Grenada's citizenship-by-investment programme is one of a handful operating in the Caribbean. This is a factual account of how it is structured.
Legal basis
The programme operates under national legislation administered by a dedicated government committee. It grants full citizenship, not residence — the successful applicant becomes a citizen with a passport, and the status is transmissible to descendants.
The programme was originally established in the 1990s, discontinued, and relaunched in 2013 with substantially strengthened screening.
The two routes
- National transformation fund contribution — a non-refundable payment to a government fund, with the amount scaled to family size. The simplest route administratively, with no asset to manage or exit
- Approved real estate investment — purchase of an interest in a government-designated project, held for a minimum period before resale, plus government fees
The real estate route is not open-market purchase. Only designated projects qualify, which limits choice but also means the government has vetted the developer.
Who can be included
- The main applicant
- Spouse
- Children, including in defined circumstances adult children who are dependent
- Parents and grandparents, subject to conditions
- Siblings, in defined circumstances
The family scope is broader than several competing programmes, which is one reason applicants with extended families consider it.
Due diligence
This is the part that governs everything. Applications go through:
- Mandatory use of an authorised agent — applications cannot be filed directly
- Independent third-party background investigation, commissioned by the government
- Source of funds verification
- Criminal record and sanctions screening
- Regional information sharing with neighbouring programmes
The reason for this architecture is structural: visa-free access is granted by other countries and can be withdrawn if a programme is judged to screen poorly. Screening quality is therefore the product.
What it does not require
- No residence requirement before or after
- No language test
- No interview in most cases
- No requirement to visit the country
Timeframe and outcome
Processing is measured in months rather than years. The outcome is a certificate of registration and a passport, with dual citizenship permitted from Grenada's side — though the applicant's existing country of nationality may take a different view.
Frequently asked questions
Does the programme grant residence or citizenship?
Full citizenship, transmissible to descendants — not a residence permit.
Can you buy any property on the island?
No — only government-designated approved projects qualify for the real estate route.
Why is due diligence so extensive?
Because visa-free access is granted by other countries and can be withdrawn if screening is judged inadequate.
Is there a residence or language requirement?
No — neither, and in most cases no interview or requirement to visit.
Need a tailored roadmap?
Viking Global Group walks with you from paperwork to settlement. Call +849.219.219.88 or email [email protected] for a free consultation.
Related articles
Frequently Asked Questions
What about Citizenship in Grenada?
The article covers citizenship in Grenada.
How does this relate to the Grenada guide?
The article links the Grenada guide to citizenship.
Information is for reference and may change under the latest official policy. Please contact us for current regulations.
