Licensedagent
Licensed agent
- Who it is
- A company officially accredited by the state to file applications under a programme
- Why it is needed
- In some programmes you cannot apply yourself or through a non-accredited intermediary
- What it does
- Checks the set, files the application, handles communication with the authority, is responsible for the quality of the dossier
- How to check
- By the programme’s official register, not by claims and logos on a website
- Why it matters
- Whether your application reaches a positive decision depends on the quality of the agent’s work
In plain words
A licensed agent is a company officially accredited by the authority that runs a programme. In some jurisdictions, above all in the Caribbean citizenship by investment programmes, an application is accepted only through such an agent: it is impossible to file documents directly or through a non-accredited intermediary.
The agent’s role is broader than that of a courier. They check the set of documents before filing, are responsible to the state for its completeness and quality, handle communication with the competent authority and deal with requests during the check. Their accreditation is a responsibility: for poor-quality applications the agent risks their licence.
The practical advice for the client is simple: accreditation is checked in the programme’s official register, not by claims on a website. Many companies call themselves partners or representatives without holding a licence and work through intermediaries — which lengthens the chain, makes the service more expensive and reduces control over the quality of the dossier.
When it matters
What the agent does
- Checking the set
- Assessing the dossier’s risks
- Preparing for filing
- Official filing of the application
- Communication with the authority
- Dealing with requests
- To the state
- Risk of losing the licence
- Reputation on the market
- The programme’s register
- Term of accreditation
- Transparency of cost
How to choose an agent
- 01Check the licence in the register
- 02Confirm who is handling your case
- 03Review the cost structure
- 04Discuss the assessment of the dossier’s risks
- 05Sign the contract
What you need to know
- In some programmes filing is possible only through a licensed agent
- Accreditation is checked in the official register
- The agent is responsible to the state for the quality of the dossier
- Many intermediaries do not have their own licence
- A chain of intermediaries makes the service more expensive and reduces control
Common mistakes
- Believing claims of accreditation without checking
- Not finding out who is actually filing your application
- Choosing the lowest price without understanding the chain
- Not discussing the dossier’s risks before filing
- Accepting an opaque payment structure
What this means for a BRIDGES client
We work transparently: the client knows which licensed agent is filing the application and how the cost is structured. And we discuss the dossier’s risks before filing, not after a request from the reviewers.
Frequently asked questions
01 /What is a licensed agent?
A company officially accredited by the authority running a programme and entitled to file applications on behalf of clients.
02 /Is it mandatory?
In some programmes — yes, above all in Caribbean CBI. There it is impossible to apply directly or through a non-accredited party.
03 /How can accreditation be checked?
In the programme’s official register. Claims and logos on a website are not confirmation.
04 /How does an agent differ from an adviser?
An adviser helps choose a programme and prepare documents. The agent officially files the application and is responsible for it to the state.
05 /Why is a chain of intermediaries bad?
It makes the service more expensive, reduces control over the quality of the dossier and lengthens communication when reviewers make requests.
06 /What should I ask before signing the contract?
Who is handling the case, which agent is filing the application, how your risks in the check are assessed and what the cost is made up of.
See also
Read next
This material has undergone editorial review by BRIDGES.
Choosing who to go through the programme with?
We will review your case candidly: your chances, the dossier’s risks and a transparent budget — before the contract.