Living in Grenada
Advice for British people living in Grenada, including information on health, education, benefits, and residence requirements.
This guide sets out essential information for British citizens moving to or living in Grenada. Read about how our High Commission in Grenada can help.
Support for British Nationals Abroad sets out how British nationals can stay safe abroad and how the FCDO can help if you do get into difficulty.
This information is provided as a guide only. You should get definitive information from the Grenadian authorities. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is not liable for any inaccuracies in this information.
Read general guidance on moving or retiring abroad.
To stay up to date follow the British High Commission Bridgetown on:
Before you go
See our travel advice for Grenada for up-to-date information on entry requirements, local laws and customs, and emergencies.
Visas and residency
Check the entry requirements in Grenada travel advice.
Passports and travel
You can apply for or renew your British passport from Grenada.
Check Grenada travel advice for passport validity requirements.
Healthcare in Grenada
There is no reciprocal health care agreement between Grenada and the UK. Medical treatment in Grenada can be expensive. The main hospital is the General Hospital in the capital, St. George’s which oversees all other public hospitals and health facilities. St Augustine Medical Services Inc (SAMS) is a private hospital offering medical, surgical, maternity, emergency admissions and outpatient services.
Make sure you have appropriate health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
Further information on healthcare is on Grenada travel advice or visit the Grenada Ministry of Health, Wellness & Religious Affairs website.
UK travel insurance providers will not usually cover your healthcare costs if you live overseas.
Medicine
If you are on a prescription for any medication you should ensure you have a supply of it, or are able to obtain it when in Grenada. Certain medicines may not be available in Grenada (including major brands readily available in the UK), and you may be prohibited from taking them into the country. You should consult your GP before travelling to Grenada to find out about any alternative medication.
Read the guidance if you need to travel with medicines.
Working and studying in Grenada
If you are planning to move to Grenada and work, you may need a visa. Read the Grenada government’s guidance on working in Grenada as a foreign national and how to get a visa, or contact the Grenada High Commission in the UK.
To apply for a job you may need to provide:
- a copy of a valid passport
- 2 passport-sized photos
- Police clearance from your country of origin
- notarised certificates of qualification
- 2 professional references
British nationals are not permitted to work in Grenada without a valid work permit. Read more information on work permits on the Grenada Immigration and Passport Department website or contact the Grenada High Commission in the UK.
Education
Grenada generally has a good standard of education for all ages and the school system is similar to that of the UK. There are both private and public options. For information on the school system in Grenada contact the Ministry of Education.
Studying in Grenada
If you plan to study in Grenada, you must meet all visa requirements before you travel. British national students are required to hold a student visa. Read information about student visas on the Grenada Immigration and Passport Department’s website or contact the Grenada High Commission in the UK.
Contact the relevant higher education provider in Grenada to check what fees are required.
Tax
The UK has a double taxation agreement with Grenada to ensure that people do not pay tax on the same income in both countries.
Ask the relevant tax authority your questions about double taxation relief.
You should get professional advice on paying tax in Grenada. Find an English-speaking lawyer in Grenada.
Read guidance on:
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paying National Insurance while abroad to protect your State Pension and entitlement to other benefits and allowances
Benefits
Check which UK benefits you can claim while abroad and how to claim them.
Many income-related benefits such as Pension Credit and Housing Benefit cannot be paid if you’re abroad for more than 4 weeks.
Pensions
Read State Pension guidance if you have lived in Australia, Canada or New Zealand and you are claiming or waiting to claim your UK State Pension.
If you retire in Grenada, you can claim your UK State Pension or new UK State Pension. Contact the International Pension Centre for further information.
Life certificates for UK State Pensions
If you get a ‘life certificate’ from the UK Pension Service, you must respond as soon as possible. Your payments may be suspended if you do not.
Money and banking
There are several banks and cash machines located in the capital city, St George’s including and in the tourist area Grand Anse. Smaller towns including Grenville and Gouyave on the mainland, and Hillsborough on the sister island of Carriacou, offer limited banking options.
You should make an appointment with the bank to set up new accounts. All transfers to and from Grenada bank accounts are conducted through correspondent banks in the USA.
Accommodation and buying property
See general guidance on buying a property abroad.
Non-Grenadian residents are obligated to secure an ‘Alien Land Holders License’ and pay 10% fee on top of the purchase price. The application process for the license can take 3 to 6 months. Foreign nationals will also need to pay Property Transfer Tax:
- foreign nationals pay 15% of the purchase price
- nationals of members of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) pay 5% of the purchase price
Local banking institutions require declaration of ‘source of funds’ from the Buyer. For amounts above EC$ 250,000, you will need to get approval from the Grenada Ministry of Finance.
Driving in Grenada
Read general guidance on driving abroad.
Read the guidance on what actions you must do to drive legally in Grenada.
Residents and visitors are required to hold a valid Grenadian licence or permit to drive on the roads. Driving licences and permits are issued by the police at the Traffic Department in the capital. Most car hire agencies will help you apply for a temporary driver’s licence. You must present a current valid driver’s licence issued in your usual country of residence.
If you’re asked for a letter authenticating, certifying or validating your UK driver’s licence, you should contact your UK-issuing office (for example, the DVLA).
Read guidance on travelling by road in Grenada.
If you wish to take your vehicle with you, read guidance on taking vehicles out of the UK.
Disabled drivers
If you have a UK Blue Badge and live in Grenada, you must return it to the original UK-issuing authority.
Voting
Commonwealth citizens may be allowed to vote in Grenada’s general elections. For more information visit the official website of Grenada’s Parliamentary Elections Office.
You may be able to vote in some UK elections. You can:
Births, deaths, marriage and civil partnership
Births
If your child is born in Grenada you should register the birth with the local authorities. You can then register with the UK authorities and apply for a UK birth certificate.
If your child has British nationality, you do not need to register the birth with the UK authorities to apply for a British passport.
Deaths
If someone dies in Grenada read our guidance on:
- What to do if someone dies abroad
- Bereavement guidance for Grenada
- English-speaking funeral directors in Grenada
Marriage and civil partnership
Find out how to get married or get a civil partnership abroad.
Pets
Read guidance on:
Emergencies
Dial the Grenada emergency number:
- 911 for the police
- 434 for the ambulance
- 911 or +1 473 440 2112 for the fire station
Dial the Grenada emergency number 911 for the police to report a missing child.
If you have been the victim of a rape or sexual assault in Grenada, read guidance on rape and sexual assault abroad.
If you’re the victim of a crime, have been arrested, or are affected by a crisis, contact the British High Commission Bridgetown.
Read guidance on international parental child abduction if your child may be at risk of this.
Returning to the UK
Read the guidance on returning to the UK permanently which includes information on bringing family members, tax and access to services.
Last updated 10 January 2023 + show all updates
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Guidance reviewed and updated.
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Please see the updated 'Living In' Guides for Grenada - February 2021
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First published.