Grenada’s CBI investment can offer Nigerians 3-5 percent returns, five-year

Grenada’s citizenship-by-investment (CBI) programme can offer real estate investors a projected annual return of 3 to 5 percent, plus an opportunity to exit after five years, according to Thomas Anthony, chief executive officer of Grenada’s Investment Migration Agency (IMA).

He noted this during an investment migration event hosted by Passport Legacy in Lagos, where he highlighted how investment migration is increasingly being considered as a strategy for global opportunities, international mobility, family wealth planning and access to overseas investment markets.

“When you make the investment in a property in Grenada, a Caribbean island nation, through the CBI program, you have the opportunity to sell that investment after five years of ownership to another CBI applicant. The returns generally are between three and five percent, which is paid annually,” Anthony said.

However, the projected returns and exit option do not eliminate investment risks. Investors must assess the performance of individual projects, resale conditions and the possibility of delays or losses before committing capital.

Anthony also noted the sale of the investment, or the failure of the investment, does not affect one’s citizenship, as it is granted for life.

Investment migration depends on the investment terms, programme costs and the investor’s objectives, according to Weyinmi Oritsejafor, managing director of Passport Legacy Nigeria.

Citizenship offers benefits beyond travel

Anthony further outlined Grenada’s CBIs real estate route and the potential for eligible Grenadian nationals to apply for the United States’ (US) E-2 Treaty Investor visa.

The visa requires applicants to meet US eligibility criteria and make a qualifying investment in a US business; Grenadian citizenship alone does not guarantee approval.

He also highlighted the potential to pass citizenship to future generations, subject to the country’s laws and registration requirements.

“It’s important to register each generation to keep the citizenship going. So it’s an investment for the future of your family,” he said.

He also encouraged straightforward, clear and honest applications which can receive decisions within six to eight months, if additional information is not required.

Investors face substantial entry costs

The financial commitment remains a major consideration. Anthony also highlighted that Grenada’s programme offers a non-refundable government contribution of $235,000 for a family of up to four, while the real estate route started at $320,000, comprising $270,000 for an approved property investment and $50,000 for the government. Additional fees apply, and the total cost depends on the applicant’s circumstances and family composition.

For Nigerian investors, evaluating the programme therefore requires more than comparing passport access or advertised returns. Due diligence should cover the developer’s track record, project completion, projected income, resale arrangements and the full cost of participation.

Ngozi Ekugo

Ngozi Ekugo holds an MSc in Management from the University of Hertfordshire. She is also an alumna of University of Lagos, Queen’s College, and an Associate Member of CIPM. Her experience includes a brief exposure in the Human Capital Management division of Goldman Sachs in London. She draws on her cross-sector experience to cover employment trends, career opportunities and international mobility.