Donation to the Grenada National Transformation Fund: straightforward path to second citizenship

The Grenada National Transformation Fund, or NTF, is a state fund that finances government-sponsored projects aimed at developing Grenada’s economy. It was established in the Public Finance Management Act, Cap 262B.

Foreign nationals can obtain Grenadian citizenship by making a non-refundable contribution to the NTF under the Grenada citizenship by investment program. It was launched in 2013 as part of the government’s efforts to stimulate sustainable development in key sectors of the economy.

How the NTF works. The fund is state-managed and channels foreign investment directly into national infrastructure projects, healthcare, education, tourism, and renewable energy initiatives. 

In exchange for Grenada citizenship, applicants make a non-refundable contribution of at least $235,000 to the fund.

1. Global mobility. The Grenada passport grants visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to more than 140 countries, including the Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, China, and Singapore. This is ideal for frequent travellers and businesspeople.

2. Eligibility for US visas. Grenada citizens can apply for the US E‑2 business visa, which allows them and their families to live and work in the US. Investors become eligible after residing in Grenada for 3 years. 

Grenadian citizens can also obtain a 10-year B‑1/B‑2 visa for tourism, medical treatment, and business visits, with stays of up to 180 days per year.

3. No physical residence required. Applicants are not required to live in Grenada before, during, or after the application process. There is no in-person interview or language test.

4. Tax optimisation. Grenada does not tax foreign income, wealth, inheritance, or capital gains. This benefits investors with international earnings.

5. Dual citizenship is allowed. Grenada permits dual and multiple citizenships. Applicants can keep their original passport and are not required to renounce any existing citizenship, provided their country of origin also allows dual nationality.

The Grenada National Transformation Fund donation is the most direct and efficient option under the Grenada Citizenship by Investment Program. It suits applicants seeking a fast, low-maintenance, and cost-effective path to a second passport.

Simplicity and speed. The NTF requires a one-time, non-refundable contribution. There is no need to buy, manage, or resell property. Applications are typically approved within 8+ months.

Lower upfront cost. The minimum donation to NTF is $235,000 for a single applicant, a couple, or a family of up to 4 people.

The second investment option requires bigger expenses. The minimum real estate investment is $270,000 if at least two people invest in the same government-approved project and the combined amount totals $440,000 or more. If these conditions are not met, the minimum investment rises to $350,000, not including property-related fees.

No ongoing obligations. NTF contributors avoid maintenance fees, property taxes, and resale conditions. The donation is a one-time transaction with no future financial commitments.

Less in added costs. The NTF donation comes with fewer additional expenses compared to the real estate route. For both options, applicants must cover standard government fees, including Due diligence, interview, application, processing, and passport issuance. 

However, the real estate option also involves an administrative fee, a share registration fee, and ongoing property-related costs such as maintenance and insurance.

On average, government fees for a single applicant under the NTF route total around $9,500, while for real estate investment, the total can exceed $70,500 due to extra charges.

To obtain Grenadian citizenship by investment in the National Transformation Fund, applicants must meet specific eligibility and financial requirements. The process is transparent and designed to maintain the integrity of the Grenada Citizenship by Investment Program.

Who can apply. The main applicant must be at least 18 years old and may include the following family members in the application:

• spouse of the opposite sex;

• financially dependent children under 30;

• financially dependent parents or grandparents of any age;

• financially dependent unmarried siblings over 18, with no children.

Eligibility requirements. The main applicant must have a legitimate source of income and no criminal record, visa or citizenship refusals, or serious health issues. They must also pass Due Diligence.

Minimum donation amount. The minimum donation to Grenada’s National Transformation Fund is $235,000. This amount covers the main applicant and up to three dependants — for example, a family consisting of the applicant, a spouse, and two children.

For families larger than four, or if certain types of dependants are included, the donation increases as follows:

• $25,000 for each child or a parent or grandparent over 55, starting with fifth family member; 

• $50,000 for each parent or grandparent under 55, regardless of family size;

• $75,000 for each sibling, regardless of family size.

For example, a family of six — two parents, three children, and a grandmother over 55 — would pay $285,000 in total.

Other expenses. In addition to the donation, applicants must pay government fees. These include Due Diligence, interview, application and processing charges, passport issuance, and courier delivery.

The total cost depends on the number of applicants and their ages. Due Diligence and interview fees apply only to applicants over 17. The processing fee is $1,500 for adults and $500 for minors, while the passport issuance fee is $350 for adults and $250 for minors.

To apply for Grenadian citizenship through the National Transformation Fund, applicants must submit documents confirming their identity, source of funds, and family relationships. These documents ensure compliance with Grenada’s legal and security requirements.

Below is a list of standard documents required from the main applicant and accompanying family members:

• valid passport;

• birth certificate;

• marriage or divorce certificate, if applicable;

• recent passport-sized photos;

• bank statements;

• medical insurance for all applicants;

• police clearance certificate from the country of residence;

• an affidavit of support for dependents;

• education certificates;

• documents verifying the investment, such as an escrow agreement for the fund contribution.

All documents must be in English or translated into English. They must also be notarised and apostilled as required. The application form is filled in by the Royal Immigration lawyers. Applicants only need to sign it.

1. Grenada citizenship by investment program allows foreign nationals to obtain citizenship through one of two options: a donation to the National Transformation Fund or investment in government-approved real estate.

2. The NTF donation option is a more straightforward option. It involves a non-refundable contribution of at least $235,000 and comes with no property taxes and maintenance.

3. The application process is fully remote and usually takes up to 8 months.

4. Investors are not required to live in Grenada, take language tests, or attend interviews in person.

5. Family members can be added to the application, including a spouse, children under 30, parents, grandparents, and unmarried siblings over 18.

6. The programme allows visa-free access to over 140 countries, including China, the UK, and the Schengen Area.

7. Grenada allows dual citizenship, so applicants can retain their original nationality.