Grenada Citizenship by Investment
A complete guide to Grenada citizenship by investment (CBI) for Italian citizens. Grenada is the only Caribbean CBI country with access to the E-2 visa for the United States. Minimum investment of $235,000 (NTF donation), processing time 3–6 months, visa-free access to 148+ destinations, including the Schengen Area and China, no residency requirement, and full compatibility with Italian citizenship. On this page: investment options, requirements, 5-step process, documents, tax benefits, Caribbean CBI comparison, and FAQs.
What is Grenada Citizenship by Investment and Why is it the Only Caribbean CBI with E-2 Access to the United States?
citizenship by investment Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program established in 2013 by the Parliament of Grenada through the Citizenship by Investment Act, No. 15 of 2013. The program allows foreign citizens—including Italian citizens —to obtain a second passport and full Grenadian citizenship in exchange for a financial contribution to the country. Grenada stands out among all Caribbean CBI programs for a unique advantage: it is the only Caribbean nation with a bilateral E-2 treaty with the United States , allowing Grenadian citizens to apply for the E-2 investor visa to live and work in the USA.
The Grenada passport grants visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 148 countries and territories , including the entire Schengen Area , the United Kingdom , China (up to 30 days), Singapore , Hong Kong , Russia , and the entire Caribbean Basin . Visa-free access to China is another distinguishing feature compared to most other Caribbean CBI passports. Grenada citizenship is for life , transferable to descendants , and carries no residency requirement .
The program is administered by the CBIU ( Citizenship by Investment Unit ) and the IMA ( Investment Migration Agency ), based in St. George's . Since 2024, the Government has updated the fee structure and strengthened due diligence checks with the introduction of a mandatory interview for all applicants and family members aged 17 and over. Dual citizenship is fully recognized, and an Italian can obtain Grenadian citizenship without renouncing their Italian passport.
The 2 investment options for obtaining Grenadian citizenship
Grenada's citizenship-by-investment program has two main routes : donating to the National Transformation Fund (NTF) and investing in real estate in government-approved projects .
Option 1 — Donate to the National Transformation Fund (NTF)
The National Transformation Fund is a government fund dedicated to Grenada's development in the sectors of tourism, agriculture, renewable energy, healthcare, and education. The donation is non-refundable and represents the fastest route to Grenadian citizenship .
| Voice | Amount (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| NTF Contribution — single applicant or family of up to 4 | $235.000 | Non-refundable donation |
| Additional employee under 17 | $25,000 each | Starting from the fifth member |
| Additional employee from 17 years old | $50,000 each | Starting from the fifth member |
| Eligible Brothers/Sisters | $75,000 each | Single, no children, 18+ |
| Due diligence — adults and employees 17+ | $5,000 each | Non-refundable |
| Due diligence — minors under 17 | Free | No cost |
| Application fee — adult | $1.500 | Per person |
| Application fee — lower | $500 | Per person under 18 |
| Processing fee — adult | $1.500 | Per person |
| Processing fee — lower | $500 | Per person under 18 |
| Passport fee — adult | $350 | Per person |
| Passport fee — lower | $250 | Per person under 18 |
| Oath of Allegiance | $500 | Per person (available remotely) |
| Mandatory interview | Included | Main applicant and dependents 17+ |
The NTF grant is the most popular choice among applicants seeking the easiest and fastest path to Grenadian citizenship . The $235,000 grant covers the primary applicant and up to three dependents.
Option 2 — Government-approved real estate investment
The alternative is to purchase a stake in a CBIU-approved real estate project . Investors predominantly choose this option for the potential for capital recovery after the mandatory holding period.
| Voice | Amount (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum investment — project approved | $270.000 | Share in approved hotel, resort or residential development |
| Additional Government Contribution (NTF) | $50.000 | Mandatory government fee on top of the investment |
| Detention period | — | Minimum 5 years before resale |
| Due diligence — adults and employees 17+ | $5,000 each | Non-refundable |
| Application fee — adult / minor | $1.500 / $500 | Per person |
| Processing fee — adult / minor | $1.500 / $500 | Per person |
| Passport fee — adult / minor | $350 / $250 | Per person |
| Oath of Allegiance | $500 | Per person |
| Real estate administrative costs | $25.000–$50.000 | Variables based on the project |
Approved real estate projects include luxury resorts, hotels operated by international chains (including InterContinental), residential developments, and villas. Real estate investments for Grenadian citizens can generate rental income during the holding period and are recouped through resale after five years. Approved projects are published by the IMA on its official portal.
General information about Grenada
Grenada is an island nation composed of three main islands—Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique—located in the southern Caribbean, northeast of Venezuela and south of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. With a land area of approximately 344 km², the economy is based on tourism, agriculture (nutmeg, cocoa, cinnamon), financial services, and the citizenship by investment program . The legal system follows the common law . The island is also home to St. George's University , a leading medical school with programs recognized in the United States, which represents an additional advantage for families who obtain Grenadian citizenship .
Eligibility requirements for Grenadian citizenship
To apply for Grenada citizenship by investment , the principal applicant must meet the following requirements:
- Minimum age: 18 years of age at the time of application
- Clean criminal record: Criminal record certificate from the country of residence and from each country in which one has resided for more than 6 months in the last 10 years
- Legal source of funds: documentation demonstrating the lawful origin of the assets and investment
- Good health: medical certificate attesting the absence of communicable diseases
- No history of rejection: not having been rejected in other CBI programs or visa applications (must be declared)
Grenadian citizenship application may include the following dependents: spouse ; financially dependent children under 30 parents and grandparents of the applicant and spouse; and unmarried siblings over 18 with no children of their own. The broad inclusion of family members—particularly siblings and grandparents—makes the Grenadian citizenship by investment among the most flexible in the Caribbean.
The 5-Step Process to Obtain Grenadian Citizenship
Step-by-step procedure
Selecting the authorized agent and investment option
The first step is to find a CBIU authorized agent ( Authorized Agent or Local Agent ) and choose between an NTF donation or real estate investment. The agent will guide you through the entire process of obtaining Grenada citizenship by investment.
Preparation and submission of documentation
The agent collects and verifies all documentation: passport, certificates, criminal record, bank and professional references, medical certificate, proof of source of funds, and bank statements. The documents are translated into English, apostilled, and submitted to the Bank of Grenada for clearance before being sent to the CBIU. Processing typically takes 3-4 weeks.
Payment of initial costs and submission to the CBIU
The applicant pays the due diligence fee ($5,000 per adult and dependent 17+), the application fee, and the processing fee. These fees are non-refundable . The agent submits the completed file to the CBIU to begin the Grenadian citizenship application review process.
Due diligence checks, mandatory interview and approval
The CBIU conducts in-depth background checks on criminal, financial, and reputational backgrounds through international agencies. The mandatory interview involves the principal applicant and all dependents aged 17 and over and can be conducted in the applicant's native language. The entire process is remote. If successful, the CBIU issues a preliminary approval letter . The due diligence phase typically takes 3-6 months.
Investment Deposit, Oath, Naturalization, and Grenada Passport
Only after preliminary approval does the applicant complete the investment within 30 days: the NTF donation or the real estate purchase. The Oath of Allegiance is then taken , which can be performed remotely through the agent or at a consulate. The CBIU issues the Certificate of Naturalization and the Grenadian passport , delivered through the authorized agent.
Documents required for Grenada citizenship application
The CBIU requires the submission of the following documents for each applicant for Grenada citizenship by investment :
- Passport: Certified copy of a valid passport (biometric data page)
- Birth certificate: full apostilled copy
- Marriage or divorce certificate: if applicable, apostilled copy
- Criminal Record: Criminal Record Certificate from the country of residence and from each country of residence exceeding 6 months in the last 10 years
- Medical certificate: issued by a licensed physician, including HIV test
- Bank references: letter from the reference bank
- Professional References: Letter from a Qualified Professional
- Proof of source of funds: detailed documentation on the origin of assets
- Bank statements: last 12 months
- Curriculum vitae: work history and education
- Passport-sized photographs: compliant with international standards
- Completed CBI forms: for the main applicant and each dependent
- Affidavit: certifying the truthfulness of the information provided
All documents must be translated into English and certified. The CBIU authorized agent will verify their conformity before submission. An incomplete file can delay the Grenadian citizenship by several weeks.
Benefits of a Grenada passport for Italian citizens
The Grenada passport offers a unique profile among Caribbean CBI programs, combining global mobility, access to China, and the exclusive benefit of the E-2 treaty with the United States.
Global mobility: Visa-free access to 148+ destinations, including China
The Grenada passport allows visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry to over 148 countries and territories . In addition to the Schengen Area (90 days out of 180) and the United Kingdom (up to 180 days with an eTA), the passport grants visa-free access to China for stays of up to 30 days—a benefit no other Caribbean CBI passport offers as easily. Access also includes Singapore, Hong Kong, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and the entire Caribbean and South American basin.
Access to the E-2 investor visa for the United States
Grenada is the only Caribbean country with an E-2 treaty with the United States . Grenadian citizens can apply for the E-2 investor visa , which allows them to live and work in the U.S. by starting or acquiring a business. Since 2023, the U.S. Department of State requires E-2 applicants with Grenadian citizenship by investment to actually reside in Grenada for a minimum of three years before applying. This requirement does not negate the benefit, but makes it part of medium-term planning for those seeking U.S. access.
Favourable territorial tax regime
Grenada applies a territorial tax system : there are no taxes on worldwide income, capital gains, inheritance, or wealth for non-residents. Income earned outside of Grenada is not taxed. Grenadian who maintain tax residency in Italy remain subject to Italian tax obligations. International tax planning requires specialized advice.
Full compatibility with Italian citizenship
Grenada recognizes dual citizenship without restrictions. Italy allows its citizens to hold multiple citizenships. An Italian can obtain Grenadian citizenship while retaining all Italian rights and documents, including a European Union passport. Grenadian citizenship by investment is not communicated to the country of origin.
Comparison of Citizenship by Investment Programs in the Caribbean
| Characteristic | Grenada | St. Kitts and Nevis | Dominica | St. Lucia | Antigua and Barbuda |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year of establishment | 2013 | 1984 | 1993 | 2015 | 2013 |
| Minimum donation (single) | $235.000 | $250.000 | $200.000 | $240.000 | $230.000 |
| Minimum real estate investment | $270,000 + $50,000 fee | $325.000 | $200.000 | $300.000 | $325.000 |
| Visa-free countries | 148+ | 156+ | 145+ | 146+ | 151+ |
| Visa-free access to China | Yes (30 days) | No | No | No | No |
| US E-2 Treaty | Yes (unique) | No | No | No | No |
| Average timing | 6-8 months | 4-6 months | 3-6 months | 4-6 months | 4-6 months |
| Residency requirement | No | No | No | No | 5 days/year |
| Due diligence (main) | $5.000 | $10.000 | $7.500 | $7.500 | $7.500 |
| Dual citizenship | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Real estate holding period | 5 years | 7 years | 3 years | 5 years | 5 years |
| Dedicated page | This page | St. Kitts and Nevis | Dominica | St. Lucia | Antigua |
Grenada citizenship program is positioned as a strategic choice for those requiring access to the United States via the E-2 visa and mobility to China. The minimum investment is competitive with St. Kitts and Nevis and higher than Dominica and St. Lucia . For those who do not require a U.S. E-2 visa, Dominica remains the most accessible option, while Antigua and Barbuda offers the most destinations after St. Kitts.
Visa-free travel with a Grenadian passport: top destinations
The Grenada passport offers one of the most comprehensive mobility profiles in the Caribbean CBI landscape, with 148+ countries and territories accessible without a visa or with simplified procedures:
- Europe — Schengen Area: All 27 Schengen Area countries for stays of up to 90 days out of 180 (with future ETIAS), including Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria, Greece, Portugal
- United Kingdom: Entry with eTA for stays up to 180 days
- China: Visa-free entry for stays up to 30 days — an exclusive benefit among Caribbean CBIs
- Asia: Singapore (30 days), Hong Kong (90 days), South Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Cambodia
- Caribbean and Latin America: all CARICOM and OECS countries, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, Chile, Argentina, Cuba and the entire Caribbean basin
- Europe outside Schengen: Russia, Turkey, Georgia, Armenia, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania
- Africa: Tanzania, Kenya (eTA), Eswatini, Mozambique, Madagascar, Senegal, Gambia
- Middle East: Saudi Arabia (eVisa), Jordan (visa on arrival)
The Grenada passport does not allow visa-free access to the United States (B-1/B-2 or E-2 visas via treaty), Canada, Australia, and the United Arab Emirates. Combining it with permanent residency in Panama further expands your international mobility and planning options.
Grenada Taxation for Holders of Citizenship by Investment
Grenada applies a territorial tax system . Foreign-source income is not taxed for non-residents. There are no capital gains tax , inheritance tax , gift tax , or wealth tax . Income from Grenadian sources is subject to a progressive rate of up to 30%. To become a tax resident in Grenada, you must spend at least 183 days a year on the island.
Holders of Grenadian citizenship by investment who maintain tax residency in Italy remain subject to Italian tax regulations on worldwide income. Grenadian citizenship does not automatically change tax residency. Proper international planning—possibly combined with residency in Panama or tax residency in Panama —requires the assistance of specialized professionals.
Legal Notice on Grenada Citizenship by Investment
Grenada citizenship by investment program is governed by the Citizenship by Investment Act, No. 15 of 2013 , as amended. The competent authority is the Citizenship by Investment Unit ( CBIU ), in collaboration with the Investment Migration Agency ( IMA ), based in St. George's. Applications must be submitted exclusively through authorized agents , please refer to the official website cbi.gov.gd.
Granting Grenadian citizenship by investment is at the sole discretion of the CBIU . No agent or intermediary can guarantee a successful application. Citizenship may be revoked in the event of fraud, a criminal conviction within the first five years of naturalization, or early sale of property (before the mandatory five years).
FAQ — Grenada Citizenship by Investment: Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to obtain Grenada citizenship by investment?
How long does it take to get a Grenadian passport?
Does Grenadian citizenship really qualify you for an E-2 visa to the US?
Can I keep my Italian citizenship if I obtain Grenadian citizenship?
Do I have to live in Grenada to obtain or maintain citizenship?
Is Grenadian citizenship transferable to children born after naturalization?
What happens if my application is rejected by the CBIU?
Can I sell the property purchased before 5 years?
What is the difference between Grenadian citizenship and Panamanian residency?
Does a Grenadian passport allow visa-free entry to China?
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