Grenada E2 Visa: Obtaining a US E2 Visa through Grenada Citizenship

The E-2 Visa program by the United States of America is one of the most sought-after investor visa schemes in the world. In exchange for a significant investment in the country’s economy, this program permits individuals and their family members to reside and work in the United States. As a treaty investor, you’re a national of a country that has signed the E-2 treaty with the US and must establish a business or invest in a business in the US to apply for the investor visa.

Owing to the E-2 treaty signed between Grenada and the United States of America, Grenadian citizens can obtain the E-2 Visa by investing a qualifying amount in the economy of the United States. Foreign investors need to invest a minimum amount of $100,000 to apply for an E-2 Visa. Foreign nationals must note that this amount is significantly lower than the minimum investment amount required for an EB-5 Visa. In a few cases, based on the location and the business, an amount lower than $100,000 shall also be permitted to apply for an E-2 Visa.

In this article, we’ll explain how to obtain a Grenada Citizenship E2 Visa, the visa benefits, and more.

What is the E-2 Business Visa?

The E-2 is a business visa designed for foreign nationals who want to establish/invest in a business in the United States. With an E-2 Visa, you are eligible to reside and work in the United States. This visa also permits you to bring your family members to the United States. With regards to entry and exit in the United States, there are no rules or regulations that an investor has to abide by with this kind of visa.

Applicants for the E-2 Visa must note that this type of visa will not lead to a US green card. However,  after every two years, this visa can be renewed indefinitely. You just need to make sure that the business you invest in has a steady return on investment and development.

A major advantage of the E-2 Business Visa is that its holders are eligible to live in the United States and apply for the EB-5 Immigrant Visa. The EB5 Visa is a program designed for immigrant investors and provides a route to US permanent residency through foreign investments made within the United States. It has become one of the most popular investment visa programs in the world, granting approximately 10,000 EB5 Visas per fiscal year to foreign investors. To qualify, applicants must invest in a business in the US for at least five years, such as an investor company or a government-licensed project.

The E-2 Visa, therefore, is a route to the EB-5 and to permanent residency in the United States. Below is a comparison between all of the USA’s business visas: the EB-5 and the L-1, and the E-2 Visa.

E2 Visa Treaty Between Grenada and the US

Thanks to a treaty between the United States and Grenada, the Citizens of Grenada are eligible for the E2 Treaty Investor Visa, which means they are permitted to move to the US to invest in and run a business in the country.

The E2 Visa treaty between Grenada and the United States of America was signed in 1983 by former US President Ronald Raegan. This makes Grenada the only Caribbean country that has signed a bilateral agreement with the United States for the application of an E-2 Visa. The treaty allows Grenadian citizens to reside and work in the United States in exchange for a substantial investment in an operational US organization.

This treaty with the USA affected Grenada’s Citizenship By Investment Program because foreign investors from non-treaty countries now want to gain Grenada citizenship through the country’s CBI program in order to live in the USA. This, in turn, is resulting in more investors in the US economy.

E-2 Visa Countries

Here’s the complete list of treaty countries that have an E-2 Visa with the United States:

Albania, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bolivia, Bosnia And Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, DR Congo, Ecuador, Egypt, Estonia, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Grenada, Honduras, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Liberia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Mexico, Moldova Mongolia Montenegro, Morocco, Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Philippines, Poland, Republic of the Congo, Romania, Senegal, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad And Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, and United Kingdom.

Grenada Citizenship by Investment: A Route to the E-2 Visa

Known as the “Spice Islands”, this West Indies country has one of the most attractive Citizenship By Investment programs in the world. From a stunning climate, economic tax regime, excellent education, economic opportunities, and thriving real estate investment options to offering a gateway to obtain the US E-2 Visa, this island country is steadily developing into a hotspot for foreign investors. In fact, Grenada is the only Caribbean country that enables its citizens to apply or the E-2 Visa to the US.

Grenada Citizenship by Investment Program Options

By applying for Grenada’s Citizenship by Investment – or CBI program for short –  an individual can obtain Grenada citizenship by directing their investment in the country. An investor can receive citizenship within four to five months for themselves and their family. You can invest in Grenada’s CBI program through the following investment options:

• You can contribute to Grenada’s National Transformation Fund (NTF) with a minimum amount of $150,000. Investors should note that this amount will be non-refundable. If you have a family of two to four people, you need to pay an amount of $200,000. If you want to include more family members, you need to contribute an additional amount of $25,000-$75,000 on the basis of your relationship with the family member.
• Alternatively, you can make a real estate investment. Regardless of the number of family members, you will need to invest a minimum of $220,000 on a real estate project. Investors can also return this financial investment once he/she completes five years. To avail of this course of action, investors need to contribute a special payment of $50,000 or above additionally.

There are two real estate investment options available for applicants:

• A single applicant can invest in a government-approved real-estate project. The minimum amount needs to be $350,000 in this case.
• Alternatively, a minimum investment of $220,000 is needed per investor, up to a total investment of $440,000 for joint investments in a Grenada government-approved tourism accommodation sector.

You must note that you need to pay $5,000 (Diligence fee) regardless of the investment option that you choose. An applicant is also charged with a processing fee that amounts to $3,000 if he/she is an adult and $1,500 if the person is below the age of 18. As of 4 September 2023, Grenada requires applicants aged 17 and over to partake in a mandatory interview. As such, each applicant partaking in an interview will need to pay a $1,000 interview fee.

Grenada Permanent Residence

The Grenadian government has removed the Grenadian Permanent Residency status from the Citizenship by Investment procedure. Because of this, applicants no longer receive Permanent Residency cards and certificates.

Grenada Citizenship Requirements

Read below the eligibility criteria that an investor needs to meet for obtaining citizenship in Grenada. The primary applicant looking to acquire Grenada citizenship through its CBI program should:

• Be 18 years old or older
• Not have a criminal record
• Be in good health
• Clear a background check successfully
• Proof of income

One of the biggest benefits of Grenada citizenship by investment is that it covers the family members of the primary applicants. Family members of the applicant can reap multiple benefits of possessing a second passport for Grenada. To know more, check out our article: Everything you need to know about the Grenada passport. The following family members can apply for a Grenada passport.

• Spouse of the applicant
• Children below the age of 18
• Dependent children (18-29 years of age) dependent on the primary applicant or his/her spouse for Educational support
• Specially abled children of 18 years of age or above
• Supported parents or grandparents of the primary applicant or his/her spouse
• Unmarried and dependent siblings of the primary applicant or his/her spouse

Grenada Citizenship by Investment Procedure

• First and foremost, you need to select an authorized consultancy to submit your application. The registered agency will guide you in collecting and preparing all the documents that you require for your application.
• Complete all of the application documentation as provided by your agent. Do make sure that all your paperwork is legal.
• Once you submit your application form, the Grenadian government will evaluate your application and initiate your background check.
• You need to then decide your investment route – whether you will go ahead with investing in a Grenada NTF fund or make a real estate investment. Pay the required amount and submit your investment proof.
• Once your payment is received by the relevant authority, a certificate of registration will be issued. After this, you will receive your second passport and obtain Grenada citizenship, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of dual citizenship.

Documents for Grenada Citizenship

If you are applying for Grenadian citizenship, you need to fulfill certain Grenada immigration requirements and submit the following documents. Please note that you need to obtain the application forms from registered international agents.

Important Forms:

• Client Facilitator Agreement
• Interview Application Form
• Form 1 specifying your personal data and information
• Form 2 highlighting your fingerprint, submitted in front of a licensed officer
• Form 3 that mentions the Particulars for the Office of Home Affairs
• Form 4 – a valid medical certificate
• Form 5 highlighting your employment, wealth, business and other similar details
• Form 6 – investment confirmation documentation
• Citizenship By Investment applicants aged 16 or more to submit the Thomson Reuters consent form
• Copies of purchase and sale documents or Escrow agreement and letter of engagement with a local agent
• Complete application form for your passport
• Oath of Allegiance (This is required for each family member who is above the age of 18) 
• Sworn Affidavit that verifies and confirms the applicant’s parents’ names

Moreover, you also need these general documents to proceed further with your Grenada passport application.

• Two copies of your birth certificate.
• Copy of your current passport showcasing your name, photo, citizenship/nationality, date, place of issue, expiry date, passport number, and issuing country. 
• 12 passport-sized photographs of applicants that have been taken within the last six months. In addition to this, one picture needs to be certified by a lawyer.
• Two copies of the applicant’s Marriage or divorce certificates.
• Copy of the applicant’s National ID or social security.
• Proof of the applicant’s Permanent residence ID or Permanent residence/
• Copy of the applicant’s military service card if he/she has been associated with military services
• Affidavit from spouse or ex-spouse with regards to children.
• Affidavit of support from dependents.
• Applicant’s education certificates and transcripts

Supporting documents that you need:

• Residential address proof of the applicant
• Original copy of the professional letter of reference
• A copy of the license of the lawyer certifying these documents

Keep these additional documents handy:

• Income/ salary pay slips
• Applicant’s CV
• Original copy of the reference letter from the bank of the primary applicant
• Bank statements for the last one year of the applicant’s personal bank account
• Police clearance record

Grenada Citizenship Benefits

• With a Grenada passport, you can travel visa-free to over 140 countries. Obtaining citizenship of Grenada ensures visa-free travel to popular destinations like the Schengen area, Great Britain, Hong Kong, and more. A Grenadian citizen can also apply for a tourist visa to the United States, valid for ten years.
• If an individual obtains Grenadian citizenship, he/she can open a bank account with a bank based out of America or Europe hassle-free. Moreover, you can also register your assets based on your second passport. Once you acquire citizenship in Grenada, you can also efficiently file your taxes.
• As Grenadian citizens, you can easily apply for an investor visa to the United States. A US business visa will offer you an amazing lifestyle, including access to world-class education, business opportunities, and good healthcare. Additionally, you and your family members will be able to enter and exit the US easily. Be it business trips, vacations, or family trips, you can enter and leave the US freely.
• The Grenada Citizenship by Investment processing time is fast. Applicants can obtain Grenadian citizenship within 60 days.
• If you are applying for Grenadian citizenship, you need not stay in Grenada for any part of the application process. This means there is no residency requirement for obtaining Grenadian citizenship or renewing your passport.
• Grenada offers dual citizenship to all its citizens, implying that applicants don’t need to give up their first citizenship to become Grenada passport holders. Additionally, future generations of CBI passport holders can also enjoy the benefits of a Grenadian passport.
• Grenada is the only Caribbean country whose citizens can apply for an E-2 Visa and work and stay in the United States.

Grenada visa-free countries

If you have a Grenadian passport, here is a list of countries where you can enjoy the ease of visa-free travel.

Andorra	Germany	Peru
Angola	Greece	Philippines
Antigua and Barbuda	Guyana	Poland
Argentina	Haiti	Portugal
Austria	Hong Kong	Romania
Bahamas	Hungary	Russian Federation
Bangladesh	Iceland	Saint Kitts and Nevis
Barbados	Ireland	Saint Lucia
Belgium	Israel	San Marino
Belize	Italy	Serbia
Bosnia and Herzegovina	Jamaica	Seychelles
Botswana	Kenya	Singapore
Brazil	Kiribati	Slovakia
Bulgaria	Latvia	Slovenia
Chile	Lesotho	Spain
China	Liechtenstein	Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Colombia	Lithuania	Suriname
Costa Rica	Luxembourg	Sweden
Croatia	Macao	Switzerland
Cuba	Malawi	Tanzania, United Republic of
Cyprus	Malaysia	Trinidad and Tobago
Czechia	Malta	Uganda
Denmark	Mauritius	Ukraine
Dominica	Micronesia, Federated States of	United Kingdom
Dominican Republic	Moldova, Republic of	Uruguay
Ecuador	Monaco	Uzbekistan
Estonia	Montenegro	Vanuatu
Eswatini	Netherlands	Holy See (Vatican City State)
Fiji	Norway	Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of
Finland	Palestine, State of	Zambia
France	Panama	Zimbabwe
Gambia

E-2 Visa Eligibility Criteria

Investors looking to obtain an E-2 Visa need to meet the below-mentioned criteria.

• Investors should not direct his/her investment in a passive business, but should ensure the investment is placed in an active business that is running out of the United States.
• The Investor should be a 50 percent shareholder in the business that he/she decides to invest in.
• The business the investor invests in should garner profitable revenue adequate enough to sustain the investor and his family in the United States.

E-2 Visa Advantages for Investors

While a single applicant for an E-2 Treaty Investor Visa enjoys many benefits of staying and working in the United States, the E-2 Visa also benefits the applicant’s family members.

Below, we will list the numerous advantages a foreign investor enjoys while he/she has an E-2 Visa in the US.

• An investor can renew his/her visa an unlimited number of times, providing that the registered E-2 organization operates by adhering to all E-2 Visa rules and regulations.
• If you have an E-2 Visa, you will be levied no taxes on worldwide income. But one must know that to avail of this option, the investor doesn’t spend more than 120 days in the United States each year.
• The investor’s spouse can start working in the United States by acquiring an Employment Authorization from the US administration.
• US public schools offer free education and dependent children of E-2 Visa holders below the age of 21 years don’t need to pay the same tuition fees as compared to other foreign students studying in the US.
• With an E-2 Visa, individuals are permitted to enter and exit the United States freely.

E-2 Visa Important Factors

• If you are a permanent resident of the European Union, your identification will be verified by an ID card. If the applicant abides by all rules and regulations, the card gets reissued after every five years. In this case, the individual doesn’t need to apply for permanent residence.
• Individuals can invest in any sector without having business management experience. In this case, the applicant needs to present a detailed business plan in front of the relevant authority. In addition to this, he/she also needs to showcase the returns garnered on the investment. Although there are no rules as to the number of jobs that a business has to create, it’s good to consider the number as five, meaning that your business should lead to the establishment of a minimum of five jobs in the US.
• The applicant must prove that he/she is financially stable to support his/her family members in the US for at least a time period of one year.
• This visa is only applicable to citizens of certain states that have a bilateral investment program with the United States. One such country is Grenada, which has its own Citizenship By Investment Program and also has an E-2 treaty agreement with the US.

To know about Grenada’s Citizenship by Investment Program, check out our article: Grenada Citizenship by Investment 2024 – The Ultimate Guide by Experts.

Stay Period for E-2 Visa Holder

Grenada citizens can be granted an E-2 Treaty Investor Visa for up to five years, allowing the individual, their spouse, and children under 21 years old to live in the USA. You can travel freely with your Grenada passport while living in the USA. Once a person completes the initial five years, he/she can apply for an extension after every two years. One must note that a person can apply for extensions for an E-2 Visa for an indefinite period of time.

Global Citizen Solutions - How can we help you?

We prioritize our clients’ needs and wants before anything else. Our team of experts at Global Citizen Solutions continuously works towards crafting custom-made immigration services for our clients across the globe.

At Global Citizen Solutions, we work with our clients every step of the way during their citizenship by investment process. We also act and work like a compliance department, identifying and navigating risks that might cause potential harm or delay to your application process. To learn more about the Grenadian citizenship by Investment program and E-2 Visa, you can contact us. We will be more than happy to walk you through the CBI program in detail or any other programs that might be of interest. We are looking forward to hearing from you soon!

Frequently Asked Questions about the E-2 Visa Grenada