Application Process
A successful application depends on various key factors. We have been exposed to thousands of different cases over the years, which enables us to identify application flaws and case-specific challenges in advance. Our expertise is in preventing potential problems and finding solutions in advance, therefore, only success.
Customer evaluation
As a first step, we assess the client’s motivations and needs to select the most appropriate citizenship or residence by investment program. We make sure that the client’s nationality and personal circumstances allow him/her to apply for the desired program, otherwise we look for other options.
At this stage, we thoroughly pre-qualify our clients’ citizenship applications and request passport copies for security checks. Applications may be rejected for the following reasons:
Convicted of a criminal offence and detained
Personal or corporate bankruptcy or liquidation
Suspected of financial fraud
Illegal sources of funds
Taxation investigation
Being refused a work permit or residence permit in any country
Have been deported from any country
If there are difficulties in individual cases, we will screen with the government in advance and obtain government approval in principle.
At this stage, the client begins signing our retainer agreement and we officially begin work on the application.
Document preparation
We assign a dedicated Document Officer to each case to help clients gather documents. We can obtain most documents on behalf of our clients. At this stage, the Document Officer will prepare a personalized checklist for the client and family members detailing the documents required to prepare a successful application. Please note that each case requires specific documents and in the absence of documents, we will prepare an affidavit explaining this to the government.
Here are some basic files:
A certified copy of your current passport
A certified copy of your ID card
An original extract of the full birth record or a certified copy of the full birth certificate
Original police certificate from country of nationality and residence
Submit documents to the government
Once the dossier is complete, we refer the case to the relevant authorities in the specific country.
The government acknowledges receipt of the documents and verifies that all documents have been submitted in good form. At this point, the documents are sent to the government-designated due diligence agency for a background check.
Due Diligence Procedures
Once the due diligence investigation is complete, they issue a report which is reviewed by the government. At this stage, they can request further supporting documentation to clarify certain issues that came up during the background check. Today, more than 50% of cases are asked for additional documentation once the due diligence is complete, and this is when the real challenges arise. It is at this stage that working with an experienced Citizens Advice firm can be the difference between a rejection or approval of an application.
Due diligence takes an average of two to three months, although some countries offer an accelerated process, for an additional government fee, which reduces the process to about five weeks.
Government approval and payment
Once the government is satisfied with the documents and evidence submitted, they will issue a formal approval letter. At this stage, the client is required to transfer the donation or investment (in whichever the client has selected in advance) and any applicable government fees.
Once the client transfers the required amount, we require a copy of the Swift issued by the client's bank to ensure that the government can locate the funds in a timely manner. We liaise directly with the relevant local banks and promptly provide all the required documents so that the funds can be cleared in a timely manner.
Citizenship certificate and passport
The certificate of citizenship is issued approximately one month after the government confirms receipt of the funds. The certificate of citizenship must be stamped and signed by the government agency.
Once the citizenship certificate is issued, we proceed to apply for a passport. Passports are issued by the Passport Office, which is a different agency than the one that processes citizenship. It takes about a week to issue a passport. In urgent cases, we can get one in 24 hours.
We receive citizenship certificates and passports at our offices and hand them over to clients in person. We can also couriers them to their country of residence for the convenience of our clients.
Please note that this is a general step-by-step guide on the application process, however each country and each program has its own specificities. The application process for residence programs is different from that for citizenship programs. To find out the exact process for applying to a specific program, please visit the specific program page and go to "Process".