The legal basis ofwhat we do
Official sources, the legal basis of investment programmes, screening standards and clear explanations of legal terms.
We bring together in one place the documents, the legal grounds and the practical explanations that help you assess whether a programme is lawful and make an informed decision.
The legal status of BRIDGES GLOBAL
BRIDGES GLOBAL works across several jurisdictions. Before the work begins a client should understand which legal entity they are contracting with on their case, where it is registered and who answers for performance. The legal basis of each programme and the role of licensed local specialists are set out separately.
Registering a company does not replace the permits and powers that may be required to work with individual state programmes. For each jurisdiction we set out the applicable legal basis and the role of licensed local specialists separately.
The legal entity you contract with
How the legal soundness of a case is ensured
Every case goes through several levels of checks: from whether the programme applies to confirming the source of funds and preparing the file.
- 01 /
Preliminary analysis
We go through the client’s goals, the family, citizenships, travel history, the structure of the assets and any potential restrictions.
- 02 /
Checking whether the programme applies
We match the client’s situation against the current requirements of the law, the programme and the competent authority.
- 03 /
AML, KYC and sanctions screening
We identify the client and check the source of funds, politically exposed person status and any applicable restrictions.
- 04 /
The legal strategy
We determine the structure of the filing, the set of documents, the roles of the applicants and the possible risks before the procedure begins.
- 05 /
Preparing the file
We check the documents, translations, apostilles, proof of the source of funds and the answers to any questions the authorities may raise.
- 06 /
Supporting the decision
We control the communication, the additional requests and the performance of obligations through to the outcome the procedure provides for.
The legal basis of the programmes
Current citizenship, residence and permanent residence programmes: the legal basis, the minimum cost, the indicative timeline and the official source. We link every practical explanation to its official basis.
Type of programme23 programmes
CitizenshipTurkey
Citizenship by investment · $400 000 · 3-6 mo.The legal basis
CitizenshipBulgaria
Citizenship by descent · No investment · Permanent residence 6 mo. / passport 2 yearsThe legal basis
CitizenshipHungary
Citizenship by descent · No investment · 6 mo.The legal basis
CitizenshipSaint Kitts and Nevis
Citizenship by investment · $250 000 · 4-6 mo.The legal basis
CitizenshipGrenada
Citizenship by investment · $235 000 · 6-9 mo.The legal basis
CitizenshipDominica
Citizenship by investment · $200 000 · 3-6 mo.The legal basis
CitizenshipAntigua and Barbuda
Citizenship by investment · $230 000 · 4-6 mo.The legal basis
CitizenshipSaint Lucia
Citizenship by investment · $240 000 · 3-6 mo.The legal basisCheck the information yourself
We link to the laws, the authorities and the official publications so that the key conditions can be checked independently.
Laws and regulations
The texts of laws, decrees, regulations and official amendments.
State authorities
Ministries, migration services, investment agencies and other competent institutions.
Official guidance
Instructions, forms, manuals and publications of the state authorities.
Specific official links for each programme are added after the primary source has been legally verified. Every external link is marked “External official source” and opens in a new tab.
AML, KYC and Due Diligence
Checking identity, the source of funds and business reputation is a mandatory part of most investment and migration procedures.
The earlier the proof of the source of funds is collected, the more predictable the screening and the timeline of the case.
Know Your Customer
Identifying the client: identity, citizenship, address, activity, the family and connected persons.
The term in the glossary AMLAnti-Money Laundering
Checking the origin of the capital and the transactions against anti-money-laundering requirements.
The term in the glossary DDDue Diligence
Extended screening of the biography, business reputation, public mentions, sanctions, court cases and potential risks.
The term in the glossaryWhat may be required
- identity documents
- proof of address
- details of employment or business
- bank statements
- tax returns
- documents on the sale of assets
- details of dividends
- loan agreements
- documents on inheritance or gifts
- information on companies and beneficial owners
The exact list depends on the jurisdiction, the programme, the structure of the capital and the client’s circumstances. This list is not a universal requirement.
How we verify legal information
Programme terms and the requirements of the authorities change. That is why legal material must show not only the conclusion but the source, the date of verification and the history of updates.
- 01
An official source
Key conditions are linked to a law, a regulation or a publication of the competent authority.
- 02
The date of verification
The page states the date on which the material legal information was last verified.
- 03
A specialist editor
The material is checked by a specialist competent in the relevant jurisdiction or subject.
- 04
A history of changes
Material corrections and updates are recorded in the history of the material.
- 05
Fact separated from comment
The requirement of the law is separated from the practical explanation and professional opinion.
Legal glossary
Migration and investment procedures use administrative, legal and financial terms. The glossary explains them in human language and shows what they mean in practice for an applicant.
Anti-money laundering — checking that the origin of the capital is lawful.
A plain explanationIdentifying the client: identity, citizenship, address, activity.
A plain explanationExtended screening of the biography, reputation, sanctions and risks.
A plain explanationThe source of the specific funds going into the investment.
A plain explanationThe origin of the applicant’s overall wealth.
A plain explanationA politically exposed person — requires enhanced screening.
A plain explanationInternational certification of the authenticity of an official document.
A plain explanationThe country where a person is treated as a tax resident. The meaning depends on the jurisdiction.
A plain explanationResidence by investment — the common name for the programmes of a number of countries.
A plain explanationThe ultimate owner of an asset or a company.
A plain explanationAcquiring citizenship through the procedure set out in law.
A plain explanationA long-term resident status, more stable than temporary residence. The exact scope of rights depends on the law of the country.
A plain explanationThe legal documents of BRIDGES GLOBAL
The terms of use of the site, the processing of data and the limits of liability are gathered in one place.
Frequently asked legal questions
Is it lawful to obtain citizenship or residence by investment?
Lawfulness depends on the specific programme and the law of the country. If the status is provided for by law or by an official state procedure, an applicant may take part provided the requirements are met. Before starting, the current status of the programme and any applicable restrictions must be checked.
Can the status be guaranteed?
No. The final decision is taken by the competent state authority. Professional preparation reduces the risk of mistakes but cannot replace the state’s decision or guarantee approval.
What happens if the rules of the programme change?
The consequences depend on the date of filing, the transitional provisions and the content of the new act. In some cases applications already filed are considered under the old rules, in others the new requirements apply. Each case has to be checked separately.
Why does the source of funds have to be proven?
State authorities, banks and regulated participants in the procedure have to understand where the capital came from and whether the transaction meets AML requirements. The set of documents depends on the source of the funds and the structure of the assets.
What is due diligence?
It is a check of identity, biography, business reputation, the source of funds, sanctions and other risks. How deep the check goes depends on the programme and the organisations involved.
How is personal data protected?
Data must be processed for defined purposes, with restricted access and in line with the applicable privacy rules. The detailed terms are set out in the current BRIDGES GLOBAL privacy policy.
Who takes the final decision on an application?
The decision is taken by the state authority of the relevant country. BRIDGES and the specialists involved prepare and support the case but do not replace the state authority.
Is the information on the site legal advice?
The materials on the site are general information. An individual legal assessment depends on citizenship, family situation, assets, the applicant’s history and the law of the chosen country.
Service contacts
If your question concerns how the site works or needs a legal check, write directly to the relevant department.
Technical support
We help with the site, the forms, the client area, the online services, access to your account and technical errors.
support@bridges.globalLegal department
Questions about the legal basis of the programmes, documents, restrictions, checks and applicable requirements.
office@bridges.globalA question about the legality of a programme or the structure of a case?
Describe the situation — we will determine which rules, restrictions and documents need to be checked before the procedure begins.
The answer is preliminary and informational. Individual terms are fixed after the circumstances and the applicable law have been checked.