Published 12 August 2026 · Updated 4 November 2026 · 8 minute read
For investors from countries without a US investment treaty, getting into the US to run a business is hard. The E-2 investor visa is one of the most flexible options, but only citizens of treaty countries can apply. Grenada and Turkey are two of the few citizenship by investment countries on that list.
What the E-2 visa gives you
- The right to live in the US and run the business you invest in
- Your spouse can work in the US
- Your children under 21 can live and study in the US
- Renewable for as long as the business keeps operating
- No annual cap and no long country queues, unlike EB-5 for some nationalities
What it does not give you: a green card. The E-2 is a non-immigrant visa. If you need permanent residency, look at EB-5.
How the route works
- Get Grenadian citizenship through the National Transformation Fund ($235,000 for up to four people) or approved real estate (from $270,000 plus a $50,000 contribution).
- Meet the residence rule. US rules from 2021 require investors who gained citizenship through investment to have been domiciled in the treaty country for at least 3 years before applying for an E-2.
- Set up or buy a US business and invest a substantial amount in it.
- Apply for the E-2 at a US consulate, with a business plan and proof of the investment and source of funds.
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Costs at a glance
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Grenada citizenship, family of up to 4 | From $235,000 plus fees |
| US business investment | No fixed minimum, often $100,000 to $200,000+ |
| E-2 legal and filing costs | Varies, get a fixed quote |
E-2 vs EB-5 vs the Gold Card
| E-2 via Grenada | EB-5 | Gold Card | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Renewable investor visa | Green card | Green card |
| Investment | Substantial business investment | $800,000 in a targeted area, $1,050,000 elsewhere (rising in 2027) | $1 million gift plus $15,000 fee |
| Money back? | It is your business | Possibly, after requirements are met | No |
| Green card | No | Yes | Yes |
| Worldwide US tax | Only if you become US tax resident | Yes, as a green card holder | Yes, as a green card holder |
EB-5 minimums are tied to inflation and are expected to rise from 1 January 2027. The Gold Card launched in December 2025, but take-up has been very low and it faces legal challenges.
Who this route suits
- Business owners who want to run a company in the US
- Families who want US schooling for their children
- People from countries with long EB-5 queues
- Anyone who wants a second passport anyway, with the US as a bonus
Who it does not suit
- People who need a green card quickly
- Passive investors who do not want to run a business
- Anyone who cannot meet the 3-year residence rule
The bottom line
Grenada is still one of the most practical second passports for anyone with US business plans, especially compared with the cost of EB-5 or the Gold Card. Plan the timeline carefully, and get US immigration advice before you invest.
Also worth reading: which Caribbean passport is best and the EU's 2028 review of Caribbean programmes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the E-2 visa?
A US visa for nationals of treaty countries who invest a substantial amount in a US business they will run. It lets you live and work in the US, and your spouse can work too. It is renewable but does not lead directly to a green card.
How much do I need to invest for an E-2?
There is no fixed minimum. The investment has to be substantial for the type of business. In practice, many approved E-2 businesses involve $100,000 to $200,000 or more.
Do I need to live in Grenada first?
US rules introduced in 2021 require people who gained treaty citizenship through investment to have been domiciled in that country for at least 3 years before they qualify for an E-2. Plan for this and take advice from a US immigration lawyer.
Is Turkey also an E-2 country?
Yes. Turkey has an E-2 treaty with the US, so Turkish citizenship by investment is another route, starting from $400,000 in property.
This guide is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Programme rules change often, so confirm the current position before you act.