Programme Overview
Established in 2013, Grenada's Citizenship by Investment Programme (CBI) is one of the Caribbean's newer programmes — but it carries a feature no other Caribbean CBI can offer: Grenada has a bilateral investment treaty with the United States that qualifies Grenadian nationals for the E-2 Investor Visa, which allows a qualifying investor and their family to live and work in the United States.
This combination — Caribbean CBI for a second passport, followed by an E-2 application for US access — is one of the most powerful planning tools available to high-net-worth individuals from countries that do not have an E-2 treaty with the US, or where the investor wants US access without committing USD 800,000–1,050,000 to the EB-5 immigrant investor programme.
The programme is administered by the Grenada Citizenship by Investment Committee under the Citizenship by Investment Act.
Investment Routes
1. National Transformation Fund (NTF) — Non-Refundable Donation
The NTF route is a contribution to a government fund for national development.
- Single applicant: $235,000
- Family of up to four (applicant, spouse, and up to two dependants): $235,000
- Additional dependants: supplementary fees apply per person
The NTF route is the simplest path, with no ongoing property obligations. Following the 2024 harmonisation of minimum thresholds across the Eastern Caribbean CBI programmes, the $235,000 contribution is in line with regional peers.
2. Real Estate Investment
Applicants may invest in government-approved real estate projects.
- Minimum investment: $270,000 (in pre-approved resort or development projects)
- Holding period: Five years from the date of citizenship
- After five years: The property may be sold, and the buyer may in turn apply for Grenada citizenship through the programme
Approved projects are located across Grenada and Carriacou and include boutique hotel residences, resort units, and fractional ownership structures. The real estate route suits investors who want a tangible asset alongside citizenship.
The E-2 Treaty Visa: The Grenada Differentiator
The critical differentiator of Grenada's programme is the country's E-2 treaty with the United States. Understanding this requires clarity on several points:
What the E-2 is: The E-2 Non-immigrant Investor Visa allows a national of a treaty country to invest a "substantial amount" of capital in a US business and be admitted to the US to manage that business, along with their spouse and children under 21. The visa is renewable indefinitely as long as the investment remains operational and the business continues to trade.
The Grenada pathway: A national of a country without an E-2 treaty (the UK is one of the few countries that does not have an E-2 treaty with the US, despite the "special relationship") acquires Grenadian citizenship through the CBI programme, then applies for an E-2 visa at a US consulate as a Grenadian national.
Investment threshold for E-2: The US does not specify a fixed dollar amount for an "E-2 qualifying investment" — it must be "substantial" relative to the business, and the investor must have control of the funds. In practice, most E-2 applications involve $100,000–$500,000 in US business investment. The investment must be "at risk" (not a passive deposit) and the business must be a real, operating enterprise.
What the E-2 is not: The E-2 is a non-immigrant visa. It does not lead directly to a green card or permanent residence. It does not count toward naturalisation. To remain in the US, the visa must be renewed (E-2 visas are typically issued for 2–5 years with unlimited renewals). Applicants who wish to become US permanent residents must pursue separate immigration routes (EB-1, EB-2 NIW, EB-5, family-based, or the diversity lottery).
For many high-net-worth individuals, however, the E-2 is entirely sufficient — it provides the right to live in the US, operate a business, and maintain flexibility without the complexity of the green card process. Spouses of E-2 holders can typically apply for work authorisation, and children under 21 can attend US schools.
Visa-Free Access
Grenada passport holders enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 140+ countries as of 2026, including:
- The entire Schengen Area
- The United Kingdom (visa-free travel; no right to work post-Brexit)
- Singapore
- China (e-visa)
- Most of Latin America, the Caribbean, and sub-Saharan Africa
Physical Residency Requirement
There is no physical residency requirement for Grenada citizenship. Applicants do not need to visit or live in Grenada before, during, or after the citizenship process, though a visit to this genuinely beautiful island is easy to arrange.
Taxation
Grenada operates a territorial tax system. Foreign-source income — income earned outside Grenada — is not subject to Grenadian income tax. There is no capital gains tax, no inheritance tax, and no estate duty in Grenada.
Personal income tax on Grenada-source income is levied at progressive rates from 10% to 28%. For CBI applicants who do not conduct business in or derive income from Grenada, no personal income tax is payable.
Processing Timeline
Grenada's CBI processing typically takes four to six months from the submission of a complete application. The Committee for Citizenship by Investment reviews all applications with support from an independent due diligence agency. Processing stages include:
- Application submission through an authorised agent
- Initial completeness check
- Independent due diligence screening
- Committee review
- Approval or request for further information
- Passport issuance
Eligible Dependants
The programme allows inclusion of:
- Spouse or common-law partner (two years or more)
- Children under 18
- Financially dependent children aged 18–30 in full-time education
- Parents and grandparents of the main applicant or spouse (financially dependent)
- Siblings of the main applicant under 18 (in certain circumstances)
Grenada vs Other Caribbean CBI Programmes
Grenada's unique E-2 value proposition means it occupies a distinct position in the Caribbean CBI landscape:
| Programme | Entry Cost (Donation) | Passport Strength | US E-2 Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grenada | $235,000 (NTF) | 140+ countries | Yes |
| St Kitts & Nevis | $250,000 (SISC) | 150+ countries | No |
| Dominica | $200,000 (EDF) | 140+ countries | No |
| Saint Lucia | $240,000 (NEF) | 145+ countries | No |
| Antigua | $230,000 (NDF) | 150+ countries | No |
Following the March 2024 Memorandum of Agreement among the Eastern Caribbean states, donation minimums were harmonised upward (taking effect from mid-2024), so the headline donation costs across these programmes are now broadly comparable. For applicants specifically interested in the E-2 pathway, Grenada is the only option, and the E-2 access makes it the natural choice for that objective.
Compliance Caveats
The E-2 visa is administered by the US State Department and USCIS, not the Grenadian government. E-2 approval is not guaranteed by Grenadian citizenship — the investor must still demonstrate a qualifying investment, active business management, and good character. US immigration law and policy change independently of Grenada's CBI programme.
Grenada's CBI programme terms, investment thresholds, and approved project lists are subject to amendment. Visa-free access arrangements may change. Processing times are indicative only.
This guide is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal, tax, immigration, or investment advice. US immigration advice should be sought from a licensed US attorney. All values stated reflect publicly available information as of 2026.
How Global Investments Can Help
Global Investments advises high-net-worth clients on citizenship and residency planning across Caribbean and European programmes. For clients interested in the Grenada CBI and E-2 pathway, we can:
- Provide independent programme analysis and comparison
- Introduce authorised Grenadian CBI agents and legal counsel
- Connect clients with US immigration attorneys experienced in E-2 applications
- Coordinate with international tax and wealth advisers
To discuss whether the Grenada CBI programme — and the E-2 pathway — suits your circumstances, contact our citizenship planning team.
This guide is for general information only and does not constitute legal, financial or immigration advice. Programme details, investment thresholds, and eligibility requirements change; always verify current requirements with a qualified immigration lawyer and financial adviser before making any investment or application. Investment values can fall as well as rise.