ASEAN NOW Sales Posted January 4, 2019 Posted January 4, 2019 CANADIAN LAW FIRM HELPS HIGH-NET-WORTHS OBTAIN GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP More high-net-worth individuals look to widen travel options with citizenship-by-investment programs. Bangkok 2018 – A Canadian law firm offers to help Thais widen their travel options around the world by acquiring a second citizenship and passport that comes with more mobility and greater ease of travel through citizenship-by-investment programs (CIPs). Thai passport holder can only travel visa free to 73 countries. For a Cyprus passport holder, 155 countries are within the reach of a Cyprus citizen (Citizenship-by-investment program starts at 2,000,000 Euros) or 150 countries for a St. Kitts and Nevis passport holder (starting at $ 400,000 USD). “Global citizenship is all about freedom of movement. That’s what it is. It is to permit people pretty much to go to where they want, when they want, and how they want,” says Mr. Bastien Trelcat, Managing Partner of Harvey Law Group, an immigration and business advisory law firm based in Empire Tower in Sathorn Road, Bangkok. Harvey Law Group (HLG) is headquartered in Hong Kong, with office presence in major cities such as Bangkok, Yangon, Phnom Penh, Ho Chi Minh, Ha Noi, Da Nang, Manila, where the firm offers residence and citizenship-by-investment programs in over 19 jurisdictions (including USA, Canada, Australia, and Europe). “As a global citizen, investing in a second citizenship gives you a full freedom of movement. By example, The Commonwealth of Dominica Program starts at $100,000 USD through a donation and became one of the most reputational programs as a contribution to a public fund. Dominicans receive a visa-free access to over 120 countries and 126 countries for Vanuatu Citizenship, to countries including UK, Europe, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Russia- just to name a few. That is the biggest advantage,” comments Mr. Bastien Trelcat. Investors can also purchase homes, retirement lodges and beachfront properties in countries such as St. Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Saint Lucia, and Grenada. Each prime destination has its distinct perks and benefits. Here are for the Caribbean:. The Commonwealth of Dominica (Minimum investment of $100,000 USD) Dominica’s citizenship-by-investment program offers applicants two potential routes to acquiring citizenship: making a non-refundable contribution to its government fund or purchasing a government-approved real estate property such as the award-winning Cabrits Resort Kempinski at minimum $200,000 USD. Applicants are not required to visit or reside within the island. To enjoy Dominican citizenship is also to obtain tax-free status for applicants and their direct dependents and visa-free travel to over 120 countries, including the UK and the Schengen area. Grenada (Minimum investment of $150,000 USD) Grenada’s program guarantees fast processing and waives interviews, residency requirements, and tax on worldwide income. Similar to the other Caribbean citizenship programs, a Grenada passport holder also enjoys visa-free travel to over 125 countries including the UK and the Schengen Area. Its investment program requires either making a contribution to the Grenada National Transformation Fund, or purchasing a government-approved real estate projects such as Hideaway Grenada ($350,000 USD) or Six Senses Grenada (coming soon in 2019). Investors are required to holding their real estate investment for at least five years before exiting, however keeping their citizenship. “Who are eligible for citizenship-by-investment? If you spend leisure time traveling overseas, pursuing a residency or citizenship program can set you up with property in strategic locations, which you can develop into a home away from home. If you’re a parent, these programs allow security and education opportunities overseas for your children. If you’re an entrepreneur, here are more opportunities to widen your network and expand benefits from the program. If your Asian spouse is having a difficult time getting a visa, this may be a solution. Acquiring a second citizenship can help attain personal goals of a hassle-free travel, access to good health and education system, and to grow and maximize wealth across borders,” says Mr. Bastien Trelcat. While Thais are required to obtain visa to travel to the United States, Canada, Australia, Europe, and other most developed economies, expatriates living in Thailand may look for other solutions on their global mobility. Mr. Bastien says his company aims to advice high net worth on the best investment options to attain a residency or second nationality that will allow them to travel to more countries without the need of a visa. This is particularly important to investors who normally have business dealings in different countries. On top of obtaining immigration benefits, the investors can also keep the possibility to get his investment back after a holding period. Mr. Bastien says acquiring a second citizenship is no longer an issue of nationalism. “Having a second passport is nothing against your own nationality to acquire another one. It is 2018 and globalization is changing ever than before”. HLG is now looking at Thailand as an emerging market with a growing middle-income population. “HLG has been educating the market for over five years. It’s an alternative to all investments commonly known. Our services are valuable to people who, if not themselves, their spouses need mobility. You don’t have to be a millionaire to apply as the starting price is set at USD 100,000. We see a trend in middle or higher middle class qualifying for a second citizenship. For most of them this is like joining a private club, the famous 1 percent,” says Mr. Bastien. HLG is a leading multinational law firm specializing in corporate law and mobility with a worldwide reputation for representing high-profile clients and corporations. HLG was awarded for Best Immigration Firm at the 13th annual Macallan ALB Hong Kong Law Awards 2014 and 2017. HLG is Asia’s pioneer in investment immigration, having assisted over 3,000 families for over 26 years. HLG entered Thailand market as the top immigration consulting law firm with the most comprehensive mobility packages. HLG is duly licensed by most CIPs to promote and submit applications on behalf of investors. For further inquiries or investment immigration program opportunities, please contact HLG Managing Partner, Mr. Bastien Trelcat [email protected] or Ms. Krittiya Keeratiyut, Office Director [email protected] Call +6626701848 or visit FB: https://www.facebook.com/HLGThailand/ www.harveylawcorporation.com Harvey Law Group (Thailand) 1 Empire Tower, River Wing East, 29th Flr, Unit 1904, South Sathorn Road, Yannawa, Sathorn, Bangkok, Thailand 1
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