Introduction to Grenada’s Citizenship by Investment Program
Launched in 2013, Grenada’s Citizenship by Investment program provides an affordable pathway to acquiring a second citizenship and passport. The program is open to applicants worldwide, subject to rigorous vetting processes. It appeals to affluent investors globally who seek to enhance their families’ international travel freedom and secure a second nationality in Grenada. Approved participants receive Grenadian citizenship, a naturalisation certificate, and a passport, which facilitates visa-free entry to over 153 countries. The initiative has significantly contributed to Grenada’s foreign investment, supporting government-endorsed projects, bolstering the economy, and generating employment opportunities for the local populace.
Securing Grenadian Citizenship via Investment
The Citizenship by Investment program in Grenada presents two principal avenues for investment: donation or real estate. Opting for the donation path necessitates a minimum pledge of $150,000 to the National Transformation Fund (NTF) of Grenada. On the other hand, those preferring the real estate route must invest at least US$220,000 in a project sanctioned by the government. Furthermore, applicants must also cover government processing fees and due diligence charges.
Requirements for Obtaining Citizenship by Investment in Grenada
To qualify for Grenada’s Citizenship by Investment program, applicants must fulfill certain criteria beyond the necessary investment or donation.
Family Inclusion Criteria
The primary investor is allowed to add family members to their citizenship application, including:
Due Diligence Criteria
Applicants are required to be of sound character and must complete the due diligence process set by the Grenadian government, which includes:
Residency Requirements
There are no minimum residency requirements for participants in Grenada’s Citizenship by Investment program. While Grenadian citizens have the right to live, work, or study in Grenada, physical residency is not a condition for obtaining citizenship. Additionally, the program does not include a language proficiency test.
Citizenship through Donation
The Citizenship by Donation option necessitates a non-refundable payment to the National Transformation Fund (NTF). For an individual, the contribution starts at $150,000, while a family of up to four must contribute $200,000. Additionally, there are due diligence and processing charges, which vary based on the applicant’s age and family size.
Citizenship through Real Estate Investment
Alternatively, citizenship can be acquired by investing in real estate projects sanctioned by the government, including hotel resorts and tourist attractions. The minimum investment is either $200,000 (with the property being sellable after seven years) or $400,000 (sellable after five years). La Vida presents a variety of established projects, featuring luxury five-star resorts managed by internationally renowned hotel brands and constructed by the Caribbean’s leading developers. Many of these investments offer returns, and the property can be resold after a specified period without impacting the investor’s citizenship status.
Timeline for Acquiring Citizenship by Investment
The processing time for citizenship applications by the Grenada Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) averages between 3-4 months from the submission date. Preparing and collecting all necessary documents typically takes applicants between 2-6 weeks. La Vida’s dedicated processing team supports applicants throughout this process, enabling remote application submission without the need for travel.