Before you commit capital: five tests for any citizenship route

A simple screen we apply before any family spends a dollar on a route.

In short

Before committing capital, test a route on five points: is it lawful and published, will it survive scrutiny, does it fit your family, what does it cost in full, and what is the fallback if it fails. Establish the legal basis and the alternatives before making a commitment.

1. Is it lawful and published?

There should be a statute, regulation or published programme behind it, and a record of how it has been applied. If an adviser cannot show you the legal basis, walk away.

2. Will it survive scrutiny?

Imagine the route explained to your bank, your board and a journalist. If any of them would find it hard to accept, so will you, eventually.

3. Does it fit your family?

Check dual-citizenship rules in every country your family holds, presence and language requirements, and what happens for children and spouses.

4. What does it cost in full?

Add the contribution or investment, government and legal fees, due diligence, travel, time and the cost of capital tied up. The headline number is rarely the real one.

5. What is the fallback?

Discretionary routes can be refused. Know the second-best route before you begin the first.

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