Grenada has unveiled a new initiative as part of its Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program — “Citizenship by Invitation.” This initiative aims to attract high-caliber professionals, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders, including those featured on the Forbes list. According to the Grenadian government, these individuals will play a key role in shaping the country’s strategic development for the coming years.

Unlike traditional CBI schemes, where citizenship is granted in exchange for financial contributions to real estate or government funds, this initiative focuses on exclusivity and a selective approach. To achieve this, a special governmental commission will be formed to invite the most suitable candidates to participate in the program.

Contents:

  1. What is CBI?
  2. Other Investment Pathway
    1. Real estate investments in Grenada
    2. Business Investment
    3. Government Bonds and Infrastructure Projects
    4. Agricultural Investments
  3. Program Advantages
  4. Why Is This Important for Grenada?

What is CBI?

CBI is a program that allows individuals to obtain Grenadian citizenship in exchange for significant investments in the country’s economy. Launched in 2014, the program has attracted over 15,000 new citizens within its first decade. In 2024 alone, 5443 new citizens were approved, generating nearly 500 million Eastern Caribbean dollars ($185 million USD) in revenue for Grenada.

To participate in the program, applicants must contribute to the National Transformation Fund (NTF):

Single applicant with a family of up to four

$235,000

Additional dependent (child, parent, or grandparent over 55)

+$25,000 per person

Additional dependent (parent or grandparent under 55)

+$50,000 per person

Additional dependent (sibling)

+$75,000 per person

Participation in the “Citizenship by Invitation” program eliminates the requirement for a financial contribution to the National Transformation Fund. However, it is exclusively aimed at leaders in key sectors such as renewable energy, technology, banking, and tourism. Candidates undergo a rigorous selection process, which includes preliminary screening by Arton Capital and Forbes Global Talent.

Key selection criteria:

Financial status. Candidates must be major investors, billionaires, or high-net-worth entrepreneurs.

  • Experience & achievements. Applicants should have a proven track record in large-scale international projects and innovative industries, such as fintech, artificial intelligence, medicine, and sustainable technologies.
  • Global reputation. Only individuals with recognized international achievements (such as Forbes-ranked professionals) will be considered.
  • Potential contribution to Grenada. The selection committee will approve candidates whose expertise can significantly contribute to the economic, business, or technological development of the country.

The coast of Grenada, in the Windward Islands of the Lesser Antilles, Caribbean Sea

Other Investment Pathway

Grenada also offers a number of other programs, which we will discuss further below.

Real estate investments in Grenada

One of the most popular ways to obtain Grenadian citizenship is to invest in government-approved real estate projects, including hotels, resorts, luxury apartments, and villas.

Investment requirements:

Minimum $220,000 for a joint investment in a government-approved tourism real estate project and hold the property for at least five years.
Minimum $350,000 for individual real estate investments.

Business Investment

Investors can contribute to new or existing businesses that foster economic development in Grenada with a minimum $1 million investment. Business projects must be approved by the Grenadian government and should create local employment opportunities.

Sectors of Interest:

  • Tourism & Hospitality
  • Agriculture & Agri-Tech
  • Financial Technology (Fintech)
  • Renewable Energy
  • Healthcare & Medical Services

Government Bonds and Infrastructure Projects

Investors can fund key infrastructure projects such as roads, highways, airports, ports and renewable energy facilities. Investment amount varies by project but investor may count on tax incentives and capital recovery through bond investments

Agricultural Investments

Grenada is a major producer of nutmeg, cocoa, and organic agricultural products. Investors can acquire farmland to fund agricultural enterprises with a minimum investment of $150,000.

Program Advantages

Unlike standard CBI programs, which typically take 6–12 months, participants in the new program receive citizenship in just 3–4 months, along with a lifetime right to renew their passport.

Moreover, participants will have direct interaction with the Prime Minister of Grenada and will be offered private flights between Grenada and Miami at the country’s expense. Participants of the program will also become part of the Global Citizens Council, which will advise the Grenadian government on matters related to innovation and economic development.

Why Is This Important for Grenada?

The “Citizenship by Invitation” program is part of Grenada’s strategy to attract investments into key sectors such as renewable energy and tourism. The Prime Minister emphasized that the program is not only aimed at attracting capital but also at exchanging expertise and knowledge to help the country develop.

Opportunities for investors include:

  • Global Mobility. Grenadian citizenship provides visa-free access to 144 countries, including Schengen Area countries and the UK.
  • Tax Benefits. Grenada has no income, wealth, or inheritance taxes, which is beneficial for financial residency in the country.
  • Access to the U. S. Market. Grenadian citizens can apply for the E-2 visa, allowing them to live and work in the United States.

In July 2024, Grenada was severely affected by Hurricane Beryl, one of the most destructive hurricanes in the region. As a result, 90% of the homes on Union Island, part of the Grenadines archipelago, were heavily damaged or destroyed.

Recovering from such disasters requires significant financial and human resources. The Grenadian government alone could not manage the aftermath of not only the housing crisis but also the economic impact. This is why the “Citizenship by Invitation” initiative was introduced.

Photo source: britannica.com.