The Primary objective with Citizenship by investment (CBI) is acquiring citizenship, global mobility, Plan B and protect their financial investment from risks. Investors should understand that there are several risks associated with CBI programs beyond the financial contribution.
Many CBI agents do not tell clients or fully disclose everything related to CBI/GV programs. It is best for HNWI clients to hire a lawyer and seek legal advice starting from legality of dual citizenship. Do not trust agents advice.
Most agents only focus on selling the passport; only very few openly provide legal advice, talk about risks, refusals, due diligence concerns, and total costs.
Do not Rely on AI advice
Many agent websites contain do contain updated or old information not frequently updated including AI sites such as ChatGPT, Gemini and Claudu. Do not rely on AI advice on immigration matters as LLMs often hallucinate.
Unlicensed Agent Risks
First check agent licenses and their agreements. It is possible unlicensed agents promote unethical offers or discounting to lure clients. It is not uncommon for subagent working with master agent. Watchout for red flags always ask questions.
False Advertising
Many websites are not government-authorized agents. They collect leads and sell them to third parties without disclosing this.
Agents advertise:
- “100% guaranteed citizenship”
- “Guaranteed approval”
- “No risk”
In reality, the final decision always belongs to the government. No licensed agent can guarantee approval.
The Granting of citizenship solely at the discretion with the Government.
Hidden Fees
Many agents do not provide full disclosure of costs (no transparency), they bait clients to first contact them, and when you see the quote you would be surprised. In reality they work with intermediaries inflate the quotation upping the total costs adding huge kickback in commissions. Always ask about clear split between fees paid to government and agent.
Processing Times
Many agents incorrectly advertise..
- “Passport in 30 days.”
- “Processing time 60 days”
The application processing times are incorrectly advertised, cannot be guaranteed. The reality, it takes several months depends on the case complexity. Incomplete forms and supporting documentation contribute to long delays.
The speed of processing lies entirely with the government. It cannot be guaranteed.
Fact check
Always fact check everything before you contact agent. Dont rely soley on Agent advice.
Illegal discounting
Many agents offer illegal discounting (underselling scam) selling the price of passport below the minimum threshold which is illegal. Clients are required to check official government websites for minimum investment specified and fees. Be wary of such schemes you risk of being deported or stranded abroad when passport is revoked.
Government discounts
CIU’s sometime provide limited time discount (LTO) from time to time. Do not trust such offers provided by agents. Only trust the official source from CIU’s and Government websites.
Investment Risks
Investments tied to citizenship program has several risks should be clearly understood..
- Potential future visa-waiver suspensions.
- Investments are not recoverable and do not provide any returns.
- Rejection of application leads to losing initial payments.
- Biometrics and Passport renewal requirements.
- Program rule or policy changes.
- Addition of future spouse and new born children.
- Resale difficulties of real estate investments.
Real Estate Risks
The scams associated with investing in real estate is high, because many developers do not complete construction and the project only exists on paper despite receiving all approvals. In real-estate-based programs, some agents push projects because commissions are higher, not because the investment is suitable or approved.
- Inflated cost of real estate to foreign buyers
- ROI is often projections (not actual performance).
- Kickback of commissions paid to agent.
- Liquidity and capital loss risk.
- Guaranteed buyback (less than the property value)
- Failing to generte returns with high maintenance fees.
- Exit risk (unable to find new buyer) after holding period.
- Citizenship revoked if you prematurely divest within stipulated period.
EU Citizenship is not Easy
EU Citizenship is impossible without living in EU (as resident) and genuine ties to the country. You must also pass language and civic test. All other offers are scams do not fall for it.
Portugal – Portugal has increased required residence period to 10 years for other countries. No transition provisions protecting existing golden visa golders. The current time from the time of receiving residence permit to passport is 13-15 years.
Dominica – Starting from The Government has announced a visit requirement to Dominica to collect passports. This was announced recently by Prime minister.
Loss of Visa free Access
A passport’s reputation and value depends largely on international visa-waiver agreements. Here is the latest information on visa free access.
- United Kingdom – Nauru, St Lucia, Dominica lost visa free access to UK. Airport transit visa also required. They are not eligible for ETA.
- Ireland – St.Kitts and St.Lucia lost visa free access to Ireland. Airport transit visa required.
- EU Schengen – Vanuatu, Nauru lost visa free access to Schengen area.
- Grenada – Grenada citizenship does not immediately grant E2 visa visa previleges. Many agents dont tell this. USCIS has made changes E-2 visa rules which is impossible without living in Grenada for minimum period of 3 years (must be resident of grenada).
- US Immigrant visas (IV) – Suspended for all five caribbean CIP nations.
- US Non-Immigrant visas (NIV) – US NIV visas (only B-1/B-2 visitor visas and F, M, J student and exchange visitor visas suspended for Antigua and Dominica.
- US Visa Bonds – Sao Tome and Principe, Vanuatu, Antigua, Grenada and Dominica subjected to US visa bonds.
- Canada ETA – You cannot apply for Canada ETA with Grenada and Dominica passports even if you have US visa. These countries are not eligible only St.Kitts, Antigua and St.Lucia are eligible.
Security Risks
Applications can be denied even after investing time and money in the process. These arise from Agents do not screen high risk or PEP applicants are not screened properly before boarding.
- Source of funds concerns.
- Adverse media reports.
- Previous visa refusals.
- Concealing information
- Sanctions exposure.
- Criminal history.
- Inconsistencies in documentation.
No agent can guarantee approval based on these risk factors..
Please contact us for more information.
