What Should Investors Check Before Paying an Investment Migration Company?

What Should Investors Check Before Paying an Investment Migration Company?

Before paying an investment migration company, investors should verify the program directly with the government, confirm that the company or agent is properly authorized, understand the complete fee structure, identify the lawyers and service providers handling the application, review the contract and refund terms, and understand exactly where their investment money will go. This is one of the most important parts of investment migration.

1. Verify the government program

First ask:

Does the program actually exist today?

Immigration programs can change, close, or modify their investment requirements.

For example, Grenada's official Investment Migration Agency publishes program updates, circulars, approved agents and approved projects.

Investors should therefore avoid relying solely on:

  • Facebook advertisements
  • YouTube videos
  • Old brochures
  • Property developers
  • Unofficial websites
  • Sales presentations

Instead, verify the program against the official government or program authority.

Official Government Website Programs about Cyprus 

https://www.mip.gov.cy/ 

Official Government Website Programs about Malta 

https://residencymalta.gov.mt/ 

Official Government Website Programs about Greece

https://migration.gov.gr/en/golden-visa/

Official Government Website Programs about Grenada 

https://www.cbi.gov.gd/index_php/ 

2. Verify the agent's authorization

This is particularly important for citizenship-by-investment programs.

Grenada's official application guide states that applicants must use an Authorised International Marketing Agent, who works with an Authorised Local Agent; applicants cannot submit directly to the Citizenship by Investment Committee.

Therefore, investors should ask:

“Can you show me your authorization to market or process this program?”

This simple question can eliminate many unnecessary risks.

FreeVisa Authorization Letters: 

3. Ask for a complete cost breakdown

Never ask only:

“How much is the investment?”

Ask instead:

“What is my estimated total cost from application to residence card or passport?”

The total may include:

  • Investment or government contribution
  • Government fees
  • Due-diligence fees
  • Application fees
  • Processing fees
  • Legal fees
  • Property taxes
  • VAT
  • Property registration
  • Agent/service fees
  • Translation and certification
  • Insurance
  • Biometrics
  • Travel expenses
  • Additional dependent fees

This distinction is extremely important. For example, Grenada's official application guide separates the required contribution from application, due-diligence, processing and interview fees. 

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4. Understand where your money goes

Investors should know whether their money goes to:

  • A government fund
  • An approved property project
  • A developer
  • An escrow account
  • A lawyer
  • A migration company

For example, Grenada's 2024 pricing circular specifies that the US$270,000 approved-project investment is paid into the developer's escrow account, with defined allocations.

This is the level of detail investors should request before transferring money.

5. Check the refund policy

Ask:

“What happens if my application is refused?”

The answer should be clearly stated in the written agreement.

Do not rely only on verbal promises such as:

“Don't worry, your application will definitely be approved.”

No legitimate adviser can guarantee government approval when the final decision belongs to the relevant authority.

6. Understand due diligence

Investment migration programs normally require applicants to pass background and financial checks.

Grenada, for example, requires applicants to meet personal requirements including age, health, criminal-record requirements and lawful source of funds.

Entrepreneurs should therefore prepare:

  • Passport
  • Business ownership documents
  • Bank statements
  • Tax documents
  • Proof of income
  • Proof of assets
  • Source-of-funds documentation
  • Police clearance
  • Family documents
"The stronger the documentation, the easier it is for the legal team to assess the case."

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