How to Choose a Safe Citizenship by Investment Agent in Dubai (and the Red Flags to Walk Away From)

Dubai is a hub for second passport sales, and the quality of advice varies widely. Some firms are careful and transparent. Others sell programmes that are closed, restricted or already under legal challenge, and the client finds out after the money has moved. Government rules also differ by country: some programmes only accept applications through officially authorised agents, and some do not allow marketing without a licence. This guide gives you a practical checklist you can use with any firm, including ours.

1. Ask what the firm is legally allowed to do

A UAE trade licence for “documentation services” or “consultancy” is not the same as being authorised by a foreign government. Ask the firm to show, in writing, its trade licence and its activities, and whether the foreign programme you are considering requires an authorised or licensed agent. If it does, ask for proof and check it with the government unit that runs the programme. If the firm cannot show it, treat it as a coordinator at best.

2. Find out who holds your money

Government fees and investment amounts should normally be paid to the government, a regulated escrow arrangement or an approved fund, with a receipt in the name of the correct body. Be careful with requests to pay into a personal account, a crypto wallet or an unrelated company. Ask for a written split between the firm’s own fee and the government or investment amount.

3. Ask what happens if you are refused

No honest firm can promise approval. Ask in writing which fees are refundable at each stage, which are paid to the government and are not, and what the firm keeps. Vague wording such as “success based, terms apply” without numbers is a warning sign.

4. Check that the programme is actually open

Programmes open, close and change quickly. Some are announced but not yet accepting applications, and some are being phased out under international pressure. Ask for the current official source for the programme, its start date and the latest rule change. A firm that sells a closed or unopened programme as available is not looking after you.

5. Understand the travel claims

“Visa free access to 150 countries” is a marketing line, not a guarantee. Visa free access can change quickly, as recent changes by Ireland and Turkey for some Caribbean passports show. Ask for the source and the date of every travel claim, and never buy a passport only for a single destination.

6. Confirm your own nationality is eligible

Some programmes exclude certain nationalities, and some home countries do not allow dual citizenship. A good adviser asks about your passport, criminal record, source of funds and family before quoting a price. If they quote without asking, they are selling, not advising. See our guide on dual citizenship for UAE residents.

7. Ask about due process for source of funds

Governments run background and source of funds checks. A firm should explain what documents you will be asked for, such as bank statements, tax records and proof of how your wealth was earned. If anyone suggests that checks can be avoided or “managed”, walk away, because that is how applicants lose money and sometimes their citizenship.

8. Put the scope in a written agreement

The agreement should list what the firm will do, what it will not do, the fee schedule, refund terms, timelines and what happens if the programme closes. It should say who is responsible for lawyers, translations and government fees.

9. Check independent reviews and track record

Look for reviews that name real cases, a real office address and real staff. Ask how many applications the firm has completed for the exact programme you want, and whether you can speak to the lawyer or licensed partner who will actually file it.

10. Watch for pressure

“Prices go up on Friday” and “only three places left” are sales tactics. Genuine deadlines exist, but they come from the government, and the firm should be able to point to the source.

Red flags that should end the conversation

• Guaranteed approval.
• Payment to a personal account or crypto wallet.
• No written agreement or fee breakdown.
• Selling a programme that is not open yet as if it were.
• Refusing to explain what they are licensed to do.
• Promises that checks can be avoided.

How Visa Doctor helps

Visa Doctor is a licensed UAE documentation company. Our role is to coordinate and prepare your file and to introduce you to the regulated lawyers or authorised parties a programme requires. We tell you plainly when a programme is closed, restricted or not right for you. Read the second passport guide for what we cover today.

Frequently asked questions

Sources and last check

Checked on 3 November 2026. Rules, prices and dates change, so confirm current details before you commit money. This article is general information, not legal or tax advice.

• Regulation (EU) 2025/2441 on visa suspension, applicable from 30 December 2025
• Irish Statute Book, S.I. No. 242/2026 (St Kitts and Nevis visa requirement from 15 June 2026)
• Government of Argentina announcement, 2 October 2026