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Your guide to Grenada – visas, citizenship and the Grenada passport
Why immigrate to Grenada?
There are many reasons to seek out residency as an Expat in Grenada and Grenada citizenship. And, these attributes make a Grenada passport one of the most attractive in the world for you and your family. What’s more, the territorial tax system makes it a popular tax haven. The attractive Grenada Citizenship by Investment Program is one of the top investment visa programs worldwide. This program creates an easy fast-track route to Grenada nationality and a U.S. E-2 work visa. With no limits on foreign ownership and control of property, it is a fantastic place to conduct overseas business. And, both Expats and locals love the way of life and the weather. We’ll look at the many visas and residence permits available to you to live and work in Grenada.
Move to Grenada for the tax regime
Grenada’s territorial tax regime is a massive benefit to many investors and business owners. Grenada does not tax foreign income, capital gains, inheritance, wealth or gifted capital. Moving to Grenada, you can enjoy earnings made abroad at no expense.
Move to Grenada for the education system
Grenada’s public school system is modelled on the British education system. Therefore, moving to Grenada does not mean having to compromise on the quality of schooling for yourself or your children. With English being the official language, Expat families find the transition smooth and simple. Several international schools are popular with the Expat community. St. George’s University is one of the most highly regarded and popular universities in the Caribbean, and specialises in Medicine and Veterinary.
Move to Grenada for the welcome
The local population of Grenada are known for their warm, friendly attitudes. You will find that you will be greeted wherever you go, and people are willing to help, no matter your situation.
Religion and tradition are an essential part of the unique and vibrant culture of Grenada. Carnivals celebrate the islands’ heritage through song, dance and an abundance of food. No matter the event, there will be loud music and celebrations, often continuing into the hours of the morning! With English being the official language, it is easy to converse with everyone, and you will quickly become part of the community.
The pace of life in Grenada is much slower than many Expats are accustomed to. There is not a real sense of urgency; living in Grenada is laid-back and relaxed. If you have arranged to meet somebody at a specific time, you must remember they may not be leaving their house until this time. This tradition might sound frustrating, but you’ll be surprised how you will adjust to this as you relax into the way of life!
Move to Grenada for the safety
Grenada is one of the safest Caribbean islands, with most Expats and tourists experiencing no problems. The U.S. Department of State ranks Grenada as Level 1 in terms of safety, which suggests exercising reasonable precautions. Grenadians are friendly people, and most people live a trouble-free life on the islands. Safety and security are not any more of a concern than in European countries.
Move to Grenada for the cost of living
Living in the Caribbean is not inexpensive. However, Grenada falls below average for the region. Compared with countries such as the U.K. or U.S., living is affordable. Rental and real estate prices are around 50% lower than the equivalent in the United Kingdom. Due to import costs, things like fuel and electricity can be high.
This additional cost means that transportation can be expensive, with the price of fuel being approximately double that in the United States. As a result, life can be costly if you buy imported produce and visit tourist bars and restaurants. However, you can enjoy the local food and drink for much less than in many countries.
Healthcare
According to the World Health Organisation, Grenada’s health system is one in the Caribbean. The Ministry of Health runs all health care, and there are both public and private facilities. Healthcare infrastructure has been planned that any household is never more than three miles from a healthcare provider.
Although general healthcare is good, if you require advanced emergency care, you will have to be transferred to other Caribbean islands to receive treatment. We recommend that you invest in private health insurance.
Overseas Property Ownership
Unlike many countries, anybody can purchase and sell land and property in Granada. Non-citizens (or ‘Aliens’) are required to obtain an ‘Alien Landholder Licence’. This licence stipulates that buyers have to pay 10% of the agreed purchase price to the Government of Grenada as property transfer tax. To sell a property, the transfer tax is 15% of the agreed price. In an approved tourism development this tax is lower at 5% for purchase and 2.5% for sales.
Property tax is extremely favorable at just 0-0.5% annually. Applications generally take two months to process. The Alien Lands Holding act entitles owners to occupy and reside in the property legally. During this time, occupants will have to report to Grenada’s immigration authority every 3-6 months until permanent residence is granted.
Move to Grenada for the cuisine
Known as the ‘Isle of Spice’, Grenada is famous for its abundance of common spices such as nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves and turmeric. The climate lends itself to the growth of exotic and tropical vegetation, with lush plantations found throughout the islands.
The cuisine is rich in Caribbean spices and delicious, with diverse local dishes such as flavoursome stews and fresh seafood. By visiting local markets you will be spoilt for choice, finding high-quality products at reasonable prices, and of course speciality rum.
Move to Grenada for the natural beauty and warm climate
Due to its mountainous terrain, almost every property on the island boasts breathtaking views. Over half of the island is lush forest teeming with incredible wildlife. Spectacular white sand beaches are unspoiled and are not teeming with tourists like other Caribbean countries such as Barbados.
Expats in Grenada can enjoy the natural surroundings and a variety of activities from hiking to sailing and snorkelling the spectacular coral reefs. Despite its equatorial location, Grenada’s climate is more pleasant than one would expect. Average year-round temperatures are between 23 °C and 28 °C with a pleasant breeze due to trade winds. Its tropical climate does entail a hurricane season. As Grenada is situated in the southernmost part of the hurricane belt, these are far less frequent than neighbouring islands.
Grenada Visas and Work Permits
Grenada offers a range of visas, work permits, and residency options for people looking to live and work in the country.
Tourist visa
Grenada allows visa-free stays to a multitude of countries, such as persons with E.U., U.S. and Commonwealth nationalities. These are mainly for stays of up to 90 days. The stay can be extended, providing that you have proof of sufficient funds and that you are not working in Grenada.
British citizens can stay in Grenada for six months without a visa. An onward or return ticket is often required on arrival. Please use the tool on the right to check the Grenada tourist visa for your passport.
Grenada Long Term Visas
Marriage visa or family visa
Grenada offers citizenship by descent and to spouses. If you are or have been married to a Grenadian citizen, you are eligible for citizenship and can permanently reside in Grenada. In addition, those with parents holding a Grenada citizenship can apply for permanent residency and citizenship through decent.
Grenada Student visa or study visa
Residing in Grenada on a study visa is a simple process. Citizens of E.U., Commonwealth countries or The United States do not require a study visa to stay for the length of their program. They must present a letter of acceptance from a full-time course at a University in Grenada. In addition, a letter from the university to the Immigration Authorities to present on arrival is required.
Students must enrol in a health program in Grenada or provide proof of adequate existing health insurance. Holders of student visas will be permitted to work in a restricted manner to support themselves throughout their course.
For students who are not from visa-exempt countries must apply in advance to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for a visa upon arrival. A university letter of acceptance and any other necessary documentation will be required when you arrive at customs to process your visa.
This visa costs EC$100 for single entry and EC$250 for multiple entries.
Family members or companions of those studying in Grenada will also be eligible to reside in Grenada for the same duration of time. They will need to bring the corresponding documentation.
Grenada Work permit
A work permit is required for any non-citizen intending to work in Grenada. Employment in Grenada is restricted to nationals unless it is not possible to find employees with the required skill set. This restriction is to minimise unemployment of Grenada citizens.
In this case, the employer must have documented proof of their efforts to find suitable employees. Prospective employers will have to submit the application for a work visa. Examples of required skill sets include qualified medical professionals, teachers and hospitality management.
Grenada Permanent residence
Those who have been legally residing in Grenada for two years can apply for permanent residency. It is important to note that even with permanent residency, you cannot work in Grenada without a work permit.
After holding permanent residency for five years, it will be possible to apply for Grenadian citizenship. It is required to submit the following supporting documents:
- letter of reference from both a reputable person in Grenada and home country
- police certificate of character from Grenada and home country
- bank statements
- medical certificates
- a letter stating one’s date of arrival, activities engaged and reasons for residency.
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Advantages of Grenada Citizenship
Grenada citizenship and a Grenada passport are rewarding. Citizenship can be achieved through descent, naturalisation and investment. Grenada recognises dual citizenship, so you will not have to renounce your existing citizenship. It is valid for life, so even if you do not continue to reside in Grenada in the future, your citizenship will remain valid.
Advantages of Grenada Passport
As a Grenada citizen, you are entitled to a Grenada passport. Grenada’s powerful passport allows visa-free access to over 143 countries. These include the U.K., SCHENGEN countries and Commonwealth countries. Grenada is also one of the select few countries that do not require a visa to visit China.
Grenada citizenship allows a fast track to obtain a U.S. E-2 visa valid for five years. This pathway to the U.S. E-2 visa has a turnaround time of around six months while waiting times for other countries are considerably longer.
Grenada Citizenship by Birth
If you are born in Grenada after 1974, you are automatically eligible for citizenship, except for those born to diplomat parents.
Grenada Citizenship by Descent
If one or both your parents were Grenada citizens when you were born, you can become a Grenada citizen.
Grenada Citizenship through Marriage
If you are or have been married to a Grenadian citizen, you are eligible for citizenship and can permanently reside in Grenada.
Grenada Citizenship by Naturalization
You can apply to become a Grenada citizen if you are over 18 years old and have been living in Grenada for seven years. This period includes holding permanent residency for five years. You are required to have been residing in Grenada for 12 continuous months immediately before your application.
Grenada Citizenship by Investment (CBI)
In 2013, it became possible under the CBI program for persons to obtain Grenadian passports. The visa can be extended to an applicant’s entire family, including spouses, children and parents. The process takes just 2-5 months, one of the fastest investment visa programs in the world.
It also is one of the few citizenship by investment programs that does not require a minimum physical residency time to qualify. This lack of a residency requirement means that you can get citizenship without even having visited Grenada.
The main advantages of Grenada Citizenship by Investment:
- Fast turnaround time.
- Access to U.S. E-2 visa, giving the right to conduct business and reside in the U.S.
- No tax on worldwide income.
- Powerful passport with visa-free access to the European Union (E.U.), China, Russia and Commonwealth countries.
- Low minimum investment compared to other countries.
There are two available options; contribution and real estate investment.
Grenada Citizenship by Investment – Contribution
The Grenada National Transformation Fund (NTF) is a government fund responsible for the development of Grenada’s economy by financing projects supporting its industries. Single applicants are required to make a one-time contribution of $150,000 or $200,000 for applicant and family of four.
There will be a sum of $25,000 for each additional family member exceeding four people. The donation must be made through an Authorised Local Agent.
Grenada Citizenship by Investment – Real Estate Investment
Government-approved real estate developments are mainly in the tourism industry due to rising demand. It can be a fantastic opportunity for those seeking high returns on their investments, and to enjoy the benefits of a Grenadian passport. Tourism is experiencing sustained growth in Grenada, as it is starting to take more of a share of the Caribbean’s visitors.
In 2018 over half a million tourists visited the country, a growth of 13.69% increase from the previous year. Investing in Grenada’s tourism sector can be extremely profitable.
Applicants are required to invest a minimum of $350,000 for single ownership. For joint ownership, at least $220,000 must be invested by each party. Real estate projects must be kept for a minimum of 3 years and then can be sold. Investors can enjoy Grenada’s attractive tax system, with only 0-0.5% property tax and no tax on foreign income.
Grenada’s Citizenship by Investment Committee will verify that the applicant does not have a criminal record. They will also check that the candidate is in good health and finances are credible and sufficient. All documents will need to be processed in English and through an authorised agent.
Pathway to the United States E-2 Visa
Grenada’s investment program is one of the best options for obtaining an E-2 Investor Visa to the United States of America (U.S.). This is based on minimum investment and length of U.S. visa. Grenada lowered the minimum investment requirements for the program to become more attractive than investment programs in countries like Montenegro and Moldova. It does not require a minimum time of residency in the country to obtain citizenship. The E-2 visa allows holders to live and work in the U.S.
It has become extremely popular with Chinese and Indian investors to avoid waiting at least seven years to obtain an E-5 investor visa. The minimum investment for the E-5 visa has increased to around $900,000. The E-2 visa does not require a minimum investment. It is dependent on the amount of money required to cover most or all business expenses.
The E-2 visa valid for Grenada citizens is for five years. It can be renewed after this time.
Have you immigrated to Grenada? Share your Expat story here. We’d love to know about your experience of visas, work permits, and naturalisation. Please contact us for more details.
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