The US Gold Card programme remains open, but it is also the subject of an ongoing federal court challenge. For investors considering American business access, that creates uncertainty around a route established by executive action rather than a new visa category created by Congress.

Grenada can still provide access to the US E-2 Treaty Investor route. However, acquiring Grenadian citizenship does not normally mean an investor can apply for an E-2 visa immediately. A law introduced in December 2022 added a domicile requirement for some people who acquire treaty-country nationality through financial investment.

What the Gold Card Challenge Means

Executive Order 14351 established the Gold Card programme on 19 September 2025. It directs US agencies to treat a $1 million unrestricted gift from an individual, or a $2 million corporate gift made for an individual, as evidence relevant to EB-1A or EB-2 National Interest Waiver eligibility.

The payment does not guarantee permanent residence. Applicants must still pass immigration, security and admissibility checks.

A lawsuit filed in the US District Court for the District of Columbia on 3 February 2026 argues that the programme exceeds executive authority and conflicts with rules created by Congress. The case remains ongoing. The programme has not been struck down, but its future remains uncertain.

Why Grenada Remains Relevant

Grenada has held an E-2 treaty with the United States since 3 March 1989. Among established Caribbean citizenship by investment programmes, Grenada is the main option offering this treaty connection.

The E-2 is a temporary visa allowing a qualifying investor to develop and direct a genuine US business. The investment must be substantial, committed and at risk. The business must be active and operating, and it cannot be marginal.

There is no official fixed minimum investment. The amount depends on the type and cost of the business. The investor must normally own at least 50% of the enterprise or otherwise control it.

A spouse and unmarried children under 21 may accompany the principal applicant. The visa can be renewed while the requirements continue to be met, but it does not provide an automatic route to a green card.

The 3-Year Domicile Rule

A first-time E visa applicant who obtained the relevant nationality through financial investment must show that they were domiciled in that treaty country for a continuous period of at least 3 years at some point before applying.

This means the Grenada-to-E-2 strategy should not be presented as a simple 9-to-12-month process. The treatment of the chosen citizenship route and the evidence needed to prove domicile should be reviewed by qualified US immigration counsel before funds are committed.

How Grenada Citizenship Works

The Grenada citizenship by investment programme currently offers 2 principal routes:

Route	Minimum qualifying amount	Key point
National Transformation Fund	$235,000	Non-refundable contribution for a single applicant or family of up to 4, before additional fees
Approved real estate	From $270,000	Approved investment, usually with an additional government contribution and fees

The real estate option is not guaranteed to be refundable. Its eventual value depends on the project, market and resale terms. A qualifying investment commonly needs to be held for at least 5 years before resale to another programme applicant.

Applications are subject to due diligence, source-of-funds checks, interviews and government approval. Processing times vary, and citizenship is not guaranteed. Grenada does not require applicants to reside there merely to retain citizenship, but the separate US domicile rule may affect E-2 eligibility.

Eligible dependants can include a spouse, qualifying children, parents or grandparents and, in limited circumstances, siblings. Families considering second citizenship for children should review age and dependency conditions carefully.

Citizenship alone does not determine tax residence. Tax exposure depends on residence, income sources, business structure and the countries involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Grenada citizenship lead directly to a green card?

No. The E-2 is temporary and does not itself create permanent residence.

Is the E-2 affected by the Gold Card lawsuit?

No. It is a separate treaty-based category, although every application is individually assessed.

How does it compare with other routes?

The guide to residency by investment versus citizenship by investment explains the main differences.

Take the Next Step

Experienced investment migration consultants can assess the Grenada application, while US immigration counsel should confirm the E-2 and domicile position.

You can compare Caribbean citizenship options and wider global citizenship programmes. Contact Coates Global to arrange a consultation.