A gorgeous Caribbean island nation, Grenada is one of the many Caribbean countries to offer a government approved citizenship by investment programme. Often called the Caribbean’s spice island due to the country’s flourishing spice trade, Grenada is an excellent choice for a 2nd passport. It is one of the Caribbean’s premiere countries and allows for global freedom of movement with visa free travel to over 125 countries including the Schengen Area. Grenada also allows for dual citizenship with all countries.
Living and Working in the USA
Grenada is one of the few countries that is a signatory to the E-2 treaty with the United States of America. This means that Grenadian citizens are entitled to obtain E-2 investor visas to live and work in the USA.
How it Works
The E-2 investor visa allows you to invest a “substantial” amount in a bona fide business in the United States and in return obtain the right to live and work inside of the USA, based on the investment you will be controlling whilst living in the USA.
E-2 visas are granted for up to 5 years and are renewable indefinitely.
The E-2 visa can also be granted to non-investor employees of the business, provided those individuals are of the same nationality as the investor and provided those individuals expect to take up an executive or supervisory role in the business.
The terms of the E-2 visa require that upon the conclusion of the business, the investors must return to their countries of origin. While the E-2 visa does not allow for dual intent (i.e. looking also to emigrate to the US), it is possible for E-2 visa holders to adjust their status to “immigrant” status after a period of time.
The E-2 investor visa also provides you with the flexibility to leave and enter the United States freely, so long as the visa is valid.
Investment Size
There is no fixed size of investment required. For a new start-up, the investment needs to be sufficiently large so as to facilitate the start up and operations of the business. Depending on the type of business, variable investment amounts are available.
Dependents
There is no dependent visa under the E-2 category. On an application-by-application basis, spouses and unmarried children under 21 years of age may be provided with a derivative E-2 visa in order to accompany the principal applicant. If the nationality of the dependents is different to that of the principal applicant, the duration and conditions of the visa may depend on reciprocal agreements between the country of nationality of the dependents and the United States. Dependents are able to seek employment in the USA by applying for the relevant employment authorization. Children under 21 cannot apply for work.
The Benefits of the E-2 Visa
As a Citizen of Grenada, you can enjoy the flexibility of indefinitely residing and working in the United States, subject to your making a sufficient investment in that country. This allows you to bypass the usual restrictions to obtaining this privilege and also provides you with a legitimate opportunity to change your status and obtain permanent residency or even citizenship in the United States. You and your dependents will enjoy all of the benefits of living in the United States including access to world class educational institutions, healthcare and business opportunities.
However, this will be subject to the relevant authorities accepting your application and all other requirements being fulfilled.
Other Benefits of Grenadian Citizenship
- Visa-free travel to over 125 countries, including the Schengen Area.
- Fast Application Process – You will normally be granted citizenship within 4 months of applying.
- E2-Visa arrangement with the USA – Allows Grenadian citizens to operate substantial business in the US and also reside in the US.
- No requirement for residency – You do not have to be resident in Grenada for any duration of time to obtain citizenship by investment.
- No requirement to travel to Grenada – You do not need to visit Grenada to make your application or at any time during the process.
- No interview, education or management experience required – You will not be required to face any interviews or provide proof of education or work experience.
- No tax on worldwide income.
- Dependent children included – Children under 30 or children who are physically or mentally challenged and living with and fully supported by the main applicant are included and allowed.
- Dependent parents over 55 are included and allowed.
- Allowance for the Inclusion of an unmarried sibling of the main applicant who is at least 18 years of age.
- No specific country restrictions – Citizens of all countries and territories including Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria are eligible to apply.
For more information about obtaining Grenadian citizenship, please see our resource on Grenada’s Citizenship by Investment Programme or speak to one of our experts today.
