Grenada CBI & US E-2 Treaty: The Caribbean Citizenship That Opens America

Every Caribbean citizenship by investment programme delivers a passport. Most deliver access to the United Kingdom and the Schengen Area. Several include Singapore, Hong Kong, or China. But only one Caribbean CBI programme offers its citizens the pathway to legally live and work in the United States of America — and that is Grenada.

Grenada's bilateral investment treaty with the United States — signed in 1986 and in force since 1989 to encourage reciprocal investment — means that Grenadian nationals are eligible to apply for the US E-2 Investor Visa. For investors who want a Caribbean passport and a US right of residence, Grenada's programme is not merely one option among many. It is the only option.

This guide covers the Grenada CBI programme in full, the E-2 visa mechanism in detail, and an honest comparison of this route versus the US EB-5 programme. We also set out clearly what the E-2 can and cannot do, so that our clients make decisions based on accurate expectations.

The Grenada CBI Programme

Grenada's citizenship by investment programme was established under the Grenada Citizenship by Investment Act. It is regulated by the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU), which has maintained a consistent and professionally regarded operation since the programme's expansion in 2013.

National Transformation Fund (NTF) — From USD 235,000

The NTF is Grenada's non-refundable government contribution route. Contributions are directed to national development projects including healthcare facilities, educational institutions, tourism infrastructure, and climate adaptation initiatives.

Single applicant: USD 235,000 (all-inclusive; government fees incorporated) Family of up to four (investor, spouse, up to two children): USD 235,000 flat rate Additional dependants: supplementary fees apply per person

This all-inclusive pricing structure — which covers government fees, due diligence fees, and processing fees within the stated amount — makes the NTF route transparent and straightforward to budget. Advisory fees are charged separately.

There is no asset to manage, no property to hold, and no residency requirement. The contribution is paid, the application processed, and citizenship granted.

Real Estate Investment — From USD 270,000

Applicants may alternatively invest in a government-approved real estate development at a minimum of USD 270,000. Properties are typically resort, hotel, or branded residential developments in Grenada, including projects on Grenada's renowned Spice Island coastline.

A five-year holding period applies. After five years, the property may be sold — including to another qualifying CBI investor. Real estate investors receive shares of the rental income pool generated by the resort during the holding period.

Government due diligence, processing, and administrative fees are applied in addition to the property purchase price on the real estate route. Total costs for a family of four through the real estate route typically reach USD 300,000–320,000 before advisory fees.

Processing Time and Process

Grenada's standard processing time is 3–4 months from submission of a complete application. The CIU maintains reasonable consistency on this timeline.

The application process follows a standard Caribbean CBI structure:

1. Engagement with a licensed Grenada CBI agent (such as Global Investments)
2. Document collection — identity documents, police clearances, medical examinations, source-of-funds evidence, bank references
3. Agent-level due diligence and file review
4. Submission to the CIU
5. CIU due diligence review
6. Approval in principle
7. Investment payment (NTF contribution or real estate completion)
8. Citizenship certificate issued
9. Grenadian passport application and issuance

Grenada has no requirement to visit the country, attend an interview, or establish residency at any point in the process.

The Grenadian Passport: Access and Value

Beyond the E-2 dimension, the Grenadian passport stands well in its own right as a Caribbean CBI travel document.

Visa-free access to approximately 147–150 countries, including:

• United Kingdom — visa-free entry for up to six months; Grenada is a Commonwealth member
• Schengen Area — all 29 states, enabling frictionless travel across the European continent
• China — visa-free access for Grenadian passport holders, a commercially important benefit
• Singapore — visa-free entry
• Hong Kong — visa-free entry
• Caribbean Community (CARICOM) — full freedom of movement
• Most of Latin America — visa-free or visa-on-arrival access

US travel (without the E-2) requires a separately obtained US visitor visa, as with all Caribbean CBI passports.

The E-2 Investor Visa: How It Works

The US E-2 Nonimmigrant Investor Visa is authorised under Section 101(a)(15)(E)(ii) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. It is available exclusively to nationals of countries that have a qualifying bilateral investment treaty with the United States. Grenada is one such treaty country.

The E-2 visa allows the holder to:

• Enter and reside in the United States for the duration of the visa, which is typically issued for periods of 12 months to five years depending on the issuing consulate
• Direct and develop a business in the United States
• Bring qualifying employees who are nationals of the treaty country
• Sponsor dependants (spouse and unmarried children under 21) — the spouse is work-authorised on E-2 derivative status
• Renew the visa indefinitely as long as the qualifying business remains operational

The key practical benefit is that E-2 status can be maintained for decades — many investors have held E-2 status for 20 or more years, running successful US businesses while legally residing in the country.

Investment Requirements for E-2

There is no fixed minimum dollar amount under US law for E-2 investment. The investment must meet two tests:

The substantiality test. The investment must be substantial relative to the total cost of establishing the enterprise. A USD 50,000 investment in a business that costs USD 60,000 to start is substantial. A USD 50,000 investment in a business that costs USD 5 million is not. In practice, for most business types, investments below USD 100,000 are rarely successful.

The marginal enterprise test. The business must have the capacity to generate income beyond that needed merely to provide a living for the investor and their family. It must be a genuine commercial enterprise with growth potential, not a self-employment vehicle.

Typical E-2 business investments in practice:

• Small service businesses (consulting, IT, staffing): USD 100,000–250,000
• Retail or food service: USD 150,000–400,000
• Hospitality and accommodation: USD 300,000–750,000
• Manufacturing or technology: USD 500,000+
• Franchise businesses: USD 150,000–600,000 depending on franchise fee and build-out

The investor must be in a position to direct and control the business. Passive investment does not qualify — the E-2 requires active management.

E-2 Application Process After Grenada Citizenship

Once Grenadian citizenship is obtained:

1. Establish and fund the US business
2. Prepare the E-2 visa application package — business plan, evidence of investment, source of funds, legal establishment documents
3. Apply at a US consulate (typically the US Embassy in Barbados for Caribbean applicants, or another convenient location)
4. Attend a consular interview
5. Visa issued (if approved); travel to the USA

Total elapsed time from starting the Grenada CBI to E-2 approval in hand is typically seven to nine months for a well-prepared applicant.

Grenada CBI + E-2 vs EB-5: An Honest Comparison

The US EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program is the only US immigration route that leads directly to a Green Card and, eventually, US citizenship. Many of our clients ask how Grenada CBI + E-2 compares to this alternative. The answer depends entirely on what the client actually wants.

Investment Cost

EB-5: Minimum USD 800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) project, or USD 1,050,000 in non-TEA projects. Most EB-5 investments are in commercial real estate developments through USCIS-approved Regional Centers.

Grenada CBI + E-2: Grenada NTF contribution USD 235,000 + E-2 business investment (from approximately USD 100,000+). Total from approximately USD 335,000–500,000 for a modest business, potentially more for larger enterprises.

Verdict: Grenada + E-2 is typically less expensive for the visa pathway, though total investment varies significantly with business type.

Processing Time

EB-5: Currently subject to severe backlogs. For nationals of India and China — countries with the highest demand — EB-5 priority dates are decades behind current filings. For most other nationalities, processing is currently 2–5 years.

Grenada CBI + E-2: Grenada citizenship: 3–4 months. E-2 application: 1–3 months after business established. Total: approximately 7–10 months.

Verdict: Grenada + E-2 is dramatically faster for most nationalities.

Outcome

EB-5: Green Card (lawful permanent residence), leading to US citizenship eligibility after 5 years of residence. A permanent, immigrant pathway.

Grenada CBI + E-2: Renewable non-immigrant status. The investor can live and work in the US indefinitely, but does not obtain a Green Card and is not on a path to US citizenship through this route alone.

Verdict: EB-5 is the only route to US permanent residence through investment. E-2 is a renewable live-and-work status, not a permanent solution. For clients whose objective is US citizenship, EB-5 remains the instrument. For clients who want to operate a US business and maintain US residence without needing permanent status, E-2 is faster, less capital-intensive, and more flexible.

Practical Considerations

The E-2 requires active management of a real business. Clients who want a passive investment with no operational responsibilities are better suited to EB-5. The Grenada + E-2 route suits active entrepreneurs and business operators who want to run an enterprise in the United States.

Due Diligence and Programme Integrity

Grenada's CBI programme operates a multi-stage due diligence process that has been strengthened significantly since 2020, when Caribbean programmes collectively faced increased scrutiny from international bodies. All applicants aged 12 and over are subject to background screening. The CIU works with independent international screening providers alongside its own internal team.

Source of funds documentation is reviewed carefully. Applicants are expected to demonstrate a clear, legitimate explanation for their investment capital. Criminal history, sanctions exposure, or adverse reputational information will result in rejection.

Family Inclusion

The following dependants may be included in a Grenada CBI application:

• Spouse or legal partner
• Dependent unmarried children up to age 30
• Parents and grandparents aged 55 and over
• Siblings of the applicant aged 18–25 who are financially dependent

Dependent inclusion attracts supplementary fees. Family members included in the citizenship application acquire Grenadian citizenship simultaneously.

Compliance Caveats

Grenada's CBI programme terms, investment thresholds, and approved developments are subject to change by government decree. The E-2 visa programme is administered by the US Department of State and USCIS; requirements, processing times, and interview standards are subject to change. E-2 applications are not guaranteed to succeed and are subject to consular officer discretion. The information in this guide reflects our understanding as of June 2026 and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. We recommend obtaining qualified legal counsel before making any application or investment decision.

How Global Investments Can Help

Grenada CBI combined with US E-2 planning is one of our most requested service combinations. Our team manages the Grenada citizenship process in full — document preparation, due diligence packaging, CIU liaison, and passport issuance. For the E-2 component, we work alongside our specialist US immigration law partners to structure the business investment, prepare the visa application, and coordinate the consular interview.

We also run a comprehensive comparison for each client between the Grenada + E-2 route and the EB-5 programme, based on that client's timeline, business plans, family structure, and long-term objectives. We do not recommend one route over another without understanding the full picture.

If you are an internationally mobile investor considering the US as a base of operations — or simply seeking the broadest possible combination of passport access and US rights — Grenada's CBI programme is the most commercially intelligent starting point currently available in the Caribbean. Contact our team to begin.