Grenada Citizenship Program Gains American Interest in 2025

In 2025, Grenada has seen a surprising rise in the number of Americans applying for citizenship through its Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program. Once dominated by applicants from countries like Nigeria and China, the program is now gaining serious attention from U.S. citizens. But why is this happening now?

This blog will explore the reasons behind the surge, what makes Grenada so appealing, and how the program works. If you’re an American looking for a Plan B or a path to global mobility, you might find Grenada’s program worth considering.

Grenada’s Citizenship by Investment Program allows foreign nationals to gain citizenship by making a financial investment in the country. In 2024, the program was rebranded as the Investment Migration Agency (IMA Grenada). It offers fast-track citizenship in return for:

• A donation to the country’s National Transformation Fund (NTF), or
• An investment in government-approved real estate projects.

This means you don’t need to live in Grenada, speak a new language, or go through a long immigration process. Once approved, you and your family receive Grenadian passports.

According to Grenada’s Ministry of Finance, in the second quarter of 2025:

• 12% of applicants were Americans, up from just 1% in the first quarter.
• U.S. citizens overtook Nigerians, who traditionally held the second spot after Chinese applicants.
• Grenada approved 893 new citizens by June 2025, generating over EC$103 million (about USD 38 million).

This sharp rise is a clear sign that more Americans are looking to diversify their global options.

1. Global Mobility
   Grenada’s passport is one of the strongest in the Caribbean, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 140 countries. It stands out as one of the few Caribbean nations with visa-free access to China, making it an excellent option for international businesspeople and frequent travelers looking for greater global reach. With this passport, citizens can travel easily to several key destinations, including:
   • The UK
   • Schengen Area (Europe)
   • China
   • Russia
2. Access to the U.S. via E-2 Visa
   Grenada is one of the few countries with a treaty agreement that allows its citizens to apply for the U.S. E-2 Investor Visa. This visa provides a practical and affordable route to live and work in the United States, especially for those looking to start or expand a business. It also extends benefits to immediate family members, making it a popular option for entrepreneurs and their families. The E-2 visa offers:
   • Lets you start and operate a business in the U.S.
   • Allows your spouse and children under 21 to join you.
   • Is renewable indefinitely as long as the business is running.
3. Political and Economic Uncertainty
   Some Americans are concerned about rising political division, global conflict, inflation, and tax increases. A second passport can be a “Plan B”, a safety net if conditions at home become difficult.
4. No Global Tax
   Grenada does not tax worldwide income. This is a huge benefit for U.S. citizens who want to reduce their tax burden while staying compliant through proper structuring.

Here’s why Grenada is now one of the top Caribbean destinations for investment migration:

Grenada offers two main routes to citizenship:

• National Transformation Fund (NTF) Donation
  • Minimum Donation: USD 150,000 for a single applicant
  • Processing Time: 3–6 months
  • Non-Refundable
• Real Estate Investment
  • Minimum Investment: USD 220,000 in approved projects
  • Must hold for at least 5 years
  • Additional government fees apply

Each option has its pros and cons depending on your goals. Donations are quicker and simpler. Real estate provides a return on investment but has holding requirements.

While American interest is rising, Grenada is also increasing its outreach to other regions. The IMA plans a West Africa promotional tour in October, targeting high-net-worth individuals in Nigeria and neighboring countries.

According to Thomas Anthony, CEO of the IMA:

“Nigeria currently represents the largest demographic in Africa applying to the CBI. We believe our new efforts will bear fruit in expanding further into the continent.”

This global push shows Grenada’s commitment to growing its program responsibly and strategically.

Grenada’s CBI program is ideal for:

• Business owners looking for global expansion
• Frequent travelers needing visa-free access to more countries
• Families wanting a safe, stable second home
• Investors aiming for long-term value
• Americans who want a legal path to the U.S. through the E-2 visa

And now, with a golden visa fund made just for Americans, the path is even clearer.