Grenadian nationality law

Updated on Feb 05, 2024

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The Grenadian nationality law is governed by the Grenada Citizenship Act (Chapter 54) [1] and the Grenada Constitution of 1973.[2]

Birth in Grenada

In general, everyone born in Grenada from 1974 or later acquires Grenadian citizenship at birth. The exception is only for children born to diplomat parents.

Citizenship by descent

Children born outside of Grenada to a Grenadian-born parent may automatically apply for a Grenadian passport. Children of Grenadian parentage must attach Grenadian birth certificate of parent(s) so as to establish parental claim.

Citizenship by registration

Registration is a simpler method of acquiring citizenship than naturalization, but certain people are eligible.

Children (under 18) born outside of Grenada to a Grenadian parent - Section 6(1)

Children (over 18) born outside of Grenada to a Grenadian parent - Section 5(1)

A person who is/or has been married to a citizen of Grenada - Section 5(3)

Commonwealth & Irish citizens – may apply for citizenship by registration under Section 6(1) provided that the person have been legally living in Grenada for 7 years (citizens from Non-Caribbean Countries), OR 4 years (citizens of Caribbean countries) AND 2 years as holder of a Permanent Residence Permit (within the applicable citizenship requirement period) immediately preceding the date of application. [3]

Citizenship by naturalisation

Aliens or British Protected Persons can apply for Grenadian citizenship by naturalisation under Sch. 5 Reg. 7 of the Grenada Citizenship Act, if they have been legally living in Grenada for 7 years AND 2 Years as a Permanent Resident (within the seven-year period) immediately preceding the date of application.[4]

Dual Citizenship

Grenadian law allows their citizens to hold dual citizenship.

In Grenada

Grenadian citizens enjoy the following rights (subject to certain exceptions):

the right to enter and remain in Grenada at any time without an immigration permit.

Entitlement to a Grenadian passport and to Grenadian consular protection overseas.

Immunity to deportation.

Entitlement to vote and stand for public office.

Entitlement to leave Grenada and return at any time without requirement a visa.

Entitlement to pass Grenadian citizenship by descent or registration to children born outside Grenada.

Full access to education rights and scholarships.

Ability to apply for public service jobs reserved to Grenadian citizens.

Access to international sport (in some sports, international players must be citizens of the country they represent).

In other Commonwealth Countries

As Commonwealth citizens, Grenadians are afforded a number of privileges in some Commonwealth countries.

In the United Kingdom, Grenadian citizens enjoy the following privileges:

the right to vote in all elections (i.e., parliamentary, local and European elections) as long they have registered to vote (they must possess valid leave to enter/remain or right of abode on the date of their electoral registration application)

the right, unless other disqualified, to stand for election to the British House of Commons as long as they possess indefinite leave to remain or do not require leave under the Immigration Act 1971 to enter or remain in the UK.

the right, if a qualifying peer or bishop, to sit in the House of Lords.

Eligibility to hold public office (e.g., as judge, magistrate, minister, police constable, member of armed forces, etc.)

the right of abode (for those born before 1983 who meet the requirements)

access to UK Ancestry Entry Clearance (for those with a grandparent born in the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man or in the Republic or Ireland on or before 31 March 1922)

may not be required to register with the police while living in the United Kingdom

In New Zealand, Mauritius, Malawi and many Commonwealth countries in the Caribbean, Grenadian citizens who are long-term residents have the right to vote in elections.

Visa requirements

Visa requirements for Grenadian citizens are administrative entry restrictions by the authorities of other states placed on citizens of Grenada. In 2016, Grenadian citizens had visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 121 countries and territories, ranking the ordinary Grenadian passport 39th in the world according to the Visa Restrictions Index.

Oath of Citizenship

Non-Commonwealth nationals may be required to swear an oath of allegiance to the Queen of Grenada:

I, A.B., do solemnly and sincerely affirm and declare that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, Her Heirs and Successors, according to law, and that I will faithfully observe the laws of Grenada and full my duties as a citizen of Grenada. So help me God.

Consular protection

Grenadian citizens who require consular assistance in a foreign country where there is no Grenadian foreign mission may be able to request assistance from a British Embassy, high commission or consulate. For example, Grenadians who need to travel urgently and whose passport has expired, been lost or stolen can be issued with an emergency travel document by a British foreign mission as long as this has cleared with the Grenadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Loss of Grenadian citizenship

Any citizen of Grenada of full age and capacity may voluntary renounce his or her citizenship as of Section 10 of the Grenada Citizenship Act, 1976.

Grenada and British nationality

Prior to 1974 persons connected with Grenada held British nationality. Grenadians were mainly classified as Citizens of UK and Colonies (CUKCs). Upon independence from the United Kingdom, Grenada became a commonwealth realm with HM Queen Elizabeth II as Head of State.

Persons connected with Grenada at independence may have retained citizenship of the UK and colonies if:

they did not acquire Grenadian citizenship;

they had specified ties with the UK itself i.e. parent or grandparent who was born or naturalised in the UK or in a place which remained a British Overseas Territory.

Such persons would have become British citizens on 1 January 1983 if they had specified ties to the UK. Otherwise they would have become British Overseas Citizens.