Grenada is acknowledged as a tranquil nation, showcasing the lowest crime rate in the region, with English as its official language. The country operates under a government structure modeled on the Westminster system and is a member of the Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM), experiencing an annual growth rate ranging from 3 to 5%. A significant advantage of Grenadian citizenship is the opportunity to acquire an E2 Visa, allowing individuals to reside in the United States.
What is Grenada citizenship?
Grenada's Citizenship By Investment (CBI) program represents a recent opportunity for investors seeking second citizenship. This initiative enables investors to obtain a passport that facilitates visa-free travel to more than 153 countries, including the United Kingdom, Schengen Area nations, and China. Additionally, citizens of Grenada are eligible to apply for an E2 treaty investor visa in the United States.
Launched in 2013, Grenada's CBI program offers an affordable pathway to acquiring a second passport. Notably, Grenada is the sole Caribbean nation without restrictions on participation in this program. While all applications are accepted, the country undertakes thorough due diligence on each applicant and their financial sources before granting citizenship, which is essential for maintaining the integrity of its passport and ensuring that Grenadians can travel freely.
Prospective applicants must possess a strong reputation, be in good health, demonstrate significant financial resources, and have no criminal record. Furthermore, there are associated fees and taxes to consider. It is important to note that applicants are not required to travel to Grenada for an interview, nor must they complete the application process within the country.
What is the E-2 Visa and how can one obtain it?
The E-2 Investor Visa is a non-immigrant visa planned for foreign entrepreneurs from countries that have established a Treaty of Trade and Commerce with the United States. This visa permits international investors to enter, reside, travel, and work within the United States, contingent upon making a substantial investment in a business that they will own and manage. The E-2 Investor Visa can be renewed indefinitely, provided that the visa requirements continue to be satisfied. Additionally, this visa category extends to the dependent family members of the primary applicant.
Grenada's Citizenship by Investment program only allows Caribbean CBI individuals to apply for an E-2 Investor Visa in the United States. The most appealing aspect of Grenada's investment agreement with the United States is its unique position, especially since many countries, including China and India, do not have an E-2 treaty with the U.S. Consequently, investors from these nations may first acquire citizenship in Grenada before pursuing an E-2 Visa for the United States.
The E-2 Visa is highly sought after by affluent investors globally, as it allows them to live and work in the United States. The United States offers numerous benefits, opportunities, and advantages for foreign nationals and their families. Professionals in search of enhanced business opportunities or individuals motivated by personal reasons, such as access to excellent educational institutions for their children or the desire to immerse themselves in a culturally rich and diverse nation, can greatly benefit from the opportunities presented by this visa.
The E-2 investor visa presents a significant opportunity for individuals who can secure it. Among the various pathways available, the Grenada Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program stands out as one of the most direct routes to obtaining an E-2 business visa.
Requirements for obtaining citizenship in Grenada
- An individual applicant can secure a Grenada passport with a minimum investment of $150,000. For a family of four, the investment amount for real estate costs $200,000, with an additional amount of $25,000 for each extra family member.
- Another avenue for acquiring citizenship is through real estate investment.
- When considering the total expenses and requirements for obtaining Grenada citizenship alongside the U.S. E-2 work visa, the overall investment reaches nearly USD 350,000, accompanied by a processing time of approximately six months.
Grenada offers a range of incentives for investor immigrants that may align with their needs.
Advantages of Obtaining Grenadian Citizenship
Visa-free access to more than 142 countries, including the United Kingdom, Schengen Area nations, and China.
Citizenship is granted for a lifetime.
Dual citizenship is permitted.
No requirement for physical residency.
No taxation on global income.
No tax obligations for individuals not residing in Grenada.
Processing time of 3 to 5 months.
Grenada Investment Options
Real Estate Investment
As the economy transitions from an agricultural focus to one centered on services, foreign nationals may find investing in a pre-approved real estate project to be a highly viable option.
To qualify, applicants are required to invest a minimum of US$270,000, which must be held for at least four years. This minimum investment encompasses the main applicant, their spouse, and two qualifying dependents. For each additional dependent, an extra US$25,000 is necessary. Furthermore, if the application includes an eligible parent aged fifty-five years or younger, an additional contribution of USD 50,000 is mandated alongside the post-approval contribution.
Similarly, if an eligible sibling is included in the application, an additional USD 75,000 will be required with the post-approval contribution.
National Transformation Fund Donation
- Applicants have the option to contribute a minimum of US$235,000 to Grenada’s National Transformation Fund. This amount applies solely to the main applicant. For families of up to four members, the total requirement amount is US$235,000. An additional amount of US$25,000 is mandatory for each extra dependent.
- It is important to note that if the application includes an eligible parent aged fifty-five years or younger, an additional USD 50,000 will be required with the post-approval contribution. In cases where an eligible sibling is part of the application, an additional USD 75,000 will be required with the post-approval contribution.
Permanent Residency Certificates
- The process of obtaining permanent residence status has been entirely eliminated from citizenship by the investment program. Consequently, the government has stopped the issuance of PR cards and certificates. Updates regarding an alternative form of national identification will be provided as they become available.
Application Process of Grenada
The specific procedures may differ among U.S. consulates and necessitate thorough attention; however, the following outlines some common steps:
You must fill in the E-2 visa criteria which include business, nationality, qualification, and so on.
Fill out the form D-160 and submit (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application) along with Form DS-156E.
Once the Consular officer evaluates your application, you schedule your interview and attend the U.S. Embassy in your home country/.
Upon approval, you will get a stamp on your passport with the E-2 visa, valid for five years.
Conclusion
The Grenada E-2 visa presents an advantageous opportunity for international investors aiming to obtain citizenship through investment in Grenada. This program features attractive investment avenues, such as real estate and contributions to the National Transformation Fund, which not only facilitates visa-free travel to numerous countries but also offers the possibility of dual citizenship.
Engaging with Go-Global Immigration Services (GGIMS) can enhance the application process by ensuring compliance with all requirements and increasing the chances of a favorable outcome. Our expertise assists applicants at every stage, from the preparation of essential documents to navigating the complexities of the application, thereby making the pursuit of Grenadian citizenship a more streamlined and effective endeavor.
