Insights

Expand your opportunities with a second residency. If you are looking for a new home, a retirement destination, or just easier world travel, a second passport can help you out. By gaining a second passport, also known as a second residency, individuals can tap into a variety of personal and economic benefits. Below are some of the biggest reasons you should consider a second passport.

GETTING A SECOND PASSPORT IS A GOOD BACKUP PLAN

By getting a second passport, individuals have the added benefit of being able to flee in the event of political or economic instability in their home countries. Some countries have more stable and trustworthy government systems, economies, and remain non-controversial. These safeguards can be the perfect escape for you and your family.

MORE PRIVACY AND SAFETY IN BANKING

With a second passport, you will have easier access to global banking opportunities. International banks of particular nations have proven time and time again to be safer, more secure, and more accessible than banks of other countries. One of the biggest draws to international banking is security. For some, depositing money into a bank in their home country is not safe. For those feeling the restriction of the investment opportunities at home, offshore banks offer a wide choice of funds and investments that aren’t available in your home country. It’s an easy and great way to diversify your portfolio.

GLOBAL INVESTMENT

Offshore investment may open up a plethora of opportunities that may not be available in your own jurisdiction. There are many technological, agricultural options, etcetera, that just aren’t found in an individual’s home market. These options may offer high returns or can be an excellent hedging technique. Second passports and offshore banking can help diversify your portfolio, protect your assets, and is the first step in moving your assets out of your country.

EXPATRIATION

If you decided to gain a second citizenship, you will no longer be subject to the tax laws of your home country and can enjoy life without the hassle of being taxed on money that you may not even be making in your home country. When expatriating, you may be required to pay an expatriating tax, like in the U.S., but that will be pocket change compared to what you’d be saving over the years. Both personal and financial liberation overseas are achievable by tapping into new and developing sectors and developed areas of investment, allowing and encouraging you to diversify your portfolio. In terms of financial planning, expatriating can be a lucrative step in a fiscally responsible retirement. The cost of living, tax benefits, and quality of life are all reasons to spend your retirement years abroad. At Alpen Partners, we are well versed in the financial planning that goes into retirement. A good retirement plan takes years of careful saving and sound investing to live a carefree life after paid work. By spending your retirement abroad, you are allowing yourself to obtain the most out of all the work you put into saving.

BETTER TRAVEL

Getting a second passport allows you to take advantage of visa-free travel to different nations, working and living in a new country easily, business opportunities, safer business, and cultural exploration. With a second citizenship, you can vote, leave the country for as long as you like, and everything else a person born in the nation can do. Believe it or not, some passports can be stronger than others. The strength of the passport is based on how many countries an individual can travel to visa-free with said passport. Residency and second passport by Investment Some, if not most, countries require a period of permanent residency before granting citizenship and a second passport. The easiest way some countries allow foreigners to earn residency is through investment. Note that not all countries will grant citizenship after a period of residency, so it is advised to do your due diligence before choosing a country in which to gain residency. Where to Get a Second Passport As stated earlier, some passports are stronger than others. The strength of a passport is measured by how many countries the citizen can visit without applying for a visa. Here are some of the strongest passports right now:

• Singapore: As the world’s fourth-leading financial center, Singapore’s passport will not only earn you visa-free travel to over 150 countries, citizens will also benefit from a diverse culture that plays an important role in global finance and trade.
• South Korea: Once a migrant country, South Korea is now one of the richest countries in the world, with exports such as Hyundai, Kia, and Samsung.
• Japan: Before choosing Japan, it is important to know that acquiring Japanese citizenship will require a lot of paperwork and does not allow for dual citizenship.
• Switzerland: One of the biggest draws to Switzerland passport is the country’s strong economic system with controlled requirements and slight growth.

While we made it seem easy to obtain a second passport, it is likely you will need the guidance of a skilled professional. Alpen Partners advises on all steps of getting a second passport. We can examine your needs and help you find the right destination for you, ensure you are making the smartest tax decisions, and help you find the investment that will not only earn you a life of international freedom but also help you achieve your financial goals. For more information on the benefits of a second passport, contact Alpen Partners below! All investments involve certain risks. All investments carry the potential for financial loss, including the loss of the principal amount invested. Past performance should not be viewed as an indicator of future results. Market conditions and broader economic factors can significantly impact the value of investments. Investments in international markets are subject to additional risks, such as currency exchange fluctuations, political or economic instability, and variations in accounting practices. Alternative investments, including but not limited to hedge funds, private equity, and real estate, may be illiquid, speculative, and are not suitable for all investors. The above information should be considered before making any investment decisions. All posts and publications are for your information only and are not intended as an offer, promotion, or solicitation to buy or sell any financial instrument or perform any other financial transactions. All information and opinions expressed in posts and publications reflect our current views as of the date of the publication and may be liable to change without notice.