Citizenship by investment applications involve large sums, and most applicants are not familiar with the official processes. That makes them a target for fraud. The good news is that most scams can be spotted with a few simple checks.
Warning signs
- "Guaranteed citizenship": no agent or company can guarantee citizenship. In Dominica the decision rests with the government, and in Vanuatu with the authorities of Vanuatu.
- A price below the official minimum: in Dominica, for example, the official minimum fund contribution is US$200,000 for a single applicant. An offer cheaper than the official figure is either incomplete or untrue.
- Payment to a personal account: in Dominica the investment is paid after approval in principle and as the CBIU's official letter instructs. Any request to pay into the account of an unrelated person or company is a warning sign.
- Pressure to decide at once: "only until the end of the week" or "last places" are common tricks.
- A promise of "no due diligence": credible programmes require due diligence. Anyone promising no checks is either lying or leading you down an illegal path.
- Fake documents: a certificate of citizenship or a passport that is "ready" without the official process is forged and puts its holder at risk.
- A tether payment address sent by message or e-mail: at Royal Golden, payment is made only to the address shown in your own payment request in the portal. We never send a payment address any other way.
Check before any payment
- Find the agent's name on the official list of Authorised Agents of the programme's country. For Dominica: the "Authorised Agents" page of the CBIU website.
- Compare the amounts with the country's official page and ask for its date.
- Ask for a written contract that states clearly the amount, what it includes, the payment stages and the refund rule.
- Ask who submits the application to the official authority.
- Ask for an official invoice and receipt. At Royal Golden every invoice and receipt has a QR code that shows on the site what was issued under that number.
False information is dangerous too
Sometimes the risk comes from the applicant: hiding a history or giving false information on an intermediary's advice. The CBIU states plainly that false information leads to refusal and even to revocation of citizenship already granted. Reject any advice to conceal.
If in doubt
Before paying, ask your question in writing and ask for a written answer. If the answer is not clear, wait. No official programme is lost by a day's delay.
This article is general information and not legal advice.
Sources
- CBIU Dominica, FAQ (Authorised Agent, false information) — https://www.cbiu.gov.dm/faqs/ (checked on 24 October 2026)
- CBIU Dominica, Authorised Agents — https://www.cbiu.gov.dm/dominica-citizenship/authorised-agents/ (checked on 24 October 2026)
- CBIU Dominica, how to apply — https://www.cbiu.gov.dm/dominica-citizenship/how-to-apply/ (checked on 24 October 2026)