In January 2026, a single US presidential proclamation reshuffled the entire Caribbean citizenship-by-investment (CBI) landscape. US Proclamation 10998, signed on 16 December 2025 and effective 1 January 2026, reduced B1/B2 visitor visa validity for holders of Antigua & Barbuda and Dominica CBI passports from ten years to a 3-month, single-entry permit — effectively making casual travel to the United States dramatically more burdensome.
For investors who were comparing Caribbean programmes, the implications were immediate. Which Caribbean citizenship remains genuinely US-friendly? The answer, both before and after Proclamation 10998, is unambiguously Grenada.
Grenada's Citizenship by Investment Programme is not only unaffected by the new proclamation — it also holds an advantage no other Caribbean CBI nation can match: a bilateral E-2 Investor Treaty with the United States, in force since 1989, allowing Grenadian passport holders to apply for a US E-2 investor visa and live and work in America. This guide explains exactly why Grenada has emerged as the definitive Caribbean CBI choice for US-connected investors in 2026.
- US Proclamation 10998 (effective 1 January 2026) cut B1/B2 visa validity for Antigua and Dominica CBI holders to 3 months / single-entry. Grenada is completely unaffected.
- E-2 treaty advantage: Grenada is the ONLY Caribbean CBI nation with a US E-2 Investor Visa treaty — allowing Grenadian citizens to live and work in the United States via a renewable investor visa.
- St Kitts and St Lucia B1/B2 visas are unaffected by the proclamation, but neither has an E-2 treaty with the US — giving Grenada a unique advantage.
- Investment from USD 235,000 (NTF donation, family of up to 4) or USD 270,000 (approved real estate).
- Processing time: 4–6 months following major administrative reforms in 2025.
- 147 visa-free destinations including UK, EU Schengen, Canada, Singapore, Hong Kong.
- No residency requirement, no global income tax, no capital gains tax, no wealth tax.
- Family-friendly: spouse, children under 30, parents/grandparents aged 55+, and unusually — unmarried siblings — may all be included.
Effective 1 January 2026, Antigua & Barbuda and Dominica CBI passport holders now receive only 3-month, single-entry B1/B2 US visas. Grenada CBI holders retain full 10-year multiple-entry B1/B2 access AND the exclusive E-2 investor visa pathway. Read the proclamation →
The US Proclamation 10998 Breakdown — Who Is Affected?
On 16 December 2025, the White House issued Presidential Proclamation 10998, formally titled Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States. Among its provisions, the proclamation specifically targeted CBI passport holders from certain Caribbean nations, restricting their US B1/B2 visa category.
The practical effect is significant: investors who obtained citizenship from Antigua & Barbuda or Dominica — two of the most popular Caribbean CBI programmes — can now only receive a 3-month, single-entry US B1/B2 visa, replacing the standard 10-year, multiple-entry visa that these passports previously commanded. For entrepreneurs, investors, and families who rely on seamless US access for business and travel, this represents a material downgrade.
The proclamation is part of a broader US security review of citizenship-by-investment programmes worldwide, with a focus on the robustness of due diligence standards. IMI Daily's reporting on the restrictions notes that Antigua has secured partial diplomatic relief, while Dominica faces a 180-day administrative review period with a decision expected approximately June 2026.
Which Caribbean CBI Countries Are Affected?
| Country | B1/B2 Status (2026) | E-2 Treaty | Affected by Proc. 10998 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grenada | 10-year multiple-entry ✅ | Yes — UNIQUE ✅ | No — Unaffected ✅ |
| St Kitts & Nevis | 10-year multiple-entry ✅ | No ❌ | No — Unaffected ✅ |
| St Lucia | 10-year multiple-entry ✅ | No ❌ | No — Unaffected ✅ |
| Antigua & Barbuda | 3-month single-entry ⚠️ | No ❌ | Yes — Affected ❌ |
| Dominica | 3-month single-entry ⚠️ | No ❌ | Yes — Under review ❌ |
Note: A separate US immigrant visa freeze temporarily affects all five Caribbean CBI nations but is distinct from B1/B2 visitor visa restrictions and does not impact typical high-net-worth investor travel patterns.
Why Grenada Stands Apart: The E-2 Treaty Advantage
The US E-2 treaty is perhaps the most strategically valuable feature in the entire Caribbean CBI market — and Grenada holds it exclusively.
The E-2 (Treaty Investor) visa is a non-immigrant US visa that allows nationals of treaty countries to enter and work in the United States, provided they make a substantial investment in a US-based business they actively direct or develop. Crucially, the E-2 visa is renewable indefinitely as long as the investment remains active and the business continues to operate — effectively giving many holders a long-term, renewable pathway to living and working in America without requiring the green card process.
What is the US E-2 Investor Visa?
The E-2 visa is a US non-immigrant visa category available exclusively to nationals of countries that have a bilateral investment treaty with the United States. It allows the visa holder to:
- Live and work in the United States while running or directing a qualifying business investment
- Bring a spouse and children under 21, who may also receive work authorisation
- Renew the visa indefinitely — many E-2 holders maintain US residence for decades
- Invest a "substantial" amount in a US business (in practice, typically USD 100,000–500,000+, depending on the business type)
Grenada has held an E-2 treaty with the United States since 1989. Under this treaty, a Grenadian passport holder — including someone who obtained Grenadian citizenship through the CBI programme — is eligible to apply for an E-2 visa at a US consulate. This pathway is available regardless of whether citizenship was obtained via the NTF donation or the real estate investment route.
No other Caribbean CBI nation — not St Kitts, not St Lucia, not Antigua, not Dominica, not Vanuatu — has an equivalent treaty with the United States. This makes the Grenada passport structurally superior for any investor with US business interests or who seeks a legally clear pathway to extended US residence without the EB-5 green card route.
Thinking About Grenada CBI?
Our team at Mirabello Consultancy advises US-connected investors on the optimal CBI and E-2 strategy. Book a confidential consultation today.
Grenada vs Antigua vs St Kitts: US Access Comparison
Before committing to any Caribbean citizenship programme, US-connected investors should understand exactly how each compares on US access — both before and after Proclamation 10998.
| Feature | Grenada | St Kitts & Nevis | Antigua & Barbuda | Dominica |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B1/B2 visa (2026) | 10yr multi-entry | 10yr multi-entry | 3-month single | 3-month single |
| E-2 Investor Treaty | Yes ✅ | No | No | No |
| Schengen access | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| UK access | Visa-free/eTA | Visa-free | Visa-free | Visa required |
| NTF/donation cost | USD 235,000 | USD 250,000 | USD 230,000 | USD 200,000 |
| Processing time | 4–6 months | 4–6 months | 3–5 months | 2–4 months |
| Affected by Proc. 10998 | No ✅ | No ✅ | Yes ❌ | Yes ❌ |
For investors where US access is a priority, Grenada dominates this comparison. St Kitts is a credible alternative if the E-2 pathway is not needed, but for entrepreneurs, business owners, or families seeking live-in-America optionality, Grenada has no Caribbean equivalent. Learn more about St Kitts citizenship by investment and Antigua citizenship by investment for full programme comparisons.
Grenada Programme Overview 2026
What is the Grenada Citizenship by Investment Programme?
The Grenada Citizenship by Investment Programme was established in 2013 and is regulated by the Investment Migration Agency (IMA) Grenada — formerly the CBI Unit. Since December 2025, Grenada serves as the ECCIRA (Eastern Caribbean Citizenship and Residency by Investment Regulatory Authority) headquarters, cementing its position as the leading CBI jurisdiction in the region.
Grenada offers two investment routes to citizenship:
Route 1: National Transformation Fund (NTF) — from USD 235,000
The NTF route is a non-refundable contribution to Grenada's national development fund. This is the most straightforward and commonly chosen route.
- Single applicant or family of up to 4: USD 235,000
- Each additional dependent beyond 4: USD 25,000
- Government/application fees: approximately USD 1,500–5,000 per person (varies by age and role)
- Due diligence fees: USD 5,000 per adult applicant
- No residency requirement before or after citizenship
Route 2: Approved Real Estate — from USD 270,000
Grenada's real estate option requires the purchase of an approved development (typically luxury resort property). The minimum investment is USD 270,000 and the property must be held for a minimum of five years. Resort-managed properties typically generate 4–5% annual rental yields. A developer buyback option is available at some approved projects after the five-year holding period.
Eligibility and Family Inclusion
Grenada has notably broad family inclusion rules:
- Main applicant (minimum 18 years)
- Spouse
- Children up to age 30 (unmarried, financially dependent)
- Parents and grandparents aged 55 and above (financially dependent; parents-in-law also eligible)
- Unmarried siblings (over 18) — a rare distinction among Caribbean CBI programmes
Grenada prohibits applications from Russian and Belarusian nationals. Iranian, Afghan, Sudanese, and Yemeni nationals may qualify under specific conditions including long-term residence in approved jurisdictions.
Passport Strength and Visa-Free Travel
The Grenada passport provides access to 147 countries and territories visa-free or with eTA, ranking 27th on the Henley Passport Index 2026. Key access includes:
- All 27 EU Schengen countries
- United Kingdom (visa-free with eTA)
- Canada
- Singapore
- Hong Kong
- China
- Plus E-2 investor visa pathway to the United States (exclusive to Grenada)
Tax Benefits
Grenada imposes no tax on global income, no capital gains tax, no wealth tax, and no inheritance tax. This makes Grenada citizenship particularly compelling for HNW individuals restructuring their international tax position alongside a second passport.
For a comprehensive overview of all Caribbean programmes, visit our Citizenship by Investment hub. For programme-specific details on Grenada's CBI, see our dedicated Grenada citizenship by investment programme page.
Who Should Choose Grenada? Ideal Client Profiles
US Entrepreneurs and Business Owners
Investors with active US business interests who need reliable, long-term access to America should strongly favour Grenada. The E-2 pathway provides a renewable, business-linked US presence that the green card route does not require — making it ideal for entrepreneurs who want to live in the US without permanent immigration commitment.
High-Net-Worth Families Seeking a Plan B Passport
Families from the GCC, Asia, or Latin America seeking a robust second passport with strong global access will find Grenada superior to most alternatives in its price bracket. With 147 visa-free destinations, UK access, full Schengen travel, and the E-2 pathway, it is arguably the most strategically complete Caribbean CBI passport available.
Real Estate Investors
Investors who prefer a tangible asset to a donation can access Grenada citizenship through the real estate route from USD 270,000, with potential rental income and a buyback option — making it a genuinely investable asset rather than a pure cost.
Investors Who Previously Considered Antigua or Dominica
Given the impact of Proclamation 10998 on Antigua and Dominica B1/B2 visa validity, many investors are reconsidering their Caribbean CBI choice. Grenada offers comparable family inclusion and similar investment thresholds, while maintaining superior US access. Mirabello Consultancy advises reviewing all programme options in light of the January 2026 changes before committing. Our article on the Caribbean CBI mandatory residency postponement provides further context on the evolving regulatory landscape.
How to Apply with Mirabello Consultancy
Mirabello Consultancy is a Swiss investment migration advisory with offices in Zurich and Dubai. With over 250 CBI cases and a 99% approval rate, our team has deep specialist experience across all five Caribbean CBI programmes and the US E-2 treaty pathway.
For US-connected investors, we offer a bespoke two-phase advisory covering:
- Phase 1 — Grenada CBI: Programme selection, document preparation, due diligence support, and application management through to citizenship approval.
- Phase 2 — E-2 Strategy: We work alongside specialist US immigration counsel to structure the E-2 investment vehicle and application once the Grenada passport is in hand. [VERIFY: confirm Mirabello's formal E-2 referral partnership arrangement before publication]
Our Dubai office provides direct access to the Caribbean CBI processing centres and is particularly well-suited to serve GCC-based clients exploring Grenada as part of a broader investment migration strategy.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Book your free consultation with Mirabello Consultancy and let our experts find the perfect programme for you and your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Grenada CBI affected by US Proclamation 10998?
No. US Proclamation 10998 (effective 1 January 2026) specifically targets Antigua & Barbuda and Dominica CBI passport holders, reducing their B1/B2 visa to 3-month, single-entry. Grenada CBI passport holders retain the standard 10-year, multiple-entry B1/B2 US visitor visa and are not affected by the proclamation in any way.
What is the Grenada E-2 treaty and how does it work?
The US–Grenada Treaty of Commerce and Navigation, in force since 1989, qualifies Grenada as an E-2 treaty country. Grenadian citizens can apply at a US consulate for an E-2 investor visa, allowing them to live and work in the United States provided they make a substantial investment in a qualifying US business. The visa is renewable indefinitely while the investment remains active.
How much does Grenada citizenship cost in 2026?
Grenada citizenship costs from USD 235,000 via the National Transformation Fund (NTF) for a single applicant or a family of up to four. The approved real estate route starts at USD 270,000. Government processing, due diligence, and application fees are additional and vary by family composition. Total costs including all government fees typically range from approximately USD 255,000–290,000 for a family of four on the NTF route.
How long does Grenada citizenship processing take?
Following major administrative reforms and the introduction of digital case management systems in 2025, standard Grenada CBI processing time is now 4–6 months — significantly reduced from the previous 12-month timeline. There is no formally advertised fast-track option, but the reformed standard process is now among the fastest in the Caribbean.
Can I include my parents in a Grenada CBI application?
Yes. Grenada allows the inclusion of financially dependent parents and grandparents aged 55 and above (including parents-in-law) as dependents in a single application. This is a standard feature of most Caribbean CBI programmes. Uniquely, Grenada also permits the inclusion of unmarried adult siblings — a rare distinction in the Caribbean CBI space.
Does Grenada citizenship require me to live there?
No. Grenada imposes no minimum residency requirement before or after citizenship is granted. You do not need to visit Grenada during the application process, although an online interview is required as part of the standard due diligence procedure.
How do I start the Grenada CBI process with Mirabello Consultancy?
Contact Mirabello Consultancy via our free consultation page. Our specialists in Zurich and Dubai will assess your profile, advise on the optimal route (NTF vs real estate), and manage the full application from document collection through to passport receipt.
US Proclamation 10998 has done what no amount of marketing could: it has created a definitive hierarchy within Caribbean CBI. Grenada now stands apart not just for its E-2 treaty — which it has held since 1989 — but because it has been demonstrably validated by the US government's own distinctions. Antigua and Dominica passport holders face restricted US access; Grenada holders do not.
For US-connected investors, entrepreneurs, and high-net-worth families who need a second passport that genuinely complements rather than complicates their American lifestyle, Grenada is the clear answer in 2026. It offers 147 visa-free destinations, full Schengen access, UK access, zero global income tax — and uniquely, a renewable pathway to living and working in the United States via the E-2 investor visa treaty.
Mirabello Consultancy's team in Zurich and Dubai has guided hundreds of families through the Caribbean CBI selection process. If Grenada is on your shortlist — or if you are reconsidering a previous choice of Antigua or Dominica — we invite you to book a confidential consultation. Our advisers will walk you through the full picture: costs, timelines, family inclusion, and the E-2 pathway strategy.
