Updated
GL-L-09
01 / In 30 seconds
The short answer
- 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
02 / In plain words
What Licensed agent means
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.
In Vanuatu applications are accepted only through an authorised agent, not directly from applicants. Contributions are set by the state and are the same with every agent.
A case from practice
A client came to us after a refusal obtained through a chain of intermediaries: the dossier had been prepared as a formality, and no one had reviewed the risks in advance. Refiling required a complete rebuild of the documents and an explanation of the reasons for the previous refusal.
When it matters
- Applying for a Caribbean citizenship programme
- Choosing an adviser for the programme
- Checking an intermediary’s integrity
- Assessing the cost structure of services
- Dealing with requests during the check
- Complex cases with non-standard backgrounds
03 / What it covers
What the agent does
Documents
- Checking the set
- Assessing the dossier’s risks
- Preparing for filing
Filing
- Official filing of the application
- Communication with the authority
- Dealing with requests
Liability
- To the state
- Risk of losing the licence
- Reputation on the market
Your check
- The programme’s register
- Term of accreditation
- Transparency of cost
04 / How it works
How to choose an agent
Check the licence in the register
Confirm who is handling your case
Review the cost structure
Discuss the assessment of the dossier’s risks
Sign the contract
05 / Key facts
What you need to know
01
In some programmes filing is possible only through a licensed agent
02
Accreditation is checked in the official register
03
The agent is responsible to the state for the quality of the dossier
04
Many intermediaries do not have their own licence
05
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
06 / Expert advice
How to prepare in advance
Accreditation is checked in the programme’s official register yourself — it is public information. Separately, find out who will actually handle the case and file the application. And before the contract, discuss the main thing: how your chances in the check are assessed and what in your dossier may raise questions.
What we do for you. 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.
Anna KovalevskayaExpert in Caribbean citizenship by investment programs
07 / Questions
Frequently asked questions
A company officially accredited by the authority running a programme and entitled to file applications on behalf of clients.
In some programmes — yes, above all in Caribbean CBI. There it is impossible to apply directly or through a non-accredited party.
In the programme’s official register. Claims and logos on a website are not confirmation.
An adviser helps choose a programme and prepare documents. The agent officially files the application and is responsible for it to the state.
It makes the service more expensive, reduces control over the quality of the dossier and lengthens communication when reviewers make requests.
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.
Related terms
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