Two-step processed introduced for Grenada’s Citizenship by Investment applications

The Grenada Citizenship by Investment Unit (CBIU) has introduced a new two-step process for receiving citizenship applications. The new process is expected to shorten the processing period for applications, which have been averaging four to five months.

Originally, Grenada’s programme required all forms and supporting documents necessary for citizenship for main applicants and dependents (as well as non-applicant spouses and sponsors, where applicable), to be submitted together as a complete file. Failure to do so usually caused incomplete files to be side-lined and placed on hold until missing documents were submitted.

The new two-step process, effective as of February 12, allows applicants to make two file submissions to the CBIU. In the first file submission, applicants are required to submit only the relevant due diligence documents for themselves and anyone on their application, who is 17 years or older. Due diligence documents for any non-applicant spouse, and any sponsors, are required as well if necessary. Payments for all processing, application and due diligences fees are expected at the time of submission.

Within 48 hours of receiving the due diligence documents, the CBIU will issue an official notice detailing the timeline for submission of additional documents to applicants. From the date posted on the notice, applicants will have a maximum of ten days within which to submit the remaining documents for their application.

If for any reason the outstanding documents on a citizenship application are not submitted within the stipulated time, the application will not be processed, and the documents already submitted will be returned to the local agent. It is worth noting that whenever this happens, applicants will forfeit all processing, application and due diligence fees paid to the CBIU.

Should an applicant wish to proceed with his/her citizenship application within six months of having the documents returned, he/she will only be required to pay the processing and application fees again. Should resubmission happen six months after the documents were returned to the local agent, the applicant will be required to pay all the required fees again.

In addition to improving the efficiency of processing documents, the CBIU has also changed its requirements for two essential documents. Going forward, applicants will no longer be required to submit copies of their expired passports. Only a certified coloured copy of all pages of an applicant’s current passport will be required. Additionally, only educational certificates for the highest level of education achieved will be required.

For the avoidance of doubt, all the documents required for due diligence are included below.

Applicant and Dependants

• Form 1
• Form 2
• Form 5 (main applicant only)
• Form 6 (main applicant only)
• Certified colour copy of Passport (all pages of current passport and visas)
• Certified colour copy of National ID (other government issued ID for those without national ID)
• Police report
• Birth Certificate
• Marriage/ Divorce certificates
• Education Certificates (for all applicants -highest education obtained)
• Due diligence authorization form
• Financials (bank statements and documents in proof of source of funds)
• Proof of address

Non-applicant Spouse

• Form 1
• Form 2
• Certified colour copy of Passport
• Certified colour copy of National ID
• Police report
• Birth Certificate
• Education Certificates
• Due diligence authorization form
• Financials (if spouse is the sponsor)

Sponsor

• Form 1
• Form 2
• Form 5
• Form 6
• Certified colour copy of Passport (all pages of current passport and visas)
• Certified colour copy of National ID (other government issued ID for those without national ID)
• Police report
• Birth Certificate
• Marriage/ Divorce certificates (if applicable)
• Education Certificates (highest education obtained)
• Due diligence authorisation form
• Financials