Grenada
 

Hello, I am looking for information regarding moving to Grenada from the U.K. My daughter and I are going over in June and are hoping to stay. We initially have a 6 month return flight but I’m hoping we can extend our visa until we get residency. I have a business in the U.K. so I can support us both but I am wondering if there is a minimum income I would need as I’m guessing they look at that as to whether to extend the visa. Also, I’m trying to find out if I can enrol my daughter (6) in the local school straight away. Finally, my father is now looking at coming over too. He will stay with me so will have no rent to pay. He is claiming a state pension which I believe he can still claim there but would the immigration dept accept that as enough money?
I have tried to find answers to these Q’s but I’m struggling. I’m really hoping someone knowledgeable here can help.

Re: Grenada
 

Hi, i live here in Grenada and am now a citizen. Firstly, if you only have a uk passport your tourist visa will be for 1 to 3 months, its immigration who have that choice/decision. Having a 6 month return will probably be fine, but i wouldnt mention it as you are supposed to be able to prove you are leaving while your visa is valid. People do of course also have open returns so it shouldnt be an issue. You can renew it at the government passport office for a smallish fee but they will want to know your intentions and that you have sufficient funds, a place to stay etc etc. Never let your visa expire - that will most likely guarantee they wont extend it, and similarly, dont get into any sort of police related trouble - ensure you are always 100% legal or they will not extend it. If you are driving always have a temporary visitors driving license, and keep them when expired. When you have 4 you can get a permanent one which is also valuable ID. Bring a reference from your bank to open a bank account here, and bring a credit card designed to charge nothing on getting local money from an ATM. This is the best way to move money uk-grenada. Martin Lewis's website describes the current cards that do this but halifax clarity, plus one of the barclaycards is best.

There is no specific income requirement, but they can throw you out if they dont like you for some reason.

After 3 or 5 years [cant remember] you can apply for residency and that gives you the right to live - but not work - here. Non citizens have to pay a 10% tax on buying or selling property.

There are lots of other things you should know, but i dont know how much you already know. In terms of preparation - i assume you know the cost of sending things from the uk in duty terms and what you have to bring and what is better obtained here. For sure re clothes - if it isnt 100% cotton, its probably too hot for here. The country you are a resident in has far reaching impacts on what is and isnt allowed and financial/tax status's. Fortunately these are things sorted out after the event, but keep your boarding cards to planes.

Feel free to PM me with anything specific.

Re: Grenada
 

Hi and thanks for that information, that’s really helpful. I was under the impression it was 6 months for a U.K. citizen so I booked a 6 month return flight (which I’m hoping not to use) so I hope that will be ok! Thanks for the heads up!
Do you know about the school and whether I could enrol my daughter? Would I have to wait until I have residency?
Also (sorry to be asking all these Q’s) do you know if I can fly back to the U.K. easily or would I have to reapply for a visa every time?
In terms of what to bring I’m struggling to know to be honest. I know a lot of things are more expensive there.

Re: Grenada
 

It might be 6, but i thought it was 3 months?? Flights - the return portion has a validity of 12 months max. Often they dont have their scheduled loaded that far ahead so you book the return as late as possible, or even better if you do it over the phone, they will do that but also add a note saying you want to come back later and give you a free change [just pay any actual fare difference]. However i think changes are free at present with some airlines anyway.

If she is going to one of the private schools - Westmorland is probably the one - thats any time and they are good. The state schools - depends upon how full they are, you haven't said how old she is but be aware that state education for young kids is just ok, but is not good after a certain age. Its also not free., just a lot cheaper. Im not really the one to ask about schools as i dont have kids that age, but there are ex-pats who do have kids you might ask once you are here. Residency is years away.

When you fly in, you will get a visa stamp for ? months on arrival every time but if you only left a short while back your existing visa is also still valid. Happens a lot locally as grenada is a caricom member and all caricom nations give others 6 months and we travel a lot. You only ever actually apply if it needs renewing while you are here.

Duty adds between almost nothing on caricom foods, to 60% on most things from the us or europe to 100% on cars [and thats on their valuations, not the invoice unless its new] - the cost of living is high but it depends on how much imported stuff you need.