The Grenada E2 Visa offered by the United States of America is one of the most sought-after investor visas. In exchange for a significant investment in the country’s economy, this program permits individuals and their family members to reside and work in the United States. As a treaty investor, you’re a national of a country that has signed the E-2 Treaty with the US and must establish a business or invest in a business in the US to apply for the investor visa.
Owing to the E-2 treaty signed between Grenada and the United States of America, Grenadian citizens can obtain the E-2 Visa by investing a qualifying amount in the economy of the United States. Foreign investors need to invest a minimum amount of $100,000 to apply for an E-2 Visa.
This guide will explain everything you need to know about the E-2 Visa, including:
- What is the E-2 Visa?
- E-2 Visa Countries
- Grenada citizenship requirements
- Required documents for Grenada citizenship
- Grenada citizenship benefits
- E-2 Visa eligibility criteria
- Advantages of the E-2 Visa
- Application process for the E-2 Visa
What is the E-2 Business Visa?
The E-2 is a business visa designed for foreign nationals who want to establish/invest in a business in the United States. Grenada citizens are eligible for the E2 Treaty Investor Visa to gain US residency by investing in the country. This permits them to move to the US to invest in and run a business. An E2 visa has no time limit and can be renewed, provided the company remains in operation.
Applicants for the E-2 Visa must note that this type of visa will not lead to a US green card. However, the visa can be renewed indefinitely every two years. You just need to make sure that the business you invest in has a steady return on investment and development.
A major advantage of the E-2 Business Visa is that its holders are eligible to live in the United States and apply for the EB-5 Immigrant Visa. The EB5 Visa is a program designed for immigrant investors and provides a route to US permanent residency through foreign investments made within the United States.
It has become one of the most popular investment visa programs in the world, granting approximately 10,000 EB5 Visas per fiscal year to foreign investors. To qualify, applicants must invest in a business in the US for at least five years, such as an investor company or a government-licensed project.
Therefore, the E-2 Visa is a route to the EB-5 and a Green Card (permanent residency) in the United States . Below is a comparison between the USA’s business visas: The EB-5, the L-1, and the E-2 Visa.
Type of Business Visa | Investment Requirement | Processing Time |
L-1 Visa | No investment required, but the applicant needs to show that he/she works in a particular company | 4 months approx |
EB-2 Visa | $500,000 and above | 2 years or more |
E-2 Visa | There is no definite requirement, but usually the investment amounts to $200,000 or more | 2 -3 weeks |
E2 Visa Treaty Between Grenada and the US
Thanks to a treaty between the United States and Grenada, the Citizens of Grenada are eligible for the E2 Treaty Investor Visa, which means they are permitted to move to the US to invest in and run a business in the country.
The E2 Visa treaty between Grenada and the United States of America was signed in 1983 by former US President Ronald Raegan. This makes Grenada the only Caribbean country that has signed a bilateral agreement with the United States for the application of an E-2 Visa. The treaty allows Grenadian citizens to reside and work in the United States in exchange for a substantial investment in an operational US organization.
This Grenada E2 Treaty with the USA propelled Grenada’s Citizenship By Investment Program as foreign investors from non-treaty countries seek Grenada citizenship through the country’s CBI program to live in the USA. This, in turn, is resulting in more investors in the US economy.
E-2 Visa Countries
Here’s the complete list of treaty countries that have an E-2 Visa with the United States:
Albania, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bolivia, Bosnia And Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, DR Congo, Ecuador, Egypt, Estonia, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Grenada, Honduras, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Liberia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Mexico, Moldova Mongolia Montenegro, Morocco, Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Philippines, Poland, Republic of the Congo, Romania, Senegal, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad And Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, and United Kingdom.
Grenada Citizenship by Investment: A Route to the E-2 Visa
Known as the “Spice Islands”, this West Indies country has one of the most attractive Citizenship By Investment programs in the world. From a stunning climate, economic tax regime, excellent education, economic opportunities, and thriving real estate investment options to offering a gateway to obtain the US E-2 Visa, this island country is steadily developing into a hotspot for foreign investors. In fact, Grenada is the only Caribbean country that enables its citizens to apply or the E-2 Visa to the US.
Grenada Citizenship by Investment Program Options
By applying for Grenada Citizenship by Investment – or CBI program for short – an individual can obtain Grenada citizenship by directing their investment in the country. An investor can receive citizenship within nine months for themselves and their family. You can invest in Grenada’s CBI program through the following investment options:
- You can contribute to Grenada’s National Transformation Fund (NTF) with a minimum amount of $235,000. Investors should note that this amount will be non-refundable. However, you can include up to three family members for the same amount.
- Alternatively, you can make a Grenada real estate investment. Regardless of the number of family members, you will need to invest a minimum of $270,000 in an approved real estate project.
There are two real estate investment options available for applicants:
- A single applicant can invest in a government-approved real-estate project. The minimum amount is $350,000.
- A minimum investment of $270,000 for a joint investment in Grenada government-approved tourism accommodation.
You must note that you need to pay $5,000 (Diligence fee) regardless of the investment option that you choose. An applicant is also charged a processing fee that amounts to $3,000 for adults and $1,500 if the person is below the age of 18. As of 4 September 2023, Grenada requires applicants aged 17 and over to partake in a mandatory interview. As such, each applicant partaking in an interview will need to pay a $1,000 interview fee.
Grenada Permanent Residence
The Grenadian government has removed the Grenadian Permanent Residency status from the Citizenship by Investment procedure. Because of this, applicants no longer receive Permanent Residency cards and certificates.
Grenada Citizenship Requirements
Read below the eligibility criteria that an investor needs to meet for obtaining citizenship in Grenada. The primary applicant looking to acquire Grenada citizenship through its CBI program should:
- Be 18 years old or older
- Not have a criminal record
- Be in good health
- Clear a background check successfully
- Proof of income
One of the biggest benefits of Grenada citizenship by investment is that it covers the family members of the primary applicants. Family members of the applicant can reap multiple benefits of possessing a Caribbean passport for Grenada. To know more, check out our article: The following family members can apply for a Grenada passport.
- Spouse of the applicant
- Children below the age of 18
- Dependent children (18-29 years of age) dependent on the primary applicant or his/her spouse for Educational support
- Specially abled children of 18 years of age or above
- Supported parents or grandparents of the primary applicant or their spouse
- Unmarried and dependent siblings of the primary applicant or their spouse
Grenada Citizenship by Investment Procedure
- First and foremost, you need to select an authorized consultancy to submit your application. The registered agency will guide you in collecting and preparing all the documents that you require for your application.
- Complete all of the application documentation as provided by your agent. Do make sure that all your paperwork is legal.
- Once you submit your application form, the Grenadian government will evaluate your application and initiate your background check.
- You need to invest in Grenada through the NTF fund or real estate. Pay the required amount and submit proof of investment.
- Once your payment is received by the relevant authority, a certificate of registration will be issued. After this, you will receive your second passport and obtain Grenada citizenship, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of dual citizenship.
Required Documents for Grenada Citizenship
If you are applying for Grenadian citizenship, you need to fulfill certain Grenada immigration requirements and submit the following documents. Please note that you need to obtain the application forms from registered international agents.
Important Forms:
- Client Facilitator Agreement
- Interview Application Form
- Form 1 specifying your personal data and information
- Form 2 highlighting your fingerprint, submitted in front of a licensed officer
- Form 3 that mentions the Particulars for the Office of Home Affairs
- Form 4 a valid medical certificate
- Form 5 highlighting your employment, wealth, business and other similar details
- Form 6 investment confirmation documentation
- Citizenship By Investment applicants aged 16 or more to submit the Thomson Reuters consent form
- Copies of purchase and sale documents or Escrow agreement and letter of engagement with a local agent
- Complete application form for your passport
- Oath of Allegiance (This is required for each family member who is above the age of 18)
- Sworn Affidavit that verifies and confirms the applicant’s parents’ names
Moreover, you also need these general documents to proceed further with your Grenada passport application.
- Two copies of your birth certificate.
- Copy of your current passport showcasing your name, photo, citizenship/nationality, date, place of issue, expiry date, passport number, and issuing country.
- 12 passport-sized photographs of applicants that have been taken within the last six months. In addition to this, one picture needs to be certified by a lawyer.
- Two copies of the applicant’s Marriage or divorce certificates.
- Copy of the applicant’s National ID or social security.
- Proof of the applicant’s Permanent residence ID or Permanent residence/
- Copy of the applicant’s military service card if he/she has been associated with military services
- Affidavit from spouse or ex-spouse with regards to children.
- Affidavit of support from dependents.
- Applicant’s education certificates and transcripts
Supporting documents that you need:
- Residential address proof of the applicant
- Original copy of the professional letter of reference
- A copy of the license of the lawyer certifying these documents
Keep these additional documents handy:
- Income/ salary pay slips
- Applicant’s CV
- Original copy of the reference letter from the bank of the primary applicant
- Bank statements for the last one year of the applicant’s personal bank account
- Police clearance record
Grenada Citizenship Benefits
- You can travel to over 140 Grenada passport visa free countries. Obtaining citizenship of Grenada ensures visa free travel to popular destinations like the Schengen area, Great Britain, Hong Kong, and more. A Grenadian citizen can also apply for a tourist visa to the United States, valid for ten years.
- If an individual obtains Grenadian citizenship, they can open a bank account with a bank based out of America or Europe hassle-free. Moreover, you can register your assets using your second passport. Once you acquire citizenship in Grenada, you can also efficiently file your taxes.
- As a Grenadian citizen, you can easily apply for an investor visa to the United States. A US business visa will offer you an amazing lifestyle, including access to world-class education, business opportunities, and good healthcare. Additionally, you and your family members will be able to enter and exit the US easily. Be it business trips, vacations, or family trips, you can enter and leave the US freely.
- The Grenada Citizenship by Investment processing time is fast. Applicants can obtain Grenadian citizenship within 60 days.
- If you are applying for Grenadian citizenship, you need not stay in Grenada for any part of the application process. This means there is no residency requirement for obtaining Grenadian citizenship or Grenada passport renewal.
- Grenada offers dual citizenship to all its citizens, implying that applicants don’t need to give up their first citizenship to become Grenada passport holders. Additionally, future generations of CBI passport holders can also enjoy the benefits of a Grenadian passport.
- Grenada is the only Caribbean country whose citizens can apply for an E-2 Visa and work and stay in the United States.
Grenada visa-free countries
If you have a Grenadian passport, here is a list of countries where you can enjoy the ease of visa-free travel.
Andorra | Germany | Peru |
Angola | Greece | Philippines |
Antigua and Barbuda | Guyana | Poland |
Argentina | Haiti | Portugal |
Austria | Hong Kong | Romania |
Bahamas | Hungary | Russian Federation |
Bangladesh | Iceland | Saint Kitts and Nevis |
Barbados | Ireland | Saint Lucia |
Belgium | Israel | San Marino |
Belize | Italy | Serbia |
Bosnia and Herzegovina | Jamaica | Seychelles |
Botswana | Kenya | Singapore |
Brazil | Kiribati | Slovakia |
Bulgaria | Latvia | Slovenia |
Chile | Lesotho | Spain |
China | Liechtenstein | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines |
Colombia | Lithuania | Suriname |
Costa Rica | Luxembourg | Sweden |
Croatia | Macao | Switzerland |
Cuba | Malawi | Tanzania, United Republic of |
Cyprus | Malaysia | Trinidad and Tobago |
Czechia | Malta | Uganda |
Denmark | Mauritius | Ukraine |
Dominica | Micronesia, Federated States of | United Kingdom |
Dominican Republic | Moldova, Republic of | Uruguay |
Ecuador | Monaco | Uzbekistan |
Estonia | Montenegro | Vanuatu |
Eswatini | Netherlands | Holy See (Vatican City State) |
Fiji | Norway | Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of |
Finland | Palestine, State of | Zambia |
France | Panama | Zimbabwe |
Gambia |
E-2 Visa Eligibility Criteria
Investors looking to obtain an E-2 Visa need to meet the below-mentioned criteria.
- Investors should not direct his/her investment in a passive business, but should ensure the investment is placed in an active business that is running out of the United States.
- The investor should be a 50 percent shareholder in the business that he/she decides to invest in.
- The business the investor invests in should garner profitable revenue adequate enough to sustain the investor and his family in the United States.
E-2 Visa Advantages for Investors
While a single applicant for an E-2 Treaty Investor Visa enjoys many benefits of staying and working in the United States, the E-2 Visa also benefits the applicant’s family members.
Below, we will list the numerous advantages a foreign investor enjoys while they have an E-2 Visa in the US.
- An investor can renew his/her visa an unlimited number of times, providing that the registered E-2 organization operates by adhering to all E-2 Visa rules and regulations.
- If you have an E-2 Visa, you will be levied no taxes on worldwide income. However, one must know that to avail of this option, the investor doesn’t spend more than 120 days in the United States each year.
- The investor’s spouse can start working in the United States by acquiring an Employment Authorization from the US administration.
- US public schools offer free education and dependent children of E-2 Visa holders below the age of 21 years don’t need to pay the same tuition fees as compared to other foreign students studying in the US.
- With an E-2 Visa, individuals are permitted to enter and exit the United States freely.
E-2 Visa Important Factors
- If you are a permanent resident of the European Union, your identification will be verified by an ID card. If the applicant abides by all rules and regulations, the card gets reissued after every five years. In this case, the individual doesn’t need to apply for permanent residence.
- Individuals can invest in any sector without having business management experience. In this case, the applicant needs to present a detailed business plan to the relevant authority. In addition to this, he/she also needs to showcase the returns garnered on the investment. Although there are no rules as to the number of jobs that a business has to create, it’s good to consider the number as five, meaning that your business should lead to the establishment of a minimum of five jobs in the US.
- The applicant must prove that he/she is financially stable to support his/her family members in the US for at least a time period of one year.
- This visa is only applicable to citizens of certain states that have a bilateral investment program with the United States. One such country is Grenada, which has its own Citizenship By Investment Program and also has an E-2 treaty agreement with the US.
Stay Period for E-2 Visa Holder
Grenada citizens can be granted an E-2 Treaty Investor Visa for up to five years, allowing the individual, their spouse, and children under 21 years old to live in the USA. You can travel freely with your Grenada passport while living in the USA. Once a person completes the initial five years, he/she can apply for an extension after every two years. One must note that a person can apply for extensions for an E-2 Visa for an indefinite period of time.
Why use Global Citizen Solutions?
Global Citizen Solutions is a multidisciplinary firm offering bespoke residence and citizenship solutions in Europe and the Caribbean. In a world where the economy and politics are unpredictable, having a second citizenship opens up opportunities and creates flexibility for you and your family.
So, why work with Global Citizen Solutions to obtain Caribbean citizenship?
- Global approach by local experts: We are corporate members of the Investment Migration Council, with local expertise in all five Caribbean CBI programs.
- 100 percent approval rate: We have never had a case rejected and will offer you an initial, free-of-charge, due diligence assessment before signing any contract.
- Independent service and full transparency: We will present to you all the investment options available, and all expenses will be discussed in advance, with no hidden fees.
- An all-encompassing solution: A multidisciplinary team of immigration lawyers, investment specialists, and tax experts will take into consideration all your and your family's mobility, tax, and lifestyle needs.
- Confidential service and secure data management: All private data is stored within a GDPR-compliant database on a secure SSL-encrypted server.
Frequently Asked Questions about the E-2 Visa Grenada
What is the Grenada E-2 Visa?
Grenada citizenship makes you eligible for an E-2 Treaty Investor Visa. This means that Grenadian passport holders can apply for an E-2 Visa for the US. Once the E-2 Visa is approved, you can move and invest in a business in the United States.
How long does it take to get an E2 Visa Grenada?
Grenadian citizens can apply for an E2 Visa Grenada and get it approved within a time frame of three months.
What is the amount needed for an E-2 Visa?
To acquire an E-2 Visa, an applicant must be prepared to invest a minimum amount of $100,000 in the US economy.
Is the E-2 Visa open?
Yes, the E-2 Visa is still open and available for interested applicants.
Do Grenada citizens need a visa for the USA?
Yes, Grenadian citizens do require a visa to enter the United States of America. However, Grenadian citizens can apply for long-term multiple-entry visas for up to ten years if they wish to.
How long can US citizens stay in Grenada?
US citizens can stay in Grenada for a period of 90 days without a Grenadian visa.
What are Grenada immigration requirements?
Interested applicants can apply for Grenada citizenship from anywhere in the world. The application will be approved, and a Grenada passport issued, only after the candidate meets all the eligibility requirements and passes stringent background checks.