Borrowing Against Your Assets: What It Means and How It Works
Can you borrow against assets? Yes, and it’s a strategy used by many expats, investors, and business owners to unlock liquidity without selling. Borrowing against your assets means using what you already own as collateral to access a loan. But how does it actually work and what exactly can you borrow against? This post covers […]
Most Tax-Friendly Countries for Retirees – Where Pensions Aren’t Taxed
Countries like Panama, Portugal, and the Bahamas offer retirees major tax advantages, such as no tax on foreign pensions or investment income, simplified residency, and lower living costs. Some nations fully exempt foreign-source income, while others provide special expat tax regimes that reduce or delay taxation during retirement. This post will talk about the best […]
Do Expats Pay Tax in Switzerland?
Yes, expats living in Switzerland are subject to taxation on their income and wealth. Switzerland operates a comprehensive tax system that applies to both Swiss citizens and foreign residents. The country taxes individuals based on their residency status rather than nationality. In this article, we are going to discuss: If you are looking to invest […]
Philippines Retirement Visa: Requirements, Benefits, and Costs
The Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) is designed to attract foreign nationals and former Filipino citizens to make the Philippines their second home or retirement destination. The SRRVisa is the Philippine Retirement Authority’s core product, offering multiple-entry privileges and an indefinite stay in the country, along with various other benefits for retirees. This comprehensive visa […]
Can I invest in ETFs if I live abroad?
If you live abroad, you can often invest in ETFs, but the process and options depend on your residency, citizenship, and the regulations of both your home and host countries. Many global brokerages allow cross-border investments, but there may be restrictions, tax considerations, and compliance requirements to consider. In this article, our discussion will include: […]
What is the Hardest Citizenship to Get and Why?
Qatar stands as the most challenging country to obtain citizenship in 2025, requiring 25 years of continuous residency. Other extremely difficult citizenships include Bhutan, China, and Switzerland, each imposing unique barriers. These nations maintain stringent requirements that can take decades to fulfill. Our discussion will include: If you are looking to invest as an expat […]
Which is the Easiest Citizenship to Get? Top Countries and Quickest Routes
Argentina offers the easiest citizenship through birth, marriage, and naturalization processes. Italy offers the simplest route to citizenship by descent for those with Italian ancestry. Vanuatu, Antigua and Barbuda, and some other countries stand out as the most accessible options for citizenship by investment programs. Obtaining citizenship has become increasingly accessible through various pathways across […]
MoneyGram vs Remitly – What is the best international money transfer service?
MoneyGram operates as a traditional money transfer giant with extensive physical locations worldwide. Remitly functions as a modern digital-first platform designed specifically for online transfers. When choosing between international money transfer services, MoneyGram and Remitly represent two distinct approaches to cross-border payments. In this article, we are going to discuss: If you are looking to […]
Capital Gains Tax in Italy: Rates, Rules & Exemptions
Italy’s capital gains tax system underwent significant changes in 2024, introducing new regulations that affect both residents and non-residents. The standard capital gains tax rate in Italy stands at 26% for most transactions, with specific exemptions and conditions applying to different asset types. Understanding these regulations is crucial for investors, property owners, and individuals considering […]
Italian Lump-Sum Tax Regime: What It Is & How It Works
Italy’s lump-sum tax regime represents a unique approach to taxation for wealthy individuals seeking residency. This comprehensive taxation framework differs significantly from progressive tax systems used in most countries. Italy recently increased its lump-sum tax. The regime offers substantial benefits for those with substantial international income streams, especially global businesses. In this article, we are […]
Can ETFs be Transferred Abroad?
Yes, ETFs can be transferred abroad through various mechanisms and settlement systems. Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have revolutionized global investing by providing access to diverse markets and asset classes. However, the transfer process depends on regulatory frameworks, broker capabilities, and specific cross-border arrangements. As investors seek greater flexibility in managing their portfolios across borders, understanding ETF […]
Do Non-Residents Pay Property Tax in Spain?
Yes, non-residents who own property in Spain are required to pay property taxes. This obligation applies regardless of whether the property generates rental income or remains vacant. The Spanish tax system imposes specific levies on foreign property owners through various mechanisms designed to ensure fair taxation. Non-resident property taxation in Spain has become increasingly complex […]
Best investments in Portugal for Foreign Investors
Portugal offers diverse investment opportunities ranging from real estate and renewable energy to technology startups and traditional agriculture. The best investments in Portugal include property in major cities like Lisbon and Porto, renewable energy projects, and business ventures in growing sectors. Portugal’s strategic location, stable economy, and favorable investment programs make it attractive for global […]
Investing in Canada as a Non-Resident
Canada has emerged as one of the world’s most attractive investment destinations for non-residents. The country offers political stability, robust regulatory frameworks, and diverse investment opportunities. According to recent data, Canada attracted USD 50.3 billion in foreign direct investment in 2023. This represents a 9% increase year-on-year, making Canada the sixth-largest FDI recipient globally. Non-residents […]
What is an international portfolio bond and how does it work?
An international portfolio bond is an insurance-based investment wrapper set up in a low-tax jurisdiction. These structures are not right for everyone. But when used correctly, they can offer real advantages, especially for expats, HNWIs, and long-term planners. This post will cover various points, including: If you are looking to invest as an expat or […]
Estate Equalization Using Life Insurance: Meaning, Strategies
Estate equalization using life insurance is a strategy used in inheritance planning to ensure a fair distribution of assets among heirs, especially when a business or other substantial assets make equal division challenging. By providing liquidity, life insurance helps balance inheritances, trim potential conflicts, and preserve family accord. This approach is used when some heirs […]
US stocks will underperform: Why is that, and what can you do about it?
Why will US stocks underperform? Nobody can predict what will happen with the US stock market this year or next year. But what we have to remember is the long-term patterns of stock markets. What are those patterns? 1.Pretty much all developed stock markets go up over time. Even the Japanese stock market hit a […]
Investment Outlook 2025: Q3 & Q4 Review of Key Trends & Market Insights
The second half of 2025 is marked by the aftershocks of Q2 volatility, with global markets seeking stability while still facing elevated risk premiums. Central banks are cautious, inflation trends are moderating, and earnings revisions are increasingly sector-specific. While Q3 reflects measured stabilization, Q4 is likely to bring increased dispersion across asset classes as monetary […]
Why do billionaires have family offices?
At a certain level of wealth, traditional private banking simply isn’t enough. Billionaires often face a different kind of financial complexity: multi-generational wealth planning, global tax exposure, illiquid private assets, philanthropy, direct investments, as well as governance across families, entities, and jurisdictions. Family offices are built to handle exactly that. If you are looking to […]
How to Set Up a Family Office in Malaysia
In recent years, Malaysia has emerged as a strategic location for high-net-worth individuals seeking to manage their wealth efficiently. The increasing complexity of global financial landscapes has made centralized wealth management solutions like family offices increasingly valuable. For high-net-worth families in Malaysia, establishing a family office represents a strategic approach to preserving, growing, and transmitting […]
Family Office Minimum Net Worth: A Global Perspective
A family office refers to a privately held company that handles investment management and wealth management for a wealthy family. According to Deloitte’s Family Offices Insights Series, there are an estimated 8,030 single-family offices worldwide as of 2024 representing a 31% increase from 6,130 in 2019. This number is projected to grow by 12% to […]