H L Willis & Associates 

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Introduction to the immigration framework

The territory of Grenada consists of three islands: Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique. Grenada was granted independence from Britain in 1974 and is part of the Commonwealth of Nations. Grenada is an English- speaking country situated in the southernmost part of the Caribbean region between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean in a tropical climate with an average temperature of 30 degrees Celsius. Grenada is 133 square miles in area and has a population of approximately 110,000.


International and regional migration to Grenada has always been the foundation of the nation’s populace, either through work permits, residency, parental citizenship or foreign direct investment. A Grenada passport allows visa-free travel to over 143 countries including Brazil, China, Hong Kong, Russia, the Schengen Area, Singapore and the United Kingdom.

Grenada allows individuals to hold dual citizenship, and citizenship may be extended to family members, such as a spouse, dependent children and grandchildren.


The following countries require visas to enter Grenada:

  • ASIA-PACIFIC :
    China, Indonesia, Laos, Mongolia, Nepal, North Korea, Pakistan, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam;
  • THE CARIBBEAN :
    the Dominican Republic and Haiti;
  • CENTRAL AMERICA :
    Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua and Panama;
  • MIDDLE EAST:
    Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Saudi Arabia, South Yemen, Syria, United Arab Emirates and Yemen;
  • SOUTH AMERICA :
    Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay; and Rwanda, San Marino, Serbia and Montenegro, and Turkey.

Visas and Entry Requirements

The Immigration Act regulates all entry into Grenada. There are 11 official ports of entry, including two airports and nine seaports. All visitors, with the exception of nationals from the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), must present a valid passport upon arrival.

  • Exemptions: Citizens of the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada are exempt from the passport requirement for visits not exceeding six months, provided they have a valid return ticket.
  • Visa Requirements: Nationals from certain countries in the Asia-Pacific, Caribbean, Central America, Middle East, and South America are required to obtain a visa prior to entry. A single-entry visa costs $40 USD, while a multiple-entry visa costs $100 USD.
  • Application Process: To apply for a visa, an applicant must submit a completed application form, flight itinerary, a passport copy, and a letter explaining the purpose of the visit. Additional documents may be requested.

Work Permits

Anyone intending to work in Grenada must have a valid work permit, unless they are a citizen of Grenada or are exempt under the Caribbean Community Skilled Nationals Act.



​Requirements for a work permit application include:

  • Completed application form
  • ​Four passport-sized photographs
  • Police record or clearance
  • ​Certificate of qualifications
  • Character reference
  • Letter from the prospective employer
  • ​Resume
  • Passport copy showing personal details and most recent arrival in Grenada
  • ​Recent tax and VAT receipts

A network and information systems compliance certificate (for renewals or change of employer)

​An employer who hires a foreign national without a valid work permit is subject to a fine of $500. The same penalty applies to any foreign national who works without a permit.


Permanent Residence and Land Ownership

Permanent residence may be granted to individuals of good character who intend to reside permanently in Grenada. The Minister for Immigration has the authority to revoke a permanent residence permit if the holder has been out of the country for three consecutive years or has been imprisoned for one year or more for a criminal offense.

​The Aliens Land Holding Act regulates property investment by non-nationals. To purchase land, a non-national must obtain an alien landholding license.


Requirements for the license include:

  • Bank and character reference letters
  • A police record from the country of most recent residence
  • ​Three completed application forms
  • ​An employment letter or statement
  • ​A copy of the applicant’s passport

Once a license is granted, the individual is permitted to reside in Grenada. They are legally required to report to immigration authorities every three to six months until they apply for permanent residence and citizenship.

Citizenship and Investment

​Grenada allows for dual citizenship. There are several ways to obtain citizenship:

  • By Marriage: A person married to a Grenadian citizen can apply for citizenship.
  • By Descent: Children of Grenadian citizens, as well as descendants, can apply for citizenship.
  • By Investment: The Citizenship by Investment Act, introduced in 2013, allows foreign nationals to acquire citizenship by making a qualifying investment in one of the following categories:
  • National Transformation Fund: A non-refundable donation of $150,000 USD for a single applicant or $200,000 USD for a family of four.
  • ​Approved Projects: A minimum investment of $350,000 USD for a family of four into an approved real estate project.
  • Significant Investments: A minimum investment of $5 million USD into a development project that benefits the Grenadian economy and creates jobs.

The Citizenship by Investment application process is fast, taking approximately three months, and there is no requirement to visit the country to obtain citizenship.

​Economic Growth and Investment Opportunities

The Grenada Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) is the national investment agency. While it does not provide exemptions from immigration rules, it acts as a liaison for foreign investors, assisting them in obtaining necessary permits and licenses. The GIDC also promotes investment in key industries, including:

  • Information communication technologies
  • Health and education services
  • Tourism and hospitality
  • Agribusiness
  • Energy development

In 2018, Grenada introduced the new CARICOM and Caribbean Community e-passports and electronic permanent residence cards, enhancing the efficiency and security of its immigration system.