Grenada is considering significant changes to its Citizenship by Investment (CBI) framework, including a proposed requirement for new citizens to establish a physical presence in the country. The Grenada Citizenship by Investment (Amendment) Bill, 2026 was introduced in the House of Representatives on July 28, 2026, and debated in the Senate on July 31.
However, the proposed changes are not yet in effect. The Bill requires a Ministerial Order published in the Gazette before it can commence.
The proposed reforms form part of a broader effort to strengthen Grenada’s CBI framework and align domestic legislation with the regional Eastern Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Regulatory Authority (ECCIRA) framework.
What Is the Proposed 30-Day Residency Requirement?
One of the most notable changes in the Bill is a proposed physical presence requirement for citizenship-by-investment applicants and their dependents.
Under the proposed Section 7A, each main applicant and dependent would be expected to establish a “genuine and effective link” with Grenada. Collectively, the family would need to spend 30 days in Grenada during the first five calendar years following the grant of citizenship.
Importantly, the 30 days need not be completed by each family member individually. The Bill allows the family to meet the overall 30-day requirement collectively.
There would, however, be a separate minimum requirement during the first year. Each person included in the original application would need to spend at least five days physically present in Grenada during the first 12 months after citizenship is granted.
The Bill would also allow applicants to count certain qualifying time spent in Grenada before citizenship is granted towards the requirement, although they would still need to complete any remaining period after citizenship is obtained.
Could the Changes Affect Pending Applications?
This is one of the areas that applicants are likely to watch most closely.
The Bill states that the proposed residency provisions would apply to applications submitted after the ECCIRA Agreement Act comes into force. It also provides that the provisions may be applied retroactively to pending applications at the discretion of the Minister, subject to transitional guidelines.
At present, however, the transitional guidelines have not been published, and the Bill does not define exactly what constitutes a “pending application.”
This means it would be premature to conclude that all existing applicants will automatically be subject to the proposed residency requirements. The precise treatment of pending applications will depend on the final implementation framework and any transitional guidance issued.
For applicants and families already considering or progressing a Grenada CBI application, this distinction is important. The Bill remains a proposal at this stage, rather than an immediately applicable requirement.
Other Proposed Changes to Grenada’s CBI Program
The proposed residency requirement is part of a wider package of reforms.
Five-Year Initial Passport Validity
Under the Bill, passports issued following a CBI grant would initially have five-year validity. A subsequent renewal for the full 10-year period would depend on the holder satisfying the applicable residency and integration requirements.
Before renewal, the holder would be required to submit a Declaration of Presence, which could be checked against immigration records. Failure to meet the requirements without a reasonable excuse could lead to the initiation of citizenship and passport revocation procedures.
Mandatory Integration Program
The Bill also proposes a mandatory integration program. This could include education on Grenada’s laws, history, and constitutional principles, as well as cultural orientation or community service.
An interview conducted by a competent Grenadian authority or delegated third party could also form part of the program. Exemptions may be available in certain exceptional or compassionate circumstances, including verified inability to travel.
Stronger Due Diligence and Regional Oversight
The proposed legislation would give ECCIRA a stronger role in the regulation of Grenada’s CBI program.
Among other measures, agents, promoters, due diligence providers, developers and escrow agents would be subject to a licensing process involving the Grenadian authorities and ECCIRA.
The Bill would also introduce mandatory personal interviews for main applicants and dependents aged 18 or older. In certain circumstances, the interview requirement could extend to dependents from the age of 12.
Another significant proposal is regional information sharing. An application denied by one participating Caribbean CBI state could prevent the applicant from submitting an application in another participating state, unless ECCIRA provides written approval based on specific circumstances.
Greater Auditing and Information Sharing
The Bill proposes annual independent financial audits and biennial operational audits of Grenada’s CBI program. Audit reports would also be published following submission to ECCIRA.
It would further establish a regional Eastern Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Database. The proposed database could contain biographical information, citizenship decisions, passport records, source-of-funds documentation, post-approval vetting records, and biometric information.
These measures reflect a broader move towards stronger regional oversight, due diligence and information-sharing across the participating Caribbean CBI programs.
What About the EU and Schengen Concerns?
The proposed reforms come against the backdrop of wider discussions between the European Commission and the five Eastern Caribbean states regarding their citizenship-by-investment programs and visa-free access to Europe.
However, it is important to distinguish between the wider EU discussions and what is actually contained in Grenada’s Bill.
EU restrictive measures do not appear in the text of the proposed Grenada legislation. The Bill does introduce stronger due diligence, regional oversight and information-sharing measures, but it does not itself state that Grenada’s CBI program must be phased out or that Schengen access has been withdrawn.
Therefore, applicants should avoid drawing conclusions about their citizenship or European travel rights based solely on this proposed legislation.
What Happens Next?
The proposed Bill still needs to progress through the legislative process and take effect through the required Ministerial Order.
Several important implementation details also remain outstanding, particularly the treatment of pending applications and the practical operation of the new residency and integration requirements.
The current investment thresholds also remain unchanged under the Bill. For now, the proposed changes should therefore be viewed as an important development to monitor rather than an immediate change to the rules.
How UNO Capital Can Assist
As an authorized Citizenship by Investment (CBI) agent, UNO Capital closely monitors developments affecting Caribbean citizenship programs, including proposed legislative and regulatory changes in Grenada.
Our team follows program updates and implementation guidance so that clients can understand what changes may mean for their applications and future planning. Where new requirements are introduced, we assess their practical implications and keep our clients informed of relevant developments.
For those considering Grenada citizenship, we also provide guidance on the applicable program requirements, eligibility criteria and application process, helping clients make informed decisions based on the rules in force at the time of application.
The proposed Bill has not yet taken effect, and several implementation details remain to be clarified, particularly regarding pending applications. We will continue to monitor official developments and keep clients informed as further guidance becomes available. For personalized guidance on how the proposed changes may affect your circumstances, speak with a citizenship advisor.
