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How do advisors get paid

Advisors in this field are paid in several ways, and the structure matters because it can shape the advice you receive. Here is how to read it and what to ask.

Reference
Official authorityVaries by advisor and jurisdiction
Information current as ofJune 2026

Information, not advice. Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Always confirm the present rules with the official program authority and a licensed professional before you act.

Written by Morten Andersen and reviewed by Fredrik Filipsson of the Passports for Kings editorial team. Last reviewed 23 May 2026.

The main ways advisors charge

Most independent advisors charge in one of a few ways. A fixed professional fee for a defined scope of work. An hourly rate. A success fee tied to approval. Or a bundled package that wraps legal work, document preparation and filing into one price. Some advisors also receive a commission from a fund, a developer or a government approved project when you invest through them.

Where commissions come from

On many investment routes the fund manager, property developer or project sponsor pays the introducer a commission. This can make the advisory work feel free or cheap, because the cost sits inside the investment. That is not wrong in itself, but it can create an incentive to steer you toward the product that pays the most. Ask whether your advisor receives any payment from the investment provider.

Questions that reveal the fee structure

Before you engage anyone, ask for a written scope and a written fee. Ask whether the fee is fixed or a success fee, what happens to your money if the application is refused, and whether they earn any commission from a fund or developer. A clear answer in writing is a good sign. Vague answers are a reason to pause.

Government and third party costs are separate

Advisor fees are only one line in the budget. Government processing charges, the qualifying investment or donation, translations, due diligence checks and medical or insurance costs are set by others and are separate from what you pay the advisor. Make sure any quote tells you which costs are the advisor's fee and which are paid to third parties.

How to choose well

Compare more than one advisor. Check that they are licensed or regulated where that applies. Read the written scope, and prefer transparent fixed fees or clearly disclosed commissions over unclear bundles. We do not name or rank firms. Use Get Matched to be introduced to vetted independent advisors, then ask each the same fee questions and compare the answers.

Common questions

Are advisor consultations usually free?

Some offer a free first call and then charge for the work. Others charge from the start. Confirm what is free and what is billed before you begin.

What is a success fee?

A fee paid only if your application is approved. It can align incentives, but check what you owe if the case is refused or withdrawn.

Should I worry about commissions?

Not automatically, but you should know about them. Ask whether the advisor earns anything from the fund or developer so you can judge any conflict of interest.

Information, not advice. Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Always confirm the present rules with the official program authority and a licensed professional before you act.

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Information, not advice. Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Always confirm the present rules with the official program authority and a licensed professional before you act.

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