Get MatchedThe Passport Brief
HomeCompareAdvisorsAboutPrivate consultation
Guide

What a licensed agent should disclose

Before you hand an adviser large sums and personal documents, they should tell you certain things in writing. Here is what good disclosure looks like and how to check it.

Reference
Official authorityThe official body that licenses or registers advisers in the relevant 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 Fredrik Filipsson and reviewed by Morten Andersen of the Passports for Kings editorial team. Last reviewed 26 May 2026.

Why disclosure matters

When you hand over money and documents, you are trusting an adviser with your finances and your future status. Good advisers tell you the things that protect you before you sign anything. We do not name or rank firms on this site. Instead we set out what to look for, then connect you with vetted, independent advisers through Get Matched.

Licensing and who may advise

Ask whether the person is a licensed lawyer or a registered consultant, and under which body. In some places only licensed lawyers may give immigration advice, while consultants must register, post a bond, and state plainly that they are not attorneys. Ask to see the licence or registration, and check it with the regulator yourself.

Fees, conflicts and how your money is held

A trustworthy adviser sets out the full fee schedule in writing, separates their fee from government charges, and explains any commission they earn from a developer, fund or bank. That commission is a conflict you are entitled to know about. Ask how your investment money and any deposits are held, ideally in a regulated escrow or client account rather than the adviser own account, and how you get money back if an application fails.

Questions to ask before you sign

Ask for the licence details, a written engagement letter, an itemised fee list, a written note of any commissions, the refund terms, who specifically will handle your file, and how your data is kept confidential. If an adviser will not put these in writing, treat that as a warning. When you are ready, Get Matched introduces you to vetted, independent advisers at no obligation.

Common questions

How do I know an adviser is properly licensed?

Ask whether they are a licensed lawyer or a registered consultant and under which authority, then verify directly with that regulator. Licensing rules vary by country.

Should the adviser disclose commissions?

Yes. If they earn a commission from a developer, fund or bank, that is a conflict you should know about. Reputable advisers put it in writing.

Where should my investment money be held?

Funds are often safest in a regulated escrow or client account rather than an adviser own account. Ask how money is protected and refunded if an application fails.

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.

Get Matched

Want a steer on this?

We introduce you to vetted, independent advisors, in confidence and at no obligation. Your topic is noted for you below.

50 programmes7 regions15 nationalitiesEvery fact dated and sourced to the official authority

Independent and paid by the people we help, never by a government and never by a firm.

We reply within one business day, in confidence and at no obligation. Prefer to write first? private@passportsforkings.com

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.

Thank you. Your enquiry is with us.

A member of the team will reply discreetly, usually within one business day, to understand your goals and introduce you to advisors worth your confidence.

The Passport Brief

Not ready to talk? Get the brief.

One short email when a programme rule changes, with the official source named so you can verify it. No hype, unsubscribe anytime.

We use your email only to send the brief. See our privacy policy.

You are on the list.

Look out for The Passport Brief in your inbox.

Related

Continue exploring

Related programmes and comparisons, each dated and sourced to the official authority.