Grenada CBI: The Only Passport That Unlocks the US E-2 Visa

Grenada is the only country in the world that simultaneously offers a Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program and has an E-2 Treaty of Commerce and Navigation with the United States. This creates a unique structural pathway: invest $150,000 in Grenada, obtain citizenship, then apply for a US E-2 investor visa to live and work in the United States.

For entrepreneurs who cannot obtain a US green card (EB-5 backlog, H-1B lottery), the Grenada-E2 pipeline is the most reliable alternative.

The Grenada CBI Options

National Transformation Fund (NTF)

• Single applicant: $150,000 (non-refundable donation)
• Family of 4: $200,000
• Processing fees: ~$10,000 additional

Real Estate Investment

• Minimum $220,000 in an approved project (held for 5 years)
• Additional government fees apply

Timeline

• Application to citizenship: 4-6 months
• Passport issuance: 1-2 weeks after approval

The US E-2 Visa Bridge

Once you hold a Grenadian passport, you can apply for the US E-2 investor visa:

E-2 Requirements

• Substantial investment in a real, operating US business (typically $100,000-200,000+)
• You must own at least 50% of the business
• The business must not be “marginal” — it must generate enough income to support more than just your family
• You must direct and develop the enterprise

E-2 Benefits

• Live and work in the US legally
• Spouse receives an open work permit (can work anywhere)
• Children can attend US schools
• Renewable indefinitely in 2-5 year increments
• No annual cap or lottery — unlike H-1B

E-2 Limitations

• Not a path to a green card (it’s a non-immigrant visa)
• Must maintain the investment for the duration
• If the business fails, the visa terminates

The Total Cost Structure

Component	Cost
Grenada CBI (NTF, single)	$150,000
Government fees + due diligence	~$10,000
US E-2 business investment	$100,000-200,000
Legal fees (immigration attorney)	$10,000-15,000
Total all-in	$270,000-375,000

Compare this to the EB-5 green card program at $800,000-1,050,000 with a 2-5 year processing backlog.

The Physical Presence

Grenada CBI has no physical presence requirement. You never need to visit Grenada (though you can). The E-2 visa requires you to reside in the US while the business operates.

The Passport Value

Beyond the E-2 bridge, a Grenadian passport grants visa-free access to 148 countries including the UK, EU Schengen zone, China, Russia, and Singapore.