Introduction:

Grenada launched its citizenship by investment program in 2013 for the purpose of booming its economy. In return, it offered outside investors obtain citizenship and second passport within 4 to 6 months. Grenada being one of the safest and beautiful Island in Caribbean always intrigue tourists and permeant resident seekers. So, they always queries credible information regarding Grenada citizenship by investment. The followings are some replies on Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).  

How long does Due Diligence take when I apply for Grenada citizenship by investment?

Due diligence check is going to be performed against the main applicant and their dependents mentioned in the application. It may take 3 to 6 months. The time variation depends on how full and detailed the information you provide about yourself, your family and sources of income. So, you must receive professional help while you apply for Grenada citizenship by investment to avoid any potential error.

Do I need to visit Grenada for the application process?

There is no requirement to visit Grenada for an interview for the Grenada citizenship program. In fact no need to travel at all to apply for the Grenada Citizenship By Investment (CBI).

How long should I own a real estate property under the CBI rules?

According to the Grenadian legislation, the participant of the program must own a real estate property for at least 4 years.

In what cases my application could be rejected?

If you deliver false data;

When you are convicted or under proceedings of any serious criminal offense in any country around the world;

Whether Grenada Citizenship by Investment authority thinks that you or your family pose a potential threat to public order, national security or the reputation of Grenada or any other country;

Provided that your visa application denied in a country with which Grenadian citizen has a visa-free access.

Do Grenadians need US visa? Or Do Grenada passport holders need a visa to the USA?

Well Yes, Grenadian citizens as well as passport holders need a visa to enter the US. Though they do have a benefit of eligibility of applying for a US B-1 & US B-2 tourist visa . These visas have a validity period of ten-year multiple-entry visas.

They also can apply for the E2 visa as Grenada being the signatory of E2 treaty with the USA, on the condition that they invest a certain amount of dollar in US for certain period.

Can Grenada citizen work in USA? Or Can Grenada citizens work in the US?

Yes, they can. They can work in US by obtaining various US visas, for example, E-2, EB-3 etc.

Theses visas allow investors to work or run a business in the United States. It also allows Grenadian citizens access to live and work in the US. A spouse of the E2 investor can also work in the US.

Which Caribbean country has visa free travel to USA?

Citizens of Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda, St Lucia, Dominica, and St Kitts and Nevis have access to visa free travel to USA.

What is the Grenada E-2 Visa?

The Grenadian citizens qualify for E-2 Visa in the US. You can’t apply for an E-2 visa as a citizen of any country unless your country is listed as E-2 treaty countries. Only around 78 countries are listed as E-2 treaty countries. So, this visa is restricted to a lot of countries/ nationalities. Grenada and the US have is joint signatory E-2 visa treaty on mutual investments. That’s why you have the benefit of getting the E-2 visa with a Grenada passport in your hand. Once the E-2 Visa is approved, you can move along with your family and invest in a business in the United States.

How can I get E2 visa from Grenada?

First you have to attain Grenada citizenship by investment or donation, and then apply for an E-2 US visa.

Grenada being the signatory of E2 treaty with the USA, Grenadians became eligible to apply for the E-2 visa subject to fulfilling the requirement of qualifying amount of dollar investment in US for certain period. Since Foreign investors (i.e. Grenadian) need to invest a minimum amount of $100,000 to apply for an E-2 Visa.

How long does it take to get an E2 Visa Grenada?

For Grenadian citizens it takes to get an E2 Visa for approximately 3 months.

What is the amount needed for an E-2 Visa?

To obtain an E-2 Visa, an applicant must be ready and able to invest a minimum amount of 100,000 dollar in the US.

Is the E2 Visa open?

Although there might be a delay in the visa interview schedule due to Covid19 restrictions, the E-2 Visa is still available for interested candidates.

How long can US citizens stay in Grenada?

US citizens can stay in Grenada for a period of 90 days without a Grenadian visa.

How long can you stay in Grenada without a visa?

Grenada and 108 countries signed an agreement on a visa-free regime. Bangladesh is one of them. So, citizens of these countries, including Bangladeshis, can spend minimum 30 days visa free in Grenada within consecutive 6 months in a year. That means, in one year you can travel to Grenada for 2 times, minimum 30 days each time. So in total minimum 60 days in a year without a visa.  If you want to stay more than 60 days in a year or more than 30 days in single entry, you have to apply for visa. 

How much does it cost to build a house in Grenada?

If someone is to build a residential house in Grenada, in general, the approximate cost will be between $100.00 to $ 150.00 US dollars per square foot. It may varies depending on the location or area where the house situated.

Is Grenada a good country to retire?

Grenada is a fantastic Caribbean island filled with peace and tranquility, a place where you can experience both coastal living and small city living at the same time. Though the island is not that popular like other conventional Caribbean islands but they provide retirees an inexpensive and superior quality of life. The welcoming local people and the growing emigrant and tourist community will make your living homely.

If you looking for Hiking, sailing, diving, swimming, kayaking, and paddling in your routine life including other excitement in white sandy beaches, rainforests, rivers, mountain lakes and scenic waterfalls then Grenada is truly the perfect place to retire.

How much money do you need to retire in Grenada?

People often ask How much do I need to retire in Grenada? Well, you can achieve Grenada citizenship via investment by Firstly, donating USD 150,000 to National Transformation Fund. Secondly, by purchasing a government-approved real estate project whose minimum worth is USD 220,000.

To live in Grenada, the projected monthly costs for a couple of retirees is approximately $1500 a month based on your lifestyle, without housing costs.

Is Grenada a good place to live?

Yes, off course.

Grenada is a great place to live if you consider great communities, very sociable people, reasonable cost of living, safety, low crime rate, tropical climate almost all year around, lots of festivals, and job opportunities.

If you love exciting activities like Hiking, sailing, diving, kayaking, and paddling in your daily life and admire scenic beauty like white sandy beaches, rainforests, rivers, mountain lakes and scenic waterfalls then Grenada is your destination.

Which Caribbean island is best for citizenship?

There are top favorite five countries among others offer citizenship by investment programs in the Caribbean. They are Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, St Lucia and St Kitts and Nevis.

It is not simple to say which Caribbean island is best for your citizenship. It depends on your budget, safety and any other considerable features of that country that may attract you. For example, if you looking for comparatively cheaper citizenship via donation you can go for countries like Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, St Lucia.

But if you looking for safety of your real estate property/ project then you must choose Grenada. Because, if you compare among other Caribbean islands mentioned above, you will figure out that Grenada’s geographical location is much safer. There are no Atlantic hurricanes that have caused mentionable harm to this island. Such geographical feature makes it simple to decide in Grenada’s real estate.

Conclusion:

Grenada is a great place to live when you consider climate and tranquility. If you are looking for a great place to retire with your loved ones then citizenship in Grenada by investment can be a wise choice.

The content of this blog is for knowledge or information sharing purpose only and may not be relied on as legal advice. In terms of getting any legal help we always strongly advise to contact a professional immigration lawyer. For professional legal help you can call or contact here.

Written By: Sheikh Saiful Islam Rajib

Advocate

The author is experienced and authorized immigration lawyer for Grenada citizenship by investment in real estate program and can be reached by +8801753178887(WhatsApp).

How Popular Grenada Citizenship by Investment Program?

Question may raise, is the Grenada Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program is so popular? Well, the gradual Statics of the Program reveals the answer. The program had its best year on record in 2021 so far. For the 5^thconsecutive year, the program earned an income increase with a total income of EC$282,000,000 in 2021, which was an increase of 11.5% from the last year. And it is growing every year. Furthermore, there were a total of 566 applications received by the Citizenship by Investment Unit last year. In which 59% of applicants went for the real estate route and 41% chose government donation route (which require a lot less dollar by the way).

Country Information

Grenada became independent in 1974 and is part of the Commonwealth.

Grenada is widely recognized as the Spice Island for its numerous locally grown spices, organic chocolate. In addition, it offers one of the most picturesque waterfronts, unspoiled natural greenery and breathtaking beaches in all the Caribbean. The beautiful scenery, diverse topography, and a year-round pleasant climate is just one of the many reasons to visit the three beautiful main islands. Besides, Diving, sailing, excellent restaurants and year-round memorable festivities have stimulated Grenada’s status as the ideal destination of many high net worth investors. Grenada is one of the safest places in Caribbean and it also geographically exists outside of the main hurricane belt giving environmental safety. Moreover, the country also has one of the best medical universities in the world.

Population: 113,000

Languages: English

Economy: Tourism-based

Currency: Eastern Caribbean dollar

How the program started?

The Grenada Citizenship by Investment Program was launched in August 2013 when the Grenadian parliament passed the Citizenship by Investment Act, 2013. Moreover, the program offers qualified investors and their family members to apply for citizenship, benefit from visa-free travel and allows them a low-cost entry for a second passport. Recently, in Grenada tourism has become the important sector for foreign direct investments. Another rising sector is the offshore financial industry, which in combine with construction and manufacturing sector, have also contributed to growth in national revenue.

So, as part of its policy to attract foreign direct investment, the Grenadian government is working closely with a certain number of ventures related to tourism, agriculture and manufacturing.

Qualifications of the applicant:

In fact, applicants from all over the world are welcome but are subject to strict due diligence checks.

Applicants must be of-

18 years old,

Outstanding character,

No criminal or immigration offenses on your record,

And Have excellent health,

And also have a high personal net worth (You must show obtainable, legally sourced money that are sufficient to make the necessary investment, pay all fees and maintain your family after getting citizenship).

Government, Professional and Due Diligence fees is applicable.

Grenada Citizenship by Investment

Grenada Citizenship Benefits

Why chooses Grenada? Why invest in Grenada passport? What are the benefits of Grenada citizenship? Well in answering the above, you have to go through the following Grenada citizenship by investment benefits:

• Grenada passport visa-free countries: Once investors will be granted citizenship of Grenada, they will eventually be issued with a passport. Grenada passport holders benefit from visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 145 destinations including China, Russia, Hong Kong, Singapore, the UK, and Europe’s Schengen Area among others. 

• A short route to USA: The only Caribbean citizenship by investment program that holds an E-2 Investor Visa Treaty with the USA, allowing citizens of Grenada to operate a substantial business in the U.S. and reside there. Many countries in the world including China and India do not have such E-2 treaty with the USA.

• This Citizenship Valid for life.

• Transferable to descendants: There is no difference between Grenada citizenship by investment and citizenship by birth. Citizenship can be passed down to new spouses and future generations.

• Entire family are eligible:

Applicant’s spouse.

Minor children under 16 and financially dependent children up to 30 years of age, including children from previous marriage(s).

Financially dependent parents and grandparents of main applicant and spouse, who are older than 65.

Mentally and physically disabled children who rely on the main applicant for support.

And, unmarried siblings aged up to 30 years of main applicant and spouse.

• Fast-track citizenship: The application process for Grenadian citizenship is very smooth and straightforward. It naturally takes Three–four months.

• Affordable second passport in no time: Your alternative citizenship from just $220,000 investment. More affordable than European citizenship by investment programs.

• Investment money safety: Complete investments only required after receiving citizenship application approval.

• No restrictions on dual or multiple citizenship in Grenada: You can have as many passports as you want – Grenada authorities will not ask you to withdraw your other nationalities.

• No minimum stay required (obtain your second passport remotely/ from home): There is no requirement to visit Grenada for an interview for the Grenada citizenship program and in fact no need to travel to the country to complete the application process at all.

• No disclosure: The application process is strictly confidential.

• Investment period in Real estate: After 5 years the applicant can sell the investment asset in market price or you can sell it before 5 years in certain reduced price. It will not be affecting you and your family’s citizenship.

• No interview, education or management experience required.

• Benefits for businesses: As business person in Grenada you can consider these factors such as– skilled and hardworking workforce, modern infrastructure, growing tourism sector, tax incentives for local companies and duty-free trade in the Caribbean.

• Flexible taxation: Grenada is one of the most business-friendly tax heavens to register international companies. Foreign profits are not taxed while capital can be exported. So, no tax on worldwide income. There is no tax on imported capital or capital gains tax, inheritance, wealth and foreign income. Real estate transactions are free of stamp duty.

• No language requirement: You neither have to learn the language to apply for a Caribbean passport, nor will you need to test your knowledge of local customs and traditions. No English language test is required either.

• High standards of education: Grenada has good standard of education system. It has modern schools, universities and medical facilities. Moreover, Grenada still has attachments with the United Kingdom. Queen Elizabeth II is the head of this Commonwealth country and so Grenadian children can enroll in the UK colleges and universities on special conditions.

Great educational incentives:

Grenada is a country of a very high literacy rate and is a country with one of the best medical universities in the region. The education system and institutions are international standard. It is home to highly praiseworthy universities and offer tuition fee reductions for those who have invested through their citizenship by investment program.

St George’s University (SGU) is situated in Grenada, a world class private university renowned for world class medical, nursing, veterinary and liberal arts education.

Besides, approximately 22000 people graduated from St George’s University since 1976 and here students come from around 150 countries to study.

In addition, the university is affiliated with many other educational institutions all over the world, including the UK, USA, Canada and Australia, attracting students and faculty members from around the world.

In fact, the university has branches in the United States, the United Kingdom, and India, and students will have the opportunity to undergo a 16-week internship in hospitals in the United States and the United Kingdom.

Consequently, 47 countries greatly accepts the university’s awarded diploma . The 47 countries includes the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, Germany, and the United Arab Emirates.

Applicants and students studying at St. George’s University are eligible for the Grenada Partnership Award, which provides a 90% discount on university tuition fee, that means students only need to pay 10% of the university’s undergraduate tuition expenses. This is a huge discount. To qualify, Grenada citizens must have resided in Grenada for at least one year prior to university registration. So, a simple gap year in Grenada before starting university study could easily make the student eligible for the grant/ award.

If you are somehow unable or fail to meet these requirements, you are also eligible, as a Grenadian citizen and thus a citizen of a CARICOM country, for another Caribbean undergraduate scholarship. It allows you to have a 65 % reduction of tuition fee for the first year, after which the above mentioned 90% award will apply automatically.

Thus, Non-Grenada natives can still gain this substantially reduced costs in tuition by obtaining citizenship in Grenada.

• Economic and political stability: Grenada is an island of tranquility with peace loving and hardworking people, picturesque organized towns and cities and secure streets packed with tourists all year round. It’s stable economy and well-practiced democratic governments kept the country politically stable.

Route to Grenadian citizenship by Investment program

Here, there are two routes. The applicants either make a certain amount of economic contribution to the country or acquire a government-approved qualifying asset.

The applicant and his/ her dependents over 16 go through due diligence checks after which, including thorough background checks, if successful, Grenada’s government will approve the application.

To qualify for citizenship, the primary applicant must be over 18 years of age, satisfy the program application requirements, and choose one of the two routes:

First, National Transformation Fund donation option: A minimum non-refundable contribution to the NTF of USD 150,000 for single applicants.

Second, Grenada citizenship by investment real estate

A purchase of at least USD 220,000 from a government-approved real estate project. An additional minimum non-refundable contribution of USD 50,000 applies for this option.

The minimum amount covers the main applicant, main applicant’s spouse and two qualifying dependents. Moreover, for each additional dependent you will need an extra US$25,000 .

Please be aware that where an application includes an eligible parent not exceeding the age of fifty-five years, an additional contribution of USD 50,000 will be required to be made with the post-approval contribution.

Where an application includes an eligible sibling, an additional contribution of USD 75,000 will be required to be made with the post-approval contribution.

Once you apply for Grenada citizenship by investment real estate, the government generally delivers an answer within 3 months. The successful applicants will be issued passports generally within 10 working days. Applicants are not required to pick up their passports in person from Grenada. It can be delivered by post.

Again, in real estate option, the time frame may vary depending upon the project. Therefore, it is important to select a real estate project that is actually approved by the government and will be able to provide the necessary paperwork smoothly and swiftly for the applicant.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Question: What are the requirements for visa-free stay in the Schengen countries, the UK and China while you will have passport of Grenada?

Answer: Visa-free regime with the countries of the Schengen zone (you can stay for 90 days out of 180);

Visa-free travel to the UK (you can stay for 6 months a year);

Visa-free travel to China (you can stay up to 30 days)

No additional documents and prior registration required for crossing these borders.

Question: Why is Grenada citizenship by investment program so popular?

Answer: Due to lots of benefits and reasons, as mentioned above, the program grown more popular every day.

Question: Does a passport have an expiration date in Grenada?

Answer: In Grenada a passport is issued for a period of 5 years with its succeeding renewal for the equal time.

Question: Can you buy citizenship in Grenada?

Answer: You cannot straight away buy citizenship but you can invest for it. You need to apply Grenada’s investment program which is twofold (as explained above): Firstly, A minimum non-refundable contribution to the NTF of USD 150,000 for single applicants. Secondly, Grenada citizenship by investment real estate where you purchase a government-approved real estate project at least worth of USD 220,000.  An additional minimum non-refundable contribution of USD 50,000 applies for this option.

Question: How can I invest in Grenada citizenship?

Answer: You can invest in Grenada citizenship through funding in one of the Grenadian government approved real estate projects.

Question: How much does Grenada citizenship cost?

Answer: It is difficult to measure Grenada passport price accurately. But an approximate USD 300, 00 (more or less) is required for an applicant, his/her and two dependents. So, if the applicant has more than 2 (two) qualifying dependent then he/she must pay an extra US$25,000 for each additional dependent.

Question: How fast can I get Grenada citizenship?

Answer: In general, Grenada citizenship by investment processing time is between 3-6 months from the date of application.

Question: How strong is Grenada passport? Or How good is Grenada passport?

Answer: In various ranking index Grenada passport ranked in various positions. So, it is very difficult to precisely say about Grenada passport ranking position. But the fact is if you have a Grenada passport you can travel visa-free or visa-on-arrival into 145 countries including China, Russia, Hong Kong, Singapore, the UK, and Europe’s Schengen Area among others. So, Is Grenada passport powerful? Well yes, if you consider above.

Question: How can I get permanent residency in Grenada? or How do I get Grenadian citizenship?

Answer: As a foreigner, one of the ways to get Grenadian permanent residency or citizenship is “citizenship by investment real estate program”.  You can learn more about it from above. See: “Route to Grenadian citizenship by Investment program”.

Question: Does Grenada allow dual citizenship? Or, Does Grenada offer dual citizenship?

Answer: Well, yes. So, you may ask do I need to give up my current citizenship. The answer is no. Grenada recognizes dual citizenship, which means investors can still use their current passports.

Question: Can foreigners buy property in Grenada?

Answer: Yes, they can buy property in Grenada via Grenada citizenship by investment real estate program.

Question: How many citizenship can you have in Grenada?

Answer: As many citizenship as you want. Grenada does allow dual or multiple citizenship.

Question: Who can get a national passport for Grenada?

Answer: Please read in details above: “Grenada Citizenship by Investment” and “Route to Grenadian citizenship by Investment program” paragraphs.

Question: Do Grenadians need visa for Canada?

Answer: There is a list of countries whose citizens are exempted from visa requirements to be allowed access to Canada. Those excused country Citizens only needed to apply for an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization). Grenada is not among the visa exempted countries, so any Grenadian will require a visa to go in Canada.

Question: Can I travel to Canada with Grenada passport?

Answer: Yes, you can travel but you will require Canadian visa to enter the country.

Question: Do Grenadians need visa for Switzerland? Or Do Grenadians need a visa for Portugal?

Answer: Not required for first 90 days.

Both Switzerland and Portugal are member of EU and people require Schengen visa to enter these countries. But, Grenada citizens can travel visa free to the Schengen Area for up to 90 days at a time. In 2015 a treaty was signed for short stay waiver. That has given Grenadian citizens the right to in and out to Schengen countries without the need of applying for a visa before they travel.

Question: Is Grenada visa-free to UK?

Answer: Yes, Grenadians can travel visa-free to the UK and stay there for up to 180 days in a row.

Question: Can Grenadians work in the UK?

Answer: Not automatically. They have to get work permit or any other visas that allows them to work in UK legally.

Question: Can Grenada citizens work in UK?

Answer: Yes, with proper permission from the UK government authority, they can.

Question: Can Grenadians live in the UK?

Answer: Yes, they can. For first 180 days they can stay without visa but later on more than 180 days stay they will require visa.

Question: How long can I stay in the UK with a Grenada passport?

Answer: With a Grenada passport you can travel visa-free to the UK and stay there for up to 180 days in a row. Then you have to either renew the visa or for long term stay you need to get different type of visa.

Question: Are Grenadians British citizens?

Answer: No

Question: Can I buy land in Grenada?

Answer: Yes, under Grenada citizenship by investment real estate program you can.

Question: How much does it cost to live in Grenada?

Answer: It depends on your lifestyle. But an average cost for average living style should cost per person approximately 1500 USD per month.

Question: Is it easy to get Grenada citizenship?

Answer: It is neither easy nor difficult. The authority is flexible and welcoming to new investors. If you submit all the required documents properly and follow the application guidelines you may have a very high chance to achieve Grenada citizenship.

Question: Is Grenada visa free to Japan?

Answer: No

Conclusion:

Finally, let me ask you, are you looking for life where you can travel the world freely? Are you looking for a better future for your family and next generations? Is that a second passport/ multiple citizenship you look for to improve your lifestyle and ensure free movement? If the answer is yes, then you must approach for Grenadian passport via government approved real estate investment.

The content of this blog is for knowledge or information sharing purpose only and may not be relied on as legal advice. In terms of getting any legal help we always strongly advise to contact a professional immigration lawyer. For professional legal help you can call or contact here.

Written By: Sheikh Saiful Islam Rajib

Advocate

The author is experienced and authorized immigration lawyer for Grenada citizenship by investment in real estate program and you can reach him by +8801753178887(WhatsApp).