Grenada CBI Costs and Investment Routes
The cost decision should start with the official IMA Grenada fee schedule, not with blended marketing totals. The schedule shows two programme routes: a National Transformation Fund contribution from USD 235,000, or approved real estate from USD 270,000 / USD 350,000. Applications cannot be filed directly with the government and must be handled through authorised agents.
The same official IMA page confirms the authorised-agent process and a mandatory interview requirement. Treat the table below as the government-fee starting point before professional, banking, translation, certification, legalisation, property, and post-approval costs.
Official government fee schedule
| Applicant case | National Transformation Fund route | Approved real estate route | Official fees to add |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single applicant | Required contribution: USD 235,000. | Approved real estate from USD 270,000 for co-ownership or USD 350,000 for full ownership, plus a USD 50,000 government contribution. | Application fee USD 1,500, due diligence fee USD 5,000, processing fee USD 1,500, and interview fee USD 1,000. |
| Main applicant plus spouse | Required contribution: USD 235,000. | Same real estate minimums, plus the listed real estate government contribution. | Application, due diligence, processing, and interview fees generally apply per adult/person as shown in the IMA fee table. |
| Family of four | Required contribution: USD 235,000 for the standard family case shown by IMA, except for siblings, parents, and grandparents aged 55 and under. | Same real estate minimums, plus the listed real estate government contribution, with dependant exceptions shown in the IMA fee table. | Application fees apply per person. Due diligence applies to applicants aged 17 and over. Processing is USD 1,500 for people aged 17 and over and USD 500 for people under 17. Interview fees apply to people aged 17 and over. |
| Additional dependants | IMA lists USD 25,000 / USD 50,000 per additional dependant after the third dependant, and USD 75,000 for an additional sibling. | Confirm the exact additional-dependant government contribution with the current IMA schedule and authorised agent before relying on a total. | Per-person application, due diligence, processing, and interview fees may still apply based on age and applicant type. |
| Real estate co-ownership | Not applicable. | Approved real estate from USD 270,000, usually through co-owned equity in an approved project. | Government contribution, due diligence, application, processing, interview, purchase, and ongoing project costs should be budgeted separately. |
| Real estate full ownership | Not applicable. | Approved real estate from USD 350,000 for full ownership in an approved project. | Government contribution, due diligence, application, processing, interview, purchase, and ongoing project costs should be budgeted separately. |
Non-government costs to budget separately
| Cost type | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Authorised-agent and professional fees | Applicants must use authorised programme agents. Advisory, coordination, tax, immigration, and regulated professional fees vary by case and provider. |
| Banking and transfer costs | International transfers, bank onboarding, compliance reviews, and payment verification can add time and cost. |
| Translations, certification, and legalisation | Non-English documents usually need certified translation and appropriate authentication before submission. |
| Real estate purchase costs | Project due diligence, share registration, transaction documents, insurance, maintenance, management, and resale liquidity should be reviewed before choosing property. |
| Post-approval passport and administration | Passport issuance, renewals, courier handling, and consular administration should be confirmed with the passport authority or authorised agent. |
Cost takeaway: the NTF route is usually simpler and easier to price. Real estate may suit applicants who want an approved project asset, but it carries project, holding-period, management-fee, and resale risk. Do not compare routes on headline investment amount alone.
Who Is Eligible for Grenada CBI?
Grenada’s citizenship-by-investment programme is open to individuals who meet the government’s due diligence and financial requirements.
The framework is designed to ensure that only reputable applicants, capable of demonstrating a legitimate source of funds, qualify for citizenship.
What Are the Main Applicant Requirements?
To apply, the main applicant must meet the following criteria: Age Requirement
Must be at least 18 years old.
Clean Record
Must have a clean criminal record and pass all due diligence background checks.
Source of Funds
Must provide evidence of a lawful and verifiable source of funds.
Health and Insurance
Must be in satisfactory health and maintain valid medical insurance covering themselves and all dependants.
Applicants must submit fingerprints and financial documentation during the initial review stage.
Grenada permits the inclusion of a wide range of family members in a single application, making it one of the more flexible Caribbean citizenship programmes.
| Dependant Type | Age Requirement | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spouse | Any age | Legally married to main applicant |
| Children | Under 30 | Unmarried, financially dependent, full-time education if 18+ |
| Parents / Grandparents | Any age* | Financially dependent on main applicant |
| Siblings | 18 or older | Unmarried, without children |
*Parents and grandparents of any age may be included. The 55+ threshold affects fee structure only (lower fees for dependants over 55).
Each dependant must pass a security screening and present proof of relationship to the main applicant, supported by notarised documentation.
What Are the Health and Insurance Requirements?
Every applicant and dependant is required to hold valid health insurance that remains active throughout the application process and beyond. Minor health conditions are not automatically disqualifying, but medical clearance is mandatory.
Which Nationalities Are Restricted?
Applications Not Accepted:
As of 2026, citizens of Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Sudan, and Yemen are not accepted under standard processing. Applicants from Iran, Afghanistan, Sudan, and Yemen may qualify for exceptions if they emigrated before age 18 or have 10+ years residence in approved countries (US, UK, Canada, Australia, NZ, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Schengen).
Who Should Not Use Grenada CBI?
Grenada CBI may not be suitable if you need immediate U.S. E-2 access, cannot document the lawful source of funds, have unresolved criminal, sanctions, or serious visa-refusal issues, or need a guaranteed real estate return. The government can refuse applicants who provide false information, fail due diligence, or create national-security, reputational, or compliance concerns.
Application Process and Timeline
Required Documents
Each applicant must submit a complete set of personal, civil, financial, and supporting documents. All documents not in English must be accompanied by a certified English translation and authenticated with an apostille or notarial certification.
What Forms Are Required?
| Form | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Form 1 | Personal data and applicant information |
| Form 2 | Fingerprint verification (completed before a licensed officer) |
| Form 3 | Particulars for the Ministry of National Security |
| Form 4 | Medical certificate, including HIV test results |
| Form 5 | Employment, business, and wealth declaration |
| Form 6 | Investment confirmation (NTF and real estate routes) |
| Thomson Reuters Consent | Mandatory for all applicants aged 16+ for due diligence |
| Passport Application | Required for each new citizen |
| Oath of Allegiance | Completed remotely since 2023 |
What Civil and Identity Documents Are Needed?
| Document | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Birth certificate | Original or certified copy; two copies required |
| Passport copies | Coloured; include all identification pages |
| National ID / Social Security | Required for each applicant |
| Marriage / Divorce certificate | If applicable; two certified copies |
| Name change proof | If applicable |
| Residence card / Proof | Permanent residence card or proof of residence |
| Passport photo | 35x45mm, plain background, JPEG or PNG format |
What Financial Evidence Is Required?
| Document | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Bank statements | 12 months of personal statements |
| Bank reference letter | Original, issued within last 6 months |
| Professional reference | From lawyer, accountant, or employer |
| Income verification | Payslips or salary verification letters |
| CV / Résumé | Detailed employment history |
| Address proof | Recent utility bill or lease agreement |
| Source of funds | Business registration, portfolio, tax returns, etc. |
Additional Family & Legal Documents
- Affidavit of support for dependants
- Affidavit confirming dependent parents’ names
- An affidavit from a spouse or ex-spouse regarding custody or consent for children
- Education certificates (for children over 18 in full-time education)
- Military service card (if applicable)
- Police clearance certificate from the applicant’s country of citizenship and residence (must be original and issued within six months)
Real Estate Route (if applicable)
| Document | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Purchase and Sale Agreement | Four copies required |
| Escrow Agreement | With local agent or developer |
| Letter of Engagement | With local agent or developer |
| Payment proof | Investment payment or escrow transfer confirmation |
Certification & Translation Rules
All non-English documents must be translated and certified by a licensed translator. The notary or lawyer providing certification must attach their professional licence copy to each document.
Minimum Stay Requirement
There is no residency or visit requirement for Grenada’s citizenship programme. Applicants can obtain and retain citizenship entirely remotely, with no obligation to live in or travel to Grenada.
U.S. E-2 Visa Planning Caveat
Grenada is listed by the U.S. Department of State treaty table as an E-2 treaty country. The planning caveat is in 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(E): applicants who acquired treaty-country nationality through financial investment and have not previously held E status generally need three years of continuous domicile in that treaty country before applying for an E visa.
| Grenada CBI can support | Grenada CBI cannot do |
|---|---|
| Use Grenadian nationality as treaty nationality if the applicant meets all E-2 requirements. | Provide automatic U.S. residence or automatic E-2 visa approval. |
| Support a future E-2 strategy for developing and directing a qualifying U.S. enterprise with substantial investment. | Act as a green card, permanent residence route, or shortcut around U.S. consular review. |
| Create a possible planning route for families that can satisfy the U.S. domicile caveat and all normal E-2 rules. | Remove the three-year continuous domicile requirement for investment-naturalised applicants who have not previously held E status. |
Practical takeaway: Grenada’s E-2 angle is a moat, not a magic door. It is useful only where the applicant can plan the domicile period, invest in a qualifying U.S. business, and pass U.S. visa adjudication.
What Happens After Approval?
Grenadian citizenship is permanent and does not carry any residency or visitation obligations. Once granted, investors enjoy full rights equal to those of natural-born citizens, with no requirement to live in or travel to Grenada to maintain their status.
The main ongoing administrative obligation is passport renewal through the standard renewal process. Confirm the current validity period, renewal documents, and fees with the passport authority, consulate, or authorised agent before relying on a renewal timeline.
For those who obtained citizenship through the real estate route, the investment property must be retained for a minimum of five years. Selling or transferring the asset before the end of the holding period can result in the revocation of citizenship for the investor and any dependants linked to that application.
Grenadian citizens are encouraged to keep their contact details and documentation up to date with local authorities to ensure seamless passport renewal and consular support when needed.
Passport Validity and Renewal
Grenadian citizenship is permanent once granted, but passports still need to be renewed through the standard passport renewal process. Confirm the current passport validity period and renewal documents with the passport authority, consulate, or authorised agent before travel, especially for children and dependants.
| Feature | National Transformation Fund (NTF) | Approved Real Estate |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Investment | USD 235,000 (non-refundable) | USD 270,000 (co-ownership) or USD 350,000 (full ownership) |
| Government Contribution | Included in the main contribution | USD 50,000 (for main applicant + up to 3 dependents (4 people total)) |
| Total Upfront Capital (Illustrative) | Lower (approx. USD 265k for 4 people (main + 3 dependents)) | Higher (approx. USD 361k for 4 people (main + 3 dependents)) |
| Investment Recoverability | No (Donation) | Yes, after 5 years via resale |
| Potential for ROI | None | Possible rental income or resale value, not guaranteed |
| Risk Profile | Low (Financial certainty) | Higher (Market, liquidity, operational risks) |
| Holding Period | N/A | 5 years mandatory |
| Complexity | Simple, one-time transaction | More complex, involves property law and management |
Visa-Free Travel and Passport Benefits
Grenadian citizenship offers extensive travel freedom, granting visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 147 countries (Henley Passport Index 2026) and territories worldwide.
The passport consistently ranks among the top 30 globally on major indices.
What Are the Notable Visa-Free Destinations?
| Destination | Access Type | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Visa-free (eTA required)* | Up to 6 months |
| Schengen Area (29 countries) | Visa-free | 90 days / 180 days |
| China | Visa-free | Up to 30 days |
| Singapore | Visa-free | 30 days |
| Hong Kong | Visa-free | 90 days |
| Russia | Visa-free | 90 days |
| Brazil | Visa-free | 90 days |
*Since January 2025, Grenada citizens require a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA, £10) before travel. Entry remains visa-free.
Grenada Tax Environment
Grenada operates a territorial tax system. In broad terms, Grenadian-source income is the main focus for local tax, while foreign-source income for non-residents is generally outside Grenada tax. Tax treatment depends on residence, source of income, and personal circumstances, so applicants should take tax advice before restructuring assets.
Key Features of Grenada’s Tax System
Foreign-source income for non-residents
Non-residents are generally not taxed in Grenada on foreign-source income, subject to residence and source-of-income rules.
No inheritance or wealth tax
Grenada is commonly used in tax planning because it does not levy inheritance or wealth tax, but applicants should confirm treatment in every country where they are tax resident.
Corporate Tax Rate
28% applies to resident companies earning Grenadian-source profits.
Value Added Tax (VAT)
15% applied to most goods and services across the island.
Property Tax
Modest annual rates based on the property’s market value.
Tax Residency Threshold
Triggered only if you spend 183 days or more in Grenada within a calendar year.
Non-resident foreign assets
Foreign assets and offshore income are usually analysed by reference to tax residence and income source, not citizenship alone.
Grenada can be tax-efficient for some internationally mobile applicants, but citizenship alone does not determine tax residence. Review the position with a qualified tax adviser before changing residence, company structure, or investment holdings.
Legal Framework and Programme Background
Programme background
While often compared to Caribbean Golden Visa-style programmes, Grenada Citizenship by Investment Programme is an official government initiative established to attract sustainable foreign investment while providing qualifying applicants with full citizenship of Grenada. It operates under the Citizenship by Investment Act, No. 15 of 2013, and is supervised by the Citizenship by Investment Unit ( CBIU) within the Ministry of Finance.
Through this programme, eligible individuals can obtain Grenadian nationality by making an approved investment in either the National Transformation Fund (NTF) or a government-approved real estate project. The official IMA guidance identifies these as the two investment routes, and applications must be submitted through authorised agents.
Since its launch in 2013, the programme has been updated through regulations and official circulars. Applicants should check the current IMA fee schedule and forms before applying, because fees, dependant rules, and due diligence requirements can change.
Citizenship granted under this framework is lifelong, can be passed to future generations, and does not require renunciation of any existing nationality. Grenada recognises dual and multiple citizenship, allowing investors to retain their original passports while enjoying the privileges of being Grenadian citizens.
Legal framework
Grenada's citizenship programme operates under a legal framework that provides full constitutional protection to investors who obtain nationality through approved economic contributions. It is managed by the IMA Grenada, the official government body responsible for oversight, compliance, and due diligence within the Ministry of Finance.
The framework has evolved over time to reflect international best practices, most recently through the 2024 amendment to the citizenship regulations, which refined eligibility, fees, and family definitions. These updates ensure Grenada’s continued alignment with standards set by global financial and security bodies.
Citizenship acquired through investment is lifelong and inheritable, enjoying the same status as citizenship by birth under the Constitution of Grenada. Revocation applies only in serious cases, such as fraud, concealment of facts, or national security threats, reinforcing the program’s integrity.
Grenada also permits dual and multiple citizenships, allowing investors to retain their existing nationality without renunciation. This flexibility provides both personal freedom and practical benefits for global mobility, asset management, and tax planning.
Why Applicants Consider Grenada CBI
Grenada is strongest for applicants who want a government CBI route with clear official fees, broad family planning, no residence requirement during the application, and a possible long-term U.S. E-2 treaty strategy. It is weaker for applicants who want the lowest possible Caribbean CBI cost, immediate U.S. access, guaranteed timing, or tax certainty without specialist advice.
How Does Grenada Compare to Other Caribbean CBI Programmes?
Use this table as a directional screen, not as a substitute for current official fee schedules. The practical question is not only which country has the lowest headline contribution; it is which programme fits the family, timing, due diligence, tax, and mobility goal.
| Programme | Headline minimum | Typical planning range | U.S. E-2 treaty angle | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grenada | USD 235,000 NTF | Often planned around 4-6 months | Yes, with three-year domicile caveat for many investment-naturalised applicants | Applicants who value E-2 planning, family inclusion, and no residence filing requirement. |
| St. Kitts & Nevis | Often higher headline contribution | Varies by route and due diligence | No | Applicants prioritising a long-running Caribbean CBI programme and different passport-mobility mix. |
| Dominica | Often lower headline contribution | Varies by route and due diligence | No | Applicants focused mainly on lowest-cost Caribbean CBI screening. |
| Antigua & Barbuda | Often competitive for families | Varies by route and due diligence | No | Families comparing donation, university, and real estate structures. |
| St. Lucia | Often competitive by route | Varies by route and due diligence | No | Applicants comparing bond, enterprise, contribution, or real estate options. |
Choose Grenada if...
- E-2 planning matters and you can plan around the U.S. domicile caveat.
- Family inclusion matters and your dependants fit the official rules.
- You want a no-residence CBI filing process handled through authorised agents.
- The official NTF or real estate cost structure fits your budget after all professional and transaction costs.
Avoid Grenada if...
- You need immediate U.S. residence, a green card, or immediate E-2 filing after naturalisation.
- You want the lowest possible Caribbean CBI headline cost.
- You cannot prove lawful source of funds or explain your wealth history clearly.
- You want to file directly with the government instead of using authorised programme agents.
- You need tax outcomes without specialist advice in every relevant jurisdiction.
Why Work with Movingto
Movingto helps applicants understand whether Grenada CBI fits their family, timing, tax, mobility, and E-2 planning goals before they commit to a route.
Role note: Movingto is not the authorised local submitting agent for Grenada CBI. Grenada CBI applications must be handled through authorised programme agents and local agents. Movingto helps with route comparison, document preparation questions, fee context, and coordination with authorised professionals where required.
What Sets Movingto Apart?
Our Commitment
We do not present Grenada CBI as a shortcut. We explain the official rules, the real costs, the E-2 limitation, and the risks before you decide whether to proceed.
Learn more about how Movingto works with clients.
Official Sources
This guide draws on official Grenadian government sources and regulatory frameworks:
- Investment Migration Agency (IMA) Grenada- Official CBI programme authority
- IMA Grenada - Becoming a Citizen- Official routes, authorised-agent requirement, forms, and fee schedule
- Citizenship by Investment Act, No. 15 of 2013- Founding legislation
- Constitution of Grenada- Citizenship rights framework
- USCIS - E-2 Treaty Investors- U.S. investor visa eligibility
- U.S. Department of State - Treaty Countries- Grenada E-2 treaty status
- 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(E)- Three-year domicile rule for some investment-naturalised treaty nationals
- The Commonwealth- Grenada membership and benefits
- CARICOM- Caribbean Community membership