What is the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) in Grenada?

Grenada’s Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU), also known as the Grenada Official Unit and Grenada Citizenship by Investment Committee (CBIC), is a government body that oversees the country’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Program. The program allows applicants and their family members to obtain Grenadian citizenship in exchange for a qualifying investment in Grenada’s National Transformation Fund or a real estate investment. The CBIC processes and assesses all applications, conducts thorough due diligence checks and provides recommendations to the Minister regarding the approval, delay, or denial of Citizenship by Investment applications.

Can my family also apply?

The following family members can be included in your application to the Grenada citizenship program: Spouse Children under the age of 18 Children aged 18 to 29, supported by the main applicant or spouse Children aged 18 or over that are physically or mentally challenged Parents or grandparents of the main applicant or spouse, if fully supported by the main applicant Siblings of the main applicant or spouse, whether biological or adopted, aged at least 18, unmarried and with no children It is important to note that each additional dependent included in the application will impact the due diligence fee, passport fee, government fees, etc., affecting the overall cost of the application.

Do I need to travel to Grenada?

Grenada has no residency requirements, meaning that your entire application process can be completed online without you needing to travel to the country. Once you have been granted citizenship, you will receive your Grenada passport at an address of your choice.

How do I get the E-2 Visa?

To qualify for the USA E-2 Visa, you must first be a citizen of a treaty country like Grenada. Once you are a citizen and have lived as a permanent resident in the country for at least three years, you must follow the necessary steps to obtain the E-2 Visa, which includes setting up your business and making an investment. You can find more information here: E-2 Visa USA – The Ultimate Guide by Experts.

How is healthcare in Grenada?

The healthcare system in Grenada is generally good in both the public and private sectors. In fact, Grenada’s healthcare system is considered to be one of the best in the Caribbean, with citizens being able to benefit from free primary care.

Grenada Citizenship by Investment Unit

Grenada’s Citizenship by Investment Unit is also known as the Grenada Official Unit and the Grenada Citizenship by Investment Committee (CBIC). This government body handles all matters concerning Grenada’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Program.

What is the Grenada Official Unit?

The Grenada Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) is a government body that, as mentioned above, deals with all matters relating to the island’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Program. The Committee is responsible for overseeing the processing of all applications submitted to the citizenship program, as well as those submitted for permanent residence. The CBIC assesses each application in line with the Grenada Citizenship by Investment Act, 2013, and recommends further steps to the Minister, who makes the final decision on whether an application is approved or denied.

This branch of the Grenada government and its citizenship program has enabled the nation’s economy to grow significantly by creating sustainable long-term employment and broadening skills for the population while protecting the value of Grenadian citizenship and its international reputation.

For example, in September 2023, the CIU introduced a mandatory interview requirement for applicants (main applicant, spouse, sponsor, and dependents 17 and over) to the program as part of the due diligence process. This new measure is intended to preserve the integrity and reputation of Grenada’s CBI program.

The Committee consists of a diverse group of professionals who conduct thorough due diligence checks for each application. The CBIC only accepts applications from Authorized Marketing Agents that they (the CBIC) have granted a license to promote and market Grenada’s Citizenship by Investment Program. These agents have exclusive rights to act as CIP International Marketing Agents for the country and will provide expert guidance to applicants throughout the process. Therefore, it is essential for applicants to ensure they work with an Authorized Agent to submit their application, as any application submitted directly to the CBIC by an individual will not be accepted.

For successful applications, the Grenada Official Unit issues a letter to the applicant informing them that their application has been approved in principle and issues a Certificate of Registration (COR) to the applicant once they have been granted Grenada citizenship.

Who is the President of the CIU?

Thomas Anthony is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Grenada CBI Unit and came into this position in April 2023. The CEO of the Unit is responsible for leading and executing the vision and strategies of the Grenada CBI Program, ensuring economy, efficiency, and effectiveness in line with the regulations set out by the country’s Citizenship by Investment Act, 2013.

Grenada citizenship by investment program

The Grenadian Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Program came into being in August 2013 with the passing of the Grenada Citizenship by Investment Act, 2013. This economic citizenship program offers foreign investors the opportunity to obtain Grenada citizenship by contributing to the country’s economic growth. To qualify, applicants must invest in pre-approved real estate with a minimum value of $270,000 or donate $235,000 to the government’s fund. The Grenada citizenship by investment processing time typically takes six months.

The program offers a quick processing time of three to four months, great tax benefits, and the opportunity for citizens to apply for the USA E-2 visa. Grenada passport holders also benefit from visa-free access to over 140 countries, including China, Hong Kong, Russia, Singapore, and the Schengen Zone.

You can read more in our article: Grenada Passport – What You Need to Know.

National Transformation Fund (NTF)

Investors can make a non-refundable contribution starting at $235,000 to the National Transformation Fund, which is used to develop and improve the country’s education, healthcare, infrastructure, and tourism sectors.

Read more in our article: The Grenada National Transformation Fund (NTF) Explained.

Real estate investment

Investors can purchase shares worth a minimum of $270,000 in government-approved real estate projects, which encompass developments such as hotels, resorts, and villas. The real estate investment can be resold after five years.

Citizenship by Investment – Application Process

1. Choose your investment route

2. Complete all application forms

3. Submit your application

4. Receive approval from the CIU

5. Make your investment

6. Become a Grenada citizen

Choose your investment route: Decide which of the investment routes is best for you, either making a non-refundable contribution to the National Transformation Fund or purchasing real estate.
Gather documents and complete all application forms: Complete all the forms and necessary documents as provided by Global Citizen Solutions. This includes the mandatory Interview Application Form, which must be completed by each applicant aged 17 and over.
Submit your application through an agent: Your dedicated specialist will submit the application on your behalf*.
Receive the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) approval of application: Within 60 to 90 days of applying, you will receive a confirmation letter with the status ‘approved in principle’.
Make your investment: Make the investment, pay the additional fees, and send proof to the CIU.
Become a citizen: You and your family will be granted citizenship of Grenada and receive your passports at an address of your choice.

*The CIU doesn’t accept applications directly from applicants but only from Authorized Agents who are previously approved. These agents will provide the forms and submit the application.

New automated Citizenship Certificate procedure

As a key contributor to cutting-edge citizenship by investment practices, Investment Migration Agency (IMA) Grenada has introduced a new automated Citizenship Certificate process to improve consistency and reduce the citizenship timeline. By shifting from manual to automated processing, applicants can expect a faster path to Grenada dual citizenship.

Grenada

Known as the ‘Isle of Spice‘ due to its production of spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg, Grenada also boasts breathtaking landscapes that offer plenty of opportunity for hiking, surfing, and soaking in the sun. The island’s stable political climate and robust economy encourage foreign investment, with the agriculture, tourism, and renewable energy sectors further contributing to its economic growth. Grenada’s Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) ensures that funds from the CBI Program are used to continue this development.

Grenada allows individuals to hold dual citizenship, and – as mentioned above – Grenada passport holders can benefit from visa-free access to over 140 countries and a favorable tax environment with no income, wealth, or inheritance tax. Furthermore, once you obtain citizenship, it can be passed down to future generations.

Why use Global Citizen Solutions?

Global Citizen Solutions is a multidisciplinary firm offering bespoke residence and citizenship solutions in Europe and the Caribbean. In a world where the economy and politics are unpredictable, having a second citizenship opens up opportunities and creates flexibility for you and your family.

So, why work with Global Citizen Solutions to obtain Caribbean citizenship?

Global approach by local experts: We are corporate members of the Investment Migration Council, with local expertise in all five Caribbean CBI programs.
100 percent approval rate: We have never had a case rejected and will offer you an initial, free-of-charge, due diligence assessment before signing any contract.
Independent service and full transparency: We will present to you all the investment options available, and all expenses will be discussed in advance, with no hidden fees.
An all-encompassing solution: A multidisciplinary team of immigration lawyers, investment specialists, and tax experts will take into consideration all your and your family’s mobility, tax, and lifestyle needs.
Confidential service and secure data management: All private data is stored within a GDPR-compliant database on a secure SSL-encrypted server.

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