How to Get Grenada citizenship: guide for investors

What is Grenada citizenship by investment?

Grenada citizenship by investment allows foreign nationals to obtain citizenship by naturalisation in return for a qualifying investment in the country’s economy. The programme is regulated by the Government of Grenada and is considered one of the most established options in the Caribbean region ^[51] Source: Grenada CBI, IMA Grenada .

Under the citizenship-by-investment programme, applicants make an investment of at least $235,000. Investors may choose between two options:

1. Non-refundable contribution to the National Transformation Fund, which finances infrastructure, tourism, and sustainable development projects.
2. Purchase of government-approved real estate, primarily hotel and resort developments. The property can be sold after five years, allowing investors to recover the investment.

The programme operates remotely. Applicants are not required to travel to Grenada at any stage of the process and submit documents exclusively through a licensed agent. In practice, the procedure usually takes from eight months, subject to Due Diligence checks and the government’s decision. 

Grenada citizenship by investment remains in demand despite stricter regional regulation. Caribbean programmes, including Grenada’s, are now overseen by a regional authority that has unified Due Diligence standards and compliance rules. 

Even under these conditions, Grenada demonstrated one of the strongest results in the region, attracting around $412 million in programme revenue, reflecting sustained interest from international investors.

From January to December 2025, Grenada approved 89% of applications under its citizenship by investment programme. The data was published by IMA Grenada ^[52] Source: Citizenship approval statistics, IMA Grenada . The largest share of applicants comes from Nigeria with 15%, followed by China with 13% and Iraq with 7%. 

Only properties approved by the Government of Grenada qualify for citizenship by investment. The investment can be recovered after 5 years if the property is sold.

7 benefits of Grenada citizenship

Grenada citizenship offers practical advantages for investors and their families, from international mobility to access to education and business opportunities. The benefits are defined by national legislation and international agreements and apply once citizenship is granted.

1. US business visa

Citizens of Grenada can obtain an E-2 business visa, which allows them to live in the United States with their family for up to five years and work in their own company ^[53] Source: US Department of State, eligibility for the E-2 visa . The visa can be renewed an unlimited number of times, provided the business generates income.

2. US tourist visa

Residents of Grenada are eligible to apply for B-1 or B-2 visas to the United States for up to 10 years. With this document, foreigners are allowed to stay in the country for up to 180 days per year, for example, to attend business meetings or go on holiday.

3. Scholarships at UK universities

Grenada is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. as a result, its citizens can apply for scholarships at universities in London, Liverpool, and Manchester, including Commonwealth Scholarships.

4. Freedom to choose a place of residence

To apply for citizenship, an investor does not need to live permanently in Grenada. By comparison, a French passport can be obtained only after five years of residence in the country, and a Spanish passport after ten years.

5. Tax optimisation

For tax residents of Grenada, there is no tax on worldwide income, capital gains, or inheritance. Personal income tax is levied on a progressive scale: for annual income of $24,000 and above, the rate is 10%.

6. Citizenship by descent

If an investor has a child after obtaining a passport, the child may automatically qualify for Grenada citizenship.

If children born before obtaining the status are not included in the initial application, it will not be possible to add them later.

7. Visa-free travel

Citizens of Grenada are entitled to travel freely to 139 countries worldwide. In the Schengen Area, they may stay for up to 90 days out of 180. In the United Kingdom, stays of up to 180 days per year are allowed, while in China and Singapore up to 30 days are permitted.

Limitations of Grenada citizenship

Despite its advantages, Grenada citizenship has certain limitations that investors should consider before applying:

1. Citizenship is granted by naturalisation and may be revoked in specific cases. The government may withdraw citizenship if false information is discovered or if serious legal violations occur after naturalisation.
2. Strict Due Diligence requirements. Applications are subject to enhanced background checks, including mandatory interviews for applicants and dependents over 17. Not all applicants are approved.
3. Limited investment options. Only government-approved real estate projects qualify for the programme, and the alternative contribution option is non-refundable.
4. Tax obligations depend on residency status. Tax benefits apply only to tax residents of Grenada. Spending more than 183 days per year in the country may trigger tax residency and related obligations.

Key updates to the Grenada citizenship by investment programme

From July 1st, 2024, Grenada increased the minimum non-refundable contribution for a family of four from $200,000 to $235,000, and the minimum share value when purchasing real estate from $220,000 to $270,000.

The new conditions are set out in a Memorandum of Agreement. The purpose of the document is to unify and standardise citizenship by investment programmes across the region ^[54] Source: Memorandum of Agreement .

Caribbean countries have also tightened requirements for applicants. The states will now exchange information on applicants. If a foreigner has been refused citizenship by one Caribbean country, obtaining a passport in another will be practically impossible.

From March 31st, 2023, Grenada suspended the acceptance of citizenship by investment applications from citizens of Russia and Belarus.

Who can obtain Grenada citizenship by investment

Grenada citizenship is available to the investor’s relatives, including parents, siblings, and other family members. Applications are accepted from foreigners who have passed a due diligence check and meet the programme requirements:

Main applicant — over 18 years old, with no criminal record, in good health, and with a legal source of income:

• spouse — with no criminal record;
• children — under 30 years old;
• parents of the investor;
• brothers and sisters — over 18 years old, unmarried, and without children.

All family members must be financially dependent on the main applicant.

To participate in the Grenada citizenship by investment programme, neither the applicant nor their family members are required to travel to the country. The investor submits documents through a licensed agent, and the procedure is carried out remotely.

After the citizenship application is approved, only a newborn child of the married couple may be added. This must be done within 12 months of the child’s birth.

Grenada citizenship by investment cannot be the primary citizenship. A newborn first acquires the citizenship of the father or mother. If the parents are citizens of different countries, it is possible to choose the citizenship that offers greater benefits.

How can investors obtain a Grenada passport?

To become a citizen of Grenada, an investor contributes at least $235,000 to the country’s economy. There are two options to choose from:

A non-refundable contribution to the National Transformation Fund, which finances projects in alternative energy, agriculture, and tourism. An investor and a family of up to four people contribute $235,000. To add a fifth family member, an additional fee of at least $25,000 applies.

The purchase of real estate from a list approved by the Government of Grenada. The list mainly includes hotel and resort complexes. The standard investment amount is $350,000, but for some projects it is reduced to $270,000.

If an investor purchases real estate, the property may be rented out and generate an annual yield of 2—5%. After five years, the property can be sold and the investment recovered.

Investment returns under the Grenada citizenship programme

Investors who choose the real estate option may generate income from their investment. In practice, real estate acquired under the programme may be rented out. 

According to market data and project disclosures, the expected annual yield usually ranges from 2 to 5%, depending on the property type, location, and management model. Returns are not guaranteed and depend on market conditions and the performance of the specific project.

Investors who opt for a contribution to the National Transformation Fund do not receive any financial return, as this option is non-refundable and structured as a contribution to public development projects.

How can investors exit the investment under the Grenada citizenship programme?

For real estate investments, the programme establishes a minimum holding period of five years. After this period, the property may be sold on the open market. If the buyer is another citizenship by investment applicant, the property may be reused for a new application, subject to current programme rules. 

Selling the property allows the investor to recover the initial investment, although the resale price depends on market conditions.

For the contribution option, no exit is set: funds transferred to the National Transformation Fund cannot be refunded, regardless of future changes in personal circumstances.

Grenada citizenship itself does not require renewal. Once granted by naturalisation, it is held for life, provided the citizen complies with the law and programme requirements. 

Costs of obtaining Grenada citizenship

The main cost of obtaining citizenship is meeting the investment requirement. The applicant must make a contribution of at least $235,000 or purchase real estate worth at least $270,000.

Additional expenses include Due Diligence fees — background checks carried out for each family member — as well as government fees and charges. These costs amount to $5,000 for each family member over the age of 17.

Calculation of the cost of Grenada citizenship by investment

Expense сategory	NTF Donation	Real estate investment
Minimum investment	$235,000 Non-refundable contribution to the National Transformation Fund	$270,000 Investment in an approved real estate project
Government fees	—	≈ $50,000 government fees separate from investment
Due Diligence	$5,000+	$5,000+
Other government charges	$4,500+	$4,500+
Family add-on fees	$25,000—75,000+  per dependent	$25,000—75,000+  per dependent
Registration fees	—	~4% property registration fee

Documents required to obtain Grenada citizenship by investment

Documents for participation in the Grenada citizenship by investment programme must be translated into English, notarised, and apostilled. The exact list depends on the investor’s individual circumstances.

The main documents required to apply for Grenada citizenship are:

1. Passport — a colour copy for each applicant.
2. Police clearance certificate.
3. 12 photographs measuring 35 × 45 mm, one of which must be certified by a lawyer.
4. Proof of funds, such as bank statements for the last 12 months.
5. Birth certificate — two copies.
6. Medical certificate.
7. Curriculum vitae.
8. Marriage or divorce certificate — two copies.
9. Educational certificate or diploma transcript.
10. Proof of compliance with the investment programme requirements.
11. Copy of the licence of the lawyer or notary who certifies the documents.
12. Proof of residential address, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or title deed.

To obtain a medical certificate, the investor and all family members included in the citizenship application must undergo a medical examination. Applicants are checked for vaccination records and the absence of serious or infectious diseases.

Taxes paid by residents of Grenada

If a foreigner spends more than 183 days a year in the country, they automatically acquire tax resident status and are required to pay taxes on their worldwide income ^[55] Source: Tax filling and registration, Grenada government . Tax non-residents pay taxes only on income earned in Grenada.

For individuals

Individuals’ income is taxed on a progressive scale from 0 to 28%, depending on the level of income:

• up to XCD 24,000 per year — 0%;
• from XCD 24,000 to 60,000 — 10%;
• above XCD 60,000 — 28%.

The tax on dividends, interest, and royalties for non-residents is 15%. Grenada does not levy taxes on worldwide income, capital gains, or inheritance.

For legal entities

Companies in Grenada pay corporate income tax at a rate of 28%. Value-added tax is charged in addition. The standard VAT rate is 15%, with the following exceptions:

• 20% — for mobile network operators;
• 10% — for hotels and diving companies;
• 0% — for companies supplying basic food products or water.

VAT is payable by companies with annual revenue of at least XCD 300,000. Social security contributions amount to 4% of employees’ salaries. The withholding tax on dividends and royalties paid to a non-resident company is 15%.

Real estate taxes

Property owners pay an annual tax of up to 0.8% of the market value of the property. When selling residential or commercial real estate, a property transfer tax applies:

1. For citizens of Grenada — around 5%.
2. For foreigners — up to 15%.

Non-residents purchasing land must also pay the Alien Landholding Licence, a permit to own land. The fee amounts to 10% of the plot’s value.

How to renew a Grenada passport

A Grenada passport is valid for 10 years and must be renewed after that period. An application is submitted to a Grenada consulate ^[56] Source: Grenada embassy . The applicant must provide the originals and notarised copies of the birth certificate and the expired passport, as well as two photographs measuring 45 × 35 mm.

In some cases, additional documents may be required:

• written consent for children under 16;
• marriage or divorce certificate;
• death certificate of a spouse.

The passport renewal fee is $350, or $250 for children under 18. Applications are processed within two to three weeks. The new passport is delivered by post or collected in person at the consulate.

To avoid bureaucratic difficulties, applicants may contact Passportivity. The firm’s lawyers support investors even after citizenship is obtained, for example by assisting with passport renewal, opening bank accounts, and company registration.

Reasons for refusal or revocation of Grenada citizenship

The Government of Grenada seeks to protect the country’s international reputation and therefore conducts thorough checks on all citizenship applicants.

Grenada citizenship will be refused if the applicant:

• provides false information;
• has been convicted of a crime punishable in Grenada by imprisonment for more than six months — this does not apply to individuals who have received a pardon;
• is under criminal prosecution;
• is considered a potential threat to the national security of Grenada or any other country;
• is engaged in any activity that may harm Grenada’s reputation;
• has been refused a visa to a country with which Grenada has a visa-free regime and subsequently has not obtained a visa from the country that issued the refusal, for example a US visa or a visa to a Schengen Area country.

The government may revoke citizenship if it is discovered that the citizen provided false information when submitting documents. Citizenship may also be withdrawn for crimes against the state, such as calling for a rebellion or taking part in military actions against Grenada while serving in the armed forces of another country.

If, within five years of obtaining citizenship, a citizen is sentenced in any country to imprisonment for a term of 12 months or more, this also constitutes grounds for revocation of citizenship.

Living in Grenada

Grenada is a small island state in the eastern Caribbean Sea, near Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago. The island is known for its mountainous terrain, tropical rainforests, and long white-sand beaches.

Climate

The climate is tropical. Daytime temperatures range from +26 to +30°C, while night-time temperatures are around +22…24°C. The rainy season in Grenada lasts from May to December. Rainfall is usually short-lived: bright sunshine during the day can be followed by a heavy tropical downpour an hour later. From January to April, the weather is drier and milder, which is also the peak tourist season on the island.

Thanks to the warm climate, fresh fruit — mangoes, papayas, and bananas — is available in Grenada all year round. The island is also known as the “Isle of Spice”: nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves are grown here, and their aroma can be felt in the air after rain.

Cost of living

The monthly living expenses for one person in Grenada, excluding rent, amount to around $1,071. This figure includes groceries, transport, and everyday expenses. For example, a meal at a café costs about $11, a litre of milk around $3, and a monthly bus pass approximately $37 ^[57] Source: Cost of living in Grenada, Numbeo .

By comparison, one person spends about $1,110 in France, and $1,183 in Germany.

Travel opportunities

A Grenada passport allows visa-free or facilitated entry — for example, with a visa on arrival — to 139 countries.

Grenada is well connected to North and South America. A flight to Miami takes about four hours, while Panama can be reached in just over three hours. Direct flights to London take approximately nine hours.

Education

The education system in Grenada includes free primary education and compulsory schooling until the age of 14. Secondary education continues until the ages of 16 to 18. The island also has private schools that offer international curricula.

Grenada’s most well-known higher education institution is St George’s University, which attracts students from dozens of countries. It is particularly valued for its medical programmes, and many graduates go on to pursue careers in the United States and the United Kingdom.

Healthcare

The public healthcare system in Grenada covers basic services, such as consultations with a doctor and treatment at local clinics. Laboratory tests, medication, and specialised treatment are usually paid for separately.

The country’s main hospital is the General Hospital in St George’s. There are also private medical centres on the island. For complex surgical procedures, patients often travel to the United States or Barbados.

Key facts about the Grenada passport

1. Grenada citizenship can be obtained by birth, marriage, naturalisation, repatriation, adoption, for exceptional services, or through employment with the government.
2. Investors obtain a passport by making a non-refundable contribution of at least $235,000 to the National Transformation Fund or by purchasing real estate worth at least $270,000.
3. An investor may include family members in the application, such as a spouse, children, parents, and siblings.
4. With a Grenada passport, holders can visit 139 countries visa-free, including the United Kingdom, Singapore, China, and Schengen Area countries. Citizens are also eligible to apply for a US tourist visa and the E-2 business visa.
5. An investor must submit a citizenship application exclusively through a licensed programme agent, such as Passportivity.