The world is full of places with names so similar, it’s easy to confuse them, until legal, financial, or political realities highlight just how different they truly are. Just as there is a Panama City in both Panama and Florida, or cities with similar names, like Grenada and Granada, we find the US Virgin Islands and British Virgin Islands, two names that often confuse travelers and entrepreneurs alike. While the names suggest similarity and even though they are very close to each other geographically, these jurisdictions operate under distinct flags, laws, and business environments. The US Virgin Islands are located in the Caribbean and form an unincorporated territory of the United States. Their capital is Charlotte Amalie on the island of Saint Thomas. The islands operate under U.S. federal law, use the U.S. dollar, and residents are American citizens. They lie approximately 1,100 miles from Miami, about 1,600 miles from New York, and around 4,200 miles from London, making them a relatively accessible destination from both North America and Europe. Just a few miles away, also in the Caribbean, are the British Virgin Islands, a British Overseas Territory. The administrative capital of the British Virgin Islands is Road Town, situated on the island of Tortola, the largest and most populated island in the territory. Though governed under the British legal system, the islands enjoy autonomy in internal affairs. It’s interesting to note how close the British Virgin Islands are to their American namesake. We can see this by comparing the distances described above. The distance from Miami to Tortola is around 1,100 miles, while it lies 1,500 miles from New York, and just under 4,000 miles from London. Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, the Caribbean archipelago became a region of strategic competition among European powers. Nations like Great Britain, Spain, France, Denmark, and the Netherlands vied for control over valuable maritime routes and island outposts. These rivalries shaped the destiny of many territories, including the British Virgin Islands and the US Virgin Islands, leading them down very different political and legal paths. The British Virgin Islands ultimately remained under British authority. That foundation later adapted to the needs of international finance and corporate structuring, making the territory a respected and stable location for global business. The US Virgin Islands, by contrast, were originally a Danish colony known as the Danish West Indies. In 1917, during World War I, the United States purchased the islands from Denmark for $25 million in gold. Since then, they have been governed under U.S. federal law, and their legal and business systems have reflected the country’s broader regulatory philosophy. If you’d ask us to choose one of these two for company incorporation, we wouldn’t have to think that long. The British Virgin Islands have long been recognized as a key destination for setting up international corporate structures. The jurisdiction offers a balance of confidentiality and a transparent legal and tax framework. At Mundo, we provide a well-structured, clear, and internationally compliant company formation service in this jurisdiction. It is especially relevant for those seeking a convenient setup for holding companies, trading activities, or investment structuring.

Led by Javier Milei, Argentina has entered a new stage in which liberalism and free market are being prioritized. The government has been talking about implementing a citizenship by investment program for some months, and it has only been confirmed in the past few days. The official launch date hasn't been announced, and the details have yet to be sorted out by the corresponding authorities. Nevertheless, at Mundo, we would like to explore the country’s pros and cons beforehand and give our readers a chance to compare Argentina against other alternatives. Across its over 2 million square kilometers, Argentina has a variety of landscapes and natural resources. It is a rich territory where agriculture plays a vital role, being the main producer of yerba mate, and one of the main soy, maize, and sunflower seed producers in the world. It's also worldwide known for its quality beef and meat, which constitutes one of its main agricultural exports. When assessing whether to invest in Argentina, citizenship comes to mind, especially with this announcement. Yet, it's important to understand its people. Argentinians are famous for being culturally advanced and well-read and for having advanced talents both individually and collectively. While you won't find English being widely spoken in the streets, professionals speak it at excellent levels, especially in areas like services, finance, and hospitality. Buenos Aires is a tourist magnet thanks to its cultural offer, rich architecture, and vibrant environment. It has often been regarded as the Latin American city with the most European feel. This is the place where Aristoteles Onassis chose to live, work, and make his fortune after he arrived in 1923. Beyond the capital, the natural surroundings are among the most relevant in the world. You’ll find everything: beaches on the Atlantic coast, snow in Patagonia, and the Andes range. In this scenario, the country offers a vast array of opportunities, especially now. After choosing President Milei, Argentina has been open to international investment and business. Even though it's a great country in many other aspects, Argentina is not the place where to put your money. For several years, it has been facing consistent economic challenges, reaching unprecedented inflation levels. Since Milei, Argentina has seen a decrease in inflation, and it recently reached its lowest monthly inflation rate since 2020. A ray of hope shines on the horizon for the Argentinian economy? We don’t know, but the history of the country must be factored into the equation. In Argentina, citizenship by investment is to be considered in the context of the local politics. This is probably the first thing to have in mind. The alternation between left and right-wing powers created an unstable political landscape. It's not uncommon to find protests or strikes, and the politics constantly shift between pro-business and statist policies. Several miles north, there's a perfectly good alternative that has been offering residency by investment for years. This is Panama. While it doesn't have a direct citizenship program, it compensates with an outstanding variety of residency opportunities. For investors, there's a long-term move that grants you permanent or temporary residency depending on the minimum investment.

When your life is built around travel, managing your finances must be simple, safe, and independent. The experience of 2020 changed how people relate to all forms of digital service. Across many areas of life, individuals began to appreciate the convenience of remote access — from everyday purchases to official processes. Banking followed this shift. Now, instead of choosing a bank by location, clients focus on digital accessibility. For those who cross borders frequently, the advantages of online banking support stability in a mobile lifestyle. People who move between cities or countries rely on consistent access to their funds. With online banking, it's possible to monitor balances, transfer money, and pay expenses from anywhere. There’s no need to visit a branch or wait for a specific business hour. The ability to manage accounts remotely is one of the main advantages of online banking, especially when stability matters. Immediate response is crucial when you need to move money, react to changing currency rates, or cover unexpected expenses. The best online banking platforms offer tools that allow users to make transactions instantly, check updates in real time, and stay informed. In a mobile lifestyle, control must follow the person, not the place. That’s why fast and flexible tools define the experience of online banking today. Digital access must go hand in hand with security. Today’s online banking services use multi-layer protection, including biometric login, device recognition, and notification systems. These tools give users peace of mind, especially when they connect from unfamiliar networks. Among the advantages of online banking, reliable digital security is a top priority for global clients. We offer account opening services in a range of countries that value convenience, transparency, and user-friendly digital systems. In these jurisdictions, banking is structured to support international clients. Remote account access is not a bonus feature but a standard. Below are three countries where clients can benefit from the advantages of online banking, depending on the bank and the specific services available. Puerto Rico operates under the U.S. legal system, which provides a regulated and structured financial environment. Some banks in the country offer online platforms that support remote account access, making it possible for international clients to manage their funds without being present locally. While services may vary depending on the bank, clients can experience several advantages of online banking when choosing the right institution. An additional benefit is that Puerto Rico is not part of the Common Reporting Standard (CRS). Unlike most jurisdictions, it does not fall under CRS reporting obligations. Saint Lucia is known for its welcoming environment, which extends to its financial system. The country combines streamlined banking processes with digital interfaces that are clear, modern, and efficient — all of which contribute to a seamless client experience. For international clients seeking the best online banking, Saint Lucia offers a level of remote accessibility that matches the needs of a mobile lifestyle. Account holders can manage their finances confidently, without the need for physical presence.

When the five Caribbean countries with CBI signed a memorandum of agreement last year, we understood that many changes were ahead. Some of these were implemented as soon as two months after signing, but others require time. For starters, some joint decisions need to be made, and on top of this, each law must pass through parliament in each jurisdiction. Even though nothing is confirmed, minimum stay requirements, new implementations on passport renovation, and stricter monitoring may be just around the corner. Last week, we published an article on Italy and how it is changing its naturalization program for foreigners. Something similar is going on in the Caribbean as concerns arise when it comes to cultural bonds. When we analyze both situations, we can see a clear trend. This becomes evident through several amendments proposed for the CBI programs. Except for Antigua and Barbuda, which stipulates a minimum five-day stay within the first five years, the others don't have any minimum stay requirements. To prevent a total detachment from the applicants once they receive their nationality, discussions are being held toward establishing a 30-day mandatory stay. It seems like St Lucia or St Kitts holidays are in order. The experts' opinion is divided. Some state that a 14-day stay would also do the trick when it comes to encouraging a commitment on behalf of the applicant, while others say this will be downright discouraging. In Mundo’s view, minimum stay requirements don't demand such a great effort, and there's always the chance to choose residency, instead of citizenship. After all, who hasn't dreamed of spending thirty days in the Caribbean? There are plenty of things to see in St Lucia, like the Piton twins, or in Granada, in its vast National Park. Furthermore, St Kitts holidays will take you to see one of the iconic Caribbean fortresses dating back to the colonial times. Anyway, this is more than a vacation. If we acknowledge the value that comes with a second nationality, one month doesn't make much of a difference. On the contrary, it helps maintain the reputation of the countries among the highest under international standards. Besides the extended stay, there are firm determinations to create a common regulatory organ. Among other functions, it will monitor the performance of each country and impose fines when standards are not met. The first step towards this will be signing a document stating an intent to participate. After that, each parliament will have to go through its own processes for the laws to be duly passed. The first time we heard about this was with St. Lucia, and now it seems to be a general interest across the region. Thoughts about stipulating an annual quote for applications are ever-present in the discussions. Among other things, this is intended to prevent over-commercialization and aggressive advertising. Finally, such a quote would be stipulated according to global demand and national capacity for absorption of new citizens. The governments want to stipulate special programs after approval to impart civic education. This would include activities introducing the local culture as well as general knowledge about the country and its history. Through these activities, a closer encounter with the local idiosyncrasy is expected. 

While CBI remains one of the best approaches to second nationality, governments are always searching for ways to improve the programs. By applying adjustments, many nations ensure themselves a place among the most reputable countries in the industry. Clearly, the main goal of these programs is to raise money through foreign investment; however, reputation and transparency have always been priorities. When considering all these facts, it may be time to make some changes, like shortening the periods for renovation of passport, or creating specially geared programs for cultural inclusion. Have you ever wondered when does a passport expire in the Eastern Caribbean? This is probably one of the main questions during formal consultations. Now, the renovation of passport date may change. CBI offers unprecedented flexibility when it comes to migration, especially in comparison with traditional methods based on jus sanguini. On the other hand, such flexibility may be seen as detrimental to the countries’ cultural consolidation. Making an investment once and rarely setting foot in the country may be seen as a lack of commitment, which may lead to implementing stronger requirements for those carrying Caribbean passports. As far as we know, this information hasn't been confirmed, but it's reasonable to think that it could be any minute now. Either way, it doesn't hurt to analyze the potential changes and be prepared in advance. One of the possible amendments is to apply a mandatory renovation of passport after five years. Initially, travel documents would be issued for five years, after which they can be renewed for a further period of 10. For renovation of passport, citizens must prove to have complied with the program's regulations after approval as well. When does a passport expire in the Eastern Caribbean? In countries like Dominica, St. Lucia, and Saint Kitts, currently, travel documents are issued with a 10-year validity period from the start. Definitely, this will be one of their main changes if the above-mentioned requirement is confirmed. By establishing a mandatory renovation of passport, the jurisdictions will ensure an incentive for citizens to follow up on requirements. If anything, this tells us of a clear intention of a close follow-up. Across the Atlantic, other countries are making a turn in the same direction, even if their programs are downright opposite. Italy is popular for obtaining citizenship by descent, a fact that is proven by the large number of applicants from Latin America and the United States in the past decades. Expressing similar concerns as the Caribbean, Italy is bound to ensure cultural bonds, and this is why it has recently changed its application conditions. Without a doubt, this shows a trend that can't be avoided, and we have every reason to think that other programs may follow the same line. Even if the tightened requirements demand more time and commitment, they may be beneficial. Nobody likes to file CRS and KYC forms, and nobody likes excessive paperwork, but at the end of the day, these measures help keep us all safe. I speak for myself when I say that, when the bank asks me for many documents, I'm glad that they are doing the same to other people.

Somewhere between the familiar contours of England and the charm of France lies Guernsey Island. It exists beyond clichés and headlines. With its unique political status and vivid landscape, Guernsey Island stands apart from other territories in Europe. It does not belong to the United Kingdom in the conventional sense, nor is it part of the European Union. Instead, it quietly maintains its own legal framework, inviting the world to rediscover it through depth rather than definition. Located in the English Channel, Guernsey Island lies closer to the French coast than to the British mainland. This geographic crossroads has long influenced its economy and lifestyle. The proximity to both countries made the island a trading node, a place where cultures merged, and languages overlapped. The compact size of the island conceals its strategic value. Over the centuries, from the Duchy of Normandy to British naval commanders, many recognized its relevance. Today, Guernsey’s ports operate as essential channels for financial exchanges and digital infrastructure, highlighting the island’s transformation into a forward-thinking commercial hub. They serve as crucial links in a global economy that values security, regulation, and independent governance, qualities that make the jurisdiction attractive for business activity. The roots of Guernsey history stretch deep into medieval Europe. Once part of the Duchy of Normandy, the island eventually fell under the English Crown. Nevertheless, even as it remained a Crown Dependency, Guernsey developed its own legal identity. The echoes of both French and British traditions shaped its modern legal system, language, and sense of civic duty. Traces of occupation and resilience live on. German forces took control during World War II, making it the only British soil occupied by the Nazis. Yet the local population safeguarded their values and rebuilt the island with quiet dignity. That resilience, a distinctive feature of Guernsey history, became the foundation for the island’s political evolution and the rise of Saint Peter Port as its beating heart. Once shaped by external powers, Guernsey’s capital gradually emerged as a symbol of self-governance and continuity, linking its historic spirit to the administrative core we know today. Saint Peter Port, the capital of Guernsey Island, blends timeless architecture with administrative significance. Narrow lanes lead from the seafront to institutions that guide modern island life. The government, banks, and legal firms reside here without disrupting the town's charm. Saint Peter Port exudes professionalism, drawing those who value clarity, governance, and business continuity. Its secure legal setting and stable institutions give international entrepreneurs room to operate with confidence. This discreet effectiveness has positioned the capital as a magnet for both residents and global business figures seeking reliability and structure. The island's population, while modest in number, represents a vibrant spectrum of backgrounds. Residents include families from Europe, Asia, and the CIS, all of them united by a shared respect for the island's rules and idiosyncrasies. Guernsey Island attracts international entrepreneurs with a legal system built on clarity and consistency.

When the weekend is just around the corner and you're looking for something uplifting, a walk along the Amador Causeway with a stop at the Biodiversity museum may be exactly what you need. This is where tropical nature, world-class architecture, and curiosity come together. In our Plans for the Weekend series, we regularly explore places that allow you to see Panama in a new light. This one reveals the spirit of the city through color, space, and thought. Along the Pacific shoreline, a bold and colorful building rises like a geometric sculpture made of origami. Its vibrant forms and shifting angles belong to a master of unconventional design. This remarkable work was created by Frank Gehry. The Biodiversity museum is his only completed project in Latin America, and it has become one of the city’s most distinctive symbols. The name Frank Gehry is synonymous with innovation, and his work reshaped the skyline of the late 20th century, infusing each creation with motion and emotion. His ideas speak through angles and curves. Frank Gehry projects include the Guggenheim Museum, in Bilbao, the Walt Disney Concert Hall, in Los Angeles, and the Foundation Louis Vuitton, in Paris. Each building reveals a dialogue between architecture and its environment. This is why Frank Gehry architecture style never imitates; it always transforms. This is the kind of destination that fits naturally into a weekend plan. We feature places that leave an impression and the Biomuseo Panama-City is truly unforgettable. The museum’s exhibitions tell the story of Panama, the narrow strip of land that changed the history of the world’s flora and fauna. Through immersive sound, light, and interactive installations, you are drawn into the worlds of animals, forests, and the deep ocean. Unlike many cultural institutions, the museums in Panama are known for their accessibility and creativity. The Biodiversity museum blends education with wonder. Here, multilingual displays, projection rooms, gardens, and shaded courtyards create a space that welcomes both children and adults. In this environment, visitors don’t just observe nature; they become a part of it. Just steps from the museum, a new residential development is set to rise — one that offers panoramic views of the Biomuseo, in Panama-City. Construction begins in December 2025, and the project is designed to unite architecture, natural beauty, and modern coastal living. With this opportunity, you could welcome 2026 with a perspective of a space shaped by light, air, and vision. Created for those who value meaning in every detail, the project includes a beach club, panoramic rooftop pool, oceanfront restaurant, and fitness center. The sight of the Biodiversity museum, Panama, greeting you each morning brings a quiet sense of wonder that lingers throughout the day. If you can already picture yourself sipping coffee on a terrace with views of the Pacific, there’s good news: you can reserve a unit today with just $5,000. After signing, only 10% of the total price is required. Moreover, flexible payment options are available. When ecosystems, heritage, and human creativity meet in one place, the result is never ordinary. The Frank Gehry Panama masterpiece has become a living symbol of the country’s identity.

When planning for global mobility, many investors reconsider their priorities. A formal citizenship status may appear appealing, yet the reality often reveals that the true value of international investment is defined by structure, access, and adaptability. In this context, residency vs citizenship is no longer a theoretical debate; it becomes a matter of practicality. Investor programs, such as Panama’s, demonstrate the benefits of a well-designed residence permit by investment for those who think strategically. Panama provides a notable example of an investor-friendly system. Its Qualified Investor Visa, a form of residence permit by investment, allows participants to choose projects that suit their goals as long as they meet two key conditions: full prepayment and compliance with the minimum investment threshold. If these requirements are met, applicants can choose any project, which gives them full freedom to select the most suitable alternatives. This flexibility stands in contrast to how programs operate under citizenship via investment, particularly in the Caribbean. In these jurisdictions, qualifying projects must have prior government approval. As a result, the investor can only select from a fixed list of authorized developments, usually tied to tourism or large resort chains. Those exploring residency vs citizenship notice how sharply the range of options narrows under such restrictions. The difference is not only legal: it’s practical. A residence permit by investment in Panama opens space for creativity and control, while CBI programs limit that space from the outset. Many residency or citizenship models are grounded in formal legislation. This provides a level of consistency that investors find reassuring. While CBI frameworks may change depending on global shifts, RBI often remains stable over time. The reliability of Panama’s investor pathway illustrates this well. The terms are consistent, the procedure is transparent, and the environment encourages long-term planning. For those who are pondering the residency vs citizenship question, stability becomes a decisive factor. Participants are not expected to relocate permanently. In Panama, for instance, there are no strict stay requirements as investors can maintain their status without extended physical presence. This allows for flexibility without losing legal standing. In the Caribbean, the only country with a minimum stay requirement (5 days) is Antigua, although recent news indicates that soon all the programs will be implementing a physical presence condition. If that were the case, Panama would become even more attractive. The ability to preserve freedom of movement while establishing ties to a favorable jurisdiction is a clear advantage. Those who choose residency, citizenship, or any other migration path benefit from structure without limitations, a feature that increasingly defines smart international positioning. The true strength of RBI lies in the way it supports long-range planning. There is no need for urgency. Investors can study markets, explore opportunities, and allocate capital when conditions are favorable. Residency may give them a chance to explore the country. 

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.