While the CBI programs have helped many perpetual travelers obtain a second nationality, they still have their detractors. In a world of increased uncertainty, where the structures we thought solid can totter, having a second or a third nationality can be reassuring. What is nationality? When do we feel we belong? Many argue that nationality shouldn't be sold or bought, and that this goes against a country's essence, but this requires a deeper analysis. Asking ourselves “what is nationality” is a good idea. We can describe it as a whole package that consists of legal and cultural aspects. From a legal point of view, the difference between nationality and passport is hard to determine. A person of a certain nationality has the right to a passport so that he/she can travel. In line with this, nationality comes with certain rights and responsibilities. Citizens are obliged to pay taxes and follow the rules while getting benefits in return, like access to healthcare, services, protective policies, and others. Yet, nationality has a different aspect that goes way beyond a travel document. What is nationality for each person? Although personal opinion matters, in general, a person feels part of the country when they share culture, habits, food, dates, celebrations, and so on. If we consider this, no travel document can define or change what is nationality for people who share these same experiences. Those who claim CBI programs sell citizenship don't consider the fact that the contribution provides eligibility, not direct citizenship. While a CBI involves a donation or investment, this gives the right to apply for citizenship, after which the applicant must pass a due diligence and screening process. This surely makes us wonder about what is nationality. Actually, more traditional methods don’t apply such tight assessments. Even with CBI programs in place, national identity is not threatened. People won't stop celebrating their festivals or eating their traditional food, so the country's idiosyncrasies remain intact. The inflow of CBI citizens can have an impact, but this is the same that has been happening since humans emigrated out of Africa 70,000 years ago. The people of Europe and the United States have been shaped by different flows of migration and conquests, and the result is a rich cultural tapestry. In the eastern Caribbean, five countries have CBI.

Once again, we touch upon the topic of taxes and the related basic concepts. Asking ourselves what is tax residency is the first step towards tax planning, especially if one has structures or connections across different jurisdictions. We've discussed this topic on several occasions: we've clarified the myths about territorial taxation, we've established the three main questions to ask ourselves when finding the proper country, and we have specified the difference between legal and tax residency. Today, we address the question from a different angle to understand the sore points relating to expat taxes or to those who have global interests. If you're born in one place and have your business and personal life in that same place, the matter is simple. You don't need to ask yourself “what is my jurisdiction of tax residence” if you never leave the country for more than a vacation. However, when establishing businesses or spending time abroad for personal reasons, tax planning becomes more complicated. According to the 183-day rule, most countries consider you a tax resident if you spend more than six months a year, so what happens if you overstay your visit? According to this rule, a person can become a tax resident in a country without even knowing it, and this is something we should address carefully. Even without intending it, you may end up owing your share. Without proper tax planning, expats or frequent travelers can face severe consequences. Some high-net-worth individuals, such as the artist Shakira, have experienced this in the flesh. As we've recently established, legal residency is not the same as tax residency, which means two things: a) you may be a legal resident of a country and not a tax resident, b) you may become a tax resident without even knowing it. Mundo readers are well aware of the residency options available in Panama. The Qualified Investor Visa, for example, allows you to apply for permanent residency in exchange for an investment. Parallelly, other options offer temporary permits. Panama is known for being flexible in terms of minimum stays, i.e., you can maintain residency by visiting a few days a year. This is a clear example of having legal residency but not tax residency, and of the difference between these concepts. 

In today’s interconnected financial environment, opening a bank account can be both a valuable step and a complex process. Whether you're managing personal wealth or planning a global business structure, understanding the banking compliance regulations is essential. Banks must follow a structured approach when onboarding new clients, and this process can differ significantly depending on the jurisdiction. Applicants are often surprised to discover the depth of documentation required. Understanding the BSA, AML, KYC framework and its implications for account holders is the first step to navigating this system smoothly. This article outlines common requirements and explains what global clients should expect. One of the most important questions is: what do BSA, AML, KYC, and similar words mean in practical terms? These abbreviations stand for Bank Secrecy Act, Anti-Money Laundering, and Know Your Customer. Together, they represent the legal and regulatory framework that banks use to ensure transparency and security in financial transactions. Complying with AML, BSA, KYC requirements involves submitting identity documents, background information, and source-of-funds declarations. These procedures are not optional. Financial institutions apply them universally to prevent fraud and misuse of banking systems. When approaching a bank, you will likely be asked for multiple documents. The most common requests include two types of identification, proof of address for opening bank account, a tax identification number, a reference letter from another financial institution, and a personal reference from a professional contact. You may also be asked to place a minimum deposit before the account becomes active. These steps are part of routine banking compliance and are designed to ensure client integrity. While these are typical requests, it's important to note that every bank and jurisdiction has the right to introduce additional requirements. No two jurisdictions are exactly alike when it comes to banking compliance regulations. While most countries require similar documentation, the evaluation process and internal risk assessment policies can vary. 

In an ever-changing world, the lack of security is a major concern for everyone, and the businessperson in particular. What is financial security? This term is used lightly, especially in publications about financial services, but does it have a formal meaning? What do we mean when we talk about how to achieve financial security? Today, Mundo decided to touch upon this subject in our asset protection and trust section. When we talk about financial security, we talk about a subjective concept because it depends on each individual. What it takes to make someone feel secure may not be the same as with someone else, and this depends on personal experiences and expectations. A clear example becomes evident when comparing it to an investor's risk profile. These are stipulated after assessing the person's goals, age, earnings, and the family context. Evidently, a married couple with three children won’t take the same level of risk as a 20-year-old Silicon Valley genius who has just sold the first app for thousands of dollars. Therefore, we want to highlight that the present article describes nothing but Mundo’s perception of financial security and the means to obtain it. At the risk of sounding too apocalyptic or falling into dystopic fantasies, we need to acknowledge that no structure is 100% safe. There can always be a loophole or an unforeseen event that can turn things upside down. However, leaving out such extreme situations, we can at least try to consider as many variables as possible to achieve the level of financial security that makes us feel comfortable. How many second citizenships do you need? For many, one is enough, but others would rather have three, four, or five, so there’s always a plan C, a plan D, a plan E, and so on. Furthermore, economic citizenship and residency are a reliable path to obtaining multiple nationalities as long as the involved countries allow it. Without further ado, let's delve into Mundo's guide on how to achieve financial security. In the world of finances, everyone will tell you that there's no safer structure than the trust, especially when stablished in the right jurisdiction. Countless times we've recommended Nevis because of its protective legislation of local trusts.

In today’s world, where a laptop is the office and the internet is the main source of income, freedom of movement has become a reality. But even the most independent professionals face a common question: where should one live to earn more and pay less tax? Where can you enjoy the sun, access quality healthcare, reliable infrastructure, and still feel financially secure? The answer lies within a growing list of the best countries for freelancers. Let’s explore this list together. Imagine a country where you can work with clients around the world, earn in dollars, and not pay taxes on that income. This isn’t a dream—it’s the reality of Panama. Here, the territorial taxation system means that income earned outside the country is not taxed. What does the freelancer lifestyle look like in such a place? It means that, with the right approach, you can considerably reduce your taxable income. It’s important to understand that taxes are only applied to the funds you transfer into Panama or the money you make inside the country. If you keep your earnings abroad or use international banking, your tax burden will be minimal. If you're seeking more than tax advantages, like stability, good climate, infrastructure, and long-term settlement options, Panama has you covered. The country offers various residency programs. For those with available capital and a desire to invest wisely, the Qualified Investor Visa is a perfect match. It opens doors to not only residence but also business development, real estate investment, and future planning. Another option is the Pensionado Visa. While originally designed for retirees, many younger remote workers now use it to enjoy a lower cost of living, a warm climate, and an inspiring cosmopolitan environment. Living in Panama is not only advantageous, it's also comfortable. Whether you prefer city apartments with pools, ocean-view condos, or leafy neighborhoods with private homes, the real estate market offers something for every taste and at accessible prices. Investing in property gives you not just a place to live but a solid foundation for your residency. So, what does the freelancer lifestyle look like here? 

Deciding to live in the best residential complex opens up a world of opportunities for future owners. Modern complexes resemble miniature cities: gyms, saunas, recreational areas, and even private cinemas become part of everyday life. However, behind this showcase of comfort, there are nuances to consider, especially when it comes to buying property as an investment. Let’s dive into the pros and possible cons. One of the main advantages of deciding to live in a residential complex is access to a wide variety of infrastructure, all concentrated in one place. You can start your morning in the gym, relax later in the sauna, or enjoy an evening watching a movie in the private cinema. All this becomes part of daily life. In addition to convenience, a high level of security is a major benefit. Closed complexes require ID verification for visitors, and round-the-clock security ensures peace of mind for residents. Such complexes are often located in prestigious areas with well-developed social infrastructure, where you can find schools, medical centers, supermarkets, and restaurants nearby. This makes everyday life highly convenient and saves time, with everything you need within walking distance. Therefore, choosing the best residential complex is not only about comfort but also about the organization of a high-quality lifestyle. Many complexes offer brand-new apartments where every detail is thoughtfully designed for residents’ convenience. For example, when a property is sold fully finished and furnished, it is called a turnkey property. Thus, choosing to buy in a residential building complex with such characteristics allows you to become the first owner without worrying about renovation or remodeling. In addition, such properties are highly attractive for investors due to the growing demand for housing with premium infrastructure, as discussed earlier. For those considering a future in Panama, purchasing real estate in a residential complex offers another significant advantage: the opportunity to obtain permanent residency through the Qualified Investor Visa. By investing $300,000 in real estate, you can receive permanent residency.

Choosing the right investment path is the key not only to successfully obtaining the Qualified Investor Visa, but also to smart capital allocation. The program offers three options: investments in real estate, in stocks, or in a fixed bank deposit. At first glance, all three seem equally attractive, but a closer look reveals important differences. In this article, we won't just describe them, we'll compare the three options so you can decide what works for you and which of the real estate opportunities or financial instruments aligns with your goals. One of the most frequently debated topics is real estate vs stocks. Both come with strengths and weaknesses, especially when considering a long-term immigration strategy. Real estate offers something unique — a physical asset you can use. You may not only invest in a property but also live in it, rent it out, or pass it on to future generations. That said, this advantage comes with added responsibility. Maintaining real estate involves utility bills, property taxes, building maintenance fees, and rental management. Yes, professional property managers are available, but it’s still not as easy as buying a few shares with a click. Stocks, on the other hand, offer simplicity and flexibility. You can invest from anywhere and easily diversify your portfolio. However, stocks don't give you physical space to live or to spend a vacation. Plus, the stock market is volatile, and stable income is never guaranteed, especially in the short term. On the other hand, real estate has considerably lower liquidity, which is not ideal if you need to sell quickly.If you're looking for a solid foundation and want to combine investment with personal comfort, the answer to the real estate vs stocks question depends on your goals and lifestyle. The choice is ultimately yours. Nonetheless, we’ve recently presented a new real estate project near Panama Pacifico that could make you tilt the balance in favor of real estate opportunities. If your top priority is minimal risk and simplicity, comparing stocks and a fixed deposit makes sense.

In the world of business relations, the focus is increasingly placed not only on financial performance but also on the transparency of the corporate structure. This is why corporate certificates are gaining more importance for those looking to build long-term partnerships and attract the trust of banks and investors. These documents are formalities whose purpose goes beyond that as tools that confirm both the status of the company and its internal organization. The two most common types are the incumbency certificate and the certificate of good standing. Understanding the differences between them means speaking the same language as regulators, lawyers, and counterparties. The certificate of good standing is a document that shows a company is registered and operating in compliance with the corporate rules of its jurisdiction. It confirms the timely payment of fees and the absence of violations by the company. This certificate is often required when opening a bank account, participating in real estate transactions, or working with government institutions. On the other hand, the incumbency certificate provides a different slice of information. It specifies who holds key positions in the company, who has signing authority, and what the powers of specific individuals are. This document is especially important when it is necessary to prove that a certain decision was made by an authorized person. In addition, a letter of incumbency can also provide a clear outline of the corporate structure, making it useful in situations requiring detailed managerial transparency. Understanding the structure and purpose of these documents helps avoid misunderstandings. For example, when signing a contract with an international partner, a certificate of good standing alone may not be enough — it will confirm that the company exists, but it won’t say who is authorized to sign documents. In this case, the incumbency certificate comes to the rescue.

In our publication, taxes and territorial taxation are a common topic. Firstly, because it's a complicated matter that not everybody quite understands, and secondly, because readers are interested in finding legal ways to reduce taxes. Countries with territorial taxation surely provide an excellent opportunity to optimize the tax burden because they tax only domestic income. With the right approach, this can translate into more earnings that can be used for savings, reinvestment, purchases, or expenses. Now, where are these countries with territorial taxation? Today, we explore one of our favorite regions: Latin America. The first thing we need to understand is the essence of territorial taxation. Being a tax resident in countries with territorial taxation doesn't exempt you from tax 100%. All these countries apply taxes on domestic income, or income that you receive from abroad. Moreover, you're going to need this income because you will have to spend time in the country. On the other hand, it's worth considering that, in order to obtain a tax resident status, you will need to obtain legal residency, two concepts that must not be mixed up. Once we have cleared this up, it's time to think about what country we will choose. In this regard, Latin America has several options offering outstanding lifestyle alternatives as well. Let us explore them in this article. Since tax residency requires commitment to the jurisdiction, a deep analysis becomes necessary. One thing to consider is that you will spend six months a year in this country, therefore, you need to know what kind of lifestyle you can have there. Another vital aspect, and one that many people often overlook, is what taxes you will be paying on your domestic income, and how much money you will need to get by. These fall into the three questions that Mundo recommends asking when choosing countries with territorial taxation. Paraguay tax residency may be the right choice for those who want a quiet place to live. 

The world of asset protection comprehends many elements, but it goes beyond them. When mentioning this concept, we immediately think about trusts, and also foundations, LLCs, and banking. Nonetheless, we can't have a consistent approach to asset protection without understanding its concept. There's a whole side to asset protection that is closely related to how we think, how we view our finances, what we choose to do for a living, and what sources of income we turn to. In a way, we can say that asset protection is a way of living. When seeing asset protection from a broader perspective, business ethical questions arise, at least for some. In this article, we analyze how they have been addressed in the past decades and should be addressed in the present. In the '90s, when the term offshore was commonly used, financial and legit tools like trusts, foreign incorporation of companies, and foreign bank accounts were seen by many as shady. It is important to consider this when trying to address business ethical questions. In essence, the above-mentioned tools were conceived to improve a business's profitability and to optimize finances. However, for many, this alone raises an ethical question as to whether this is right or wrong. Every human being looks after himself/herself and his/her family, so why would it be wrong to want our finances to be as optimized as possible? In simple words, if there's a legal possibility to pay lower fees in any foreign jurisdiction, why not take it? It's worth noting that banking and incorporating abroad requires meeting certain standards and complying with rules on local legislation. If that legislation is more flexible and nicer to the client, that's a different matter. For those concerned about ethical financial management and ethical questions regarding asset protection, it’s great news that we have powerful tools to make sure businesses are conducted ethically and legally.