Grenada, located at the southern end of the Grenadines Island chain in the West Indies, is a lesser-known Caribbean destination. Its relative obscurity makes the island an attractive option for those looking for a peaceful retreat away from the typical tourist hustle. Ideal for vacationers or those who need a permanent residence, Grenada offers a much-needed tranquil setting.
Through the island’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program, you can gain citizenship by purchasing real estate in the jurisdiction. If managing property isn’t for you, there are other ways to obtain citizenship, which we’ll cover below.
Discovering Grenada: historical roots and economic transformation
The Spice Island was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1498. Due to its resemblance to Andalusia, the territory was named Granada by the Spaniards. The French later took control, establishing the first settlement in what is now St. George’s, the capital. Grenada remained under French rule until it gained independence in 1974.
With a stable, democratic government, Grenada has diversified its economy by reintroducing the Citizenship by Investment program in 2013 after a suspension in 2001. This scheme has become one of the best options in the Caribbean, which boosted tourism and economic growth.
Why choose Grenada for economic citizenship? Key advantages
For those interested in the economic citizenship of this beautiful country, the resulting benefits are impressive:
- No Residency Requirement: You don’t need to live in Grenada.
- Fast Processing: The application process is four times faster than in other jurisdictions.
- No Nationality Restrictions: Applicants and dependents of any nationality can apply.
- Respected Jurisdiction: Grenada is highly respected globally.
- Stable Environment: You will enjoy the right to live and work in a country with a stable economy and political system.
- CARICOM Passport: This passport allows free movement, employment, and training in the Caribbean Community.
- Global Access: Grenada citizens have visa-free access to 117 countries worldwide.
- US Investor Visa: They can also obtain an E2 investor visa to the United States.
- Inclusive for Siblings: Unmarried siblings over 18 without children may be included as dependents, a unique feature among Caribbean programs.
- Tax Benefits: No capital gains tax, gift tax, or inheritance tax.
- Low Real Estate Tax: Real estate tax ranges from 0% to 0.5%.
Preparing your application for Grenada economic citizenship: documents to submit
To apply for Grenadian citizenship, you’ll need to provide the following documents for each family member (originals or certified copies):
- Clean Police Report: Required for the applicant and dependents over 18.
- Health Certificate: It may be issued by any doctor or medical facility (a negative HIV test is also required for all applicants).
- Proof of Age: The main applicant must be 18 years or older.
- Source of Funds: Evidence that the funds are from a legitimate source.
- Passport Copies: Notarized color copies of all passport pages with apostille and notarized translation for each family member.
- Photographs: 20 photos (3.5 x 4.5 cm) for each applicant.
- Military Service Record: The document must be accompanied by an apostille and translation, if applicable.
Some documents may only be obtained from the applicant’s current country of residence or country of origin, while others are provided by Grenadian officials. You can download up-to-date forms necessary to apply for the Golden Passport from Grenada’s CBI website.
What to expect with Grenada’s citizenship application process
In Grenada, the citizenship process takes between 2 to 12 months and includes strict due diligence by the Grenadian government. This is when your application may be rejected:
- False information is provided.
- The applicant has a criminal conviction with a sentence exceeding 6 months (unless pardoned).
- The applicant is under current criminal investigation.
- They are deemed a national security threat.
- They engage in activities that could harm Grenada’s reputation.
This way, Grenada officials ensure that only qualified and trustworthy individuals are granted the nation’s citizenship.
Investment routes to Grenada citizenship: donation and property
Under the Grenada CIP, you can choose from two options to become a citizen:
- Citizenship by donation:
- Single Applicant: Make a one-time, non-refundable donation of USD 150,000 to the National Transformation Fund (NTF).
- Family Application: A USD 200,000 donation covers up to four applicants. Each additional dependent requires an extra USD 25,000.
- Citizenship by real estate investment:
- Individual Investment: Invest USD 350,000 in a government-approved development project. There is an additional state fee of USD 50,000 for a family of four, plus USD 25,000 for each extra family member. The investment must be held for five years.
- Group Investment: Two investors can jointly purchase a government-approved property for USD 440,000, with each contributing USD 220,000.
Applicants must provide proof of investment or donation within five days of approval. This is necessary for the issuance of Grenadian citizenship certificates and passports.
Grenada also allows citizenship by investment for secondary owners of properties in approved development projects.
Grenada CIP: fee overview
In Grenada, the minimum real estate investment required per investor is USD 220,000. This amount also applies to a family of four, which includes the applicant, their spouse, and two children under 18. The minimum state fee is USD 270,000 per investor, and this fee remains the same for a family of four.
Additional fees apply based on the number of applicants. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
Application fees:
- Single Applicant: USD 1,500.
- Spouse: USD 1,500.
- Family of Four: USD 1,500 per person.
- Family of More than Four: USD 1,500 per person.
Legal review fees:
- Single Applicant: USD 5,000.
- Spouse: USD 5,000.
- Family of Four: USD 5,000 for each applicant over 17.
- Family of More than Four: USD 5,000 for each applicant over 17.
Processing fees:
- Single Applicant: USD 1,500.
- Spouse: USD 1,500.
- Family of Four: USD 1,500 for each applicant 18 and older, USD 500 for those under 18.
- Family of More than Four: USD 1,500 for each applicant 18 and older, USD 500 for those under 18.
Please note that some other fees may apply (see the source for more info). To inquire about them or request any further details about Grenada’s CIP, get in touch with the International Wealth team without further delay!