So I’ve been getting tons of DMs about Grenada’s Citizenship by Investment program lately. Everyone’s asking the same thing: “Bro, how much cash do I actually need?” Figured I’d walk you through my whole application journey step by step.
First Step: Believing the Marketing Hype
Started like everyone else – scrolling fancy government websites saying citizenship “starts at $150,000”. Sounds straightforward right? Grabbed my calculator thinking okay, maybe $160k with fees. Almost texted my wife “we can totally swing this”. Huge mistake.
Reality Check Time
Called three approved agents. Each dumped a mind-blowing spreadsheet on me. Here’s what they don’t shout about:
- That “$150k” donation? Government takes every penny – doesn’t cover ANY processing crap
- Due diligence fees? Another $5k per adult straight to Grenada’s pocket
- Bank charges for wiring six figures? $300-$700 vanished like steam
- Mandatory medical checks? $500 per person if your local clinic isn’t “approved”
- Agent fees? Ranged from $25k to $50k just for paperwork shuffling!
The Wallet Execution Phase
Chose the cheapest agent (still $28k!). Wired the donation – bank slapped $650 fee instantly. Got medicals done locally but nope, Grenada required their approved doc. Flew to Miami for two appointments: $1,200 flights + $985 clinic fees. Passports? $250 each for new ones since mine expired mid-process. Every month another surprise invoice popped up.
Total hemorrhage: Took every dime of my $180k budget plus a $12k credit card scream-fest. Nearly choked when the agent casually mentioned property owners pay DOUBLE.
Affordable? Only in Fantasy Land
If you think this is some discount Caribbean passport, stop right now. Unless you’ve got $200k collecting dust under your mattress PLUS emergency funds for surprise costs? Forget it. Cheapest route still requires selling assets or liquidating investments. Saw three families drop out when due diligence found “issues” – zero refunds.
My advice? Treat that “$150k” number like a carnival game sign. Real cost comes with hidden knives. Went through hell but got the passport. Worth it for my situation? Barely.
