Grenada citizenship by Investment: practical guide for investors from Iran

What are the 7 benefits of Grenada citizenship for Iranian investors?

Grenada’s citizenship by investment program offers mobility, a fully remote process, and the opportunity to apply for a US E-2 investor visa. It is suitable for Iranian-born applicants who meet the program’s strict exemption criteria. Due Diligence is enhanced, and all funds must be clean, well-documented, and free of links to Iran.

1. E-2 business visa to the USA

Grenadian citizens may apply for an E-2 investor visa, which allows the principal and family to live in the United States for up to five years and manage their own company, with unlimited renewals while the business remains active and viable ^[215] Source: US E-2 Visa, US Department of State . 

For Iranian-born applicants in the diaspora, approvals are case-by-case at the discretion of US consular officers. They typically involve enhanced background checks and require clear, documented Source of Funds and Source of Wealth with no links to Iran.

2. US Visitor Visa

Grenadian citizens are eligible to apply for B-1/B-2 Visitor Visas valid for up to ten years, permitting stays of up to 180 days a year for business meetings or tourism. Iranian investors should expect thorough interviews, disclose all nationalities, and demonstrate stable travel and financial histories consistent with their application.

3. Scholarships at British universities

As a Commonwealth country, Grenada allows its citizens to apply for Commonwealth Scholarships at leading UK universities in cities like London, Liverpool, and Manchester. These can support Master’s studies in fields such as engineering, data science, or public policy.

For Iranian families focused on education, this can complement UK or EU school pathways. Scholarships are competitive and require strong academic records and financial documentation. Course availability and eligibility depend on the year’s list approved by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission and partner universities.

4. Freedom to choose a country of residence

Citizenship by investment is processed remotely and does not require residence in Grenada before or after approval. The program includes a mandatory online interview and robust Due Diligence. Compared to residence-based paths in Europe, 5 years in France or 10 years in Spain before citizenship, Grenada offers a faster, non-residential route that suits mobile Iranian entrepreneurs and professionals.

5. Tax optimisation

Grenada offers a favourable personal tax framework: no taxes on worldwide income, capital gains or inheritance for non-residents, and progressive personal income tax for residents starting at 10% above an annual threshold. Iranian investors should plan banking and payment flows through clean, sanction-safe corridors; tax advantages do not override financial-crime controls or sanctions screening by banks.

6. Citizenship transfer to future generations

Children born after citizenship is granted may qualify for Grenadian citizenship. Those born within 12 months of approval must be included in the original application and cannot be added later.

Iranian families should plan dependents at the time of filing and prepare civil documents and apostilles early to avoid delays.

7. Visa-free travel

Grenadian citizens can travel visa-free or with simplified entry to more than 140 countries. This includes:

• up to 90 days in the Schengen Area within any 180-day period;
• up to 180 days per year in the UK;
• up to 30 days in China and Singapore.

Iranian travellers using multiple nationalities should keep consistent travel histories and documentation. ETIAS, an electronic prescreening system for visa-exempt visitors to Europe, is expected to launch in 2026 and will act as an authorisation, not a visa.

Specifics of obtaining Grenada citizenship for Iranian investors

Grenada’s CBI remains fully remote and fast, but Iranian-born applicants in the diaspora must clear stricter eligibility and due-diligence thresholds set by the Investment Migration Agency.

Eligibility for Iranian nationals is limited. Residents of Iran are ineligible. Applicants born in Iran may be considered if they:

• have 10+ years of lawful residence or long-term visas in approved jurisdictions like UAE, UK, EU, Schengen, Canada, USA, KSA, Australia, New Zealand;
• have no current economic ties to Iran, and agree to enhanced Due Diligence, which may include checks in the country of birth and additional investigative costs.

Since 1 July 2024, the minimum non-refundable contribution for up to four applicants is $235,000, and the minimum share in approved real-estate projects is $270,000 ^[216] Source: Memorandum, pressroom .

Regional reforms have tightened compliance. Under the Caribbean harmonisation framework, programs share information on applicants, conduct mandatory interviews, and align minimum pricing. 

A refusal in one Caribbean CBI program can impede or effectively block approval in another. Prior visa refusals in US, Schengen or the UK and all nationalities must be fully disclosed.

Iranian investors should prioritise transparent Source of funds, wealth and clean, sanction-safe payment corridors. The NTF route is often the simplest from a compliance perspective; real-estate participation requires careful selection of government-approved projects with no side incentives, proper escrow arrangements and documented rental/exit mechanics.

Program scale and demand remain significant. From January to September 2024, Grenada issued 4,861 naturalisation certificates to investors and dependants, generating $144 million. Leading applicant nationalities included China, Nigeria and the USA.

Who can obtain Grenada citizenship by investment?

For Iranian applicants, Grenada’s citizenship by investment program includes additional compliance measures beyond standard rules. The Investment Migration Agency applies strict eligibility filters based on current country of residence, any financial or asset ties to Iran, the full path and transparency of international fund transfers.

All funds must be fully documented, Iran-unlinked, and moved through clean, compliant banking channels.

General eligibility

Grenada citizenship is available to an investor’s family members, including parents and siblings. Applications are accepted from foreigners who pass Due Diligence and meet the program’s requirements:

• the main applicant must be over 18, have no criminal record, be in good health and have a legal source of income;
• a spouse must have no criminal record;
• children under 30;
• the investor’s parents;
• siblings over 18 who are unmarried and have no children.

Additional requirements

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

Applicants and their families do not need to travel to Grenada to participate in the citizenship program. The investor submits documents through a licensed agent, and the procedure is fully remote.

After the application is approved, only a newborn child of the married couple may be added — and only within 12 months after birth.

Citizenship obtained by investment cannot be the primary citizenship for a newborn. First, the child acquires the citizenship of the mother or father. If the parents are citizens of different countries, the family may choose the citizenship that offers more advantages.

Iran-specific eligibility notes

Applications from individuals currently residing in Iran are not accepted under the IMA policy.

Iranian citizens living abroad may apply only if they meet all program requirements and can demonstrate no current economic ties to the country: no Iran-linked income, businesses, banks or transactions.

Enhanced Due Diligence and a mandatory online interview apply to the main applicant and dependants aged 17+. Checks may include additional verification related to place of birth and payment chains.

All funds must move through sanction-safe banking corridors with full documentation. Applicants must provide bank statements, contracts, tax returns, and other records proving the lawful origin and movement of funds.

How can an investor obtain a Grenada passport?

To become a Grenadian citizen, an investor contributes $235,000 to the country’s economy. There are two options:

1. Non-refundable contribution to the National Transformation Fund. The fund supports projects in renewable energy, agriculture and tourism. The required contribution for an investor and a family of up to four is $235,000. For the fifth family member and beyond, an additional $25,000 is required.
2. Purchase of government-approved real estate. The list mainly includes hotel and resort developments. The standard minimum investment is $350,000. For some projects, the threshold is reduced to $270,000.

If an investor selects real estate, the property may be rented out with an annual return of 2—5%. The asset may be sold after five years, allowing the investor to recover the investment.

Costs of obtaining Grenada citizenship

The main expense when obtaining Grenada citizenship is fulfilling the investment requirement. An applicant must either make a contribution of $235,000 or purchase real estate worth from $270,000.

In addition, applicants pay for Due Diligence, a background check conducted for each family member, as well as government fees and charges. These expenses amount to $5,000 per family member aged 17 and above.

Cost calculation for Grenada citizenship by a contribution to the National Transformation Fund

Expense	Investor	Married couple	Family of 4+
Investment	$235,000+	$235,000+	$235,000 +$50,000 for a parent or grandparent under 55 +$75,000 for a sibling +$25,000 for a parent, grandparent aged 55+, or a child from the fifth applicant onwards
Due Diligence	$5,000	$5,000 for the investor +$5,000 for a spouse	$5,000 per applicant aged 17+
Other fees and charges	$4,500+	$8,850+	$17,350+
Total	$244,500+	$253,850+	$262,350+

Documents required to obtain Grenada citizenship by investment

The main documents needed to apply for Grenada citizenship include:

• colour copy of a passport for each applicant;
• police certificates from country of citizenship and every country of residence for 12+ months in the last 10 years;
• 12 photographs sized 35 × 45 mm, one of which must be certified by a lawyer;
• proof of funds, such as bank statements for the last 12 months;
• birth certificate — two copies;
• medical certificate;
• CV;
• marriage or divorce certificate — two copies;
• education certificate or transcript;
• proof of meeting the investment requirement;
• copy of the licence of the lawyer or notary certifying the documents;
• proof of residential address: a utility bill, tenancy agreement or property ownership certificate.

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

All documents submitted under the Grenada citizenship-by-investment program must be translated into English, notarised and apostilled. The exact list may vary depending on the investor’s circumstances.

What are the other ways to obtain Grenada citizenship?

Apart from the citizenship-by-investment route, Grenada grants citizenship to children born in the country, spouses of Grenadian citizens and individuals working for government institutions.

By birth

A child automatically acquires Grenada citizenship if born on the country’s territory. To formalise the status, parents must register the newborn at the Civil Status and Vital Statistics Office.

By descent

A child is entitled to Grenada citizenship if at least one parent is a citizen of Grenada, regardless of the child’s place of birth. To obtain a passport, parents submit the child’s birth certificate and documents proving the citizenship of the mother or father to the Ministry of Legal Affairs.

By marriage

Spouses of Grenadian citizens may apply for citizenship if they confirm the authenticity of the marriage and evidence of living together. as proof, applicants may provide a marriage certificate, joint utility bills or a tenancy agreement. Applications are filed with the Ministry of Home Affairs.

By naturalisation

A foreigner may apply for citizenship after living legally in Grenada for at least seven years. Applicants must also demonstrate a stable income, no criminal record and compliance with local laws.

By repatriation

Foreigners who can demonstrate family or historical ties to Grenada may obtain citizenship. For example, if a grandparent was born in the country. Applicants must submit documents proving their ancestors’ citizenship or birth in Grenada.

For government service

Foreigners may obtain Grenada citizenship if they serve the country in official capacities — for example, specialists working in the judicial system, lecturers at state universities, military advisers or diplomats.

The decision is taken by the Government of Grenada, the Ministry of National Security and the Cabinet of Ministers.

By adoption

Children under 18 adopted by Grenadian citizens automatically acquire Grenada citizenship. Parents submit the court adoption order and the child’s birth certificate to the Ministry of Social and Community Development, Housing and Gender Affairs.

For exceptional merits

The Government of Grenada may grant citizenship to foreigners who make a significant contribution to the country’s development. These may include prominent businesspeople, athletes representing the national team, well-known artists or scholars. The final decision is made by the Cabinet of Ministers.

Taxes paid by Grenada residents

A foreigner becomes a tax resident if they spend more than 183 days a year in the country. Tax residents pay taxes on their worldwide income, while non-residents are taxed only on income earned in Grenada.

For individuals

Income tax is progressive, ranging from 0% to 28% depending on annual income:

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

Withholding tax on dividends, interest and royalties for non-residents is 15%. Grenada does not impose taxes on worldwide income for non-residents, nor does it charge capital gains or inheritance taxes.

For legal entities

Companies in Grenada pay corporate income tax at 28%. VAT is also charged:

• 15% — standard rate;
• 20% — for mobile operators;
• 10% — for hotels and diving companies;
• 0% — for suppliers of basic food items or water.

VAT applies to companies with annual revenue from XCD 300,000.

Employers pay social security contributions at 4% of employees’ salaries. A 15% withholding tax applies to dividends and royalties paid to non-resident companies.

Property taxation

Property owners pay an annual tax of up to 0.8% of the property’s market value. When selling residential or commercial property, a property transfer tax is charged:

• for Grenadian citizens — around 5%;
• for foreigners — up to 15%.

Non-residents purchasing land must also pay the Alien Landholding Licence, equal to 10% of the land’s value.

How to renew a Grenada passport?

A Grenada passport is valid for 10 years, after which it must be renewed ^[217] Source: Passport renewal, Grenada Constitution . The application is submitted to a Grenada consulate and must include original and notarised copies of the birth certificate and the previous passport, as well as two photographs sized 45 × 35 mm.

In some cases, additional documents may be required:

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

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

To avoid administrative complications, investors may contact Pasportivity. The firm’s lawyers assist clients even after obtaining citizenship, for example, with passport renewal, bank account opening and company registration.

Why may Grenada citizenship be refused or revoked?

The Government of Grenada places great importance on the country’s international reputation and therefore conducts thorough checks on all citizenship applicants. 

For Iranian applicants, authorities closely review Source of funds or source of Wealth, the integrity of payment corridors, any current economic ties to Iran, and full disclosure of nationalities and prior visa decisions. A mandatory online interview and enhanced Due Diligence are standard.

Grounds for refusal

An application for Grenada citizenship may be refused if an applicant:

• provides false or misleading information;
• has been convicted of an offence punishable in Grenada by more than six months of imprisonment (unless pardoned);
• is under criminal investigation or prosecution;
• is considered a potential threat to the national security of Grenada or any other country;
• engages in activities that may damage Grenada’s reputation;
• has been refused a visa to a country with which Grenada has visa-free entry and subsequently has not obtained a visa from that country — for example, a refusal of a US or Schengen visa.

Before considering Iran-specific risk factors, applicants should know how to mitigate mainstream refusal risks. Where a past visa refusal exists, include evidence of subsequent approvals or remediation to show risk improvement.

Additional risk factors commonly triggering refusal for Iranian applicants:

• current residence in Iran or use of Iran-linked banks, counterparties or transactions in the payment chain;
• inability to demonstrate that current income and business interests are not connected to Iran;
• non-disclosure of other nationalities or prior US, Schengen and UK visa refusals;
• inconsistencies across addresses, employment, financial and travel histories, or gaps in documentation supporting funds used for the application.

Grounds for revocation

Citizenship may be revoked if it is discovered that false information was submitted during the application process. Citizenship may also be withdrawn for offences against the state — for instance, incitement to rebellion or participating in military action against Grenada while serving in the armed forces of another country.

If, within five years after obtaining citizenship, the individual is convicted in any country and sentenced to imprisonment for 12 months or more, this may also constitute grounds for loss of citizenship.

Additional revocation triggers relevant to Iranian applicants:

• later discovery of Iran-linked economic activity or sanctioned counterparties in the funds used for the application or investment;
• material omissions or misrepresentations about nationalities held, place of residence, travel history, visa decisions, or sources of funds or wealth.

Grenada welcomes well-documented, compliant applications. Iranian investors who present a consistent personal history, transparent funds unlinked to Iran, and sanction-safe payment corridors, and who disclose everything material, significantly reduce the risk of refusal or later revocation.

Live in Grenada

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

Climate

Grenada has a tropical climate. Daytime temperatures range from +26°C to +30°C, and nighttime temperatures stay around +22°C to +24°C.

The rainy season lasts from May to December. Rainfall is usually brief — sunshine may be followed by a tropical downpour within an hour.

From January to April, the weather is drier and milder. This is the island’s peak tourist season.

Because of the warm climate, fresh fruit such as mangoes, papayas and bananas are available year-round. Grenada is also known as the “Island of Spice”, as nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves are cultivated here, and their aroma often lingers in the air after rainfall.

Cost of living

Monthly expenses for one person in Grenada, excluding rent, are around $1,071. This amount covers food, transport and daily spending. For example, a meal at a café costs about $11, a litre of milk — $3, and a monthly bus pass — $37.

For comparison, a single person spends around $621 per month in Russia, $1,110 in France and $1,183 in Germany.

Travel opportunities

A Grenada passport allows travel to more than 140 countries without a visa or with simplified entry, such as visa on arrival.

Grenada has convenient connections to North and South America: the flight to Miami takes about four hours, and to Panama — just over three hours. A direct flight to London takes approximately nine hours.

141 countries with visa-free entry for Grenada citizens

№	Country	Entry condition	Length of stay
1	Andorra	Visa-free	90 days
2	Angola	Visa-free	30 days
3	Antigua and Barbuda	Visa-free	No limit
4	Argentina	Visa-free	90 days
5	Armenia	eVisa	120 days
6	Austria	Visa-free	90 days
7	The Bahamas	Visa-free	90 days
8	Bangladesh	Visa-free	90 days
9	Barbados	Visa-free	No limit
10	Belgium	Visa-free	90 days
11	Belize	Visa-free	No limit
12	Benin	eVisa	30 days
13	Bhutan	eVisa	14 days
14	Bolivia	Visa on arrival	90 days
15	Bosnia and Herzegovina	Visa-free	90 days
16	Botswana	Visa-free	90 days
17	Brazil	Visa-free	90 days
18	Bulgaria	Visa-free	90 days
19	Burundi	Visa on arrival	30 days
20	Cabo Verde	Visa on arrival	90 days
21	Cambodia	Visa on arrival	30 days
22	Chile	Visa-free	90 days
23	China	Visa-free	30 days
24	Colombia	Visa-free	90 days
25	Comoros	Visa on arrival	45 days
26	Costa Rica	Visa-free	90 days
27	Côte d’Ivoire	eVisa	90 days
28	Croatia	Visa-free	90 days
29	Cuba	Visa-free	60 days
30	Cyprus	Visa-free	90 days
31	Czechia	Visa-free	90 days
32	Denmark	Visa-free	90 days
33	Djibouti	eVisa	30 days
34	Dominica	Visa-free	No limit
35	Dominican Republic	Visa-free	No limit
36	DR Congo	eVisa	30 days
37	Ecuador	Visa-free	90 days
38	Egypt	Visa on arrival	30 days
39	Equatorial Guinea	eVisa	90 days
40	Estonia	Visa-free	90 days
41	Eswatini	Visa-free	30 days
42	Ethiopia	eVisa	90 days
43	Fiji	Visa-free	120 days
44	Finland	Visa-free	90 days
45	France	Visa-free	90 days
46	Gabon	eVisa	90 days
47	The Gambia	Visa-free	90 days
48	Georgia	eVisa	365 days
49	Germany	Visa-free	90 days
50	Greece	Visa-free	90 days
51	Guinea	eVisa	90 days
52	Guinea-Bissau	Visa on arrival	90 days
53	Guyana	Visa-free	90 days
54	Haiti	Visa-free	90 days
55	Hong Kong	Visa-free	90 days
56	Hungary	Visa-free	90 days
57	Iceland	Visa-free	90 days
58	India	eVisa	30 days
59	Iran	eVisa	15 days
60	Ireland	Visa-free	90 days
61	Israel	Visa-free	90 days
62	Italy	Visa-free	90 days
63	Jamaica	Visa-free	No limit
64	Jordan	Visa on arrival	45 days
65	Kenya	Visa-free	90 days
66	Kiribati	Visa-free	120 days
67	Laos	Visa on arrival	30 days
68	Latvia	Visa-free	90 days
69	Lesotho	Visa-free	90 days
70	Liechtenstein	Visa-free	90 days
71	Lithuania	Visa-free	90 days
72	Luxembourg	Visa-free	90 days
73	Madagascar	Visa on arrival	90 days
74	Malawi	Visa-free	90 days
75	Malaysia	Visa-free	30 days
76	Maldives	Visa on arrival	30 days
77	Malta	Visa-free	90 days
78	Mauritania	Visa on arrival	90 days
79	Mauritius	Visa-free	90 days
80	Micronesia	Visa-free	30 days
81	Moldova	Visa-free	90 days
82	Monaco	Visa-free	90 days
83	Montenegro	Visa-free	90 days
84	Mozambique	Visa on arrival	30 days
85	Nepal	Visa on arrival	90 days
86	Netherlands	Visa-free	90 days
87	Nicaragua	Visa on arrival	90 days
88	Nigeria	eVisa	30 days
89	Norway	Visa-free	90 days
90	Pakistan	eVisa	30 days
91	Palau	Visa on arrival	30 days
92	Panama	Visa-free	90 days
93	Papua New Guinea	eVisa	60 days
94	Peru	Visa-free	180 days
95	Philippines	Visa-free	30 days
96	Poland	Visa-free	90 days
97	Portugal	Visa-free	90 days
98	Romania	Visa-free	90 days
99	Russia	Visa-free	90 days
100	Rwanda	Visa on arrival	30 days
101	Saint Kitts and Nevis	Visa-free	No limit
102	Saint Lucia	Visa-free	No limit
103	Saint Vincent and the Grenadines	Visa-free	No limit
104	Samoa	Visa on arrival	60 days
105	San Marino	Visa-free	90 days
106	Senegal	Visa on arrival	90 days
107	Serbia	Visa-free	90 days
108	Seychelles	Visa-free	90 days
109	Sierra Leone	Visa on arrival	90 days
110	Singapore	Visa-free	30 days
111	Slovakia	Visa-free	90 days
112	Slovenia	Visa-free	90 days
113	Solomon Islands	Visa on arrival	90 days
114	Somalia	Visa on arrival	30 days
115	South Africa	Visa-free	90 days
116	South Korea	eVisa	90 days
117	South Sudan	eVisa	30 days
118	Spain	Visa-free	90 days
119	Sri Lanka	eVisa	30 days
120	Suriname	Visa-free	180 days
121	Sweden	Visa-free	90 days
122	Switzerland	Visa-free	90 days
123	Tajikistan	eVisa	45 days
124	Tanzania	Visa-free	90 days
125	Thailand	eVisa	30 days
126	Timor-Leste	Visa on arrival	30 days
127	Togo	Visa on arrival	90 days
128	Trinidad and Tobago	Visa-free	No limit
129	Tuvalu	Visa on arrival	30 days
130	Turkey	Visa on arrival	90 days
131	Uganda	Visa-free	90 days
132	Ukraine	Visa-free	90 days
133	United Kingdom	Visa-free	180 days
134	Uruguay	Visa-free	90 days
135	Uzbekistan	Visa-free	30 days
136	Vanuatu	Visa-free	30 days
137	Vatican City	Visa-free	90 days
138	Venezuela	Visa-free	90 days
139	Vietnam	eVisa	30 days
140	Zambia	Visa-free	90 days
141	Zimbabwe	Visa-free	90 days

Education

Grenada’s education system provides free primary schooling, and school attendance is compulsory until the age of 14. Secondary education continues until 16—18, depending on the program. The island also has private schools offering international curricula.

Grenada’s most well-known university is St George’s University, which attracts students from dozens of countries. It is particularly respected for its medical programs, and many graduates continue their careers in the USA and the United Kingdom.

Healthcare

The public healthcare system covers basic services, such as consultations and treatment at local clinics. Tests, medicines and specialised treatment are generally paid separately.

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

Key facts about the Grenada passport

1. Applications from individuals currently residing in Iran are not accepted under current IMA policy. They must demonstrate no current economic ties to Iran: no Iran-linked income, companies, banks or transactions and provide a clear Source of Funds and Source of Wealth.
2. Grenada citizenship may be obtained by birth, marriage, naturalisation, descent, adoption, exceptional contribution or government service.
3. Investors obtain a passport by a non-refundable contribution to the National Transformation Fund from $235,000, or through approved real estate from $270,000.
4. An investor may include family members in the application: a spouse, children, parents, and biological siblings, subject to the program’s age and dependency rules.
5. Grenada citizens may travel visa-free to 141 countries, including the United Kingdom, Singapore, China and the Schengen Area. They are also eligible to apply for a US Visitor Visa and the E-2 treaty investor visa.
6. Applications are filed only through a licensed agent, such as Pasportivity.