A Comprehensive Guide to Long-term Residency in Grenada
Country Profile:
Grenada, a jewel in the Caribbean, is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, including volcanic peaks and turquoise waters. With a rich history and vibrant culture, it entices visitors with its stunning beaches and diverse marine life. The economy is driven by agriculture, notably nutmeg, alongside burgeoning tourism and offshore banking sectors.
Capital: St. George’s
Population: 124,610 (2021,179th)
Ethnic Group: 82.4% African (Black), 13.3% Mixed, 2.2%Indian
Area: 348.5 km2 (185th)
Offical Language: English
Currency: East Caribbean dollar( pegged to the United States dollar, at the exchange rate of US$1 = EC$2.70)
GDP per Captial: $20,195 (2023)
How To Immigrate To Grenada:
Grenada is one of the five countries in the Caribbean where investors can directly gain citizenship by investment. Grenadian citizenship offers two notable advantages:
1. Grenadian nationals can enjoy visa-free travel to China and Russia.
2. Being a signatory country to the U.S. E2 treaty, Grenada allows its citizens the opportunity to pursue residency in the United States through the E2 visa program.
Additionally, Grenada provides a digital nomad visa option for remote workers.
Citizenship By Investment Program:
Starting from 2013, Grenada began opening up and implementing its citizenship by investment policy. Currently, the economic requirements are as follows:
Donation Option: Applicants can obtain citizenship by making a donation to the National Transformation Fund (NTF), a local government fund. For individual applicants, a donation of $150,000 USD is required. For families with up to four members, the donation amount is $200,000 USD. Each additional family member increases the donation amount by $25,000 USD.
The following chart highlights the costs and fees associated with this route:
Real Estate Option: Investors have the opportunity to acquire citizenship by purchasing local properties. There are two options available:
1. Individual Purchase: A single-family can invest a minimum of $350,000 USD in local real estate to gain full ownership.
The following chart highlights the costs and fees associated with this option:
2. Joint Investment: Multiple individuals can collaborate to buy local properties, with each person making a minimum investment of $220,000 USD.
The following chart highlights the costs and fees associated with this option:
The required documents for this program is straightforward and includes a copy of the passport, birth certificate, identification card, passport-sized photos, certificate of no criminal record, and medical certificate.
The general process is as follows:
1. Contract with an authorized agency: Similar to other passport programs, the Grenada citizenship by investment program requires applicants to work with one of the government-approved intermediaries. Many immigration agencies in the country have resources for such intermediaries.
2. Complete application forms and submit them with the required documents: The intermediary will assist in this process.
3. Background check: The Citizenship by Investment Committee (CBIC) of Grenada will review the application and supporting documents. Once the review is successful, the Grenada government will conduct a thorough background check. After completing the background check, the CBIC will send recommendations to the Office of the Prime Minister of Grenada, who will make the final decision on passport issuance.
4. Complete the investment: Once approved, the applicant will receive a detailed guide to complete the investment or donation and make the necessary payments. The local intermediary will submit proof of the applicant’s completed investment to the CBIC and handle the passport application on behalf of the applicant.
The entire passport application process can be completed remotely without the need for the applicant to physically be present in Grenada. From initial application to investment completion and passport acquisition, the entire process takes approximately 3 to 4 months. All procedures can be conveniently conducted within the applicant’s home country. Notably, passport holders are not obligated to ever visit Grenada.
Additional family members, including the applicant’s spouse, children under 30 years old, parents, grandparents, and unmarried siblings, can be included as dependents in the application.
Digital Nomad Visa:
In October 2021, the Grenadian Parliament passed a bill called the “Remote Employment Act,” officially establishing a pathway for applying for a digital nomad visa. This visa has a validity period of one year, with the option to renew for an additional year. It is not intended for immigration purposes but rather for individuals seeking remote employment opportunities. The main requirement is that the applicant’s annual income exceeds $37,000 USD.
Applicants, along with their dependents, can enter Grenada without having to pay income tax.
The required documents for applying for the Grenada digital nomad visa include a passport valid for at least six months after the visa’s expiration date, two passport-sized photos, the application form (download link provided at the end of the text), proof of COVID-19 vaccination, health insurance, proof of annual income, proof of remote employment, valid health insurance coverage in Grenada, and proof of relationship for dependents.
While the application form can be downloaded online, the entire application process needs to be conducted offline. The general procedure is as follows
1. Gather all required documents, download and complete the application form, and submit all materials in person at a Grenadian consulate or mail them.
2. Pay the visa fee, which is $1,500 USD for individuals, $2,000 USD for families of up to four members, and an additional $200 USD for each additional dependent. If the visa is to be received by mail, the applicant also needs to cover the postage fee.
3. Visa approval: The entire processing time takes approximately 10 business days.
Passport Power:
Grenada recognizes dual citizenship, allowing passport holders to enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 144 countries and territories worldwide.
As of April 2019, Brunei, Grenada, Mauritius and Seychelles are the only countries whose citizens may travel without a visa to China, Russia, Schengen Area and the United Kingdom.
Additionally, Grenada is a signatory nation to the U.S E2 treaty, offering its citizens the possibility of indirectly establishing residency in the United States through the E2 agreement.
Useful links:
Grenada CBI official site:https://cbi.gov.gd/index.php
Grenada visa apply form:https://grenadaembassyusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Grenada-Visa-Application-Form-April-2016.pdf