Due diligencefee
Government due diligence fee
- What it is
- A government fee for carrying out the applicant check
- How it is calculated
- Usually for each person included in the application above a certain age
- When it is paid
- Before the result is received — it pays for the check procedure itself
- Is it refundable
- Practically never, even in the event of a refusal
- The practical conclusion
- You need to prepare so as to pass first time
In plain words
The due diligence fee is a government payment for carrying out due diligence on the applicant. It covers the work of the vetting bodies: gathering information, checking databases and sanctions lists, analysing the source of funds and preparing a report. It pays for the procedure, not the result.
The fee is charged, as a rule, for each person included in the application above the age set by the programme. So a family application costs noticeably more than a single one, not only because of the investment but also because of the check. The amount of the fee is set by the state and may be revised.
The key point is that it is non-refundable. If the check results in a refusal, the fee is not returned: the work has been done. Hence the practical conclusion that determines the whole logic of preparation: you should plan for one attempt. The dossier is assembled in advance and contentious episodes are explained before filing, not after a request — because a second attempt means paying again, and with a refusal on record.
When it is taken into account
What you need to understand
- For each applicant
- Age thresholds
- Separate rates by category
- The vetting bodies’ work
- Database checks
- Preparing the report
- Not refunded on refusal
- Payment for the procedure, not the result
- Refiling means paying the fee again
- Inclusion in the budget
- Payment deadlines
- Changes in rates
How it works
- 01Preparing the dossier before filing
- 02Paying the due diligence fee
- 03Carrying out due diligence
- 04The vetting report
- 05Decision on the application
What you need to know
- The fee pays for the check procedure, not its result
- It is charged for each person included in the application
- As a rule, it is not refunded in the event of a refusal
- The amount is set by the state and may be revised
- Refiling means paying again
Common mistakes
- Not including the fee for the whole family in the budget
- Filing with an incomplete dossier, expecting to add to it later
- Hiding episodes in one’s background in the hope that they will not be found
- Treating a refusal as fixable without consequences
- Planning the budget without a margin for unforeseen costs
What this means for a BRIDGES client
We never advise filing an application with a half-finished dossier. The check is paid for in advance and is not refunded, and a refusal stays on record. One thorough attempt is almost always cheaper than two hasty ones.
Frequently asked questions
01 /What is this fee charged for?
For carrying out the applicant check: gathering information, checking databases and lists, analysing the source of funds and preparing a report.
02 /Is it charged for each person?
As a rule, yes — for each person included in the application above the age set by the programme.
03 /Will the money be refunded if the application is refused?
Practically never. It is payment for work done, not for the outcome of the review.
04 /Can I refile?
In some cases, yes, but this means paying the fee again and having to explain the reasons for the previous refusal.
05 /Does the amount of the fee change?
Yes, rates are set by the state and may be revised. The current amount is confirmed at the time of filing.
06 /How can the risk of losing the fee be reduced?
By preparing the dossier thoroughly before filing: a full set, explained contentious episodes, a documented source of funds.
See also
Read next
This material has undergone editorial review by BRIDGES.
Working out the programme budget?
We will calculate the full budget for the whole family — with the check, the fees and no hidden items.