5 Key Tips for Relocating to Grenada

What should you know before making this Caribbean country your new home? How does one relocate there, anyway? Here’s what you need to know.

Grenada, a nation in the Caribbean, is known for its breathtaking landscapes, beaches, resorts, and culture. The tropical climate offers warm weather year-round, and the local population is known for its hospitality. Expats often find it easy to integrate and make friends. 

The island’s small size naturally forms a close-knit community where newcomers are welcomed and are seldom bored. Grenada citizenship status comes with even more advantages. Lyle Julien, an investment program expert at the Immigrant Invest, shares the details. 

1. Learn Grenada’s geographical benefits

Located in the southeastern Caribbean, Grenada includes several smaller islands alongside the main one. Grenada is conveniently located near the US, with direct flights connecting both countries. An average flight takes 6 hours. 

2. Consider local climate and ecology

Grenada’s tropical climate has consistent temperatures and seasonal trade winds. The island’s ecosystem ranges from rainforests to mangroves, supporting various plant and animal species. The ocean stays warm year-round, rarely dropping below 26°C. The air quality in Grenada is one of the best globally, according to IQAIR. 

Grenada has a moderate risk of hurricanes and earthquakes. Hurricanes usually occur from June to November but rarely make landfall. Two Grenada volcanoes are dead, and the Mt St Catherine volcano is dormant and has not erupted since the Ice Age. 

3. Assess the cost of living

Housing costs. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in the capital city of St George ranges between $300 and $600. The purchasing price of modern real estate starts at $2,500 per 1 m².

Utilities and transportation. In Grenada, utilities like electricity, water, mobile phone plans, and Internet are reasonably priced and cost a minimum of $300 a month. Public transportation is limited but affordable, and monthly passes cost approximately $30. Taxi tariffs start at $30. Many residents of Grenada prefer to drive. Gasoline prices start at $1.4 per 1 l.  

Groceries and dining. Fresh fruit, vegetables, grains, and seafood are abundant and inexpensive. Milk is approximately $4 per 1 l, a beef round is $15 per 1 kg, and eggs are $3.5 per dozen. Drinking water is not an issue. However, it is strongly recommended that you purchase bottled, which is around $1.5 per 1.5 l bottle. A lot of available produce is locally sourced and fresh. 

Eating out is also affordable, with local restaurants offering meals for around $10 to $20. Imported goods can be more expensive, so adjusting to local products can help keep costs down.

4. Follow the fast route to citizenship.

Expats can become citizens of Grenada. That way, you’ll receive the following: 

• visa-free access to 140+ countries, including the Schengen Area, the UK, Singapore, Hong Kong, and China;
• eligibility for a B‑1/B‑2 visitor visa, as well as a E-2 business visa to the US;
• tax optimisation, including no tax on worldwide income, capital gains, royalties, or inheritance;  
• access to international banking, including European and US banks; 
• “Plan B” nationality for those who chose the Caribbean for their second citizenship.
• new business opportunities, such as registering an international business; 
• eligibility for scholarships in Caribbean and Commonwealth universities, including UK schools and the offshore US St George’s University.  

One of the most convenient ways to become a Caribbean national is through the Grenada Citizenship by Investment Program. It allows high-net-worth foreigners to obtain citizenship by contributing to the country’s economy. 

Two program options to choose from: 

1. Contribution to the National Transformation Fund (NTF), at least $235,000 per applicant. Non-refundable.
2. Investment in a government-approved real estate project, at least $270,000 for the principal applicant. Refundable after five years. 

Family inclusion. Investors can add their relatives in the application: a spouse, financially dependent children under 30, financially dependent parents and grandparents, and financially dependent siblings over 18 with no spouses or children. 

Government fees. Additionally, as with the principal investment, applicants must pay government fees, including the application, processing, and the Due Diligence check fee. 

Fees depend on the number of applicants and their age. For example, a married couple with no children who invest in the NTF will spend approximately $300,000 in donations and fees. So will a family of four that has at least one member older than 17. Additional fees start at $50,000 per parent and $75,000 per sibling. 

Application process. You can apply and get the documents remotely. The government of Grenada only accepts citizenship-by-investment applications through appointed licensed agents, such as Immigrant Invest. The licensed agent will help you collect and submit the documents, select real estate, and make the necessary payments. 

Pending times. The process takes at least 8 months, during which the Grenada CBI committee runs the Due Diligence check and other assessments on the applicants. If the application is approved, the committee contacts the licensed agent, and the applicants fulfil their investment pledge. Then, the Grenada passports are issued to them. 

5. Navigate daily life 

• Currency and payments. The East Caribbean dollar is Grenada’s main currency. It is pegged to the USD: 1 XCD = 2,7 USD. You can still use USD freely almost anywhere in Grenada, but be ready for a non-fixed exchange rate. Debit and credit cards are widely accepted, and there is no shortage of ATMs.  
• Language. English is the official language of Grenada: it is spoken everywhere and is used in government, educational, and healthcare services. Patois, of the Grenadian Creole French, is also widely spoken. 
• Healthcare. Grenada has a public healthcare system and multiple private medical facilities. Healthcare professionals in the country are knowledgeable: most are graduates of the highly praised SGU School of Medicine. It is recommended to have private healthcare coverage that could cover medical evacuation to the US for severe cases.   
• Law. Grenada is part of the Eastern Caribbean court system, and the local judiciary is based on British common law. Certain conservative views regarding same-sex displays of public affection exist, and specific acts of that nature are still outlawed. 
• Religion. More than 90% of the Grenadians follow Christian denominations. Smaller groups follow Hinduism, Islam, Baha’i Faith, and Rastafari. Less than 1% are atheists. 
• Safety. Grenada is a safe country with a low crime rate. Most crimes are non-violent and theft-related. 
• Leisure and outdoor life. From historical monuments and museums to lively nightclubs, Grenada has infrastructure for all sorts of activities. It also offers outdoor resources for lovers of sailing, snorkelling, hiking, or simple beach relaxation. 

In conclusion   

1. Grenada offers a unique blend of natural beauty, affordable living, and welcoming communities. 
2. Becoming a citizen of Grenada comes with benefits such as freedom of travel, more business opportunities, tax relief, and access to international education and banking. 
3. Grenada Citizenship by Investment Program allows you and your family to become nationals in 8+ months by contributing $235,000+