Updated
GL-C-01
Glossary · Citizenship and residency programs
CIU / CBIU - Citizenship by Investment Unit
A government agency that administers the citizenship by investment program: it accepts applications, conducts Due Diligence, and approves them. Present in every Caribbean country.
01 / In 30 seconds
The short answer
- What it is
- The government agency that administers a citizenship by investment programme
- What it does
- Accepts applications, conducts due diligence, approves
- Where
- In every Caribbean country with a CBI programme
- Who files
- The applicant — only through a licensed agent
- Can you prepare
- Yes: assemble a strong file to the CIU’s requirements
02 / In plain words
What CIU / CBIU means
A CIU (Citizenship by Investment Unit, sometimes CBIU) is the government agency that administers the citizenship by investment programme in a particular country. It accepts applications, organises the due diligence check, approves or rejects, and oversees compliance with the programme’s rules. In essence the CIU is the “owner” of the programme on the state’s side.
Every Caribbean country with CBI has such an agency: Grenada, Dominica, St Kitts, Antigua and St Lucia each have their own. The applicant does not deal with the CIU directly: under the rules, documents can be filed only through a licensed agent accredited with the agency. The agent prepares and files the file, and the CIU checks it and makes the decision.
The conclusion for the applicant: the quality of the work with the CIU largely determines the outcome. The agency values clean, complete and transparent files and deals strictly with contentious applications. Understanding the requirements of the particular CIU — what it checks, which documents it expects, where it is exacting — helps get through first time, without requests and delays.
A case from practice
An applicant for Grenadian citizenship cannot file with the CIU themselves — only through a licensed agent. The agent prepares a complete file to the agency’s requirements, and the CIU carries out due diligence and makes the decision. A clean and transparent application goes through without additional requests.
Where working with the CIU matters
- Applying for Caribbean citizenship
- Due diligence check
- Application approval
- Complying with the programme’s rules
- Working through a licensed agent
- Receiving the passport
03 / What it covers
What the CIU does
Functions
- Accepts applications
- Organises the check
- Approves or rejects
Check
- Due Diligence
- For each adult
- Through screening firms
Who files
- Only through an agent
- Licensed
- Accredited with the CIU
Where it exists
- Grenada, Dominica
- St Kitts, Antigua
- Saint Lucia
04 / How it works
How working with the CIU goes
Preparing the file through an agent
Filing with the CIU
Due Diligence
The CIU’s decision
Passport
05 / Key facts
What you need to know
01
The CIU administers the state’s citizenship programme
02
It accepts applications, checks and approves
03
Every Caribbean country with CBI has one
04
Filing is possible only through a licensed agent
05
It values clean and complete files
Common mistakes
- Trying to file with the CIU directly, bypassing an agent
- Filing an incomplete or contentious file
- Not accounting for the particular CIU’s requirements
- Concealing an episode — the check will find it
- Underestimating the strictness of the agency’s check
06 / Expert advice
How to prepare in advance
The file is prepared to the requirements of the particular CIU: what it checks, which documents it expects, where it is exacting. The application is filed only through a licensed agent accredited with the agency, with a clean, complete and transparent pack. Then the route through the CIU goes first time, without requests and delays.
What we do for you. We work with CIUs through accredited agents and prepare the file precisely to the requirements of the particular agency: what it checks and which documents it expects. That way the application goes through first time, without requests and delays, and you receive your passport on time.
Anna KovalevskayaExpert in Caribbean citizenship by investment programs
07 / Questions
Frequently asked questions
A Citizenship by Investment Unit — the government agency that administers the citizenship by investment programme: it accepts applications, carries out the check and approves.
No. Under the rules, documents can be filed only through a licensed agent accredited with the agency. The agent prepares and files the file.
Every Caribbean country with CBI has its own: Grenada, Dominica, St Kitts, Antigua and St Lucia. The functions are similar; the details differ.
Through due diligence — criminal history, sanctions, the origin of money and reputation for each adult applicant. It values clean and complete files.
The quality and transparency of the file and passing the check. Contentious applications trigger requests or refusal; clean ones go through first time.
CIUs administer the Caribbean CBI programmes; the CMA (Community Malta Agency) administers Malta’s MEIN programme. The functions are similar; the countries and requirements differ.
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