax obligations on your global income.

Your tax obligations depend on where you live and your home country's rules. Some countries like the United States tax citizens on worldwide income regardless of residence. We recommend you seek assistance from an international tax advisor to understand how Grenada citizenship affects your tax situation.

Is there a real estate investment option?

Yes. Unlike Vanuatu and some other CBI jurisdictions, Grenada does offer a real estate investment pathway. You can invest a minimum of USD 350,000 in a government-approved project (or USD 270,000 per share for a shared purchase in an approved tourism accommodation project).

The real estate must be held for at least five years. After that, you can sell it, and the next buyer can potentially use the same property to qualify for their own CBI application (depending on the program rules at that time).

You must also pay a government contribution of USD 50,000 for the main applicant and up to 3 dependants when going the real estate route. Additional dependants incur extra fees.

Approved projects are typically resort and hotel developments reviewed and approved by the CBI Committee.

What is the Oath of Allegiance?

The Oath of Allegiance is a formal requirement for all applicants aged 17 and over. You swear allegiance to the state of Grenada before a Notary Public or Commissioner for Taking Oaths.

The Oath should be completed after your application is approved, not before. This is to avoid the Oath date preceding the approval date, which would create a documentation inconsistency.

You can complete the Oath in your home country before a local Notary Public, or remotely before a Grenadian notary public. For minor children under 16, the main applicant or parents sign on their behalf.

Can I add dependants after my citizenship is approved?

Yes, under specific circumstances. If a child is born to the main applicant or their spouse within 12 months of the original citizenship grant, the child can be included by applying in writing to the Committee within six months of the birth and paying the prescribed fee (Section 5A of the Act).

For other changes to your family situation after approval, contact your CitizenX advisor to discuss the process for adding new dependants.

What happens if my application is denied?

Denials happen, though they're uncommon with a well-prepared application. Under Section 5(3) of the Act, due diligence fees are non-refundable regardless of outcome. The main investment amount (NTF donation or real estate payment) is collected only after approval, so you won't lose money on the investment if your application is denied.

Common denial reasons include criminal history, false information on the application, a prior visa refusal from a Grenada visa-free country, being under criminal investigation, or being denied CBI in another Caribbean jurisdiction.

How does Grenada compare to other Caribbean CBI programs?

Grenada's main advantages are the US E-2 visa eligibility, passport access to Schengen, UK, and China, and the ability to include siblings and parents/grandparents in applications.

Grenada's NTF donation of USD 235,000 for a family of four is higher than Dominica (USD 200,000) and slightly lower than St. Lucia (USD 240,000), but comparable to St. Kitts and Nevis.

Processing takes 5 to 7 months, which is below average but Dominica and St. Kitts sometimes move faster. Grenada's bank due diligence step adds time but is more thorough than most programs.

The E-2 visa access is the clear differentiator. If US access matters to you, Grenada is the only Caribbean option that provides a direct pathway through the Treaty Investor Visa. That alone drives many applicants to choose Grenada over lower-cost alternatives.

Is the Grenada CBI program legitimate?

Yes. The Grenada CBI program is authorized under the Grenada Citizenship by Investment Act No. 15 of 2013 and is administered by a government-appointed Citizenship by Investment Committee. The program undergoes regular international due diligence reviews and is subject to regulations published in the Gazette.

The most recent regulatory amendment (SRO No. 12 of 2024) updated fee structures and was signed by Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell as Minister responsible for citizenship. Applications can only be submitted through licensed Local Agents as defined under Section 4 of the Act, which requires agents to maintain a registered office in Grenada.

Why choose CitizenX for your Grenada citizenship application?

CitizenX handles document preparation, bank due diligence coordination with Grenada Co-operative Bank Limited, application submission to the CBI Committee, and passport logistics.

Grenada's application requires more documents than most CBI programs. The six prescribed forms, the bank's separate due diligence review, and the Apostille requirements from each document's home country mean the preparation stage is where most problems occur. Our team ensures everything is correct and complete before submission, which keeps you on schedule.

Ready to begin? Book a consultation to discuss whether Grenada is the right fit for your situation.

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Last updated: April 2026. Fees, processing times, and visa-free destinations are subject to change by the Grenada government. The AMIGOS Act implications for E-2 visa eligibility should be discussed with a US immigration attorney. Confirm all details with your CitizenX concierge before applying.