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Grenada CBI Projects: Approved Developments, Risks, and How to Vet Them Properly

Last Updated:
January 3, 2026
Radica Maneva
Written by:
Radica Maneva
Reviewed by:
Inês Cabral Almeida
Grenada CBI Projects: Approved Developments, Risks, and How to Vet Them Properly
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Grenada’s Citizenship by Investment landscape has shifted more in the last two years than in the previous decade.

What was once a straightforward path to a Caribbean passport has transformed into a tightly regulated system shaped by international pressure, new security standards, and a strong push toward genuine residency.

Investors today aren’t just choosing between luxury developments. They’re navigating compliance rules, construction realities, and a government determined to protect the credibility of its program.

At the same time, demand for Grenada hasn’t slowed.

If anything, interest has grown thanks to its rare combination of U.S. E-2 Treaty eligibility, visa-free access to China, and a real estate market anchored by globally recognized brands.

But the difference in 2025–2026 is simple: choosing the right approved project now requires more than glossy brochures. It demands a clear understanding of which developments are truly operational, which are still viable, and which carry risks investors should avoid.

In this guide, you’ll find a full breakdown of Grenada’s current CBI projects, a look at the regulatory shifts shaping the market, and a practical, step-by-step vetting process to help you choose safely and confidently.

Key Takeaways

US$235k–350kMinimums by route
~6–9+ monthsTypical processing time
5 yrs validityPassport & renewals
30-day stayMandatory from 2026
Donation or real estate routes

Choose between a US$235k NTF donation or US$270k–350k real estate in government-approved projects only.

No discounting allowed

Grenada criminalizes “net price” offers below legal minimums. Underpayment risks application rejection or revocation.

Escrow must be local

Only Grenada-based escrow accounts are compliant. Off-island wiring is a major red flag and may invalidate the investment.

Broad family eligibility

Spouse, dependent children, parents, grandparents, and unmarried siblings may be added under a single application.

Project quality varies widely

Operational assets (Silversands, Mount Cinnamon) are safest. Stalled or paper projects create real delivery and resale risk.

Upcoming residency rules

From 2026, new citizens must spend 30 days in Grenada within 5 years to maintain passport renewal eligibility.

US E-2 treaty advantage

Grenada uniquely offers a pathway to the U.S. E-2 visa, but investors must now reside 3 years in Grenada first.

Total cost considerations

Expect government fees, due diligence, and legal fees on top of investment—budget US$20k–50k+ depending on family size.

Mid-2024 Caribbean MOA signed; unified minimum pricing across CBI countries
Mar 2025 Grenada cracks down on illegal discounting; major project temporarily suspended
Jun 2025 New compliance audits; reinstatement after strict financial review
Late 2025 EU Visa Suspension Mechanism updated—CBI programs under increased scrutiny
Apr–Jun 2026 Mandatory biometrics + 30-day residency rule activated

Understanding Grenada’s New CBI Rules (2024–2026)

Grenada’s Citizenship by Investment framework is no longer operating in the free-flowing environment it once enjoyed.

A series of global and regional pressures from EU security expectations to U.S. immigration reforms has reshaped how the program functions and how projects are approved, financed, and monitored.

The government has responded with tighter enforcement, higher transparency demands, and new rules designed to eliminate discounting, strengthen due diligence, and create a stronger link between investors and the country itself.

These shifts are not cosmetic.

They directly affect how investors choose their projects, how payments must be structured, and what lifestyle or residency commitments will be required in the years ahead.

The Caribbean MOA & the End of Discounting

One of the biggest turning points for Grenada’s CBI program came with the 2024 Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), signed by all major Caribbean CBI jurisdictions.

For years, countries competed by quietly lowering their “real” prices through rebates, side agreements, and aggressive agent incentives.

The MOA ended that era completely. It introduced unified minimum investment levels across the region and required every government to enforce them, not just publish them.

For Grenada, this means the legal minimums of US$235,000 for the donation route and US$270,000–350,000 for real estate must now be paid in full, without creative structuring or cashback tactics.

Any attempt to reduce the investor’s net outlay below these thresholds is defined as illegal discounting.

Since early 2026, Grenada has actively suspended projects, rejected applications, and even revoked citizenships over these schemes.

The message is simple: a discounted passport is a non-compliant passport, and non-compliant passports are now at risk.

The EU Visa Suspension Mechanism & Why It Matters

EU Visa Suspension
EU Visa Suspension

Another major force reshaping Grenada’s CBI landscape is the European Union’s updated Visa Suspension Mechanism.

For the first time, the EU has explicitly listed “investor citizenship schemes” as a trigger for suspending visa-free access. That alone represents a major shift in how Europe views CBI programs.

Under the revised rules, the EU can now act faster  and with fewer warning signs  if it believes a country’s citizenship program creates security or migration risks.

Even a moderate rise in refusal rates, irregular arrivals, or weak due diligence can prompt a review.

This puts Grenada in a more focused position and shows why the government is quickly adjusting to meet EU standards by collecting biometric data, improving anti-money laundering checks, and requiring a real physical presence.

For investors, the key takeaway is that Grenada is actively protecting its visa-free privileges, and the program is evolving accordingly.

The developments approved today, and how they operate, must now withstand far greater scrutiny than ever before.

The U.S. AMIGOS Act & the 3-Year Domicile Rule for E-2 Applicants

For many investors, Grenada’s biggest advantage over other Caribbean programs has always been its access to the U.S. E-2 Treaty Investor visa.

That pathway is still available, but since the AMIGOS Act became law, the rules have fundamentally changed.

Investors who obtain Grenadian citizenship through the CBI route must now live in Grenada for at least three continuous years before they can apply for the E-2 visa.

This change ended the old “passport-only” route, where an investor could secure a Grenada passport remotely and file an E-2 application immediately.

Today, U.S. consulates require clear proof of domicile: utility bills, rental agreements, school attendance for dependents, community ties, and physical presence.

The practical impact is significant.

Hotel room shares and micro-units (once common in CBI real estate) no longer meet the needs of investors who must genuinely reside in Grenada.

Buyers now look for functional residential properties where they can live, spend time each year, and build the evidence required for E-2 eligibility.

Category Requirement Where / scope Rules Use limits Notes
Pre-AMIGOS (before 2022) No residency required Global — Grenadian citizens worldwide E-2 could be filed immediately after receiving the passport N/A Allowed “passport-only” E-2 filings; now discontinued
Post-AMIGOS (2022–present) 3-year domicile Must live in Grenada Continuous domicile: rental/ownership + utilities + presence N/A Applies to all CBI-acquired citizens
Natural-born Grenadian citizens No 3-year rule Must maintain Grenadian nationality Standard E-2 rules apply N/A Not affected by AMIGOS Act restrictions
CBI real estate owners Property must support domicile Grenada — habitable properties only Hotel room shares do not support residency claims Cannot rely on fractional hotel rooms for domicile Investors prefer condos/villas with year-round usability
Evidence of residency Mandatory Global: shown at U.S. consulate Utility bills, lease deeds, school ties, travel logs N/A Insufficient evidence is the #1 reason for E-2 refusals
E-2 business investment Typically US$100k–250k+ United States Must invest in an active business (not passive income) No “idle investment” allowed Separate from Grenada CBI investment

The 2026 Residency, Biometrics & Digital Certificate Rules

Grenada is entering a new compliance era in 2026, and these rules reshape what it means to become a citizen through investment.

The most significant change is the introduction of a mandatory 30-day residency requirement, applied over the first five years of citizenship.

This rule is designed to demonstrate a “genuine link” to the country and aligns Grenada with international expectations around physical presence.

Alongside this, all applicants will undergo enhanced biometric checks, including fingerprinting and facial recognition, with data shared across regional security networks.

Citizenship certificates are also being transitioned to a fully digital, automated system, reducing potential delays and strengthening document integrity.

Together, these updates signal a clear shift: Grenada’s CBI program is evolving into a modern, residency-anchored framework with stronger identity verification and more rigorous long-term compliance.

Rule Requirement Who it applies to Purpose What investors must do Notes
30-Day Residency 30 days in 5 years All new CBI citizens Establish a “genuine link” Plan annual or multi-year travel to Grenada 5 days required in year one; 25 days over remaining 4 years
Mandatory Biometrics Fingerprint + facial data All applicants & dependents Strengthen security & due diligence Attend biometric appointment (local/overseas) Data shared with CARICOM IMPACS & major partner states
Digital Certificates Fully digital issuance All approved applicants Reduce delays, fraud & manual errors Retain secure digital backup; verify details upon issuance Aims to shorten processing times back toward 6 months

Directory of Grenada CBI Approved Projects (2025–2026 Overview)

Resort Sketch on Paper
Resort Sketch on Paper

Grenada’s official “Approved Project” list can be misleading at first glance.

While every project on it has technically received Cabinet approval, not all developments are equal or even active. Some are fully operational luxury resorts with strong track records.

Others are mid-construction projects with real momentum. Despite their long-standing approval status, a few remain stalled, controversial, or have made little visible progress.

For investors, understanding this landscape is essential. The difference between a functioning resort and a “paper project” can determine whether your citizenship remains secure, whether your investment retains value, and whether you meet new residency requirements in 2026.

Category A - Completed & Operational Projects (Lowest Risk)

Category A includes the safest developments in Grenada’s CBI market.

These projects are fully built, open to guests, and generating real revenue.

They involve no construction uncertainty and offer the strongest protection against regulatory or delivery risks.

For investors who value stability or who plan to meet the upcoming residency requirement in 2026, these are the most reliable choices.

Silversands Grenada (Origin) A fully operational luxury resort on Grand Anse Beach that offers high-end villas and strong brand recognition. It is widely regarded as the safest and most reputable CBI development in Grenada.
Silversands Beach House An intimate beachfront extension of the Silversands brand located at Portici Beach. It is fully open, receiving excellent guest reviews, and supported by a financially strong developer.
Mount Cinnamon A long-established boutique resort overlooking Grand Anse Beach. It offers stable operations, mature management, and minimal delivery risk for investors who prefer proven hospitality assets.
Mariposa Condominiums A completed residential development in the Morne Rouge area. It provides real living space and is suitable for investors who want practical accommodation for future residency requirements.

Category B: Active Construction Projects (Moderate to High Execution Risk)

Category B includes projects that are building or have recently opened but still carry meaningful execution risk.

These developments often have strong brands or experienced developers behind them, yet they are exposed to delays, cost overruns, regulatory investigations, or environmental litigation.

Investors who choose Category B should focus on solid construction progress, fully compliant contracts, and an obvious understanding of any public controversy around the site.

Six Senses La Sagesse A high end eco luxury resort at La Sagesse that has reached soft opening stage and is receiving guests. The developer has a strong regional track record, although the project sits within an environmental court case that investors should understand before committing.
InterContinental Grenada Resort A branded resort under construction at La Sagesse that builds on the same infrastructure used for Six Senses. Progress on site appears steady and the developer has delivered multiple CBI hotels in the region, although investors still face normal construction and delivery risk.
Grenada National Resort A very large resort and golf project at Levera that continues to build after a period of suspension related to discounting allegations. The project was later cleared and reinstated, but its history means investors should insist on full price contracts and clean escrow arrangements.
Hartman University Town and Resort A mixed use project that combines student housing with a planned resort in the Mt Hartman area. It targets demand from the university sector, yet faces political criticism and environmental opposition linked to the habitat of the Grenada Dove, which increases its risk profile.

Category C: Stalled and High-Risk Projects

Category C covers the projects that carry the highest risk for investors.

These developments either show very limited physical progress, have serious planning or community objections, or appear as “paper projects” that exist mostly on marketing slides.

Capital placed here can remain trapped for years with no realistic exit and no usable asset at the end.

Especially in the current regulatory climate, most investors prefer to view these projects as options to avoid rather than as opportunities to secure.

Coral Cove Frequently described by local observers as a paper project, Coral Cove faces questions around planning permission and strong community opposition. Visible progress on the ground is minimal, which makes it a very high risk choice for capital.
Bacolet Bay Resort and Spa Listed as on hold in recent status reports, Bacolet Bay has been sitting in a half started state for years. There is no clear sign of a restart, which makes it a classic example of a stalled CBI development that investors should avoid.
The View (legacy project) Industry trackers show no reliable data for The View, with little public information about construction, financing, or delivery. When a project is this silent, the safest assumption is that progress is inactive and the risk of non completion is very high.

Decertified Projects and What They Signal for Investors

Grenada actively removes projects that fail to meet performance, financial, or compliance standards.

Several developments have already been decertified and are no longer eligible for CBI applications.

These cases serve as important reminders that approval is not permanent and that a project can lose its status when progress stalls or when compliance problems appear.

Although we do not go into detailed descriptions of each decertified site, their removal shows that investors must check the current approval status of any project before sending funds.

A project that has been decertified cannot qualify new applicants, and investors who bought into these developments in the past often find that their shares have little or no resale utility.

This section naturally leads into the most important part of the guide, which explains how to evaluate a project before committing capital.

Vetting Protocols: How to Vet a Grenada CBI Project in 2026

Project Approval
Project Approval

Choosing the right development in Grenada is not only about comparing glossy brochures.

It is a technical exercise that requires checking construction progress, financial controls, regulatory status, developer history, and contract compliance.

The strongest projects make this process easy because they provide clear documentation, open communication, and verifiable proof of progress.

The weaker ones rely on promotional material, incomplete contracts, or aggressive pricing that cannot be reconciled with the new regional rules.

Investors must adhere to a structured vetting process before committing funds, given the full enforcement of the Caribbean MOA and increased international oversight.

This section outlines the essential checks that separate safe, compliant projects from those that carry unacceptable risk.

Step 1 (Initial Proposal)

The developer submits a full concept package to the government. This includes architectural plans, financial structure, projected job creation, and proof of funding capacity.

Step 2 (4–12 weeks)

Government agencies review environmental impact, land ownership, financing, and feasibility. Projects with weak planning or unclear ownership often stall at this stage.

Step 3 (Cabinet Decision)

If the project passes technical checks, the Cabinet issues formal approval. This grants the developer the right to market the project for CBI purposes.

Step 4 (Ongoing Reviews)

The Ministry of Finance monitors escrow structures, payment flows, and construction progress. Authorities verify that the developer follows the Caribbean MOA rules.

Step 5 (Investor Participation)

Once fully approved, the project is listed as eligible for citizenship. Investors can subscribe through purchase agreements that must reflect the full legal minimums.

Step 6 (Progress Checks)

Inspectors confirm that funds received match construction progress. Projects must show real on-site activity to remain in good standing.

Step 7 (Possible Suspension)

If discounting, misuse of funds, or inactivity is detected, the project can be suspended. Developers must correct violations or face removal from the program.

Step 8 (Final Outcome)

Projects that resolve compliance issues may be reinstated. Others are fully decertified and cannot accept new CBI investors. The decision affects future resale value.

Vetting Protocols: The 7 Essential Checks Every Investor Should Make

Marketing material does not define a good CBI project; proof of progress, financial stability, and clean compliance do.

These seven checks give investors a simple framework to evaluate any Grenada development quickly and confidently.

1. Confirm the Project’s Approval Status

Make sure the project is currently approved by the Government of Grenada.

Some developments have been suspended or removed in the past, so the status must be verified at the time of investment. An active approval does not guarantee safety but is the minimum requirement.

2. Verify On-Site Construction Progress

A safe project shows regular, visible progress: updated photos, active contractors, and steady on-site work.

If a project repeats the same images for months or has no workers present, it is a sign of stalling. Real construction is one of the strongest indicators of reliability.

3. Review the Developer’s Track Record

Look at the company’s past projects in Grenada and the wider Caribbean.

Developers with completed resorts or proven delivery history are far safer than newcomers or opaque entities. A strong track record usually means stronger financing and better execution.

4. Check Escrow Structure and Payment Flow

Funds should be held in escrow and released in stages that match real construction milestones.

Avoid projects that request early payments outside escrow or offer unclear contracts. Proper payment flow protects the investor and prevents misuse of funds.

5. Identify Legal, Environmental, or Community Disputes

If a project is tied to court cases, land disputes, or environmental protests, the risk increases significantly.

These issues frequently lead to delays, redesigns, or even project suspension. A clean legal and environmental profile is essential for smooth delivery.

6. Confirm Pricing and Anti-Discounting Compliance

The Caribbean MOA requires full minimum pricing with no rebates or incentives.

Any offer that reduces the investor’s net cost is non-compliant and can lead to application denial or citizenship revocation. A compliant price protects your future rights.

7. Evaluate Exit Strategy and Use Potential

A good project offers a realistic resale path and, ideally, usable living space.

Hotel shares are harder to resell, while residential units can serve future stay requirements. Think in terms of long-term value rather than short-term returns.

Exit Strategy and Resale Realities in Grenada CBI

Investors often overlook the exit stage when choosing a project, yet it is one of the most important considerations.

Grenada’s property market is relatively small, and resale demand depends heavily on whether the project remains approved, fully operational, and attractive to new buyers.

Hotel-share units are generally harder to resell because they appeal to a narrow audience and offer limited personal use, while completed residential units tend to hold value more reliably.

With the arrival of the 30-day residency requirement in 2026, practical living space will likely become more desirable, and this may influence resale dynamics for years to come.

A strong exit strategy focuses on real utility, project stability, and long-term demand rather than promotional projections.

Red Flags to Watch Before Investing

Red Flag Why It Matters
No visible construction on site Suggests the project is stalled or underfunded. Lack of actual progress is the strongest sign of future non-completion.
Discounted or “special” pricing Violates the Caribbean MOA rules. Non-compliant pricing can cause application rejection or future citizenship issues.
Unclear escrow or payment structure Funds may be released too early or mismanaged. Proper escrow protects the investor throughout construction.
Land ownership disputes or unclear titles Legal problems with land often block approvals, slow construction, and increase the risk of suspension.
Environmental or community objections Projects under protest or litigation face long delays and unpredictable outcomes, even if technically approved.
Repeated use of old marketing images This usually indicates minimal construction progress and a lack of real activity on the ground.
No developer track record in Grenada or the Caribbean New or unknown developers may lack the capacity, experience, or financing to deliver a project of this scale.
History of suspension or compliance violations Projects previously penalised for discounting or irregularities carry higher long-term risk.

Safe Indicators of a Strong and Reliable Project

Indicator Why It Matters
Visible, ongoing construction Steady activity on site is the most reliable sign that a project is progressing and well financed.
Clear escrow structure with staged releases Funds are protected and only released when real progress is achieved, reducing financial risk.
Developer with completed regional projects Past delivery in the Caribbean shows the team has experience, logistics, and the capacity to finish similar developments.
Updated photos, videos, and progress reports Transparent communication suggests strong internal management and confidence in the project’s timeline.
Clean compliance history Projects with no sanctions, suspensions, or discounting allegations face fewer regulatory risks.
Strong brand affiliation Affiliation with a recognised hospitality or real estate brand typically means higher standards and regular audits.
Functional residential use potential Units that support meaningful stay requirements or personal use will likely hold better long-term value.
Stable ownership and clean land title Verified land rights prevent delays caused by disputes, environmental reviews, and regulatory challenges.

FAQs

Usually no. Most CBI developments do not have usable accommodations until specific phases are completed. Investors who want immediate living space should prioritise completed residential units or operating resorts.
Yes. Grenada monitors projects continuously and can suspend or remove those that fail compliance requirements. This is why verifiable construction and transparent reporting matter more than the approval list alone.
Only projects that remain active, compliant, and officially listed can be resold to new CBI-eligible buyers. If a project loses approval, resale becomes significantly more difficult.
No. Grenada CBI real estate is not structured as a return-focused investment. Hotel shares often provide modest or variable returns, and some offer none at all. Citizenship benefits are the primary value.
Look for signs such as active construction, clear financing sources, reputable brand partnerships, and a developer with completed projects in the region. Over-reliance on incoming CBI funds is a risk indicator.
Branded resorts usually offer stronger operational oversight and quality assurance, but smaller residential developments may provide better usability and long-term personal value. The choice depends on your goals.
Delays are common in island construction. What matters is whether the project continues to show genuine progress. Long periods of inactivity are far more concerning than shifted timelines.
Often yes. Residential units and completed resort accommodations offer practical use, support future stay requirements, and usually hold stronger resale value than passive hotel shares.
Only if the project is approved for the shared investment model. Most residential units require sole ownership, while some hotel-share structures allow two applicants at the legal threshold.
Yes. The government performs post-completion verification to ensure the project matches what was originally approved. This protects the integrity of the program and helps identify compliance issues early.
A visit is not required but highly recommended. Seeing construction activity, meeting developers, and touring locations in person often gives a more accurate understanding than marketing material.
No. All pricing must comply with the Caribbean MOA, meaning the minimum investment cannot be reduced with rebates or side incentives. Non-compliant pricing can jeopardise your citizenship.

Conclusion: Making a Safe Decision in Grenada’s Evolving CBI Market

Grenada’s CBI program continues to offer strong advantages, especially for investors seeking a well-regarded Caribbean passport with stable global mobility.

At the same time, the market is maturing, and regulators are increasing scrutiny across every stage of project approval, financing, and construction.

These changes make careful due diligence more important than ever. The safest choices remain completed or well-managed developments with visible progress, clean compliance records, and developers who have already delivered major projects in the region.

By following the essential vetting steps and focusing on real construction activity rather than marketing material, investors can avoid stalled or risky developments and choose projects that offer genuine long-term value.

Grenada is shifting toward a more transparent and structured CBI environment, and informed investors will have the clearest path to secure, predictable outcomes.

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