Grenada has launched a new Citizenship by Invitation program, a highly selective alternative to its long-standing Citizenship by Investment (CBI) framework.
Unlike traditional programs that accept applications from a wide pool of investors, this initiative is designed to attract only a hand-picked group of ultra-high-net-worth individuals and global leaders in industries critical to Grenada’s economic strategy.
This article explains what the Citizenship by Invitation program is, how it differs from Grenada’s regular CBI program, the requirements and qualifications, the process of selection, the special benefits it offers, and how it compares to other Caribbean citizenship programs.
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What is the Grenada Citizenship by Invitation Program?
The Grenada Citizenship by Invitation program was officially unveiled in 2024 and will come into force in 2025 through a partnership between Grenada’s Investment Migration Agency (IMA), Arton Capital, and Forbes Global Talent.
The program represents a strategic shift in Grenada’s approach to economic citizenship. Instead of attracting a high volume of applicants, Grenada is now focusing on a small, exclusive group of individuals whose expertise, influence, and capital can directly contribute to national development.
The program specifically targets leaders in sectors such as renewable energy, banking, infrastructure, hospitality, and technology.
These industries align with Grenada’s long-term development agenda and are seen as areas where international expertise and investment can provide the greatest impact.
Applicants cannot apply independently. Entry into the program is strictly by invitation only, making it fundamentally different from conventional citizenship programs where anyone who meets financial and due diligence requirements may apply.
How is Grenada CIP different from Grenada Citizenship by Investment Program?
Grenada’s standard Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program is open to qualified applicants worldwide, provided they meet investment thresholds and pass due diligence checks.
By contrast, the Citizenship by Invitation program does not accept open applications. Candidates must be identified and invited directly by Grenada’s Investment Migration Agency (IMA) in partnership with Arton Capital and Forbes Global Talent.
Processing times are also faster. While regular CBI applications typically take 6 to 11.5 months, invited applicants can expect decisions in about 3 to 4 months.
The core financial commitments may or may not remain the same with the standard CBI requirements as details are still unknown, but what is certain is that the Citizenship by Invitation program adds layers of exclusivity and prestige.
Another key difference is the strategic focus. Standard CBI programs often prioritize revenue generation through high application numbers, while Citizenship by Invitation emphasizes the quality and profile of participants.
The aim is not just financial inflows, but also the long-term economic and social contributions of selected individuals.
Grenada Citizenship by Invitation Requirements
Despite its exclusivity, the program may or may not still require participants to make the same qualifying investments as Grenada’s regular CBI:
- A non-refundable contribution of at least USD 235,000 to the National Transformation Fund (NTF), or
- An investment in approved real estate projects, typically luxury developments, with the required minimum holding period.
In addition to the investment, applicants must pass strict due diligence checks, covering background verification, source of funds, and international security screening.
This is an informed assumption, however, as details about the invitation may vary per individual and may not follow the standard CBI requirements.
There is no residency requirement for applicants, and Grenada maintains its favorable tax framework: no global income, wealth, inheritance, or capital gains taxes. Dual citizenship is permitted, and applicants are not required to renounce their original nationality.
Who can qualify for Grenada Citizenship by Invitation?
The Citizenship by Invitation program is designed for a very narrow demographic. It specifically targets ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) and recognized leaders in industries that align with Grenada’s development priorities.
Priority is given to individuals with proven track records in renewable energy, banking and finance, hospitality, infrastructure, and technology. The government views these sectors as critical to Grenada’s long-term competitiveness and economic resilience.
In addition to financial capacity, candidates are expected to demonstrate a strong international reputation, established networks, and the ability to bring more than just capital to the country.
Influence, innovation, and leadership are treated as qualifying attributes, setting the bar far above the standard wealth threshold applied in the normal CBI program.
How are candidates selected for Grenada CIP?
Selection into the program is not open to self-nomination. As mentioned, the candidates are identified and invited by the Investment Migration Agency of Grenada in collaboration with Arton Capital and Forbes Global Talent.
These partners play a central role in sourcing and vetting potential invitees based on their industry standing, achievements, and capacity to contribute to Grenada’s economic strategy.
So far, Grenada has not disclosed the exact metrics or thresholds used in evaluating candidates.
Details such as the minimum net worth expected, the number of individuals to be invited annually, and the mechanisms for sourcing prospects have not been made public.
It is also unclear whether referrals from governments, international organizations, or private networks will play a formal role.
What is clear is that the process is highly exclusive. Unlike the traditional CBI program, where meeting the investment and due diligence requirements is sufficient, entry here depends entirely on Grenada’s discretion and the country’s alignment with the candidate’s global profile.
What special benefits come with Citizenship by Invitation?
In addition to the core benefits available under Grenada’s standard CBI program, Citizenship by Invitation participants gain access to a set of exclusive privileges designed to underscore the program’s prestige.
Of the confirmed benefits include annual advisory sessions with Grenada’s Prime Minister, typically held at high-profile venues such as the Silversands Resort.
Benefits emphasize not only exclusivity but also a closer, more personal relationship between the state and its invited citizens, something not offered in the traditional CBI framework.
Grenada Citizenship Benefits
All core benefits of Grenada’s regular citizenship program also apply to invitees. These include:
- Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to more than 140 countries, including the Schengen Area, China, and the United Kingdom.
- Eligibility for the US E-2 Investor Visa Treaty, which allows investors to live and operate businesses in the United States.
- No taxes on global income, capital gains, wealth, or inheritance, making Grenada one of the more attractive tax-friendly jurisdictions.
- The ability to hold dual citizenship without restrictions, as Grenada does not require the renunciation of prior nationality.
- The right to pass citizenship on to family members, with dependents included under qualifying applications.
These benefits, combined with the special privileges exclusive to the invitation program, position Grenada as one of the most desirable citizenship destinations for globally mobile elites.
Grenada Citizenship by Invitation vs. Other Caribbean Programs
What makes Grenada’s Invitation program unique
- It’s invite-only: you can’t apply directly. Candidates are handpicked by Grenada’s authorities and partners (Arton Capital and Forbes Global Talent).
- It offers extra perks: lifetime passport renewals handled for you, private jet travel to annual meetings with the Prime Minister, and membership in an exclusive Global Citizen Council.
- It’s faster: about 3–4 months compared to the usual 6–11 months for regular applications.
Cost comparisons across the region
- Grenada: US$235,000 minimum for the standard CBI program (donation to the National Transformation Fund or approved real estate).
- St. Kitts & Nevis: US$250,000 minimum.
- St. Lucia: US$240,000 minimum.
- Antigua & Barbuda: about US$230,000.
- Dominica: US$200,000, the lowest current option.
Travel and visa differences
- China: Grenada, Dominica, and Antigua all have 30-day visa-free entry. St. Lucia and St. Kitts do not.
- UK: Grenada, Antigua, St. Lucia, and St. Kitts remain visa-free (with the new ETA system coming). Dominica lost UK visa-free access in 2023.
- Grenada is the only Caribbean country with a treaty allowing citizens to apply for a US E-2 Investor Visa. Since 2022, however, investors must live in Grenada for 3 years before applying for E-2.
Who benefits most
- Grenada Invitation program: For ultra-wealthy individuals who want prestige and close ties with government.
- Grenada standard CBI: For those who want both China access and the US E-2 option (and can meet the 3-year requirement).
- Dominica: Cheapest option but no UK access anymore.
- St. Kitts: Premium image and strictest process; most expensive at US$250,000.
- Antigua: Family-friendly pricing and new China visa-free entry.
- St. Lucia: Straightforward, mid-range, but no China visa-free.
Grenada vs. Other Tax Havens
Some investors may compare Grenada to places like Cayman, Bahamas, Bermuda, or the British Virgin Islands.
What they offer
- Cayman Islands: No income, corporate, or capital gains tax. Residency possible, but no fast-track citizenship.
- Bahamas: No personal income tax. Permanent residency usually requires about US$1 million investment (US$1.5 million for faster approval).
- Bermuda: No income tax, but has payroll and land taxes. Residency requires US$2.5 million investment.
- BVI: No income tax, but payroll taxes apply. Residency routes exist, but no direct citizenship by investment.
When to choose which
- Caribbean CBI (like Grenada): Best if you want a second passport quickly, with visa-free travel (including to China and the UK) and potential US E-2 access.
- Tax havens: Best if your priority is living in a zero-tax jurisdiction and you have millions to invest, but you won’t get a new passport right away.
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