Manuel Garrido
Grenada is a popular destination for foreign investors and international employers. If you want to work in Grenada, you’ll need to know all about the Grenada Work Visa. This guide will take you through the types of work permits available in Grenada, the application process, eligibility criteria, and other important factors to consider.
About the Grenada Work Visa
A work visa—officially called a work permit in Grenada—is valid for one year. Grenada work permits are granted to foreign nationals who will fill employment gaps in sectors where local talent is insufficient. Provided visa holders continue to meet the visa requirements, they can extend a work permit for three months before the visa expires.
Requirements for a Grenada Work Visa
Applicants need approval from the Minister for Labour, as well as meeting other requirements. The follow documents must be submitted to obtain a Grenada Work Permit:
- A valid passport
- Two passport-size photos
- Notarized copies of your qualifications
- Cover letter
- Professional reference from a previous employer or reputable person.
The current employer must also share legal confirmation about the work contract to complete the application process. Individuals should possess a job offer letter shared by the company stating all the required information concerning their relocation to Grenada. Applicants also need a letter from the company stating the requirements of the foreign employee and a copy of their certificate of appointment in Grenada. In addition to these, the applicant also needs to provide the documents mentioned below:
- Tax obligation status from the Inland Revenue Division
- Certificate of registration approved by the National Insurance Scheme
- Financial records
Although Grenada supports foreign investment and employment, the island nation prioritizes its citizens in the job market. Hence, an employer must provide a good reason for hiring non-citizens. Employers must also note that the vacancy notice must be held for three weeks before hiring a foreign employee.
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Who needs a Grenada Work Visa?
- Foreign nationals: Foreigners looking to work in Grenada must obtain a work visa by being hired by a Grenadian company.
- Self-employed individuals: Self-employed individuals and business owners can apply for a work visa if they invest in Grenada or establish local operations.
- Expats: Though the Grenada digital nomad visa isn’t a work visa, it allows remote workers to work for foreign companies while living in Grenada.
- Caribbean Community (CARICOM) nationals: Like foreign nationals, citizens of other CARICOM countries must have a job offer from a Grenadian company to get a work visa.
Foreigners who acquire Grenada citizenship by investment, natural-born citizens, and permanent residents do not have additional requirements to work in Grenada legally. Additionally, citizens of other member nations of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and CARICOM citizens with a Skills Certificate do not require a Grenadian Work Visa.
Types of Grenada Work Visas
Three different visa categories fall within the classification of Grenada Work Visas and allow foreign nationals to gain a Grenada residence permit:
- Work Permit
- Digital Nomad Visa
- CARICOM Skills Certificate
Working in Grenada: Application Process
The wait time to process a work visa application in Grenada is around 14 days before final confirmation. Candidates must complete and submit their application form and cover letter to the Department of Labor.
In the meantime, the individual must also prove that the company employing them in Grenada has set up a skill transfer program.
Candidates have one month to submit the required supporting documents to the administration. Individuals must remember that all the forms must be in English or accompanied by an official translation and attested by a notary. A candidate has up to 48 hours after submitting the application to complete the payment procedure.
After the foreign employee receives their work permit approval letter, they must submit their documents to the Immigration and Passport Department along with a valid passport before their work permit is issued.
Approximate timeline for work permit issuance
Generally, it takes three to five weeks for a work permit to be issued by the Grenadian government. The work permit is valid for one year and must be renewed annually.
Grenada Work Visa: Important Steps
- Ensure your application form is completed, signed, and dated.
- Share all the necessary documents with the completed application form
- The final decision lies with the Immigration Department (Immigration and Passport Department, Government of Grenada). Your application can bet accepted or rejected as per the decision of the Immigration Department
Other fundamental factors to consider
The Grenada work permit requirements for foreign nationals differ depending on various factors. It is crucial to know the supporting documents that a foreign employee requires before relocating to Grenada. For instance, Grenada passport visa free countries include the United Kingdom, which means that UK citizens can enter Grenada without any visa and live there for a period of six months. Moreover, many other foreigners can enter Grenada and reside their visa free for a period of up to three months.
Applicants should remember that they cannot obtain a work permit if they already have a valid visitor’s visa. For foreign nationals from South America, Europe, or Africa, or Asia that require a visitor’s visa for entry, the Grenada work permit application form and process must be completed at an embassy or consulate overseas.
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Work Permits for Citizens of the Caribbean Community
OECS
Citizens of the OECS (Organization of Eastern Caribbean States) – Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines – enjoy freedom of movement between member states, meaning that there is no requirement to submit work permit applications or have a Caribbean Skills Qualification Certificate.
With five of the six countries offering Caribbean citizenship by investment programs, successful investors of Grenada’s program gain the right to work in other Caribbean countries after obtaining a Grenada passport.
CARICOM
Persons belonging to the Caribbean community (CARICOM) do not require a work permit to work in Grenada. In order to reside and work in the country, CARICOM nationals must present a Caribbean Skills Qualification Certificate or a document of equal stature to acquire the right to work in Grenada.
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Working Remotely in Grenada
As the Global Digital Nomad Report produced by Global Citizen Solutions’ Global Intelligence Index emphasized how being nomad-friendly is a growing asset with the increasing number of remote workers, Grenada has stepped into that space.
Remote workers who have sufficient funds to support themselves can legally work remote jobs in Grenada through provisions in the Grenada Remote Employment Act of 2021. Established under the Remote
Employment Bill 2021, the act is essentially the Grenada Digital Nomad Visa, allowing non-residents to live and work in Grenada while maintaining employment with overseas companies.
Digital nomads must fulfill the following requirements to obtain a Grenada remote-work permit:
- Present a valid passport
- Provide a bank statement or alternative proof of an annual income of at least EC $100,000 ($37,000)
- Provide proof of valid health insurance
- Provide a certified criminal record certificate
- Pay a $1,500 application fee
Life in Grenada as a Foreign Worker
As a foreign worker living in Grenada, you experience a blend of tropical island life and a welcoming multicultural society. The friendly locals and pace of life for foreign workers, particularly those coming from countries like the USA, offer a refreshing change from fast-paced environments. Most foreigners working in Grenada are employed in the tourism, healthcare, education, or offshore services sectors. Wages are generally lower than those in most Western countries, but the cost of living is manageable.
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Grenada Work Visa
What is the procedure to follow for Grenada jobs?
To apply for jobs in Grenada for foreigners, you need to meet all the eligibility criteria to obtain a Grenada work permit and submit an application to Grenada’s Department of Labor. Once you submit the application, the Grenadian government usually takes three to five weeks to issue your work visa.
What are the requirements for Grenada jobs for foreigners?
Foreigners need to apply for a work permit in Grenada to live and work there. The primary requirement is to fulfill an employment need that a local cannot fulfill.
Can I work remotely in Grenada?
The Grenadian government approved legislation in 2021 that allows foreign nationals to work from Grenada for employees based outside the island nation, provide they have sufficient funds or income to support themselves in the country.
What do people do for work in Grenada?
In Grenada, people work in many fields, from tourism and agriculture to services and education. Tourism is the primary driver of Grenada’s economy, and many citizens work in hospitality, hotels, restaurants, and tour operations. Agriculture is essential, with many locals producing spices like nutmeg, cocoa, and fruits.
How many hours can you work a week in Grenada?
The standard working week established by the Grenada Department of Labor is set at 40 hours. Extra hours worked are considered overtime.
