The Citizenship by Investment industry is constantly growing. Along with the industry, the number of licensed companies – as well as of those that are not credible – is increasing. Such an expansion understandably provokes the doubt among citizenship and residency applicants about who to trust. Thus, we have decided to share with you certain advice on checking if the company you got in touch with is trusted and holds sufficient licenses to take care of one of the most important steps in your life – immigration!

1. DO INDEPENDENT FIRST

It is very important that you firstly understand the basics of the citizenship program offered, and to perform adequate research. Each program has been implemented by the respective Government of specific countries and in collaboration with global citizenship by investment advisory companies and leaders. This means that the most accurate information will first and foremost be provided on the official governmental websites. Most of the countries have their official CBI website with basic overview, such as, for example: http://cbi.gov.md/ . Make sure to check that out first!

2. GET TO KNOW THE GLOBAL LEADERS IN THE INDUSTRY

While conducting research, you will most probably discover some cornerstone names of the industry, such as Henley & Partners, Arton Capital etc. These are the names of the pioneers in this industry, and have credible and accurate information about most of the programs. However, it does not mean that they are the only companies authorized to prepare and submit your application.

3. UNDERSTAND HOW THE INDUSTRY WORKS

The entire industry will soon reach US$ 20 billion annually, which makes it precisely developed and with the structured system behind it. But, to understand the basics required for a  trustworthy choice is not that complicated at all. The entire industry is based on the license or agreement to sell/offer and market the official governmental program. But, beside Licensed Companies (Official Agents) – which in most cases have the license agreement with the Government – the system branches out further via sub-agents' agreements and referral agreements. All of these have a legal authorization to process your application or offer to you the program. Thus, we recommend that you always check this licensing requirement on the website of the company or alternatively request such information from the company. They will have to confirm to you that they are the license owners or if what they have is a legal authorization for such an action.

4. SEEK FOR AN ADVISORY COMPANY THAT HAS IT ALL

Different companies have various agreements and models of collaboration in industry. But, in most cases, those companies that offer one-stop-shop services are mostly the ones that can serve the client in-house and make sure that all the necessary steps and preparations are properly undertaken.

5. ALWAYS CHECK THE COMPANY'S REFERENCE LIST

Even if sometimes the entire list can be a typical make-up for the clients, the references are and will always be important. Feel free to request a reference list from the company that you are almost about to choose as your trusted advisor. It will put you in safer hands through the entire immigration journey.

We hope that this gave you basis of the industry concept, and will help you to choose your advisor smartly!

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.