How to Avoid "Grey" Schemes When Obtaining a Residence Permit: A Safety Guide for Future Immigrants

When a person decides to move to another country, they find themselves in a vulnerable position. Much is unknown, documents seem complicated, timelines are daunting, and the prospect of losing money and time creates anxiety. It is precisely in such a state that it is easiest to fall prey to fraudsters or dishonest intermediaries.

Unfortunately, the market for immigration services is full of "grey" schemes. People lose hundreds of thousands — and sometimes much more — by trusting those who promise a "guaranteed solution to all problems." In this article, we explain how to distinguish an honest professional from a fraudster and what "red flags" to look out for.

"100% Guarantee" — The Biggest Red Flag

Let us start with the most important point. If someone promises you a one hundred percent guarantee of obtaining a residence permit or citizenship — you are either dealing with a fraudster or a highly irresponsible person.

No honest professional can guarantee a positive decision by the immigration authorities. Why? Because the decision is not made by them, but by a government body. A consulate or immigration service may refuse for a wide variety of reasons, even if the documents are perfect.

Sometimes the annual quotas have been exhausted. Sometimes an official is simply in a bad mood. Sometimes the rules changed yesterday, and the information has not yet reached the consulates. No one can influence this.

An honest professional says: "We will do everything possible, prepare the documents perfectly, but the final decision is not up to us." A fraudster says: "Pay the money — and you will have your passport in your pocket within three months."

The difference is obvious.

Prices That Are Too Low

Immigration services cannot cost pennies. If someone offers to arrange a residence permit for €500, when the market price starts at €2,000–3,000, this is a reason to think twice.

Typically, a simple scheme is at work: you are asked to fill out a form and submit it to the consulate. Then either a refusal arrives (and your money is not refunded because the "service has been rendered"), or you simply lose contact with your "helper."

Real expenses for obtaining a residence permit include:

- Consular fees

- Translation and notarisation costs

- Insurance

- Legal fees

- Possible travel and accommodation costs

If you are quoted a price that covers only a small fraction of these expenses, you are most likely being scammed.

Demands for Cash or Transfers to an Individual's Card

Legitimate companies operate with contracts and bank accounts. They issue receipts, have business accounts, and registered legal addresses. If you are asked to pay in cash or transfer money to an individual's personal card — that is a warning sign.

It is especially dangerous if you are asked to transfer money abroad to the account of a "trusted person." In that case, you risk not only losing your money but also falling under suspicion of financing something illegal.

How it should be: you sign a contract, receive an invoice, pay by bank transfer, and receive a receipt or payment confirmation. Everything is transparent.

No Office and No Real Contact Details

In the internet age, many people work remotely, which is normal. However, a serious company has at least:

- A physical office (even if you will not visit it — the office may be located either in your home country or within the EU)

- A registered legal address

- A telephone number that can be reached

- Reviews on independent platforms

If the "company" only has an Instagram account and a mobile phone number, you should scrutinise it more carefully. Ask for documents, search for reviews, try to find information from open sources. If there is nothing — these contacts may also disappear within a month.

"An Expedited Procedure for an Extra Fee"

Expedited procedures do exist in immigration processes. For example, fast‑track processing at certain consulates. But this is usually an official service with a fixed price and clear rules.

If you are told: "Pay an extra €1,000, and we will arrange with the consul to have your case processed out of turn" — this is almost certainly a lie. Consular staff do not take bribes through intermediaries. Or rather, even if they do, you will never find out about it, and your money will simply vanish.

Moreover, by offering such schemes, the intermediary is already breaking the law. Is it worth trusting someone who is willing to break the rules?

Promises to Bypass the Requirements

"You do not have the required amount in your account? No problem, we will make fake statements." "You do not know the language? We will arrange it at the exam." "You have a criminal record? We will fix it."

If you are offered to bypass legal requirements using forged documents or "arrangements" — run. This is not just illegal; it is dangerous. Forgery of documents will be uncovered sooner or later. And instead of a residence permit, you will receive an entry ban, deportation, and criminal prosecution.

An honest professional will always say: "This requirement is mandatory; here are the legal ways to meet it." A fraudster will say: "Do not worry, we will sort everything out."

A Case Study: How a Family Lost €15,000

A family came to us with a sad story. They found a company that promised to arrange a Portuguese "golden visa" for half the market price. There was one condition — a cash prepayment at an office in Moscow. The office was nice, in the city centre, the managers were pleasant, and they provided a contract.

After three months, they were told that their documents were under review. After another three months — that additional certificates were needed (along with an extra fee for urgency). When they requested confirmation that the documents had actually been submitted, the company stopped responding. The office turned out to be closed, and the phones were disconnected.

They lost €15,000 and a year and a half of time. All because they fell for the low price and did not check the company in advance.

How to Verify a Company

Before paying any money, conduct a small investigation:

1. Check the legal status. If the company is registered in your country, look it up in the relevant commercial register. If it is foreign — check the appropriate national register of that country.

2. Ask for references. Reputable companies always have clients who are willing to recommend them (with their consent, of course).

3. Check how long the company has been in business. Newcomers are not necessarily bad, but if a company has existed for 10 years, it indicates stability.

4. Clarify who will actually handle your case. Is it a specific person with relevant expertise, or a "manager" who does a bit of everything?

5. Do not hesitate to ask questions. An honest professional will patiently explain all the stages, timelines, and risks. A fraudster will evade answers or give vague formulations.

The Most Popular Fraud Schemes

Scheme 1: The "Fly‑by‑Night Agency". The company advertises aggressively, collects prepayments, and then disappears after a few months. It then reopens under a new name — and the story repeats.

Scheme 2: "Help with Documents". You are offered help filling out forms and translating documents. They charge you a fee. You submit the documents yourself. If a refusal comes — "We are not to blame, the consulate refused." Your money is not returned.

Scheme 3: "Investment Programme". You are offered to invest in an "exclusive project" that supposedly guarantees a residence permit. In reality, either the project does not exist, or it is loss‑making, and your money goes to the "consultant."

Scheme 4: "Marriage for a Fee". Fake marriages with EU citizens are not only illegal but also dangerous. Such schemes are often uncovered, and the consequences can be very serious.

What to Do If You Have Already Been Caught

If you realise that you have fallen victim to fraudsters:

1. Gather all evidence: correspondence, contracts, receipts, bank statements.

2. File a report with the police. Yes, the chances of recovering your money are slim, but if the fraudsters are caught, your report will help others.

3. Leave reviews everywhere you can. Warn other people.

4. Contact legitimate professionals. Perhaps the situation can still be remedied if you bring in experts in time.

Conclusion

Obtaining a residence permit is a serious process that requires time, money, and patience. But most problems can be avoided if you approach the choice of helpers consciously.

Do not fall for "guarantees" and "ultra‑low prices." Verify companies, read reviews, ask questions. A good professional will never be offended by your vigilance. On the contrary, they themselves want you to understand all the risks and stages.

Remember: there are no magic pills in immigration. If somewhere you are promised a fast, cheap, and guaranteed result — it is most likely a lie. But if you approach the matter wisely, choose reliable partners, and arm yourself with patience, the result will certainly come.

If you're planning to obtain a residence permit, invest in a country's economy, or purchase foreign real estate, we invite you to a consultation with our company. During a personal online meeting, we'll discuss your questions in detail and create a step-by-step action plan for you.