Including your family in a Grenada Citizenship by Investment (CBI) application can be one of the program’s biggest advantages, but only if the eligibility rules are understood from the start.
Grenada offers one of the most flexible family definitions in the Caribbean, allowing applicants to include not only a spouse and children but also parents, grandparents, and even siblings in certain cases.
That said, flexibility does not mean simplicity. Each family category comes with specific age limits, dependency rules, additional fees, and strict documentary requirements that must be met in full.
In 2025, Grenada’s CBI program operates under tighter compliance standards, mandatory interviews, and enhanced due diligence.
Grenada carefully scrutinises family applications, with missing or inconsistent documents often leading to delays or rejections.
This guide breaks down who qualifies as a dependent under Grenada CBI, how eligibility differs for spouses, children, parents, and siblings, and exactly what proof is required to include each family member, so you can structure your application correctly from the outset.
Overview of Grenada CBI Family Eligibility
How Grenada Defines “Family” Under CBI
One of the main reasons families choose Grenada’s Citizenship by Investment program is its unusually broad definition of eligible dependents.
Unlike many investment migration programs that restrict applications to a spouse and minor children, Grenada allows for multi-generational family inclusion under a single application.
This flexibility makes Grenada particularly attractive to families who want long-term security for more than just the nuclear household.
Financial Dependency Is the Core Requirement
Despite its broad scope, Grenada CBI is not based on family ties alone.
The program is structured around financial dependency, which means each family member must either be part of the immediate household or rely on the main applicant for ongoing financial support.
This principle is central to how the Investment Migration Agency (IMA) evaluates family applications in 2025.
If dependency cannot be clearly demonstrated, the family member may be deemed ineligible—even if they are closely related.
Family Members Who May Be Included
Under current rules, a single Grenada CBI application may include:
- A legally married spouse
- Dependent children under the age of 30
- Parents or grandparents of the main applicant or spouse
- Unmarried, childless siblings aged 18 or over
Each of these categories is assessed independently, meaning approval for one family member does not guarantee approval for another.
Eligibility Rules Vary by Family Category
Grenada permits the inclusion of a diverse range of relatives, but it does not ensure uniform eligibility for all family members.
Each category comes with its age limits, marital status rules, dependency requirements, and additional government contributions.
Family members who fall outside these parameters cannot be added as dependents and would need to apply separately as main applicants – often at a significantly higher overall cost.
Due Diligence Applies to Every Family Member
All dependants are subject to the same compliance standards as the main applicant.
This includes police clearance certificates, medical examinations, and mandatory interviews for applicants aged 17 and over.
A single weak profile, such as an incomplete police record or an unclear source of support, can delay or even jeopardise the entire family application.
Why Proper Structuring Matters
Because Grenada CBI family applications are assessed as a single file, structuring the application correctly from the outset is essential.
Understanding who qualifies, how dependency is assessed, and what proof is required helps families avoid delays, resubmissions, and unnecessary risk.
Spouse Eligibility Rules Under Grenada CBI
Including a spouse is usually the most straightforward part of a Grenada Citizenship by Investment application, but only when the relationship fits Grenada’s legal definition of marriage.
In 2025, the rules remain strict and are applied consistently during due diligence.
Legal Marriage Is Mandatory
Grenada's CBI recognises only legally valid marriages. To include a spouse, the marriage must be formally registered and legally recognised in the country where it took place.
Religious or civil marriages are both acceptable, provided they are legally binding and supported by an official marriage certificate.
Informal unions, long-term partnerships, or cohabitation, no matter how long-standing, do not qualify on their own.
If a couple is not legally married at the time of application, the partner cannot be included as a spouse and would need to apply separately as a main applicant, which significantly increases the overall cost.
Common-Law and Unregistered Partnerships
Unlike some residency-by-investment programs in Europe, Grenada does not recognise common-law marriages or domestic partnerships under its CBI framework.
Even if a couple of shares children, property, or joint finances, these factors alone are not sufficient.
A legally issued marriage certificate is the determining document, and without it, spousal inclusion is not permitted.
Polygamy Is Not Recognized
Grenada does not recognise polygamous marriages. A main applicant may include only one spouse in a CBI application.
Applicants from jurisdictions where polygamy is legally permitted must designate a single spouse for inclusion.
While other spouses cannot be added as dependents, they may still be reviewed indirectly during due diligence if their financial or personal background is relevant to the main applicant’s source of funds or reputation.
Required Documents for a Spouse
To include a spouse in a Grenada CBI application, the following documents are typically required:
- Marriage certificate (official or certified copy)
- Valid passport and government-issued ID
- Police clearance certificates from all relevant jurisdictions
- Medical examination forms, including HIV testing (age-based)
- Completed CBI application and background forms
If the marriage certificate is not in English, a certified translation and, where applicable, an apostille or legalisation will be required.
Additional Scrutiny for Recent Marriages
Marriages that take place shortly before submission may attract additional scrutiny.
In such cases, authorities may request supplementary evidence to confirm the relationship is genuine and not entered into solely for immigration purposes.
This may include photographs, proof of shared residence, or financial ties. While this requirement is not automatic, applicants should be prepared for additional questions if the marriage is very recent.
What Happens If a Spouse Is Added Later?
In some cases, you can add a spouse who was not included in the original application later through a separate post-approval process.
However, this involves additional government fees, due diligence, and processing time and is generally more expensive than including the spouse from the beginning.
Most families find that including the spouse in the initial application is the most efficient and cost-effective approach.
Parent and Grandparent Eligibility Under Grenada CBI
Grenada is one of the few Caribbean Citizenship by Investment programs that allows parents and grandparents to be included with relatively flexible age rules.
This makes it particularly attractive for families seeking multi-generational security, but eligibility still hinges on financial dependency and clear supporting evidence.
Who Qualifies as a Parent or Grandparent
The following relatives may qualify as dependents under the Grenada CBI:
- Parents of the main applicant
- Parents of the spouse
- Grandparents of the main applicant or spouse
There is no absolute maximum age limit, which sets Grenada apart from programs that restrict parental inclusion to retirees only.
However, the age of the parent directly affects the government contribution required.
Age Thresholds and Additional Contribution Rules
Grenada applies a tiered fee structure based on the age of the parent or grandparent at the time of application:
- Parents or grandparents aged 55 and over – Standard additional government contribution applies
- Parents or grandparents under 55 – Higher additional contribution is required
This pricing structure reflects Grenada’s assumption that younger parents are more likely to be economically active and less financially dependent.
Financial Dependency Is Mandatory
Age alone is not enough. All parents and grandparents must be financially dependent on the main applicant or spouse.
Such dependence typically means they rely on the applicant for:
- Regular living expenses
- Housing or accommodation
- Medical or daily support
During due diligence, we may challenge parents with significant independent income, pensions, or active businesses, potentially deeming them ineligible as dependents.
Evidence Required to Prove Dependency
Typically, applicants must provide the following evidence to establish parental dependency:
- Birth certificates proving the family relationship
- A sworn affidavit of financial support
- Evidence of ongoing financial assistance, such as bank transfers
- Proof of shared residence or property ownership (where applicable)
The stronger and more consistent the financial trail, the smoother the approval process tends to be.
Medical, Police, and Interview Requirements
Parents and grandparents are subject to the same compliance standards as other dependents.
This includes:
- Police clearance certificates from all relevant jurisdictions
- Medical examinations, including age-applicable testing
- Mandatory interviews for applicants aged 17 and above
Medical conditions do not automatically disqualify a parent, but incomplete or outdated medical documentation can cause delays.
Strategic Considerations for Families
Including parents or grandparents can significantly increase the overall cost of a Grenada CBI application.
For this reason, families often evaluate whether inclusion is necessary immediately or whether it makes more sense to add parents at a later stage through a separate application.
Planning this part of the application early helps avoid restructuring costs and unnecessary complications once processing has begun.
Sibling Eligibility Under Grenada CBI
Grenada is one of the few Citizenship by Investment programs that allows siblings to be included in a single application.
While this option can be valuable for certain families, eligibility is strict and costly, and not all siblings will qualify.
Who Qualifies as a Sibling Dependent
A sibling may be included only if they meet all of the following conditions:
- Biological or legally adopted sibling of the main applicant or spouse
- 18 years of age or older
- Unmarried
- No children
If any of these conditions are not met, the sibling cannot be added as a dependent and would need to apply separately as a main applicant.
Higher Fees and Stricter Review
Including a sibling carries the highest additional government contribution among all dependent categories.
This reflects Grenada’s view that siblings are not part of the direct family line and should be included only in specific, well-justified cases.
Sibling applications are also reviewed more closely during due diligence, particularly around marital status and undisclosed children.
Required Documents
To include a sibling, applicants must provide:
- Birth certificates showing a shared parent
- Valid passport and identification
- Police clearance certificates
- Medical examination forms
- A sworn declaration confirming the sibling is unmarried and childless
List of Documents Required for Grenada CBI Family Applications
Common Reasons Family Applications Are Rejected Under Grenada CBI
Most Grenada Citizenship by Investment family applications are not rejected because the program is restrictive but because the rules are misunderstood or poorly documented.
In 2025, with enhanced due diligence and mandatory interviews in place, even small inconsistencies can cause major setbacks.
Below are the most common reasons family applications fail or face serious delays.
Incorrect Dependency Claims
One of the most frequent issues is misclassifying a family member as dependent when they do not meet the legal definition.
Examples include:
- Adult children who are financially independent
- Parents with substantial pensions or active businesses
- Siblings who are married or have children
If dependency cannot be clearly demonstrated, the family member will be rejected and may delay the entire application.
Missing or Inconsistent Family Documents
Birth certificates, marriage certificates, and affidavits must align perfectly.
Even minor inconsistencies, such as name spelling differences or missing parental details, can trigger extended due diligence.
Untranslated, expired, or improperly legalised documents are also commonly rejected.
Undisclosed Marriages or Children
Authorities conduct independent background checks on all dependants.
If a family member is found to have an undisclosed spouse or child, the application may be denied outright.
This is particularly relevant for:
- Adult children
- Siblings
- Applicants from jurisdictions with limited civil registries
Full disclosure is essential, even if the information seems irrelevant.
Weak Police or Medical Records
Police clearance certificates that are incomplete, expired, or missing jurisdictions are one of the biggest sources of delays.
Similarly, missing medical forms or outdated HIV test results can pause processing until corrected, and repeated issues may lead to rejection.
Failed or Inconsistent Interviews
All applicants aged 17 and over must attend a mandatory interview.
Inconsistent answers between family members, unclear explanations of dependency, or contradictions in financial support can raise red flags.
The interview is not a formality; it is a credibility verification.
Source of Funds Concerns Linked to Family Members
Even if a family member is not contributing financially, their background may still be reviewed.
Undisclosed business interests, sanctions exposure, or reputational risks associated with a dependent can impact the main applicant’s file.
Adding Family Members Too Late
Attempting to add dependants after submission, especially without planning, often results in higher costs, re-verification, and longer processing times.
Whenever possible, family members should be included from the beginning to reduce risk and complexity.
Application Timeline for Grenada CBI Family Applications
Costs and Fees for Family Members
FAQs
Final Thoughts
Grenada’s Citizenship by Investment program stands out in 2025 as one of the most family-inclusive options available worldwide.
The ability to include not only a spouse and children under 30, but also parents, grandparents, and even siblings gives families a level of flexibility that few other programs can match.
That flexibility, however, comes with clear rules. Family eligibility under Grenada CBI is built around financial dependency, accurate documentation, and full disclosure.
Each family member added to an application increases the level of scrutiny, and even small inconsistencies can lead to delays or higher costs if not addressed early.
For families who take the time to plan their application structure, decide who to include, prepare the right proofs, and understand the associated fees, Grenada offers more than a second passport.
It provides a long-term mobility solution that can support multi-generational security, travel freedom, and future planning.
As with any citizenship-by-investment process, careful preparation is the key to a smooth outcome. Getting the family structure right from the beginning remains the most effective way to avoid unnecessary complications and make the most of what Grenada’s CBI program has to offer.
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