🇬🇩map Grenada [Residency]

Overview

Grenada is a friendly, English-speaking island nation in the Caribbean, part of the Commonwealth and the Eastern Caribbean currency area. Most travelers arrive through Maurice Bishop International Airport in St. George’s, and movement between islands in the region is easy by short hops. Citizens of many countries—including the US, Canada, the UK, and most EU states—are typically visa-exempt for short visits; immigration officers usually stamp in tourists for up to 90 days, though the exact period is at the officer’s discretion. You’ll need a passport valid for the length of stay, proof of onward or return travel, and accommodation details. Grenada is strict about clean criminal records and may ask for evidence of funds. Always check your nationality’s latest entry rules before you book, as Caribbean policies can shift with health or security advisories.

If you plan to work, study, or stay long-term, you’ll need the appropriate visa or permit in advance. Work authorization is handled separately from entry permission, and employer sponsorship is the norm. Business visitors coming for meetings without paid local work often enter visa-free but must be prepared to explain their purpose at the border. Health-wise, proof of yellow fever vaccination is required if you’re coming from an endemic country. Grenada is outside the hurricane belt’s worst path, but storm season runs June to November—keep that in mind for timing and travel insurance.

Tourist and Short-term Visas

For most nationalities that are visa-exempt, tourism stays are straightforward: arrive with your passport, return ticket, and lodging details, and you’ll typically receive up to 90 days at entry. If your nationality requires a visa, apply in advance through the nearest Grenadian embassy or a British or OECS partner mission where applicable. Short-term business visitors attending meetings or conferences can usually enter under the same rules as tourists but should carry invitation letters and contacts in Grenada. Extensions of stay are possible through the Immigration Department in St. George’s, and decisions depend on your reason, good conduct, and proof you can support yourself.

Bring two passport photos, a completed application form (if required for your nationality), and bank statements or employer letters showing funds or support. Fees for visitor extensions are modest but change occasionally; carry cash for government offices. Processing for extensions is usually a few business days, while advance visas (for those who need them) can take a couple of weeks depending on the mission’s workload. Dress neatly and be polite at your interview or counter visit—Caribbean immigration is formal but welcoming.

Work Visas and Permits

Working in Grenada requires a work permit issued by the Ministry of Legal Affairs, Labour, and Consumer Affairs, separate from your entry stamp. Your Grenadian employer must sponsor you and show why the role can’t be filled locally—this is common across the Eastern Caribbean. Permits are typically granted for one year and can be renewed. Skilled roles in tourism management, healthcare, education, ICT, and construction project supervision are more likely to be approved, especially when tied to local development projects.

Expect to submit proof of qualifications, professional references, a clean police certificate, and a recent medical. Some professions (like healthcare and teaching) may need local licensing or registration. Timelines vary, but one to two months is typical from a complete submission—build in extra time if documents need notarization or legalization. You cannot begin paid work until the permit is issued, so plan your arrival accordingly or request a start date that allows for processing.

Long-term Residence

Longer stays without taking up local employment—like remote work—usually proceed under extended visitor status or a temporary residence approach, but you still cannot work for a Grenadian employer without a permit. If you’re moving with family, each dependent needs their own permission, and school enrollment for children is straightforward once immigration status is in order. Permanent residence is generally available after several years of lawful stay, especially for those with strong ties such as marriage, long-term employment, or community involvement.

Grenada also offers an investment route to status through its citizenship-by-investment (CBI) program, which involves either a government fund donation or approved real estate investment plus due diligence. This path suits investors, not typical nomads, and comes with significant costs and vetting. Retirees often reside via renewed visitor extensions or residence options arranged with local advisors; proof of income, health insurance, and clean records are important. Always confirm the latest residence criteria directly with Grenada’s immigration authorities before making plans.

Application Process

Start by confirming whether your nationality needs a visa to enter Grenada. If yes, contact the nearest Grenadian embassy or a designated partner mission for the application form, photo specs, and fee instructions. Gather your passport (with sufficient validity), travel itinerary, lodging confirmation, bank statements, and any invitation or employment letters relevant to your purpose of travel. Submit your application well ahead of your trip—two to four weeks is a safe window for short-term visas when required.

For work permits, coordinate with your employer early. They will submit forms to the Ministry responsible for Labour along with your credentials, police certificate, and medical reports. Keep scanned copies of everything, and use trackable mail for original documents if needed. Interviews are not always required but be prepared to discuss your role, experience, and how you’ll contribute locally. After approval, verify how you’ll collect your permit and whether an additional stamp or ID is required upon arrival.

Costs and Fees

Visitor visa fees (for nationalities that require them) are moderate, and extension-of-stay fees are typically paid at the Immigration Department in local currency. Work permits involve higher fees, often scaled by duration and job category, and employers commonly cover them. Budget for document authentication: police certificates, diplomas, and birth or marriage certificates may require notarization and apostilles from your home country.

Some permits require medical checks, usually including a basic exam and lab tests; prices vary by clinic. Health insurance that covers evacuation is strongly recommended, especially during hurricane season. If you’re using a courier for documents, add those costs to your timeline and budget. Fee schedules change periodically, so confirm the latest amounts before you apply.

After Arrival

On arrival, check your entry stamp and allowed stay—if it’s shorter than you expected, politely ask the officer for clarification. If you plan to extend, visit the Immigration Department before your permission expires; overstays can lead to fines or future entry problems. For those with approved work permits, confirm with your employer where and when to pick up your permit card or letter and whether you need an additional endorsement in your passport.

If you’ll be earning locally, register for tax with the Inland Revenue Division and clarify national insurance contributions with your employer. Opening a bank account usually requires your passport, proof of address, immigration status, and a reference letter or bank statements; some banks may ask for a local reference. Mobile SIMs are easy to get with your passport, and short-term rentals are common near Grand Anse and around St. George’s for convenient access to services.

Common Issues and Tips

The most common hiccups are unclear return plans, insufficient funds evidence, or missing police certificates for permits. Keep your paperwork tidy, with originals and copies, and make sure names match across documents. If a permit is delayed, stay proactive—your employer should follow up with the ministry, and you should maintain lawful status through extensions if needed. Appeals are possible for some decisions, but it’s better to submit a complete, well-documented application the first time.

Recent years have seen periodic updates to health entry rules and adjustments to work permit practices, so always check for the latest notices before you travel. Consider using a reputable local attorney or immigration consultant if your case is complex—especially for long-term residence or investment routes. Helpful contacts include Grenada’s Immigration Department in St. George’s, the Ministry responsible for Labour for work permits, and your home country’s embassy or high commission accredited to Grenada (often based in Barbados or Trinidad).

Maria
Maria is a bilingual travel writer and immigration consultant originally from Mexico City, with extensive experience living and working across Latin America. She spent her early career as a journalist covering cross-border migration and expatriate communities throughout Central and South America. Having personally navigated complex visa processes in multiple countries including the United States and Spain, Maria understands firsthand the challenges faced by Latin American professionals seeking international opportunities.