Grenada vs St. Lucia Citizenship by Investment 2026

Grenada CBI starts at 35,000 (NTF donation, family of 4); St. Lucia starts at 40,000 (NEF donation). Grenada leads on processing speed (6 months), UK visa-free access, and the unique US E-2 treaty. St. Lucia offers a refundable 00,000 government bond returning capital after 5 years.

Grenada offers two routes: 35,000 NTF donation or 70,000 real estate. St. Lucia offers three: 40,000 NEF donation, 00,000 real estate, or 00,000 refundable government bond (plus 0,000 admin fee, returned after 5 years). St. Lucia's bond is unique among Caribbean programmes.

Grenada covers 147 countries visa-free; St. Lucia covers 138. Both include EU Schengen and Singapore. Grenada retains UK visa-free access via eTA; St. Lucia lost UK access entirely on 5 March 2026. Grenada holds the E-2 US investor visa treaty, the only Caribbean CBI with this route to US business access.

Grenada is the only Caribbean CBI country with a US E-2 investor visa treaty (in force since 1989). Grenadian CBI citizens, including those naturalised through the investment programme, can apply for a US E-2 visa enabling them to live and work in the United States as business investors.

St. Lucia's National Action Bond requires 00,000 in non-interest-bearing government bonds returned after 5 years. A 0,000 non-refundable admin fee applies. Effective cost: 0,000 plus time-value of the 00,000 capital tied up. Best for investors who plan to hold the capital and want lower net outlay.

Grenada processes in approximately 6 months following administrative reforms in 2025. St. Lucia targets 90 days officially but actual 2026 processing runs 14-24 months. If processing speed is a priority, Grenada is the stronger choice among these two Caribbean CBI options.