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MPH Expat Experience (XP)
Grenada · MPH Expat ExperienceLiving in Grenada: what it really costs, and what to expect
154 researched facts across 18 categories — visas, costs, housing, tax, healthcare, safety and daily life — each with a named source and the date it was checked. Every figure links to where it came from. 3 items still have no reliable source and are marked as such.
EC$3,285 a month · couple in St. George's
91 Mbps median home internet
+1 h from US Eastern
The $4,000 question
Can you live comfortably in Grenada on $4,000 a month?
Couple renting in St. George's, a month: a 2-bed with harbour views by the Carenage, US$1,000 (EC$2,700) + electricity EC$314 (250 kWh, October 2026 fuel charge) + water EC$39 (2,800 gallons) + Flow 250 Mbps broadband with a postpaid plan for up to 3 lines $232 = about EC$3,285, before food. Grand Anse: a furnished 1-bed US$850 (EC$2,295) gives about EC$2,880.
Built by MPH from the official figures under Cost of living, Housing and Tax below, plus the asking rent listed by CENTURY 21 Grenada Grenadines Real Estate and published electricity, water, internet and phone tariffs; food and transport are not included. Your own costs depend on where and how you live.
All 18 categories
Grenada, fact by fact
Visas, residency & citizenshipCost of livingHousing & propertyTax, money & bankingHealthcareEducation & familySafety & securityClimate & environmentConnectivity & daily infrastructureTransport & travelWork & businessLanguage, culture & integrationGovernment, law & societyMoving logisticsDemographicsExpat sentimentFood, groceries & marketsQuestions US movers ask
01Visas, residency & citizenship12
Visa types available (retirement / passive income, digital nomad, work, highly-skilled / EU Blue Card, student, family / spouse, investment / golden visa)
Routes: visa-free visits (UK visitors up to 3 months, Canadians up to 90 days), extended by the Immigration Department at EC$25 a month; visas for other nationalities (EC$100 single entry, EC$250 multiple); work permits from the Ministry of Labour (fees per year); permanent residence; the Remote Employment permit (in law since 2021); and citizenship by investment. No retirement visa was found.
Source: Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF) — Immigration Department — services and fees · 2026 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Income / savings thresholds per visa
Remote Employment permit: at least EC$100,000 a year earned outside Grenada, plus health insurance and a police certificate; fees US$1,500 (one person) or US$2,000 (family of up to 4). Work permits need a bank statement of sufficient funds from the employer (the applicant's own if self-employed), no amount set; permanent residence asks for a bank statement. CBI starts at US$235,000 (1004).
Source: Parliament of Grenada — Remote Employment Act, Act No. 3 of 2021 · 2021 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Health-insurance requirement for the visa
The Remote Employment permit requires health insurance. Permanent-residence applicants need a medical at the General Hospital Laboratory, including an HIV test and chest X-ray; CBI applicants need a doctor's certificate showing no communicable disease. No insurance rule was found for work permits; Canada advises insurance that covers medical evacuation.
Source: Parliament of Grenada — Remote Employment Act, Act No. 3 of 2021 · 2021 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Investment thresholds (residency and citizenship by investment)
CBI (SRO 15 of 2024, from 1 Jul 2024): a National Transformation Fund contribution of US$235,000 for one person or a family of up to 4 (+US$25,000–75,000 each extra), or an approved project (US$350,000, or US$270,000 per share in a shared unit) plus a US$50,000 government contribution. Fees per adult (US$): application 1,500, due diligence 5,000 (FAQ: 6,000), processing 1,500, interview 1,000.
Source: Investment Migration Agency (IMA) Grenada — Circular No. 3 of 2024 (3 Jul 2024) with Circular No. 2 of 2024 and the CBI (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2024, SRO 15 of 2024 · 2024 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Processing time and validity
CBI: approval within 60 business days of submission, with no expedited service and an online interview; passports are valid 5 years. Visas: single entry EC$100 (3 months), multiple entry EC$250 (1 year); extension of stay EC$25 a month. Work permits take up to 12 working days. The CBI law is to be replaced in 2026, and an independent review ran in Sep–Oct 2026.
Source: Investment Migration Agency (IMA) Grenada — Enquiries (FAQ) — investment, fees, processing, interview, dual citizenship · 2026 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Path to permanent residence (years)
Permanent residence: apply to the Office of the Prime Minister with police certificates dated within 6 months, references, a bank statement, a letter on why you want residence and a medical at the General Hospital Laboratory (including an HIV test); fee EC$275 + EC$5.10. The sheet sets no minimum years of residence. CBI applicants on the NTF route may take permanent residence first.
Source: Grenada High Commission, London — Instruction sheet for permanent residence · 2024 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Citizenship / naturalisation timeline
Naturalisation: good character, adequate English, a residence permit and 12 months' residence just before applying, plus at least 5 years' residence in the 7 years before that. Commonwealth citizens may register after 5 years. CBI needs no residence for now: a new residence rule due on 31 Aug 2026 is on hold until the regional regulator starts work (IMA).
Source: GLOBALCIT (EUI) copy of the law — Grenada Citizenship Act 1976, consolidated to 2002 (Cap. 54) · 2012 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Dual citizenship allowed
Yes: 'Grenada allows dual citizenship, and you thus do not need to renounce any other citizenship or passport' (IMA), and Canada says dual citizenship is legally recognised. Under the Citizenship Act, giving up Grenadian citizenship is a voluntary declaration; there is no automatic loss on taking another nationality.
Source: Investment Migration Agency (IMA) Grenada — Enquiries (FAQ) — investment, fees, processing, interview, dual citizenship · 2026 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Citizenship by descent / marriage
Registration fees (Citizenship Regulations, as amended 2016): EC$1,000 for a person married to a Grenadian by birth and EC$500 for a descendant of a Grenadian citizen (section 5A, since January 2017). The regulations read do not state a waiting period for spouses.
Source: Parliament of Grenada — Citizenship (Amendment) Regulations 2016, SRO 68 of 2016 (gazetted 4 Jan 2017) · 2017 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Short-stay rules (e.g. Schengen 90/180)
UK visitors may stay up to 3 months without a visa and Canadians up to 90 days; longer stays need permission from the Immigration and Passport Department in St. George's (EC$25 for each month or part month). Working or overstaying without permission is illegal. Departing passengers pay EC$20 embarkation tax.
Source: UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office — Grenada travel advice (updated 10 Dec 2025; still current 27 Oct 2026) · 2026 · checked 27 Oct 2026
First registrations (tax number, residence registration)
Tax numbers have 6 digits and are issued only to people who must file a return or pay direct tax. Everyone employed, including non-nationals, must register with the National Insurance Scheme (NIS).
Source: OECD (information submitted by Grenada) — Grenada — tax identification numbers · 2026 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Entry restrictions (e.g. HIV restrictions)
Permanent-residence applicants must take an HIV antibody test, chest X-ray, syphilis and malaria tests and a Mantoux (TB) test at the General Hospital Laboratory. Visitors need a yellow fever certificate only when arriving from a country with transmission risk. CBI applications are refused for certain criminal records, security risks or earlier visa refusals.
Source: Grenada High Commission, London — Instruction sheet for permanent residence · 2024 · checked 27 Oct 2026
02Cost of living17
Overall cost profile — single / couple / family / local
Couple renting in St. George's, a month: a 2-bed with harbour views by the Carenage, US$1,000 (EC$2,700) + electricity EC$314 (250 kWh, October 2026 fuel charge) + water EC$39 (2,800 gallons) + Flow 250 Mbps broadband with a postpaid plan for up to 3 lines $232 = about EC$3,285, before food. Grand Anse: a furnished 1-bed US$850 (EC$2,295) gives about EC$2,880.
Source: CENTURY 21 Grenada Grenadines Real Estate — Residential for rent in Grenada (272 listings) · 2026-10 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Restaurant meal (inexpensive; mid-range for two)
No mid-range menu with current prices was found online. An upscale hotel restaurant in L'Anse aux Épines lists starters at US$15–22 and mains at US$32–48 (2022 menu, including 10% service charge and 15% VAT). In the World Bank's 2021 comparison, restaurants and hotels cost about 65% of US prices.
Source: World Bank — International Comparison Program 2021 — price level indexes, Grenada and United States · 2021 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Coffee, beer, soft drink
No café or bar price list was found online. In the World Bank's 2021 price comparison, non-alcoholic drinks cost about twice the US level (196%) and alcoholic drinks about a third more (134%).
Source: World Bank — International Comparison Program 2021 — price level indexes, Grenada and United States · 2021 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Grocery basket (milk, bread, eggs, meat, produce, wine)
Food Fair's webstore (Oct 2026, EC$): potatoes 1.90 a lb, imported chicken drumsticks 6.00 a lb, 500 g cheddar 20.15, a pack of hamburger bread 3.90. In 2021 food cost about 39% more than in the US (139%): bread and cereals 142%, milk, cheese and eggs 159%, fruit 168%, vegetables 152%, meat 112%.
Source: World Bank — International Comparison Program 2021 — price level indexes, Grenada and United States · 2021 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Utilities for an apartment (electricity, heating, water, refuse)
Electricity (EC$): non-fuel charge 0.4057/kWh (since Sep 2022) + fuel charge 0.7502 and small renewable and adjustment charges (from 8 Oct 2026); VAT 7.5% on the non-fuel charge above 99 kWh; levy EC$10 above 150 kWh — about EC$314 for 250 kWh. Water per 1,000 gallons: EC$9.48 to 2,800, 15.80 to 5,500, 23.70 above, plus EC$12.64 a month.
Source: Grenada Electricity Services (GRENLEC) — Rates and fees (non-fuel, fuel, RE and FAC charges effective 8 Oct 2026; VAT and levy) · 2026-10 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Mobile plan
Flow postpaid (prices shown as $, with VAT, from 1 Jan 2026): $120 a month for 4,000 local minutes and texts and 40 GB, or $60 with Flow broadband; $240 ($120 with broadband) adds 2 users and 80 GB. Digicel sells visitor eSIMs: 10 GB for 30 days, XCD 109 (US$40).
Source: Flow Grenada — Postpaid mobile plans (5.5% adjustment from 1 Jan 2026) · 2026-10 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Broadband
Fibre (Digicel, tax included): 350/175 Mbps XCD 125 a month, 500 Mbps XCD 175, 1 Gbps XCD 200, with a free modem and installation (a deposit is required). Flow: 250 Mbps $107 and 400 Mbps $138, plus $5 router rental; from 1 Nov 2026 Flow adds 100 Mbps to eligible plans and raises prices 4–7%.
Source: Digicel Grenada — Home internet — fibre plans · 2026-10 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Public transport single ticket + monthly pass
Local buses (minibuses, per Canada) charge fixed fares of EC$2.50–6.50 depending on the route, running 6 a.m.–9 p.m. Monday to Saturday; zone stickers on the front show the route and a conductor rides on board. No monthly pass was found.
Source: Grenada Tourism Authority (Pure Grenada) — Getting around — buses, taxis, car rental, driving permit · 2022 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Taxi fare
Taxis are not metered; most trips have standard fares, so agree the fare first (licensed taxis have H plates). Official airport rates: to Grand Anse or Lance aux Épines EC$40 (US$16), to the town of St. George's EC$50 (US$20), to Grenville EC$110.
Source: Grenada Airports Authority (GAA) — Taxi rates from Maurice Bishop International Airport · 2026 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Fuel price
Gasoline and diesel each cost EC$17.00 an imperial gallon (about EC$3.74 a litre) in August 2026; the Ministry of Finance, which sets prices, says it will intervene if they exceed EC$17. Kerosene EC$15.84. A 20-lb gas cylinder cost EC$40.00 and a 100-lb cylinder EC$302.15 (EC$49 and about EC$326 on Carriacou).
Source: Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) — ECCU fuel price tracker — average gasoline, diesel and LPG prices (August 2026) · 2026-08 · checked 27 Oct 2026
New car price
No dealer price list is published. Cars 10 years old or more may not be imported (since 31 Dec 2020, SRO 43 of 2020), with exemptions such as motorcycles and, with permission, antique cars. Vehicles cost about 3% more than in the US in the World Bank's 2021 comparison (103%).
Source: Ministry of Finance, Grenada — News release 65/2020: motor vehicles 10 years and older not allowed after 31 Dec 2020 (15 Dec 2020; Embassy copy) · 2020 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Gym membership; cinema; theatre
No gym, cinema or theatre price list was found online (only crowd sites). In the World Bank's 2021 price comparison, recreation and culture cost about 77% of the US level in Grenada.
Source: World Bank — International Comparison Program 2021 — price level indexes, Grenada and United States · 2021 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Clothing items
No clothing price list is published online. Clothing and footwear cost about 18% less than in the US in the World Bank's 2021 comparison (82% of the US price level).
Source: World Bank — International Comparison Program 2021 — price level indexes, Grenada and United States · 2021 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Personal care, medicine, short doctor visit
No public price list for doctor visits or medicines was found. Most hospitals and clinics require cash, sometimes up front (Canada). Gazetted General Hospital fees (2022) put CT scans at EC$500–3,500; in 2021 the hospital said labour and delivery there is free.
Source: NOW Grenada — CT scan and dialysis fees from EC$125 to EC$3,500 (14 Nov 2022) · 2022 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Domestic help (hourly cleaner)
No market rate for cleaners is published. The legal minimum for domestic workers is EC$60.00 a day (Minimum Wages Order 2023, in force 1 Jan 2024); security guards EC$9.25 an hour; clerical workers EC$1,200 a month.
Source: Government of Grenada (Gazette copy hosted by NOW Grenada) — Minimum Wages Order, SRO 42 of 2023 (in force 1 Jan 2024) · 2024-01 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Average net salary; purchasing power
No official average wage is published. In the 2021 census, of employed people who stated an income, 38% earned under EC$1,200 a month and 65% under EC$2,000 (39% did not state one). GDP per person was US$12,107 in 2025 (World Bank).
Source: World Bank — World Development Indicators and Worldwide Governance Indicators — Grenada (API, WDI updated 8 Oct 2026) · 2025 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Price level vs. US
Consumer prices are about 62% of the US level: the World Bank's 2025 conversion factor for private consumption is 1.668 per US$, against the EC$2.70 exchange rate. In the 2021 price comparison, GDP prices were 64% of US levels, food 139% and restaurants and hotels 65%.
Source: World Bank — World Development Indicators and Worldwide Governance Indicators — Grenada (API, WDI updated 8 Oct 2026) · 2025 · checked 27 Oct 2026
03Housing & property13
Rent — 1-bed and 3-bed, centre and outside
Long-term rents (CENTURY 21, Oct 2026, US$ a month): St. George's — a 2-bed by the Carenage 1,000, a furnished 1-bed in Belmont 1,100; Grand Anse — furnished 1-beds 850–1,000, 2-beds 1,100–1,300; Lance aux Épines 2-beds from 1,400; top end 15,000. There is no official rent survey.
Source: CENTURY 21 Grenada Grenadines Real Estate — Residential for rent in Grenada (272 listings) · 2026-10 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Furnished rent, studio vs. 85 m²
Furnished examples (US$ a month): a 395 sq ft (37 m²) studio in Morne Rouge 1,045; a 320 sq ft studio 800 for one person (+400 for a couple; gas and maid service included); a 1,000 sq ft (93 m²) 2-bed in True Blue 1,100 (furnishing not stated). Many Grand Anse listings advertise the SGU bus route.
Source: CENTURY 21 Grenada Grenadines Real Estate — Residential for rent in Grenada (272 listings) · 2026-10 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Purchase price per m², centre and outside; median home price
No official price index. CENTURY 21 asking prices (Oct 2026): about 300 priced homes from US$46,297 to US$12 million, median about US$590,000. In St George parish, listings that give a floor area have a median of about US$2,600 per m² (middle half 1,690–4,040); near 85 m²: a 79 m² 2-bed at US$375,000 and a 72 m² 1-bed in Morne Rouge at US$630,000.
Source: CENTURY 21 Grenada Grenadines Real Estate — Homes for sale in Grenada (299 priced listings) · 2026-10 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Foreign ownership allowed / restrictions
Non-citizens need an Alien Landholding licence to own land; without one they may hold land only on an annual tenancy or less, up to 5 acres, for a home or business (Aliens Land-Holding Act). Deloitte says non-resident buyers pay about 10% of the property's value for the licence; the Act sets a EC$25 stamp duty on each licence.
Source: Deloitte — Grenada Highlights 2026 (updated January 2026) · 2026 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Buying process for foreigners
Buying as a foreigner: obtain an Alien Landholding licence before holding the land (Deloitte: about 10% of value), then complete the transfer; property transfer tax runs from 5% to 15% depending on whether the property goes to a resident or a non-resident. Annual property tax follows (3007). No official step-by-step guide was found.
Source: Parliament of Grenada — Aliens (Land-Holding Regulation) Act, Cap. 13 (amended to Act No. 6 of 2009) · 2009 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Property purchase taxes and annual property tax
Annual property tax (latest rate order found, from 2014): homes pay 0.2% of land value and 0.3% of building value; commercial 0.5% and 0.3%. Deloitte (2026) gives a EC$100,000 exemption on the building value of an owner-occupied home and property transfer tax of 5–15% depending on residence.
Source: Parliament of Grenada — Property Tax Order 2013, SRO 31 of 2013 (rates from 1 Jan 2014) · 2014 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Buy-to-let rules; short-term rental licensing
Renting to tourists needs a Grenada Tourism Authority licence: 'tourist accommodation' includes apartments, guest houses and villas. Annual fees: apartment or guest house EC$600, villa EC$1,000, hotels EC$1,000–2,500, renewed each year. No separate rule for long-term buy-to-let was found.
Source: Parliament of Grenada — Grenada Tourism Authority (Tourist Accommodation and Tourism Enterprise) Regulations 2016, SRO 15 of 2016 · 2016 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Tenant rights
Grenada's Rent Restriction Act (Cap. 286, 1990) covers dwelling-houses: such Acts limit the rent a landlord can demand and allow recovery of possession only under strict conditions (Commonwealth Caribbean Land Law). The Act itself was not read and no rent-board page was found; agree notice, deposit and repairs in a written lease.
Source: vLex (Commonwealth Caribbean Land Law, ch. 15) — Rent Restriction Acts — Grenada Rent Restriction Act 1990, Cap. 286 · 1990 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Mortgage availability to non-residents; rates
Residential mortgage rates ranged from 2.00% to 12.00% between June 2025 and June 2026 (banks' prime rate 4.50–10.00%). No bank page on lending to non-residents was found; foreign buyers need the alien landholding licence to hold the land itself.
Source: Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) — Interest rates and weighted averages — Grenada (Jun 2025–Jun 2026) · 2026-06 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Home insurance
Home insurance is sold by 14 licensed general insurers, including Caribbean Alliance, CG United, Grenadian General, Guardian General, Island Heritage, NAGICO and Beacon. The regulator flags underinsurance: property made up about 43% of 2024 claims, mostly from Hurricane Beryl, and in the 2021 census only 5,019 of 40,990 dwellings were reported insured (13,423 did not say).
Source: Grenada Authority for the Regulation of Financial Institutions (GARFIN) — Supervisor of Insurance Report 2024 (November 2025; laid in Parliament) · 2024 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Building and renovating
The World Bank's last Doing Business survey (2020) counted 15 procedures and 146 days to get permits to build a warehouse in St. George's (rank 130 of 190). For electricity, a licensed electrician wires the building and the Electrical Inspector must certify it before GRENLEC connects.
Source: World Bank — Doing Business 2020 economy profile — Grenada (St. George's) · 2020 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Selling property; capital gains tax
There is no capital gains tax. Property transfer tax runs from 5% to 15%, depending on whether the property is transferred to a resident or a non-resident (Deloitte).
Source: Deloitte — Grenada Highlights 2026 (updated January 2026) · 2026 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Gross rental yield
No reliable source found.
No reliable source yet · 2026 · checked 27 Oct 2026
04Tax, money & banking15
Income tax system and rates
Residents get a EC$36,000 personal allowance; the next EC$24,000 is taxed at 10% and income above EC$60,000 at 28% (rates since 1 Jan 2019, after the 15% band fell to 10% in 2017 and the 30% rate to 28%). Deloitte confirms these rates for 2026.
Source: Parliament of Grenada — Income Tax (Amendment) Order, SRO 25 of 2018 (30% to 28%, from 1 Jan 2019) · 2019 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Estimated tax on $50k / $100k / $250k
Resident employee, income tax only (EC$2.70 per US$; EC$36,000 allowance, 10% on the next EC$24,000, 28% above): US$50,000 → about US$8,670 (17.3%); US$100,000 → about US$22,670 (22.7%); US$250,000 → about US$64,670 (25.9%). NIS contributions (6.25% of pay up to EC$5,200 a month) are extra.
Source: Parliament of Grenada — Income Tax (Amendment) Order, SRO 25 of 2018 (30% to 28%, from 1 Jan 2019) · 2026 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Tax residency test
Individuals are tax resident if physically present in Grenada for at least 183 days in a fiscal year (Deloitte). Residents receive the EC$36,000 personal allowance. Remote Employment permit holders pay no income tax on income earned outside Grenada.
Source: Deloitte — Grenada Highlights 2026 (updated January 2026) · 2026 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Non-resident tax
A 15% withholding tax applies to dividends paid to non-residents (unless a treaty lowers it) and to interest and royalties.
Source: Deloitte — Grenada Highlights 2026 (updated January 2026) · 2026 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Special expat regimes
The Remote Employment permit (Act No. 3 of 2021) exempts income earned outside Grenada from income tax and lets holders import household effects up to EC$75,000 and one car duty-free; it needs EC$100,000 a year of foreign income. Returning nationals (7+ years abroad) get customs relief. No other retiree or new-resident regime was found.
Source: Parliament of Grenada — Remote Employment Act, Act No. 3 of 2021 · 2021 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Double tax treaty with the US (and UK, CA, AU)
There is no US–Grenada income tax treaty (IRS list, reviewed 3 Jan 2026). The UK–Grenada double taxation convention of 1949, amended in 1968, is in force; Canada has only a tax information exchange agreement (in force 19 Jun 2018). Grenada is party to the CARICOM multilateral tax treaty.
Source: US Internal Revenue Service — United States income tax treaties — A to Z (reviewed 3 Jan 2026) · 2026 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Inheritance / estate tax; wills and estate planning
There is no inheritance or estate tax, but gifts may be subject to transfer tax (Deloitte). No official page on wills or probate was found.
Source: Deloitte — Grenada Highlights 2026 (updated January 2026) · 2026 · checked 27 Oct 2026
VAT rate; import duty on personal goods
VAT is 15% (a 20% rate and reduced rates of 0%, 7.5% and 10% also apply); electricity carries 7.5% on the non-fuel charge. Passengers may bring EC$1,000 of goods duty-free, plus 200 cigarettes and 1 litre of wine or spirits. Returning nationals get duty relief on household effects up to EC$75,000; no concession for new foreign residents was found.
Source: Deloitte — Grenada Highlights 2026 (updated January 2026) · 2026 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Corporate tax; self-employed tax
Corporate income tax is 28%. Businesses also pay stamp tax on gross income: none up to EC$36,000, 0.5% up to EC$299,999 and 0.7% from EC$300,000. VAT registration is required from EC$300,000 of supplies a year.
Source: Deloitte — Grenada Highlights 2026 (updated January 2026) · 2026 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Pensions and social security
National Insurance (NIS) in 2026: employee 6.25% and employer 7.25% of earnings up to EC$5,200 a month, rising each year to 16% in total by 2031. The NIS pension age is 62 in 2025–26, rising to 65 by 2031. There is no US totalization agreement, but US benefits can be paid in Grenada; NIS has agreements with CARICOM and Canada.
Source: NOW Grenada — The NIS contribution rate is 13% for 2025 (5 Jan 2025) · 2026 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Opening a bank account as a non-resident / foreigner
Main banks: First Caribbean International Bank, Grenada Co-operative Bank and Republic Bank. St. George's University lists two IDs including a passport, proof of address, a bank reference and a letter of good standing or bank statement, plus EC$3 stamp duty. No bank's own requirements page was read.
Source: St. George's University — Banking and expenses — banks, account opening, ATMs · 2026 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Multicurrency and USD accounts; money transfers
Foreign-currency accounts exist: banks paid a weighted average of 0.39% on foreign-currency savings in June 2026 (local-currency savings 1.95%). The EC dollar is fixed at EC$2.70 per US$; US dollars are accepted, but ATMs give EC dollars only.
Source: Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) — Interest rates and weighted averages — Grenada (Jun 2025–Jun 2026) · 2026-06 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Credit scores for newcomers
Credit reporting now covers the countries using the EC dollar, including Grenada, through the ECCU Credit Bureau. Banks ask newcomers for a reference from their current bank.
Source: Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) — ECCU Credit Bureau · 2026 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Cashless acceptance; tipping custom; ATM
Debit cards work at banks and most large shops, and credit cards at most restaurants; cash is needed for fuel and cinemas. ATMs are at banks and give EC dollars only, with daily limits of EC$1,000–2,500. One hotel restaurant's 2022 menu includes a 10% service charge.
Source: St. George's University — Banking and expenses — banks, account opening, ATMs · 2026 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Minimum wage
Minimum wages by job (Minimum Wages Order 2023, in force 1 Jan 2024; EC$): domestic and farm workers 60 a day; clerical workers and cashiers 1,200 a month; helpers and carers of the elderly 1,400 a month; security guards 9.25 an hour; waiters 9.25 and cooks 9.50 an hour.
Source: Government of Grenada (Gazette copy hosted by NOW Grenada) — Minimum Wages Order, SRO 42 of 2023 (in force 1 Jan 2024) · 2024-01 · checked 27 Oct 2026
05Healthcare10
How the health system works; access for residents
Public hospitals and community health facilities provide free public health care (SSA, 2019), though X-rays and lab tests may be charged. Canada says most hospitals and clinics require cash, sometimes up front, and private clinics are usually better equipped; the UK says treatment can be expensive and serious cases may need evacuation.
Source: US Social Security Administration — Social Security Programs Throughout the World: The Americas, 2019 — Grenada · 2019 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Health insurance — private / international plans and cost
No local health-insurance premium is published. Licensed long-term insurers include Sagicor Life, Guardian Life, Pan-American Life, Antillean Life and GK Life; health claims were about 11% of all insurance claims in 2024. The Remote Employment permit requires health insurance, and Canada advises cover for medical evacuation.
Source: Grenada Authority for the Regulation of Financial Institutions (GARFIN) — Supervisor of Insurance Report 2024 (November 2025; laid in Parliament) · 2024 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Hospital quality; best hospitals
Hospitals: the public General Hospital on Grand Etang Road, St. George's (all specialities); the private St Augustine's Medical Centre (St Paul's, St. George's); Princess Alice Hospital in Grenville; Princess Royal on Carriacou. The government owns four hospitals and three private hospitals are all in St. George's. Serious cases may need evacuation.
Source: UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office — Grenada medical facilities list (updated 18 Sep 2026) · 2026 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Doctors and GPs; dental; mental health
Mental health: Mount Gay Psychiatric Hospital (440 3272) runs community services, with mental-health nurses in every district and weekly clinics in St. George's; Psychosocial Support Unit 440 2269. UK guidance lists a 988 crisis line; the government's emergency list does not show it. No register of doctors or dentists was found online.
Source: UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office — Mental health support for British nationals in Grenada (published 22 Oct 2026) · 2026 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Children's healthcare; pregnancy and birth; women's health
Princess Alice Hospital covers obstetrics, gynaecology and paediatrics, and the General Hospital all specialities; labour and delivery at the General Hospital is free (2021). NIS paid a maternity allowance of 65% of average earnings for up to 12 weeks (2019 data).
Source: UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office — Grenada medical facilities list (updated 18 Sep 2026) · 2026 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Senior and elderly care
Homes for older people include the Grand Anse Home for the Aged and Hillview Home for the Aged, both on GRENLEC's 2023 grant list for care institutions. No fees or government home-care programme were found online; carers of the elderly, including in homes for the aged, must be paid at least EC$1,400 a month.
Source: NOW Grenada — Care institutions thankful for annual Grenlec grants (4 Apr 2023) · 2023 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Vaccinations
Canada lists routine vaccines plus hepatitis A and B, influenza, COVID-19, measles and rabies; yellow fever proof is needed only when arriving from a country with transmission risk. Canada advises protection against mosquito-borne dengue, chikungunya and Zika. Permanent-residence applicants must show their immunisation status.
Source: Government of Canada — Grenada travel advice and advisories (last updated 13 Oct 2026) · 2026 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Emergency numbers
Police and fire 911; ambulance 434 (General Hospital), 724 (Princess Alice) and 774 (Princess Royal, Carriacou); domestic violence 411, sexual abuse 400, child abuse 677; coast guard 399; NaDMA (disasters) 440-0838; GRENLEC 237; NAWASA 292.
Source: Government of Grenada — Emergency services (gov.gd) · 2026 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Medical insurance advice for visitors
Get travel insurance that covers treatment and medical evacuation: treatment can be expensive and serious cases may need evacuation (UK), and most hospitals and clinics require cash, sometimes up front (Canada).
Source: UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office — Grenada travel advice (updated 10 Dec 2025; still current 27 Oct 2026) · 2026 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Health care index
No international healthcare index ranks Grenada. Life expectancy was 75.4 years (2024), health spending US$526 a person (2023) and there were 3.0 hospital beds per 1,000 people (2023) (World Bank).
Source: World Bank — World Development Indicators — Grenada health: life expectancy, health spending, hospital beds (API, updated 8 Oct 2026) · 2024 · checked 27 Oct 2026
06Education & family9
International schools — curricula (IB / British / American) and annual tuition
No IB, British or American curriculum school publishing fees was found. Divine Savior Academy (a Christian school) charges international families EC$750 a month for kindergarten–grade 6 and EC$550 for pre-K (2026–27), plus a EC$2,000 enrolment fee; local and CARICOM families pay less. The law lets schools charge some non-citizen residents tuition.
Source: Divine Savior Academy — Grenada campus — Tuition and fees 2026–2027 · 2026-27 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Local education system
School is compulsory to age 17 (raised from 16 in June 2024). The system follows the British model with pre-primary, primary and secondary schools (184 schools); church-run public schools receive state funding. Schools may charge tuition to some resident non-citizens. Classes for 2026–27 began on 31 August.
Source: US Department of Labor — 2024 Findings on the Worst Forms of Child Labor — Grenada · 2024 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Childcare / preschool cost
No public childcare price list was found. Divine Savior Academy's pre-K costs EC$400 a month for local and CARICOM families and EC$550 for international families (2026–27), plus enrolment fees of EC$1,200–2,000. Early-childhood workers' minimum wage is EC$1,400 a month (from January 2025).
Source: Divine Savior Academy — Grenada campus — Tuition and fees 2026–2027 · 2026-27 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Higher education
St. George's University charges US$40,306 for the first medicine term (US$180,262 for the five basic-science terms; rates from 1 Jun 2026). T.A. Marryshow Community College is free for full-time Grenadian and OECS students; international students pay EC$1,028 per course per semester.
Source: St. George's University — School of Medicine tuition and fees (rates effective 1 Jun 2026) · 2026-27 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Language learning
English is the official language and some people speak a French-African patois. The Alliance Française de la Grenade (The Villa, St. George's; 71 years in Grenada) offers DELF/DALF French diplomas, CSEC French support and certified translation; since March 2024 it works remotely or by appointment. No fees are published.
Source: NOW Grenada — Alliance Française de la Grenade — services notice (from 15 Mar 2024) · 2024 · checked 27 Oct 2026
School holidays
School year 2026–27: staff returned 24–28 August and classes started on Monday 31 August 2026 (Michaelmas term). No full term calendar was found online.
Source: NOW Grenada — Commencement of the 2026–2027 academic year (Ministry of Education notice, 13 Aug 2026) · 2026-27 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Spouse and family visas
No separate spouse visa page was found. A CBI application can include a spouse, dependent children and dependent parents, and the Remote Employment permit costs US$2,000 for a family of up to 4. Spouses of Grenadians by birth may register as citizens (EC$1,000).
Source: Investment Migration Agency (IMA) Grenada — Enquiries (FAQ) — investment, fees, processing, interview, dual citizenship · 2026 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Maternity and parental leave
Maternity leave is 3 months; after 18 months' service the employer pays 2 months' salary less the NIS benefit. NIS paid a maternity allowance of 65% of average earnings for up to 12 weeks, plus a EC$522 grant (2019). No statutory paternity leave was found.
Source: Parliament of Grenada — Employment Act, Cap. 89 (Act 14 of 1999) · 1999 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Pet relocation
Dogs and cats from the US need an import permit from the Veterinary Officer (Ministry of Agriculture, Tanteen), a rabies vaccination within 12 months before arrival and a vet health certificate issued within 2 weeks before arrival; send both to the Veterinary Department at least 2 weeks ahead and give the port and time of arrival. Tel 473 440-2708.
Source: Embassy of Grenada to the PRC (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) — Instructions for pet permit (dogs and cats from the US; posted Aug 2024) · 2024 · checked 27 Oct 2026
07Safety & security10
Crime level
The US rates Grenada Level 2 (exercise increased caution): violent crime can occur anywhere. Police counted 18 homicides in 2024 (17 solved) and a 1.6% rise in reported crime; the World Bank rate was 13.7 per 100,000 in 2023. UK and Canadian advice describe mostly petty, opportunistic crime, including thefts from yachts on the south coast.
Source: US Department of State — Grenada travel advisory, Level 2 (issued 5 Jan 2026) · 2023 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Safety for women
Sexual assault against female travellers occurs, and women travelling alone may face harassment and verbal abuse (Canada). The US calls violence against women and children serious and pervasive. Help: domestic violence 411, sexual abuse 400; Cedars Home shelter +1 473 442 2351.
Source: Government of Canada — Grenada travel advice and advisories (last updated 13 Oct 2026) · 2026 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Safety for LGBTQ+ people; legal protections
Sex between men is still a crime: 'unnatural connexion' carries up to 10 years and gross indecency 2 years (Criminal Code 1987). The US says the law is not enforced; Canada warns of 10 years to life. No law bars discrimination by sexual orientation, and UK advice says attitudes are mostly conservative.
Source: Human Dignity Trust — Country profile: Grenada (updated 2 Oct 2026) · 1987 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Racism / discrimination
The law provides for prosecuting racial or ethnic violence and is enforced effectively (US, 2023). There is no anti-discrimination law covering sexual orientation, and no law requires accessible buildings. Freedom House scores civil liberties 52/60 (2026).
Source: US Department of State — 2023 Country Report on Human Rights Practices: Grenada · 2023 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Scams
The Prime Minister's Office warns of phishing, fake grants that ask for a fee, fake shopping sites and investment or job offers that want money up front; report them to the Ministry of ICT's cyber team (CSIRT). In 2025 more than 1,000 Grenadians were affected by the 'Creators Alliance' Ponzi scheme (CSIRT, via Nation News). Taxis are not metered: agree the fare first.
Source: NOW Grenada — Public advisory: be aware of internet scams (Office of the Prime Minister, 2 Apr 2025) · 2025 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Victims of crime; domestic violence
Emergency 911; domestic violence 411; sexual abuse 400; child abuse 677. Cedars Home shelters abused women and children (+1 473 442 2351). Police take rape victims to the General Hospital or a health centre; cases take 2–3 years or more to reach trial, legal aid is generally not offered and there is no state compensation scheme.
Source: UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office — Grenada: information for victims of rape and sexual assault (updated 5 Jan 2026) · 2026 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Natural disaster risk
Hurricane season runs June–November; Hurricane Beryl hit Carriacou and Petite Martinique in July 2024. ThinkHazard rates landslides high and coastal flooding, earthquake and tsunami medium. The underwater volcano Kick 'em Jenny, about 5 miles offshore, stayed on yellow alert after some 800 tremors in August 2025, with a 1.5 km marine exclusion zone.
Source: GFDRR ThinkHazard! — Grenada hazard report · 2026 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Road / traffic safety
Road safety is poor: narrow winding roads, blind corners, potholes, speed bumps and poor lighting, with pedestrians on the road and drivers who speed. Drive on the left; a local driving permit is required. Do not stop if a pedestrian flags you down.
Source: Government of Canada — Grenada travel advice and advisories (last updated 13 Oct 2026) · 2026 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Food safety
Food businesses must register and be licensed (Food Safety Act No. 19 of 2015); food handlers need a valid certificate, ID badge and medical certificate, and public health officers inspect, with fines or closure for breaches. Canada advises 'boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it'.
Source: NOW Grenada — Mandatory compliance with food safety regulations (Ministry of Health notice, 14 Mar 2025) · 2025 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Overall peace / stability
Grenada is not ranked in the Global Peace Index 2026 (163 countries). Freedom House rates it Free (89/100); World Bank governance scores for 2025 (0–100): political stability 87.3, rule of law 68.2. The US rates it Level 2 and Canada says take normal security precautions.
Source: Institute for Economics and Peace — Global Peace Index 2026 map (163 countries) · 2026 · checked 27 Oct 2026
08Climate & environment8
Climate and seasons; temperature; humidity
Tropical: at Maurice Bishop International Airport, near St. George's and Grand Anse (1991–2020 normals), the mean is 27.5 °C; days peak at 31.3 °C in September and nights fall to 23.3 °C in January. Rain totals about 1,152 mm a year, wettest June–December (164 mm in November) and driest in March (26 mm), on about 132 days.
Source: WMO / NOAA NCEI — WMO Climatological Standard Normals 1991–2020 (accession 0253808 v2.2) — Maurice Bishop International Airport, WMO 78958 · 1991-2020 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Air quality (annual)
Average PM2.5 exposure was 11.0 µg/m³ in 2023 (World Bank). A fire at the Perseverance landfill in 2017 burned for over two years.
Source: World Bank — World Development Indicators and Worldwide Governance Indicators — Grenada (API, WDI updated 8 Oct 2026) · 2023 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Pollution
The Perseverance landfill, the island's main waste site, is nearing capacity, and a fire there in 2017 burned for over two years; recycling is underdeveloped. In 2026 NAWASA took a well at Baillies Bacolet out of service after saltwater got in.
Source: Ministry of Climate Resilience, the Environment and Renewable Energy — Solid waste — Perseverance landfill, recycling, Non-Biodegradable Waste Control Act 2018 · 2026 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Climate-change resilience
ND-GAIN ranks Grenada 49th for climate resilience (score 55.2, 2024 data): the 114th most vulnerable country and the 46th most ready to adapt. About 99% of GRENLEC's electricity still comes from diesel.
Source: Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN) — Country index — Grenada (2024 data) · 2024 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Share of buildings with AC; heating norms
No count of homes with air-conditioning was found (the 2021 census tables published do not include it). Heating is not needed: coldest-month nights average 23.3 °C, and days reach 30 °C or more on about 270 days a year (1991–2020).
Source: WMO / NOAA NCEI — WMO Climatological Standard Normals 1991–2020 (accession 0253808 v2.2) — Maurice Bishop International Airport, WMO 78958 · 1991-2020 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Tap water safety; water hardness
The tourism authority says tap water is very safe to drink; NAWASA's monitoring found salt in one well in 2026, which it took out of service. For 74% of households the main drinking-water source is public water piped into the home (2021 census). Bottled water is on sale.
Source: Grenada Tourism Authority (Pure Grenada) — Frequently asked questions — language, driving, voltage, hours, dress, water · 2021 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Power grid reliability
GRENLEC is the only power supplier (220 V, 50 Hz). On Carriacou, two new generators added in 2025 after a 2023 fire raised plant capacity to 4.2 MW. After Hurricane Beryl, power returned to 97% of mainland customers within a week. 95.6% of people had electricity in 2024 (World Bank).
Source: Grenada Electricity Services (GRENLEC) — Grenlec adds two new generators to strengthen power supply in Carriacou (11 Sep 2025) · 2024 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Recycling / sustainability
The Non-Biodegradable Waste Control Act 2018 bans single-use plastic bags, Styrofoam containers and straws. The Solid Waste Management Authority collects waste; recycling is underdeveloped. Renewables supplied 1.4% of GRENLEC's power in October 2026.
Source: Ministry of Climate Resilience, the Environment and Renewable Energy — Solid waste — Perseverance landfill, recycling, Non-Biodegradable Waste Control Act 2018 · 2026-10 · checked 27 Oct 2026
09Connectivity & daily infrastructure6
Internet speed (fixed + mobile)
Ookla's median fixed download speed was 90.79 Mbps at the end of 2025 (DataReportal); Ookla's own index publishes no Grenada figures. Advertised plans: Digicel fibre 350 Mbps–1 Gbps (from XCD 125, tax included) and Flow broadband 250–400 Mbps. About 74% of people used the internet at the end of 2025.
Source: DataReportal (Kepios) — Digital 2026: Grenada (Ookla and GSMA Intelligence data) · 2025 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Mobile operators; eSIM
Mobile networks: Digicel and Flow (area code 473). Digicel sells visitor eSIMs (10 GB for 30 days, XCD 109 / US$40); Flow postpaid plans start at $120 a month. There were about 116,000 mobile connections at the end of 2025, about 99% of the population.
Source: Digicel Grenada — Tourist SIM and eSIM plans · 2026-10 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Setting up utilities, internet, TV
Electricity: a licensed electrician wires the home and the Electrical Inspector certifies it; GRENLEC then connects with ID ($100 + VAT single-phase), taking a deposit of about one month's use that earns 4% interest. Water: EC$240 deposit. Fibre: Digicel confirms service at your address within 48 hours, then takes a deposit and installs free.
Source: Grenada Electricity Services (GRENLEC) — Service application checklist · 2021 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Free WiFi; places to work from; coworking
The telecoms regulator (NTRC) signed a Universal Service Fund contract with Cable & Wireless Grenada (Flow) on 30 Jan 2025 for free public Wi-Fi at 29 locations, for three and a half years. LaunchPad Grenada in Belmont, St. George's, offers hot desks, meeting rooms and 100 Mbps internet (directory listing; no prices).
Source: National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (NTRC) — Press release: contract award for public Wi-Fi (Universal Service Fund; signed 30 Jan 2025) · 2025 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Postal service; mail forwarding
The Grenada Postal Corporation rents private letter boxes, tracks parcels and takes bill payments; the government says it has 52 postal stations and 6 sub-offices, and FedEx, DHL and UPS also operate. No postal fees are published on the e-services page.
Source: Grenada Postal Corporation — GPC e-services · 2026 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Useful apps; news sources
News: NOW Grenada, The New Today, the Grenada Broadcasting Network (part government-owned) and five weekly papers; there are 3 TV and 13 radio stations. Government portal gov.gd; the MyDigicel app handles balances and bills. Emergency 911; GRENLEC 237; NAWASA 292.
Source: Government of Grenada — Infrastructure (gov.gd) — electricity, health, post, media, transport · 2026 · checked 27 Oct 2026
10Transport & travel8
Public transport quality and fares
Local buses (minibuses with fixed fares, EC$2.50–6.50) run 6 a.m.–9 p.m. Monday to Saturday. Taxis are unmetered with standard fares (airport to Grand Anse EC$40, to St. George's EC$50), and water taxis run between Grand Anse hotels and the capital. Licensed taxis have H plates.
Source: Grenada Tourism Authority (Pure Grenada) — Getting around — buses, taxis, car rental, driving permit · 2022 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Driving; licence conversion for US drivers
Visitors need a local driving permit: EC$60 from the traffic department at the Central Police Station on the Carenage (car-rental firms can also arrange one), on showing a valid licence. Drive on the left. Car hire costs about US$50–75 a day. No rule for residents converting a US licence was found.
Source: Grenada Tourism Authority (Pure Grenada) — Frequently asked questions — language, driving, voltage, hours, dress, water · 2022 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Buying / importing a car; car insurance
Cars 10 years old or more may not be imported (since 31 Dec 2020, SRO 43 of 2020), with exemptions such as motorcycles and, with permission, vehicles for disabled people and antique cars. Returning nationals get 50% duty relief on one car up to 5 years old. No duty schedule for non-nationals or insurance rule was found.
Source: Ministry of Finance, Grenada — News release 65/2020: motor vehicles 10 years and older not allowed after 31 Dec 2020 (15 Dec 2020; Embassy copy) · 2020 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Road conditions; traffic laws
Roads have potholes, speed bumps, narrow rural stretches with blind corners and little lighting; pedestrians walk on the road and minibus drivers often speed. Drive on the left. About 650 miles of road are paved, and the tourism authority says most main roads are in good condition.
Source: UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office — Grenada travel advice (updated 10 Dec 2025; still current 27 Oct 2026) · 2026 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Commute time; traffic
No traffic data is published. Water-pipe works closed the Grand Anse road from the Golf Course junction to the Food Fair traffic light from 7:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. for several weeks from 18 August 2025, with traffic diverted via Mont Toute. The airport is 7 miles south of St. George's (gov.gd).
Source: NOW Grenada — Traffic arrangements: Grand Anse, St George (RGPF Traffic Department notice, 16 Aug 2025) · 2025 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Walkability
Walking: pedestrians share narrow, often unlit roads with traffic, and UK advice is to avoid isolated areas, including beaches, after dark. Canada also warns drivers to watch for pedestrians on the road. No walkability data were found.
Source: UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office — Grenada travel advice (updated 10 Dec 2025; still current 27 Oct 2026) · 2026 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Airports; airline connectivity to the US
Maurice Bishop International (GND; 9,000 ft runway), 7 miles south of St. George's, has non-stop flights to 9 destinations, including New York JFK (JetBlue, about 5 h 10 min), Miami (4 h), Charlotte, Atlanta, Toronto (6 h), Barbados and Port of Spain.
Source: FlightsFrom.com — Direct flights from St. George's (GND), incl. GND–JFK · 2026-10 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Aviation safety oversight
The US FAA rates the Eastern Caribbean aviation system, which oversees Grenada, Category 2 (since May 2020): local carriers may keep existing US flights but not add new ones. In November 2025 the regional authority said work towards Category 1 was advancing; no date was given.
Source: US Federal Aviation Administration — FAA announces safety rating for the Eastern Caribbean aviation system (8 May 2020) · 2020 · checked 27 Oct 2026
11Work & business6
Job market; finding work
Unemployment was 10.8% in Q2 2025 (men 7.3%, women 15.1%; ages 15–24 26.3%), with 51,159 people employed; trade, construction and hotels and restaurants employ the most. Foreigners need a work permit (EC$3,000 a year for US, UK, Canadian and EU nationals). Cruise passengers rose 17.5% to 368,983 in 2025.
Source: Central Statistical Office (CSO), Grenada — Labour Force Survey basic tables, 2025 Q2 · 2025-Q2 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Work culture
Government offices open 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Monday to Friday (some close at 1 p.m. for lunch); banks 8–2 Monday to Thursday and 8–4 Friday; shops 8–4 weekdays and 8–1 Saturday. Legal weekly limits: 40 hours for farm, construction and industrial workers, 44 for clerical and shop staff, 60 for domestic workers and guards; overtime 1.5 times pay (double on Sundays and holidays).
Source: Grenada Tourism Authority (Pure Grenada) — Frequently asked questions — language, driving, voltage, hours, dress, water · 2022 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Employment law
Employment Act (for listed worker categories): 40–44 hours a week (60 for domestic workers and guards); overtime by agreement at 1.5 times pay (twice on Sundays and holidays); paid leave of 2 weeks in year one, then 3; paid sick leave after 12 months; notice from 1 day to 2 months; severance of at least 1 week's pay per year of service. Minimum wages are set by job.
Source: Parliament of Grenada — Employment Act, Cap. 89 (Act 14 of 1999) · 1999 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Starting a business; company formation
Incorporating a company costs EC$600 (cut from EC$1,200 in February 2023, under the Companies Act 2014). The World Bank's last survey (2020) counted 6 procedures and 12 days to start a business in St. George's. VAT registration applies from EC$300,000 of sales; foreigners need a work permit.
Source: NOW Grenada — Incorporating new business reduced to EC$600 (3 Mar 2023) · 2023 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Freelancing / self-employment
Self-employed foreigners need a work permit — working without one is an offence. Fees are EC$1,000–5,000 a year by nationality (EC$3,000 for US, UK, Canadian and EU nationals) plus EC$100 to apply; OECS citizens are exempt. Remote Employment permit holders may not work for Grenadian clients.
Source: Ministry of Labour — Work Permit Guidelines (June 2020) · 2020 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Startup ecosystem
Grenada's first Youth Innovation Center (CAF and The Trust for the Americas, July 2025–June 2026) was set to train 200 people aged 17–34 in digital skills, AI and entrepreneurship, with seed funding for the best ideas. LaunchPad in Belmont offers coworking.
Source: CAF — development bank of Latin America and the Caribbean — CAF and The Trust for the Americas sign agreement to support youth innovation in Grenada (25 Jun 2025) · 2025 · checked 27 Oct 2026
12Language, culture & integration10
Official language(s)
English is the official language; many Grenadians also speak a French-African patois. CBI forms must be in English, with other documents translated by a reputable agency.
Source: Grenada Tourism Authority (Pure Grenada) — Frequently asked questions — language, driving, voltage, hours, dress, water · 2022 · checked 27 Oct 2026
English proficiency
Grenada is not ranked in the EF English Proficiency Index 2025. English is the official language.
Source: EF Education First — EF English Proficiency Index 2025 · 2025 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Social etiquette; culture
Swimwear is not worn on main roads or in bars, restaurants or shops, and civilians may not wear camouflage prints (children included). Attitudes to LGBT+ people are mostly conservative and public affection is uncommon. Drug penalties are severe.
Source: Grenada Tourism Authority (Pure Grenada) — Frequently asked questions — language, driving, voltage, hours, dress, water · 2022 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Expat communities; making friends; networking
No official expat association was found. The 2021 census counted 5,526 people born abroad (5.1%). St. George's University has about 6,000 students from over 140 countries, and Chabad of Grenada in True Blue held weekly Shabbat dinners (2020 report).
Source: Central Statistical Office (CSO), Grenada — Preliminary 2021 National Housing and Population Census results (posted April 2025; 41 pp.) · 2021 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Marriage; divorce; dating
A marriage licence issued by the Governor-General within 24 hours of applying costs $540 (Marriage (Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2017). Same-sex couples are not recognised, and sex between men is still a crime.
Source: Parliament of Grenada — Marriage Fees (Amendment) Regulations 2017, SRO 15 of 2017 (gazetted 21 Jul 2017) · 2017 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Religion; faith-based travellers
2021 census: Roman Catholic 31.5%, Pentecostal 19.9%, Seventh-day Adventist 12.3%, Anglican 7.3%, Church of God 3.6%, no religion 6.0%; small Muslim (396), Hindu (151) and Jewish communities. The constitution protects freedom of religion, and church-run public schools receive state funding.
Source: Central Statistical Office (CSO), Grenada — Preliminary 2021 National Housing and Population Census results (posted April 2025; 41 pp.) · 2021 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Freedom of speech
Freedom House rates Grenada Free (89/100 in 2026: political rights 37/40, civil liberties 52/60), with full marks for religious freedom and judicial independence; concerns include corruption, discrimination against LGBT+ people and violence against women and children.
Source: Freedom House — Freedom in the World 2026: Grenada · 2026 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Public holidays; festivals
14 public holidays in 2026: New Year, Independence Day (7 Feb), Good Friday, Easter Monday, Labour Day, Whit Monday, Corpus Christi, Emancipation Day (1 Aug), Carnival Monday and Tuesday (10–11 Aug), National Heroes' Day (19 Oct), Thanksgiving (25 Oct, a Sunday, so 26 Oct is off), Christmas and Boxing Day. Spicemas carnival runs 1–11 Aug.
Source: Cabinet Office, Government of Grenada — Grenada's public holidays — 2026 (© September 2025) · 2026 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Food scene; things to do; nightlife; sports
Grenada was the World Food Travel Association's first accredited Culinary Capital; the national dish is oil down, a one-pot stew of meat, root vegetables and callaloo in coconut milk. Events: Spicemas (August), the Flower and Garden Festival (8–15 Nov) and Carols by Candlelight (6 Dec).
Source: Grenada Tourism Authority (Pure Grenada) — Culinary — national dish, Culinary Capital, restaurants · 2026 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Accessibility for disabled people
No law requires access to public buildings or transport, though new buildings increasingly include access features (US, 2023); people with disabilities face stigma when looking for work. Grenada ratified the UN disability convention in 2014, and a National Disability Policy was near completion in October 2024.
Source: US Department of State — 2023 Country Report on Human Rights Practices: Grenada · 2023 · checked 27 Oct 2026
13Government, law & society4
Political system; stability
A parliamentary democracy with credible elections (Freedom House); the King is head of state, represented by a Governor-General. Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell's NDC won the election of 23 June 2022, and the next is due by 2027. World Bank political-stability score 87.3 of 100 (2025).
Source: Freedom House — Freedom in the World 2026: Grenada · 2025 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Local laws; criminal penalties; arrest notification
Drug penalties are severe, nobody (children included) may wear camouflage, and sex between men is a crime (up to 10 years under the Criminal Code; Canada says 10 years to life). Working or overstaying without permission is illegal. No arrest-notification rule was found in the pages read.
Source: UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office — Grenada travel advice (updated 10 Dec 2025; still current 27 Oct 2026) · 2026 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Religious government
The constitution protects freedom of conscience and religion, including the right to change religion, and bans forced religious instruction. The government funds church-run public schools; a blasphemy law exists but is not enforced. Freedom House gives full marks for religious freedom (2026).
Source: US Department of State — 2023 Report on International Religious Freedom: Grenada · 2023 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Economy overview
Growth was an estimated 4.4% in 2025, driven by investment and construction, and is projected at 3.2% in 2026 (IMF); inflation averaged 0.7%. Citizenship-by-investment revenue fell from 14.7% of GDP in 2024 to 3.5% in 2025. The fiscal rules are suspended until 2027; public debt is to reach 60% of GDP by 2033. GDP per person US$12,107 (2025).
Source: International Monetary Fund — PR 26/011: IMF Executive Board concludes 2025 Article IV consultation with Grenada (21 Jan 2026) · 2025 · checked 27 Oct 2026
14Moving logistics2
Moving checklist; first-week tasks
First weeks: get a local driving permit (EC$60, Central Police Station); a work permit before starting any job; NIS registration once employed; a bank account (passport, proof of address, bank reference); GRENLEC power (electrical certificate, ID, deposit) and Digicel fibre. Power is 220 V, 50 Hz.
Source: Grenada Tourism Authority (Pure Grenada) — Frequently asked questions — language, driving, voltage, hours, dress, water · 2026 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Shipping household goods; customs allowance
Passengers may bring goods worth EC$1,000 duty-free plus 200 cigarettes and 1 litre of wine or spirits; fruit, vegetables, narcotics and weapons are prohibited. Returning nationals (7+ years abroad) get full relief on household effects up to EC$75,000 and 50% on one car; Remote Employment permit holders may import household effects up to EC$75,000 duty-free.
Source: Grenada Airports Authority (GAA) — Customs information — prohibited items and duty-free allowances · 2026 · checked 27 Oct 2026
15Demographics5
Population; density
The 2021 census counted 109,021 people in 39,076 households; of the private-dwelling population, 2,681 lived in the town of St. George's and 42,096 in the rest of St George parish, which includes Grand Anse. The World Bank estimates 117,303 for 2025, about 341 people per km² (344 km²).
Source: Central Statistical Office (CSO), Grenada — Preliminary 2021 National Housing and Population Census results (posted April 2025; 41 pp.) · 2021 · checked 27 Oct 2026
GDP per capita; income level
GDP per person was US$12,107 in 2025 (World Bank). In the 2021 census, 65% of employed people who stated an income earned under EC$2,000 a month. Consumer prices are about 62% of US levels.
Source: World Bank — World Development Indicators and Worldwide Governance Indicators — Grenada (API, WDI updated 8 Oct 2026) · 2025 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Education level
2021 census, people aged 15+: degree holders 7.1% (bachelor's 4.7%), other tertiary diplomas or associate degrees 11.9%, upper secondary 28.2%, primary only 24.1%, none 1.6%. School is compulsory to 17.
Source: Central Statistical Office (CSO), Grenada — Preliminary 2021 National Housing and Population Census results (posted April 2025; 41 pp.) · 2021 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Tourist volume; overcrowding
Grenada received 54,565 stay-over visitors in the first quarter of 2026 (+12%) and 368,983 cruise passengers in 2025 (+17.5%), according to Caribbean Tourism Organization data.
Source: Caribbean Journal — Grenada stayover tourism Q1 2026 (6 Jul 2026) · 2026-Q1 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Gender ratio
Men and women are about equal: 54,542 men and 54,479 women in the 2021 census (100.1 men per 100 women).
Source: Central Statistical Office (CSO), Grenada — Preliminary 2021 National Housing and Population Census results (posted April 2025; 41 pp.) · 2021 · checked 27 Oct 2026
16Expat sentiment2
Expat Insider indices — Quality of Life, Ease of Settling In, Working Abroad, Personal Finance, Expat Essentials
No reliable source yet. To be filled from MPH's own member survey.
No reliable source yet · 2026 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Return rate; liked by members
No reliable source yet. To be filled from MPH's own member survey.
No reliable source yet · 2026 · checked 27 Oct 2026
17Food, groceries & markets13
Supermarket chains — discount / mid / premium
Food Fair (Jonas Browne & Hubbard) has stores on the Carenage in St. George's (since 1964) and in Grand Anse (since 1971), open 8 a.m.–7 p.m. Monday to Saturday, plus a webstore with delivery or curbside pickup that lists EC$ prices (e.g. potatoes EC$1.90 a lb, 500 g cheddar EC$20.15).
Source: Food Fair (Jonas Browne & Hubbard (Grenada) Ltd) — About us — stores, hours, webstore delivery · 2026 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Fresh produce markets — municipal markets, farmers' markets, market days
St. George's Market Square on Halifax Street is the island's largest market, with stalls of fresh island produce; it is busiest on Friday and Saturday mornings (travel guide). No official market hours are published.
Source: Lonely Planet — St George's Market Square · 2026 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Fish and seafood markets
The Fisheries Division runs the Melville Street Fish Market in St. George's; it closed on 12–13 January 2026 for food-safety training. No market hours are published online.
Source: NOW Grenada — Temporary closure of Melville Street Fish Market (Ministry of the Blue Economy notice, 8 Jan 2026) · 2026 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Seasonal and local produce
Local produce: nutmeg, mace and other spices, chocolate, rum and seafood; kosher fish is easy to find. Fruit cost about 68% more and vegetables 52% more than in the US in 2021 (World Bank). No official crop-season calendar was found.
Source: Grenada Tourism Authority (Pure Grenada) — Culinary — national dish, Culinary Capital, restaurants · 2021 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Organic availability; organic certification
No organic certification scheme was found: the Bureau of Standards' compulsory list has no organic standard.
Source: Grenada Bureau of Standards (GDBS) — Technical regulations (compulsory standards) · 2024 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Dietary needs — halal, kosher, vegetarian / vegan, gluten-free
Chabad of Grenada in True Blue, near St. George's University, holds Friday-night Shabbat dinners; kosher fish is easy to find and kosher poultry comes from a visiting shochet twice a year (2020 report). The 2021 census counted 396 Muslims. No halal certification was found.
Source: Lubavitch.com (Chabad news) — It's Grenada, not Granada (6 Aug 2020) · 2020 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Allergen labelling rules
Labelling of prepackaged foods is a compulsory standard (GDS 1: Part 4: 2018), alongside general and prepackaged-goods labelling rules (GDS 1 Parts 1–2: 2021) and a packaged-water standard (GDS 71: 2020). Whether allergens must be declared was not confirmed.
Source: Grenada Bureau of Standards (GDBS) — Technical regulations (compulsory standards) · 2018 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Food safety standards and inspection
Food businesses must register and be licensed (Food Safety Act No. 19 of 2015); food handlers need a valid certificate, ID badge and medical certificate. Public health officers inspect premises and can fine or close businesses. The Melville Street fish market closed for two days in January 2026 for a training session on sanitary standards for fish markets.
Source: NOW Grenada — Mandatory compliance with food safety regulations (Ministry of Health notice, 14 Mar 2025) · 2025 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Alcohol rules — where it can be bought, licences, restrictions
Restaurants and other food businesses need a current refreshment-house licence and registration; operating without them is an offence (Ministry of Health, 2025). No official page on liquor-licence fees, the legal drinking age or opening hours was found online.
Source: NOW Grenada — Mandatory compliance with food safety regulations (Ministry of Health notice, 14 Mar 2025) · 2025 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Grocery and meal delivery services
Food Fair's webstore (since 2018) offers delivery or curbside pickup, Monday–Thursday 9–5 and Friday–Saturday 9–6 (WhatsApp 1 473 405 2364). No restaurant-delivery platform page was read.
Source: Food Fair (Jonas Browne & Hubbard (Grenada) Ltd) — About us — stores, hours, webstore delivery · 2026 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Local cuisine overview
Oil down, the national dish, is a one-pot stew of meat, root vegetables and callaloo cooked in coconut milk. Grenada is known for spices (nutmeg and mace), chocolate and rum; nutmeg ice cream is a local speciality.
Source: Grenada Tourism Authority (Pure Grenada) — Culinary — national dish, Culinary Capital, restaurants · 2026 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Restaurant scene and dining cost
No mid-range menu with current prices was found. An upscale hotel restaurant lists starters at US$15–22 and mains at US$32–48 (2022, including 10% service charge and 15% VAT). In 2021 restaurants and hotels cost about 65% of US prices (World Bank).
Source: Rhodes Restaurant, Calabash Hotel — Dinner menu (PDF, Oct 2022) · 2022 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Tap water drinkable
The tourism authority says tap water is very safe to drink. For 74% of households the main drinking-water source is public water piped into the home (2021 census). NAWASA's monitoring found salt in one well in 2026, which it took out of service. Bottled water is on sale.
Source: Grenada Tourism Authority (Pure Grenada) — Frequently asked questions — language, driving, voltage, hours, dress, water · 2022 · checked 27 Oct 2026
18Questions US movers ask7
US Social Security totalisation agreement; pension paid abroad
There is no US–Grenada Social Security (totalization) agreement, but US benefits can be paid to people living in Grenada. Grenada's NIS has agreements with CARICOM countries and Canada; the NIS pension age is 62 in 2026, rising to 65 by 2031.
Source: US Social Security Administration — Your payments while you are outside the United States (EN-05-10137, April 2026) · 2026 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Flight time and direct flights to major US hubs
Non-stop to New York: JetBlue to JFK, typically about 5 h 10 min (up to 5 h 20 min); FlightsFrom lists 26 flights next month (it also says 4 a week). Miami about 4 h; Charlotte and Atlanta about 5 h 10 min (occasional); Toronto 6 h. There are non-stops to 9 destinations in all.
Source: FlightsFrom.com — Direct flights from St. George's (GND), incl. GND–JFK · 2026-10 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Time-zone offset from US Eastern / Pacific
Atlantic Standard Time (UTC−4) all year, with no daylight saving: 1 hour ahead of US Eastern in winter and the same time in US summer; 4 hours ahead of US Pacific in winter, 3 in summer.
Source: Time and Date AS — Time zone and daylight saving — Saint George's, Grenada · 2026 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Language test required for residency or citizenship
Naturalisation and registration require 'an adequate knowledge of the English language' (Citizenship Act), but no formal test procedure was found. CBI has no language test: forms must be in English and documents translated.
Source: Investment Migration Agency (IMA) Grenada — Enquiries (FAQ) — investment, fees, processing, interview, dual citizenship · 2026 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Remote work permitted under each visa
The Remote Employment permit (Act No. 3 of 2021; up to 1 year, renewable) allows remote work for employers outside Grenada but not for Grenadian businesses or residents, with no income tax on foreign income. Visitors may not work without a permit; Ministry of Labour work permits allow local jobs.
Source: Parliament of Grenada — Remote Employment Act, Act No. 3 of 2021 · 2021 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Setting options — urban / suburban / rural / coastal / mountain
Small-town and rural: 63% of people live in rural areas (World Bank, 2025); the town of St. George's had 2,681 people in 2021 and the rest of St George parish, including Grand Anse, 42,096. The mountainous interior has rainforest and old volcanic craters; Carriacou and Petite Martinique are small sister islands.
Source: World Bank — World Development Indicators and Worldwide Governance Indicators — Grenada (API, WDI updated 8 Oct 2026) · 2025 · checked 27 Oct 2026
Bureaucracy and admin ease
The World Bank's last Doing Business survey (2020) ranked Grenada 146th of 190: 12 days to start a business, 32 days and 7.4% of value to register property, and 688 days to enforce a contract (St. George's). CBI approvals take about 60 business days.
Source: World Bank — Doing Business 2020 economy profile — Grenada (St. George's) · 2020 · checked 27 Oct 2026
154 verified facts from 93 sources; last checked 27 Oct 2026. Facts marked "No reliable source yet" are shown on purpose, rather than filled with guesses.
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The information on this page is published by Mission Point Holdings LLC for informational and intelligence purposes only. It does not constitute financial, investment, tax, legal, or immigration advice. Figures are taken from official and published sources on the dates shown and change often; the monthly budget is an MPH calculation based on stated assumptions, not a quote. Residency and visa rules, tax treatment and costs vary by person and change frequently; confirm all requirements with qualified local legal and tax counsel before moving or committing capital. Mission Point Holdings LLC has no financial relationship with any provider named on this page.