What is the Investment Migration Council (IMC) - and Why It Matters for Investors

Ilana Van Huyssteen-Meyer - Recognized Fellow of the IMC, an acknowledgment that reflects long-standing professional experience and alignment with the Council’s ethical and legal standards.

Investment migration is not a trend—it’s a legal, strategic instrument used by globally mobile individuals to protect assets, optimize tax, and future-proof their freedom. But like any powerful tool, the value depends entirely on how—and by whom—it’s used.

That’s where the Investment Migration Council (IMC) comes in. 

Founded in Geneva in 2014, the IMC is the world’s leading association for professionals working in the residence- and citizenship-by-investment industry. It exists to bring rigor, oversight, and professional integrity to a space that often suffers from misinformation, gray areas, and uneven standards.

The IMC sets the global benchmark. It establishes ethical codes, runs accredited education programs, advises on policy, and ensures that professionals operating in this space do so with competence, discretion, and legal clarity.

What Does It Mean to Be an IMC Fellow?

Fellowship with the IMC is the highest tier of recognition—and it’s not handed out lightly.

To become a Fellow, a practitioner must hold five consecutive years of IMC membership, demonstrate over a decade of experience, and operate at a senior strategic level. It’s not a marketing tool. It’s a designation earned through expertise, reputation, and service to the field.

Fellows are invited to lead conversations on global stages, speak at the Investment Migration Forum (often referred to as the "Davos of investment migration"), and contribute to thought leadership that shapes how countries structure their mobility strategies.

More importantly, for clients, an IMC Fellow signals trust.

Why It Matters Who You Work With

For investors navigating citizenship or residency programs, working with an IMC-certified expert—or someone who holds IMC certification—means more than just regulatory compliance. It signals professionalism, integrity, and peace of mind.

In this industry, you’re not buying a product. You’re selecting a jurisdictional advantage that will shape your tax exposure, your children’s educational access, and your global mobility for decades. It’s high-stakes planning. There’s no room for generic advice or unvetted providers.

An advisor with IMC certification has committed to a strict code of ethics. They’ve demonstrated an understanding of international legal frameworks, due diligence protocols, and program-specific technicalities that most consultants overlook.

As global mobility becomes more regulated, more scrutinized, and more interconnected with tax and security frameworks, it matters—more than ever—who advises you.

The IMC exists to ensure this industry remains credible, legal, and effective. For investors, working with IMC-aligned professionals isn’t a formality. It’s a safeguard.

Where your advisor is positioned says everything about where you’re headed.

If you’re considering a second residency or citizenship—ask the right questions. Not just about the program, but about the person advising you.