# How to Vet an Investment Migration Agent Check the official authorised-agent list, verify the licence number, confirm the programmes the agent is authorised for, and spot red flags before you engage. Updated 2026-11-01. Also on the [web page](https://goldenvisas.fyi/guides/how-to-vet-an-agent). Only **authorised agents** can submit residence-by-investment or citizenship-by-investment applications for most programmes. Engaging an unauthorised agent risks rejection, loss of fees and legal exposure. ## Step 1: Find the official authorised-agent list Every programme publishes its list on a government website. Bookmark the official URL: | Programme | Official authorised-agent list | |-----------|--------------------------------| | Malta MPRP | https://residencymalta.gov.mt/list-of-agents-residencymalta/ | | St Kitts and Nevis | https://ciu.gov.kn/authorised-agents-list/ (blacklist: https://ciu.gov.kn/blacklisted-agents/) | | Dominica | https://www.cbiu.gov.dm/dominica-citizenship/authorised-agents/ | | Grenada | https://imagrenada.gd/ (local-agent and marketing-agent lists; PDFs on cbi.gov.gd) | | Antigua and Barbuda | https://cip.gov.ag/how-to-apply/licensed-agents/ (representatives: https://cip.gov.ag/how-to-apply/authorised-representatives/) | | Saint Lucia | https://www.cipsaintlucia.com/agents-selection-page (blacklist: /black-listed-agents) | | Vanuatu | https://vancitizenship.gov.vu/index.php/about-us/designated-agents | | Portugal ARI | No central agent list; verify the lawyer on the Ordem dos Advogados at https://portal.oa.pt/ | | Greece golden visa | No central list; filings go through Greek lawyers. Verify on the local bar register (e.g. https://www.dsa.gr/) | | Italy investor visa | No central list; verify the avvocato on the Consiglio Nazionale Forense register at https://cnf.it/ | | Cyprus permanent residence | No central list; verify the lawyer on the Cyprus Bar Association register | | Türkiye citizenship | No central list; verify the avukat through the Union of Turkish Bar Associations at https://www.barobirlik.org.tr/ | | UAE golden visa | No central list; verify the provider's trade licence with the issuing DED or free zone | | USA EB-5 | Regional centres at uscis.gov; attorneys verified on state bar registers | List URLs confirmed on the official government sites on 2026-11-01. Malta's MEIN citizenship scheme (repealed July 2025) and Spain's investor residence (ended April 2025) are not listed because they are closed. ## Step 2: Verify the agent on the list 1. Open the official list URL above. 2. Search for the agent's **exact legal name** (not just a trading name). 3. Confirm the **authorisation number** or **licence number** matches what the agent gave you. 4. Check the **programmes authorised** — some agents are only authorised for specific programmes. 5. Note the **list date** — lists are updated quarterly. An agent removed from the current list is no longer authorised. ## Step 3: Cross-check the agent's website - The agent's website should display the same legal name and authorisation number. - Look for a direct link to the official government list. - Check the **Contact** page: a physical office address in the programme country is a positive signal. - Verify **professional memberships** (IMC, AILA, STEP, local bar) on the respective membership directories. ## Step 4: Ask the agent for written confirmation Request a written statement (email or letter on letterhead) that includes: - The agent's legal name and authorisation number - The specific programme(s) they are authorised for - The date they last confirmed their status on the official list - Their professional indemnity insurance details (if applicable) ## Red flags | Red flag | Why it matters | |----------|----------------| | Agent not on the official list | Cannot legally submit your application | | Agent refuses to share authorisation number | May be unauthorised or using another firm's licence | | Agent guarantees approval | No agent can guarantee government approval | | Agent asks for cash or wire to a personal account | Fees should go to the government or the firm's client account | | Agent pressures you to skip due diligence | Enhanced due diligence is mandatory for CBI; skipping it is illegal | | Agent claims "special access" or "fast track" | No such channels exist; all applications follow the same process | | Agent's website has no physical address or team bios | May be a shell operation | ## Step 5: Check disciplinary records - **Malta**: Residency Malta publishes the Licensed Agents list for the MPRP. - **Caribbean CBI**: The CIU and CBIU publish blacklisted agents (e.g. https://ciu.gov.kn/blacklisted-agents/, https://www.cbiu.gov.dm/dominica-citizenship/blacklisted-agents/, https://www.cipsaintlucia.com/black-listed-agents). Vanuatu publishes cancelled agents on vancitizenship.gov.vu. - **USA**: Check state bar disciplinary records for attorneys. - **EU**: Check national bar association registers for lawyers. ## Step 6: Confirm the agent's scope Some agents are: - **Local agents** (based in the programme country) — required for Malta MPRP, Grenada, Antigua and Vanuatu; recommended everywhere. - **International marketing agents** — can market but must work with a local authorised agent to file. - **Law firms** — can provide legal advice and file applications; verify the lawyer's practising certificate. For Caribbean CBI, you typically need **both** a local authorised agent (in the programme country) and your home-country adviser. The local agent files; your adviser coordinates. ## Keep records Save screenshots of the official list showing the agent's name, authorisation number and the date you checked. Keep all correspondence. If a dispute arises, this evidence protects you. ## Quick checklist - [ ] Agent found on official government list (URL saved) - [ ] Authorisation number matches agent's claim - [ ] Agent authorised for your target programme - [ ] List is current (checked within 30 days) - [ ] Agent provided written confirmation - [ ] No disciplinary actions found - [ ] Fees payable to firm's client account or government, not personal account - [ ] Agent explains the full process, timeline and risks in writing **If any check fails, do not proceed.** Find another agent from the official list. ## Questions ### What is an authorised agent? A firm or individual that the government has approved to submit residence or citizenship by investment applications on behalf of applicants. Only authorised agents can file applications for most programmes. ### Can I apply directly without an agent? Most programmes require an authorised agent. A few (e.g. Portugal ARI, Greece Golden Visa) allow direct application but an agent is still recommended for compliance. ### What if an agent is not on the official list? Do not engage them. Unauthorised agents cannot submit valid applications. Your application will be rejected and you may lose fees. ### How often are authorised-agent lists updated? Most governments update quarterly. Always check the official list on the government website, not a cached copy.