The headline investment figure is one layer of several. This sets out the structure so you can ask an agent the right questions.
Layer 1 — the qualifying investment
Either a non-refundable contribution to the national fund, scaled to family size, or an approved real estate purchase at or above the required level, held for a defined period.
The essential difference: the first is spent, the second is capital that may be recoverable. Neither is guaranteed to be the cheaper option once everything else is counted.
Layer 2 — government fees
- Processing fees, per applicant
- Due diligence fees, per applicant above a certain age — these are per person and add up for larger families
- Government administration fees, which on the real estate route are substantial and often overlooked
- Passport and certificate fees
The real estate route's government fees are the item most frequently missing from initial comparisons. Ask specifically for the total government cost on each route before comparing.
Layer 3 — professional fees
- Authorised agent fees
- Intermediary or introducer fees, where a chain exists
- Legal fees for the property transaction, if applicable
- Translation and legalisation of documents
Fee layering is worth understanding: if you engaged through an international firm which then engaged a local agent, you may be paying two sets of fees. Ask directly how many parties are being paid.
Layer 4 — costs on the real estate route only
- Purchase costs — legal, registration, stamp duty
- Holding costs — maintenance charges, property tax, insurance across the holding period
- Exit costs — sale commission, legal fees, and the likelihood of selling at a discount
What is refundable and what is not
The question to settle before committing:
- Due diligence fees — generally not refundable, as the work is done regardless of outcome
- Agent fees — depends entirely on the contract; get it in writing
- The investment itself — normally paid only after approval in principle, which is the applicant's main protection
That last point is the structural safeguard: the large sum is generally paid after clearance, not before. Any arrangement asking for the full investment upfront should be questioned.
Comparing the two routes honestly
Build a total figure for each across the whole holding period: investment plus all fees plus holding costs, minus a realistic recovery estimate for the property route. Then compare. The route with the lower headline figure is frequently not the cheaper one.
Frequently asked questions
Which cost is most often omitted from comparisons?
Government administration fees on the real estate route, which are substantial.
Could you be paying two sets of professional fees?
Yes, if an international firm engaged a local agent on your behalf — ask how many parties are being paid.
When is the investment paid?
Normally after approval in principle, which is the applicant's main structural protection.
How should the two routes be compared?
By total cost across the holding period, minus a realistic recovery estimate for property — the lower headline figure is often not cheaper.
Need a tailored roadmap?
Viking Global Group walks with you from paperwork to settlement. Call +849.219.219.88 or email [email protected] for a free consultation.
Related articles
Frequently Asked Questions
What about Citizenship by investment in Grenada?
The article covers citizenship by investment in Grenada.
How does this relate to Grenada?
The article links Grenada to citizenship by investment.
Information is for reference and may change under the latest official policy. Please contact us for current regulations.
