The matter of asset protection can be both challenging and puzzling, especially if you don't have the correct guidance. Today, we go deep into the subject of the three mistakes that you can make when you establish a trust, and that can eventually jeopardize it. The whole point of setting up a family trust is to protect a family’s properties, valuables, companies, and investments (in simple words, all the family's wealth) from creditors or persons who intend harm. Yet we can't overlook the fact that this level of protection is only put in motion if the trust is, indeed, strong, and for this, there are several aspects to consider. Today, we introduce to you the three main mistakes that can make a trust weak and leave the assets unprotected. The trust protects the assets because it's an agreement that separates legal ownership from the settlor. If an individual renounces the right to use those assets and to benefit from them, then these cannot be taken away or seized. The property that once belonged to a person is now destined to benefit others, who are, generally, relatives or loved ones of the original owner. Give or take, this is the essence of a trust, and this is what needs to be respected if you want actual protection. Before we continue with the topic, we would like to point out the importance of choosing the right jurisdiction. In the island of Nevis, for instance, the trust legislation is solid as a rock because it doesn't take foreign rulings into account. To paint a simple picture, let's just say that to challenge a trust in Nevis, you have to go through a legal process within the jurisdiction. One needs only to imagine the hassle and expenses of doing this from abroad, and we immediately understand how this may discourage unfair allegations or ill-intentioned claims. With that said, no jurisdiction on the planet will be safe enough if you don't consider the basics. Before we describe the three mistakes of setting up a family trust, we need to understand what would make it weak and leave it at the mercy of litigants. This takes us back to the first paragraphs and the purpose of a trustee agreement: losing control of the assets for the benefit of a third party. If someone can prove that the trust was created for any other reason, it can be dissolved. A trustee has the power to decide over the assets, and if the settlor is the trustee, it means he/she is still in control. As a result, the structure can be seen as a sham trust, and your creditors may take advantage of this. Once you have appointed a trustee and signed all the documents, assets must be transferred. Any property, valuables, stocks, or assets of any kind must actually be under the trust. If you fail to implement this, the trust will be sham, and this can be proven in court. If you create a revocable trust, you, the settlor, will have some level of power over future decisions. Now, if you are trusting your property to a third party, why would you want to maintain control? Such a decision can be seen as an attempt to deceive tax authorities or any other organizations. If you don't trust, don't establish a trust. The main lesson here is that a trust is a decision in which you relinquish control.

Citizenship by investment is but one path toward obtaining a second citizenship. Through jure sanguinis, Italy, Spain, and other countries open the possibility of naturalization if applicants can prove they are descendants of a citizen. We have discussed this procedure in the past, stating that CBI offers much more straightforward access. Such programs create an immediate link with the countries through an investment without the need to prove being related to a distant ancestor, who may or may not have saved their birth certificate or related documents. Nevertheless, both the Italian citizenship by descent and the Caribbean programs are tightening their requirements as concerns arise regarding the protection of local culture and idiosyncrasy. In essence, naturalization can be through jure sanguinis or jure soli, which means “right of blood” or “right of soil”. Maybe the easiest to understand is the latter because it's based on the place you are born in. If you're born in a country, even circumstantially, you have the right to citizenship. This is not an uncommon situation for people whose parents travel frequently. The second approach is proving you are related by blood to a person from that country. Through jure sanguinis, Italy and other countries have been receiving a large flow of immigrants, especially from Argentina, the United States, and Brazil. They claim their citizenship because they have Italian great or great-great-grandparents. Thus, many are obtaining Italian citizenship by descent without actually having any real link to the country but this distant ancestor. Many of them have never known this person, don't speak the language, and have never set foot in Italy. On top of that, the number of applications causes administrative backlogs that the state organs can barely handle. In such a scenario, the government is implementing key changes in immigration law. For starters, the relative of the applicant must have had only Italian citizenship and no other. Along with that, they had to be residents in Italy for at least two consecutive years before the applicant's birth. These requirements have been implemented for applications filed by March 2025. With this, Italian citizenship becomes harder or impossible for many descendants of Italians around the world. The already tiresome process of researching the family tree and the search for old birth certificates is now worse than it was, and in most cases, it will be straight away pointless. This new law denies the right to Italian citizenship by descent to those whose connection is purely genealogical and not based on real presence and cultural connections. If anything, this highlights the advantages of citizenship by investment. Many have expressed negative opinions on such programs, alleging that there is no real connection but the economic contribution. However, all CBI does is create a bond through a much simpler path than the ones we get from traditional methods. Citizenship is not just granted blindly, but there's a whole due diligence process and a careful evaluation of the candidates. Furthermore, new stay requirements and passport renovation conditions are being discussed. 

In today’s dynamic property market, adaptability and legality go hand in hand. Short-term lease apartments represent a growing segment that combines high potential returns with operational flexibility. However, there is one essential detail that turns a promising investment into a secure one: a dedicated license. Without it, income may be at risk. With it, your real estate becomes a reliable asset in full compliance with the law. Many investors wonder: what is short-term rental in the context of legal operations? In Panama, the answer has a specific legal framework: stays under 45 nights are classified as short-term and require an official license. This setup allows furnished properties to serve travelers, professionals, and medical tourists, and the owners to rent out their units stress-free and in full compliance. Holding the correct permits turns a property into a transparent and protected investment vehicle. This is crucial in jurisdictions like Panama, where the license is tied to the building’s design and function. Not every apartment qualifies. Projects must be developed with the proper structure, communal zones, and operational strategy from the beginning; therefore, it’s better to look for properties that already have such a license. Getting it may require changes in the structure and long construction processes, so investing in already licensed short-term rental apartments ensures you’re starting on the right foot. Today’s platforms, including the best short-term rental sites, tend to prioritize listings that meet legal standards. Properties with licenses are easier to promote, easier to manage, and less likely to face takedowns or user complaints. This results in better visibility, consistent bookings, and ultimately, stronger revenue. Furnishment, compliance, and location are the hallmarks of a successful unit. Furnished short-term rentals appeal to an audience willing to pay for comfort and security. In general, these are business travelers, medical tourists, and digital nomads who seek short-term leases with a turnkey solution that doesn’t raise legal concerns. A license reassures them, and in turn, rewards the owner with loyalty and profitability. One of the greatest advantages of investing in furnished rentals with short-term permissions is freedom. You can enjoy the unit yourself during idle periods and rent it out in the high seasons. No rigid commitments or long-term tenants tie you down. This type of ownership suits modern lifestyles where plans evolve and flexibility is essential. With fully compliant short-term rental apartments, you remain in control of timing, strategy, and income. Another perk of our real estate projects is that you’re not limited by rental pools or complex restrictions. Finally, you can work with a professional management company or operate independently as long as the complex has the appropriate license. If you want to invest in real estate with minimized legal risks, consider projects that include a license that allows you to leverage short-term lease apartments. At Mundo, we offer access to such properties, characterized by being compliant.

Before any company enters the international business arena, it must be born into a system: a legal, structured, and compliant one. This birth starts with two foundational components: the registered agent of a company and the corporate registry. The dialogue between them determines whether a company legally exists, how it functions, and how it remains compliant over time. Each jurisdiction operates its own registry — the official database of legal entities. This registry holds core data such as the company’s name, date of incorporation, legal form, and jurisdiction of operation. Besides, it accepts, reviews, and stores the documents submitted for incorporation and renewal. Without the registry, a business structure simply does not exist in the eyes of the law. The registered agent acts as a legally recognized intermediary. In nearly every jurisdiction where Mundo operates, direct filing by the client is not allowed. Only an approved LLC agent or professional firm may submit the documents, ensure compliance, and communicate with the registry on behalf of the company. This structure ensures the process is secure, standardized, and traceable. Despite the common misconception, a registered agent of a company is not only in charge of providing a physical address. They are legally responsible for receiving official correspondence, maintaining good standing, renewing registrations, and submitting reports when necessary. In essence, they connect the company to the legal system continuously and reliably. A professional LLC agent doesn’t just forward documents. They verify them, guide the client through local laws, perform due diligence (including KYC), and help prevent compliance failures. Mundo collaborates with trusted agents in each jurisdiction, ensuring that every formation, from a Nevis LLC to a Panamanian Foundation, begins and continues on a solid legal footing. The difference between the registry and the agent is functional, but they depend on one another. The agent prepares and submits, while the registry accepts and formalizes. Without a registered agent, access to the corporate registry is impossible. Thus, this whole process reflects how legal systems across jurisdictions maintain structure, transparency, and accountability. At Mundo, we deliver fully structured corporate solutions across multiple jurisdictions. When onboarding a client, we ensure the presence of a qualified registered agent who sees the bigger picture beyond mere paperwork. This approach helps avoid missed deadlines and financial penalties, thus helping maintain corporate control. Behind every registration stands a system built to ensure legal clarity, operational stability, and lasting relevance. Understanding the roles of the registered agent of a company and the registry provides clarity in a world full of legal complexity. Together, they form the operating core of every international structure. A clear understanding of this dynamic empowers companies to manage both the launch and the ongoing integrity of their structure.

Panama has introduced a progressive update to its immigration policy. Pensionado visa holders are now allowed to obtain a work permit, making working after retirement possible. This change is especially meaningful for those who previously faced limitations when trying to pursue opportunities while holding a visa that didn’t authorize employment. Today, this possibility is open to a broader group, including both seniors and younger applicants. Although the Pensionado visa is intuitively associated with senior citizens, there is no official age limit to apply. Individuals with a stable monthly income from abroad (and for life) have always been eligible, regardless of their age. This means that both seniors and younger individuals can benefit from the new policy, which welcomes retirees working legally within the country. Before this change, even when qualified individuals discovered ideal roles in consulting, teaching, or tourism, the visa restrictions made it impossible to obtain a work permit. The system prevented many from accepting flexible positions that matched their skills and lifestyles. With this update, the government acknowledges the value of allowing retirees working without sacrificing their legal status. Retirement doesn’t mean stepping away from purpose. Many people enjoy working after retirement, seeking fulfillment in mentorship, creativity, or social engagement. For those who choose to stay active, Panama now offers a legal pathway to blend their lifestyle with their professional identity. The option to work legally encourages retirees to maintain their rhythm and share their experience with the newer generations. With the legal limitations lifted, many great part-time jobs for retirees in Panama are now legally accessible to Pensionado visa holders. These may include language teaching, art instruction, travel guiding, or supporting cultural and nonprofit projects*. Such roles offer both flexibility and meaning, enabling experienced professionals to remain involved and respected. By obtaining access to a work permit, Pensionado visa holders can find great part-time jobs for retirees, reaffirming their commitment to inclusive growth. The process to obtain a work permit begins once the applicant receives the official confirmation letter from the immigration authorities. While the Pensionado visa differs from other programs, the overall logic remains consistent: a recognized resident may then proceed to request work approval from the Ministry of Labor. This step opens the door to new professional possibilities. Previously informal arrangements have now become official. With the ability to apply, the state ensures transparency and legal protection for both the employee and the employer. Particularly for part-time or seasonal roles, this provides reassurance, and now the visa holders can focus on finding great jobs for retirees according to their preferences. The opportunity to obtain a work permit under the Pensionado visa marks a significant shift, empowering those who value their independence, purpose, and expertise.

Choosing to set up a trust can be a decisive step toward long-term asset protection and generational security. For many clients, the most common question is how do you set up a trust that balances flexibility, confidentiality, and safety. Mundo offers tailored trust solutions with three levels of service, each designed for a different depth of involvement and legal services. From a simple formation to comprehensive legal structures, we make trust management intuitive and secure. How do I set up a trust? Before even considering legal documents, clients need clarity and a structure that adapts to their particular circumstances. Mundo begins with an in-depth consultation to identify your financial goals, asset types, and risk tolerance. We then match you with the right option, whether it’s the bronze package, the silver package, or the gold package. If you are wondering how do you set up a trust that fits your vision of protection and long-term strategy, then taking a look at these packages may help. When people ask how do I set up a trust, they’re often seeking clarity, confidence, and a sense of security that goes beyond technical instructions. Our team offers guidance on the private trustee company model, asset-holding vehicles like Nevis LLCs, and the legal roles of each party. By framing your structure correctly from the beginning, we ensure compliance, clarity, and international adaptability. The bronze package is ideal for those who need a reliable starting point without complex customization. It includes the preparation of the trust deed, registration of the private trustee company, and appointment of a professional director. While Mundo provides the legal structure and guidance for setup, the ongoing administration remains the client’s responsibility. This option suits those who prefer to manage their trust independently once it is legally in place. We are often asked how much does it cost to establish a trust. The answer depends on your selected package and structural requirements. The bronze package is the most accessible option, designed for individuals or businesses who have some experience in structural planning, taxation, and compliance, and who can look after their trusts after establishment. Contact us directly to receive a customized quotation based on your needs. Clients who want more operational support often choose the silver package. It includes everything in the bronze package, plus optional bookkeeping, creation of a Nevis LLC (if required for asset holding), and more comprehensive management. However, this package does not include transfer of ownership, legal opinion, tax advice, or international legal expertise. It is a solution for those seeking premium services while remaining involved in key protection and structuring decisions. The silver package is also ideal for evolving structures. As your assets grow, you may need additional legal components or asset classes. With Mundo’s help, your trust can expand without requiring a full redesign.

At what age should we start thinking about retirement planning? It's important to start from an early age, as the sooner we start, the higher the chances of making smart decisions. Moreover, in Panama, retirement may be closer than you think through the Pensionado Visa. Today we explore this status, whom it can help, and why it could represent an optimal use of retiree savings through visa discounts. The retirement visa in Panama is called the Pensionado Visa, which means “visa for pensioners” in Spanish. This is exactly what it offers: all applicants need to do is prove they have a lifetime pension of only $1000 a month, something not that hard to achieve for European or US citizens. Thus, the applicant has the right to permanent residency with the opportunity of adding a spouse and dependent children. The latter can be included in the application and residency until they turn 25, but only if they are full-time students at a university. After the said period, the applicants will lose the visa and will have to apply through any other process as any foreigner would do. Under certain conditions, the minimum monthly income can be less than $1000. If you're applying with your spouse, the one thousand dollars can be combined, which means $500 each, or 600 and 400, as long as it's a lifetime pension. Application is also possible with a combined income of $750 if you purchase real estate for USD100,000. This sum is not at all bad for real estate, especially in Panama, where you can acquire high-end properties at surprisingly convenient prices. With an outstanding lifestyle at the same level as you can find in any high-class capital in the world, Panama has lower prices. When compared to Paris, New York, Miami, or Sydney, the living costs are considerably lower. After years of hard work, it will be nice to live in a place where your retiree savings have higher yields than in your home country. To be fair, the only drawback that you may have in Panama is a serious traffic issue during peak hours. Even though there are several new infrastructure works in progress to solve this, the basic structure of the city is very old, and it doesn't have a grid layout, or much space for expansions. So far, the projects are focused on creating better passages to and from the outskirts of the city through the fourth line of the metro, a fourth bridge over the Pacific, and enhancing the Panamericana in Panama Pacifico. There are a few exceptions, like Costa del Este, a modern neighborhood, or Casco Viejo, which is the colonial city built after the very first settlement was destroyed. This second city was built on the Spanish crown's new urbanization rules at the time; hence, it shows well-defined squares with clearly delineated sidewalks for pedestrians to enjoy. Next to the colonial houses and churches, there are several modern complexes available for rent or sale. On top of this, retirees have access to special discounts, and some of them are exclusive to Pensionado Visa holders. When it comes to healthcare, they enjoy 20% off medical consultations, and 10% off prescriptions. 

What do we think about when we want to invest in property? Location, market perspectives, expenses, rental potential, spaces, amenities, and design are some things that come to mind. Now, how about we think of other aspects, like having an observation deck, an exclusive beach club, or a sauna? When making such decisions, lifestyle shouldn't be left out of the equation. If you're thinking about real estate as a rental vehicle, you may think that lifestyle is not something to worry about, but this would be wrong. The offer for renting is becoming wider in Panama. At Mundo, we've been presenting a variety of new developments, some already finished, some still under construction, and some to be started soon. All of them have one thing in common: a permit for short-term rental. What does this mean? It means you should get ready because, in only a few years, the offer will be huge, and competitiveness will be key. In such a context, having distinctive facilities, like an observation deck, will set you apart from your competition. Amateur astronomers, curious-minded people, and those who love real estate, elite facilities, and distinction, will love this news. When discussing their real estate future developments with our partners, we were marveled to hear that this one we'll have an observation deck with telescopes. On the upper floor of the 14-story complex, there will be a resident-only social area with a sky deck. Visitors and dwellers will also enjoy a residents' lounge, a spa, a gym, and, on top of that, a sky park. After hanging out in the ample sitting areas, visitors can use any of the three telescopes to observe the views, and maybe the moon and the brightest stars. Here, there will be a pool overlooking the Panama Canal since the project will be located in Amador, next to the canal's entrance. Right by where the ferries to Contadora depart, the project will stand proudly offering unbelievable views of the Biodiversity Museum, the “Calzada de Amador”, and the ships standing in line for their interoceanic crossing. We believe the presence of the three telescopes will not only please amateur astronomers but also any person who visits the 14th floor. Imagine having a cocktail or a soda in the sky deck surrounded by first-class amenities, all of this after a good workout session in the gym and a refreshing swim at the pool. Now, picture this as an offer to your future rental customers.  Having a unit in a place like this can mean a gold mine. Furthermore, this project already has a permit to rent the units for short terms even before the construction has begun (it is estimated to start in December 2025). We’d like to stress the significance of this fact. Having a short-term rental license is not that easy in Panama, yet it is required for all rentals shorter than 45 days. Conditions regarding size, amenities, and structure are strict; therefore, it’s better to have everything figured out before construction. Afterwards, implementing changes is harder, if not impossible. On top of this, the developer offers rental management services.

Behind every fortune lies a combination of luck and deliberate strategy. Throughout history, many families have managed to transform wealth into dynastic legacies. What often remains unnoticed is the infrastructure that supports this process: the family office. As the history of family offices shows, this form of wealth management has become something far more sophisticated than simply placing funds in safe investments. It has given rise to a culture of preservation, growth, and intergenerational transfer. The nineteenth century marked the emergence of unprecedented private fortunes. Industrial growth, financial innovation, global trade, and resource expansion created an environment ripe for wealth accumulation. This environment also brought an important realization: wealth required care, and capital needed structure. Who was Rockefeller? He is often cited as a central figure in the origins of family offices. He built one of the most influential empires of his era while pioneering the idea of managing personal wealth with institutional precision. Though the term did not yet exist, he created what would later be recognized as the world’s first family office, with a detailed and forward-thinking approach. Rockefeller’s greatest disruption was understanding that wealth demands the attention of a dedicated team. The twentieth century saw the transition from individual practice to structured models, and wealth management through dedicated teams became a defining part of what we now know as the history of family offices. Influenced by the model created by Rockefeller, many elite families established systems to protect and grow their assets. This shift marked a turning point in wealth strategy, where tailored solutions began to outperform standard financial models. Answering this question requires looking at more than just investment management. The concept grew from the need to align wealth with family values, long-term goals, and legal protection. During times of global uncertainty, this approach helped families remain stable, allowing capital to support a consistent income while maintaining long-term continuity. Today, the family office represents a broad system for managing financial affairs across borders. It encompasses a variety of assets like real estate, which has become a key focus, from acquisition and project oversight to managing income-generating properties globally. Business operations are equally important, including international structuring, support, and safeguarding ownership interests. Family offices also support advanced investment strategies, ranging from conservative tools to innovation-driven ventures. Many guide philanthropic efforts, administer heritage trusts, and even educate future generations. These roles reflect the evolution within the history of family offices and reinforce how detail, foresight, and tailored planning define long-term success. Rockefeller paved the way for an entirely new understanding of wealth, illustrating the shift from passive ownership to guided stewardship.

In a world where location shapes your lifestyle, finding the ideal home abroad becomes a journey toward a better way of living. When choosing a destination, Panama stands out as a place where urban ease meets tropical calm. One of its most promising upcoming developments is a residential project that is currently in the planning stages. It offers inspiring architecture, breathtaking views, and a level of comfort that reflects the atmosphere of resort-like apartments where you can live like in a hotel. The project is set to be located in the prestigious Playa Bonita neighborhood, where lush hills rise above the Pacific Ocean. With panoramic windows, wide balconies, and a refined façade, the planned design is envisioned to invite residents to stay and breathe it all in. As another pearl in Panama’s real estate offer, these homes will belong to the world of private luxury residences. The interior design will embody the refined aesthetic of the Westin brand. With an emphasis on soft lighting, open layouts, and organic textures, the atmosphere is crafted to evoke the experience of waking up in a high-end hotel suite. Every design element from the spacious rooms to the smallest detail serves a single purpose: to offer lasting comfort. These private residences invite you to live like in a hotel, while still enjoying the privacy and freedom of your own home. Panama stands out as a reliable and attractive destination for those looking to invest in resort-like apartments. With its steady economic growth, favorable geography, and international appeal, the country provides a secure environment for real estate ventures. The upcoming development under the Westin brand adds prestige to this landscape. Here, every square meter shows a balance of thoughtful design and long-term value, a true representation of private luxury residences tailored for modern investors. Future residents will enjoy a range of services designed to support a resort-style lifestyle. Picture a large swimming pool surrounded by lounge terraces, a fully equipped gym with ocean views, and quiet zones dedicated to yoga and meditation. The amenities extend further, including a restaurant, co-working areas, concierge services, and 24/7 security. All of this contributes to a daily experience shaped by comfort — the kind you enjoy when you live like in a hotel. When looking for private luxury residences, the view from your windows becomes a central part of the decision. In this upcoming project, buyers can expect homes oriented toward the ocean, with lush greenery surrounding the area. Mornings could begin with the sight of the ocean while the forest hums softly in the background. Later, as daylight fades, the sun disappears beyond the horizon. In both cases, these views shape the interiors while also adding a deeper rhythm to daily life, becoming an essential part of the home’s atmosphere. When deciding where to live, it helps to focus on how a space makes you feel. This is not about square footage, but about the lifestyle that starts the moment you are handed the keys.