Updated
GL-D-09
01 / In 30 seconds
The short answer
- 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
02 / In plain words
What Due diligence fee means
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.
In Vanuatu the due diligence fee is per application, not per person: $5,000 under the contribution programme (DSP) and $8,000 under the fund programme (CIIP), where it is already included in $165,000.
A case from practice
A client was considering filing quickly and finishing the documents along the way. We explained the economics: the due diligence fee for the family is non-refundable, and a refusal would have to be explained at any subsequent filing. The preparation was completed before filing.
When it is taken into account
- Calculating the full programme budget
- Planning the budget for a family
- Assessing the cost of including parents
- Comparing programmes by total price
- Deciding whether to refile
- Planning the timing of payments
03 / What it covers
What you need to understand
Calculation
- For each applicant
- Age thresholds
- Separate rates by category
What it covers
- The vetting bodies’ work
- Database checks
- Preparing the report
Refund
- Not refunded on refusal
- Payment for the procedure, not the result
- Refiling means paying the fee again
Planning
- Inclusion in the budget
- Payment deadlines
- Changes in rates
04 / How it works
How it works
Preparing the dossier before filing
Paying the due diligence fee
Carrying out due diligence
The vetting report
Decision on the application
05 / Key facts
What you need to know
01
The fee pays for the check procedure, not its result
02
It is charged for each person included in the application
03
As a rule, it is not refunded in the event of a refusal
04
The amount is set by the state and may be revised
05
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
06 / Expert advice
How to prepare in advance
The budget is calculated for all family members at once, including the due diligence fees for each. And preparation is built on the basis of one attempt: a full dossier, explained contentious episodes and a documented source of funds. A refusal costs not only money but also creates a history that will have to be explained at the next filing.
What we do for you. 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.
Anna KovalevskayaExpert in Caribbean citizenship by investment programs
07 / Questions
Frequently asked questions
For carrying out the applicant check: gathering information, checking databases and lists, analysing the source of funds and preparing a report.
As a rule, yes — for each person included in the application above the age set by the programme.
Practically never. It is payment for work done, not for the outcome of the review.
In some cases, yes, but this means paying the fee again and having to explain the reasons for the previous refusal.
Yes, rates are set by the state and may be revised. The current amount is confirmed at the time of filing.
By preparing the dossier thoroughly before filing: a full set, explained contentious episodes, a documented source of funds.
Related terms
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