Grenada citizenship and the US E-2 visa domicile rule

Grenada has long stood apart among Caribbean citizenship by investment programmes because it is the only one of the Eastern Caribbean states with an investor treaty with the United States. Grenadian nationals may therefore apply for the E-2 treaty investor visa, which allows a person to live in the US while directing a substantial business they have invested in. A rule introduced by US legislation has changed how that route works for people who became Grenadian through investment. As of October 2026 it is central to any realistic plan.

The regional context is covered in our overview of Caribbean citizenship by investment and the EU deadline, and the programme’s costs are set out in our Grenada programme review.

How the E-2 treaty investor visa works

The E-2 is a non-immigrant visa available to nationals of countries with a qualifying treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States. Applicants must invest, or be actively in the process of investing, a substantial amount of capital in a genuine, operating US enterprise and must be coming to the US to develop and direct it. The US Department of State does not set a fixed minimum amount; the investment must be proportionate to the cost of the business.

The visa can be renewed for as long as the business and the treaty nationality requirements continue to be met. It is not a route to a green card in its own right, although holders may pursue other immigration options separately.

The three-year domicile rule

The Department of State’s reciprocity schedule for Grenada notes that nationals who obtained citizenship through a financial investment must have been domiciled in Grenada for at least three years at some point before applying for an E-2 visa. The rule stems from the Advancing Mutual Interests and Growing Our Success (AMIGOS) Act, which applies to treaty countries with investment-based citizenship programmes.

The practical consequence is that a new Grenadian passport no longer offers an immediate path to an E-2 visa. Applicants need to plan for genuine residence in Grenada, and the consular officer will look at evidence of domicile when the E-2 application is made.

The Grenada citizenship routes

Under the Grenada Citizenship by Investment (Amendment No. 2) Regulations, S.R.O. 15 of 2024, and the guidance published by the Investment Migration Agency Grenada, the main routes are:

• a contribution to the National Transformation Fund, reported at US$235,000 for a single applicant;
• an investment in an approved real estate project, reported at US$270,000, plus a government fee of US$50,000.

Family members such as a spouse, dependent children and, in some cases, parents and siblings may be included for additional fees. Due diligence, processing and passport fees apply. Our Grenada citizenship page outlines the documents and stages involved.

Property-based options across the region are compared in our article on Caribbean real estate investment routes.

For a structured overview of the route, our Grenada citizenship page sets out each stage of the process.

The regional context

Grenada is part of the regional agreement that sets a common minimum price of US$200,000 and common due diligence standards. Like the other four Eastern Caribbean programmes, it is also covered by the European Commission’s June 2026 request to phase out CBI programmes by 1 June 2028. For applicants primarily motivated by the US E-2 route, the EU development matters less, but it remains relevant for anyone who also values Schengen travel.

Planning considerations

Families considering Grenada for the E-2 route typically review four points.

• Whether they are prepared to live in Grenada for at least three years.
• The size and nature of the intended US business, since the investment must be substantial and at risk.
• The E-2 visa validity and fees set by reciprocity for Grenadian nationals.
• How the tax position will change in Grenada, the US and their current country of residence.

Which relatives can be added to an application is explained in our guide to family members in Caribbean programmes.

If you would like to talk through how these rules might apply to your own circumstances, our team would be glad to help. You can call +357 979 42 388 or write to us through our contact page.

Sources

• US Department of State, Grenada reciprocity schedule, as of October 2026.
• US Department of State, Treaty countries, as of October 2026.
• Government of Grenada, S.R.O. 15 of 2024.
• Investment Migration Agency Grenada, Becoming a citizen and Update to Circular No. 2, as of October 2026.

This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal, tax or investment advice. Figures are stated as of 2026 and may change; confirm current requirements with the relevant authority and an independent adviser before acting. AT Express is a private consultancy and is not affiliated with any government or official programme.

Featured image: “St. George's Inner Harbour 2” by dpursoo, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0.