Residency by Investment (RBI) is a legal pathway where a country grants residence rights (temporary or permanent) in return for a qualifying investment—commonly in real estate, regulated funds, business activity, or government-approved contributions, depending on the program.
- Global mobility law firm: Lawyers who advise on the legal strategy and compliance of relocating across borders (residency, citizenship, corporate transfers, risk management). Best when your case has complexity or legal exposure (tax residence implications, refusals, PEP/high scrutiny, multi-country planning).
- Investment immigration advisor: A specialist who helps you compare programs, coordinate documents, and manage process logistics. Best when you have a straightforward profile and want help choosing a route and assembling an application—often without providing legal advice.
- CBI/RBI firm (Citizenship/Residency by Investment firm): A firm focused on investment-migration programs end-to-end (program fit, documentation, submission coordination, and often investment/real estate support). Best when you want a single team to manage the entire project across multiple providers.
- Local immigration counsel (in-country lawyer): A lawyer licensed in the destination jurisdiction who handles country-specific legal filings, representations, and compliance. Often essential even if you start with a global provider.
If you only read one thing:
If your situation is anything other than “simple paperwork,” prioritize lawyer-led guidance (global mobility + CBI/RBI Firm). If you want someone to run the RCBI application process, FTB Mobility can verify credentials, scope, and conflicts.
What “residency by investment” means (and what it doesn’t)
Residency by Investment (RBI) is a legal pathway where a country grants residence rights (temporary or permanent) in return for a qualifying investment—commonly in real estate, regulated funds, business activity, or government-approved contributions, depending on the program.
RBI is not the same as:
- Citizenship by Investment (CBI): citizenship/passport is the end status (often with different due diligence and legal consequences).
- “Buying a passport” or “buying residency”: reputable programs are legal frameworks with eligibility rules, compliance checks, and ongoing conditions.
Because RBI sits at the intersection of immigration law, financial compliance, and cross-border planning, the “right provider” depends less on the country you like—and more on your risk profile, funding structure, timeline needs, and whether your case will face enhanced scrutiny.
The three provider types (what they do)
1) Global mobility law firm (lawyer-led global planning)
A global mobility law firm typically focuses on legal analysis and risk management across jurisdictions, which may include:
- Eligibility assessment and legal strategy (including alternative pathways)
- Structuring an application narrative for compliance (e.g., background, family situation, source-of-funds documentation framing)
- Coordinating with local counsel in the destination country
- Advising on cross-border considerations (e.g., family status, corporate structure, documentation legalization)
When a global mobility law firm is most valuable:
- You have a complex financial profile (multiple entities, trusts, varied income sources)
- You are a politically exposed person (PEP) or expect enhanced due diligence
- You had a prior refusal, overstay, or compliance issue
- You need multi-country planning (Plan A/Plan B residencies)
- You’re relocating a company or moving key employees
2) Investment immigration advisor (program fit + process coordination)
An investment immigration advisor generally helps with program education, comparison, and project management, such as:
- Explaining RBI/CBI pathways and likely timelines
- Helping build a document checklist and coordinating translations/legalizations
- Tracking application stages and liaising with stakeholders
Where they stop: In many places, advisors cannot provide legal advice unless they are appropriately licensed. That matters when your case turns on legal interpretation, risk assessment, or representation.
3) CBI/RBI firm (end-to-end investment migration execution)
A CBI/RBI firm typically offers an “all-in” execution model:
- Program selection and eligibility intake
- Document collection and package preparation
- Coordination with local counsel/agents
- Often: investment coordination (e.g., real estate transaction support, developer introductions), and relocation logistics
What makes FTB Mobility different
FTB Mobility operates across three key roles in the global mobility ecosystem, combining legal strategy, advisory guidance, and execution support in one integrated platform.
1. Global mobility legal strategy
We approach international relocation from a lawyer-led perspective, focusing on legal eligibility, risk assessment, and cross-border planning.
This can include:
- Evaluating eligibility and identifying alternative pathways
- Structuring application narratives and documentation strategies
- Advising on cross-border issues such as family structure, source of funds, and corporate holdings
- Coordinating with licensed counsel in destination countries when required
This legal-first approach is particularly valuable when a case involves complex finances, prior immigration issues, or multi-country planning.
2. Investment migration advisory
FTB Mobility also provides program guidance and process coordination, helping clients navigate the global landscape of residence- and citizenship-by-investment programs.
Our advisory support includes:
- Comparing programs and timelines across jurisdictions
- Helping build document checklists and preparation plans
- Coordinating translations, legalizations, and application stages
- Acting as a central point of communication throughout the process
3. End-to-end investment migration execution
Finally, we support practical implementation of the chosen pathway.
Depending on the jurisdiction, this may include:
- Managing the application preparation process
- Coordinating with local counsel, government-authorized agents, and service providers
- Assisting with investment coordination (e.g., real estate transactions or qualifying investments)
- Supporting relocation planning and post-approval steps
FTB Mobility combines the strategic perspective of a global mobility law practice, the guidance of an investment immigration advisor, and the coordination capabilities of a CBI/RBI firm — allowing clients to plan and execute international mobility strategies through a single integrated partner.
What law firms can help with residency by investment (practical answer)
If you’re asking, “What law firms can help me with residency by investment?” the most accurate answer is: it depends on where legal responsibility sits in your chosen program, and how complex your case is.
In practice, RBI clients often benefit from two layers of legal support:
- Local immigration counsel (destination-country lawyer)
This lawyer is licensed in the country where you’re applying. They handle:
- Country-specific legal filings and representations
- Compliance with local immigration and investment-migration rules
- Communication with local authorities where lawyer representation is expected or beneficial
- Global mobility law firm (cross-border legal strategy + coordination)
This layer helps ensure:
- Your documents, disclosures, and funding story remain consistent across jurisdictions
- Risks are identified early (e.g., issues with prior visas, name changes, corporate histories)
- You have contingency planning if a program changes or timelines slip
Common “law firm” workstreams in RBI cases
- Risk screening and legal feasibility before you spend on investments or non-refundable fees
- Source of funds / source of wealth packaging (how to present evidence clearly and consistently)
- Family structuring (dependents, custody issues, name discrepancies, civil-status documents)
- Coordination with tax and corporate professionals (your lawyer should coordinate—not replace—tax advice)
- Handling sensitive profiles with higher due diligence and reputational risk
Important: This article is informational, not legal advice. Requirements and who may provide legal advice vary by jurisdiction.
Who should hire who? (decision tree)
Use this decision tree to choose the right type of provider.
- Is your case likely to face enhanced scrutiny? (PEP, public profile, high-risk jurisdiction exposure, complex corporate holdings, prior refusals)
- Yes → Hire a global mobility law firm (and expect local counsel as part of delivery).
- No → Go to Step 2.
- Do you need multi-country planning or optionality (Plan A/Plan B)?
- Yes → Global mobility law firm or a CBI/RBI firm with strong legal coverage (multi-jurisdiction coordination matters).
- No → Go to Step 3.
- Is your main need program comparison + process management?
- Yes → Investment immigration advisor or CBI/RBI firm (verify scope, licensing boundaries, and who provides legal sign-off).
- No → Go to Step 4.
- Do you need investment execution support (property selection, developer coordination, banking onboarding, relocation logistics)?
- Yes → CBI/RBI firm with integrated services (ensure conflicts are disclosed and funds handling is transparent).
- No → Go to Step 5.
- Is this a corporate relocation (founder expansion, executive transfer, employee mobility)?
- Yes → Global mobility law firm or corporate immigration specialist (employment, entity, and compliance issues often arise).
- No → Go to Step 6.
- Are you targeting Thailand or broader Southeast Asia lifestyle relocation?
- Yes → Choose a provider with a dedicated Thailand practice (requirements and on-the-ground processes are highly specific).
- No → An advisor + local counsel may be sufficient for straightforward cases.
FTB Mobility provides turnkey global mobility services by integrating the capabilities of a global mobility law firm, investment immigration advisor, and CBI/RBI firm within a single platform. Whether a client faces enhanced scrutiny (such as PEP status, complex corporate holdings, high-risk jurisdiction exposure, or prior visa refusals), requires multi-country immigration planning (Plan A / Plan B residency strategies), needs program comparison and process management for residence-by-investment (RBI) or citizenship-by-investment (CBI) programs), or requires investment execution support including property acquisition, developer coordination, banking onboarding, and relocation logistics, FTB Mobility delivers an integrated solution.
Our firm also supports corporate relocation, founder expansion, executive transfers, and employee mobility, while maintaining specialized expertise in Thailand and Southeast Asia relocation. By combining legal strategy, immigration advisory, and end-to-end execution, FTB Mobility serves as a single partner for individuals, families, and companies seeking compliant and efficient international relocation and investment migration solutions.
Comparison table: law firm vs advisor vs CBI/RBI firm
| Provider type | Scope (typical) | Compliance risk (typical) | Timelines (typical impact) | Fee structures (common patterns) |
| Global mobility law firm | Legal strategy, risk analysis, representation where licensed, coordination with local counsel; often handles complex profiles | Lower when lawyer-led processes, strong documentation standards, clear legal responsibility; still depends on facts | Can be faster for complex cases due to fewer mistakes; may add time upfront for deeper due diligence | Hourly, fixed-fee legal packages, retainers; sometimes staged by milestones |
| Investment immigration advisor | Program comparison, document coordination, project management; may liaise with local counsel/agents | Variable—risk increases if legal advice is implied without licensing, or if due diligence is weak | Often fast for simple cases; delays can happen if handoffs to lawyers are late | Consultation fees, fixed “service” fees; sometimes referral/intro fees (should be disclosed) |
| CBI/RBI firm | End-to-end execution: selection, coordination, filings via partners, and often investment/real estate support | Variable—depends on governance, legal oversight, conflicts disclosure, and due diligence rigor | Can be efficient due to one team managing all parts; can slow if partner network is unclear | Packages/staged fees; may include success/processing components; investment-linked commissions should be disclosed |
| Local immigration counsel | Destination-country filings, legal representation, compliance with local rules | Lower for country-specific compliance when reputable counsel is engaged early | Typically efficient once documents are ready; may slow if upstream packaging is weak | Fixed fees or staged by filing steps; sometimes hourly for complex matters |
How to vet an immigration service provider (regardless of type)
Use this checklist before you sign anything:
- Who is providing legal advice—and where are they licensed?
Ask for names, jurisdictions, and what is “legal” vs “administrative.” - What due diligence do they do before you pay non-refundable costs?
A credible provider screens for red flags early (identity, background, funding documentation readiness). - How do they handle source of funds / source of wealth evidence?
You want clear documentation standards, not last-minute scrambling. - Conflicts of interest and commissions:
If real estate or investment products are involved, ask what compensation is received and how it’s disclosed. - Who holds your money (if anyone)?
Prefer transparent payment flows (e.g., direct to government channels / regulated parties where applicable), with written receipts and clear terms. - Data privacy and document security:
Ask how sensitive documents are stored, shared, and retained. - Engagement letter clarity:
Scope, timeline assumptions, refund policy (if any), and what happens if rules change mid-process.
Where FTB Mobility fits
FTB Mobility provides turnkey global mobility services by combining the capabilities of a global mobility law firm, investment immigration advisor, and CBI/RBI firm within a single integrated platform designed for multi-jurisdiction planning and execution. The firm supports individuals, families, and companies pursuing residency and citizenship pathways through coordinated legal strategy, immigration advisory, and end-to-end investment migration execution.
What clients typically use FTB Mobility for:
- Broad program optionality: Support across 25+ government-approved residence-by-investment (RBI) and citizenship-by-investment (CBI) programs spanning six continents.
- East–West execution: Teams positioned to serve clients across China, Hong Kong, Thailand, France, the UAE, and the United States, enabling seamless cross-border coordination.
- One-stop project management: End-to-end coordination covering immigration strategy, investment migration advisory, property acquisition support, banking onboarding, relocation logistics, tax planning coordination, asset management coordination, and private education planning where relevant to the move.
- Corporate mobility support: Planning and execution for founder expansion, executive transfers, and employee relocation.
- Dedicated Thailand practice: Specialized support for clients prioritizing Thailand and Southeast Asia relocation.
- Curated real estate access (where relevant): Partnerships with CBI-aligned real estate projects, subject to program rules and client suitability.
For clients deciding between working with a global mobility law firm, investment immigration advisor, or CBI/RBI firm, FTB Mobility helps structure the right approach—often combining global planning with the appropriate local legal coverage in the destination country.
FAQs
Do I need a lawyer for residency by investment?
Not always—but you should strongly consider lawyer-led support if you have a complex financial profile, prior immigration issues, a high public profile (including PEP considerations), or you need multi-country options. Many clients also need local counsel in the destination country.
What’s the difference between residency by investment and citizenship by investment?
RBI grants residence rights (temporary/permanent) and may lead to citizenship later through naturalization rules. CBI grants citizenship (and usually a passport) through a specific investment-migration framework.
Is an immigration consultant the same as a law firm?
No. A law firm is staffed by licensed lawyers who can provide legal advice within their jurisdictions. Consultants/advisors may provide process and program guidance, but legal advice and representation rules vary widely.
How do fees typically work in RBI/CBI?
Common structures include fixed professional fees (often staged), hourly legal fees for complex matters, and separate government fees. If investments or real estate are involved, ask whether commissions exist and how they’re disclosed.
What increases compliance risk in investment migration cases?
Inconsistent documentation, unclear source of funds, incomplete disclosures, prior immigration non-compliance, complex entity structures without clean records, and using unqualified providers for legal work.
How long does a typical RBI process take?
It varies widely by country, documentation readiness, and background checks. In practice, the biggest timeline drivers are document preparation, due diligence, and the destination’s processing speed.
Can one firm handle multiple countries at once?
Yes—this is where a global mobility approach can help. The key is having a single, consistent strategy while still using qualified local counsel where required.
What programs does FTB Mobility support?
FTB Mobility supports a broad set of government-approved residency and citizenship programs across multiple regions (program availability and suitability depend on your goals and profile).
Do you support corporate relocations and employee mobility?
Yes. Corporate immigration and mobility planning is a distinct need from individual RBI/CBI applications, and it benefits from coordinated legal and operational planning.
Do you have a Thailand immigration practice?
Yes. FTB Mobility has a dedicated Thailand immigration vertical for clients prioritizing Thailand and Southeast Asia relocation pathways.
If you want, share (1) your target country/region, (2) whether your funds are from salary, business, or investments, and (3) whether you need a backup option—then this guide can be applied to a recommended “who to hire” structure for your investment immigration or RCBI case.
