Canadian law firm helps Thais obtain global citizenship

Canadian law firm helps Thais obtain global citizenship

More Thai high-net-worth individuals look to widen travel options with citizenship-by-investment programs

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).

“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.

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 20 jurisdictions (including USA, Canada, Australia, and Europe).

Thai passport holders can only travel visa free to 73 countries. For a Cyprus passport holder, 155 countries are within reach (Cyprus citizenship program starts at 2,000,000 Euros), or 127 countries for a St. Kitts & Nevis passport holder (starting at US$400,000).

“As a global citizen, investing in a second citizenship gives you full freedom of movement. For example, The Commonwealth of Dominica Program starts at US$100,000 and has become one of the most reputational programs as a contribution to a public fund. Dominicans enjoy visa-free access to over 118 countries and Vanuatu citizenship gets you into 126 countries, including UK, Europe, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Russia, to name a few. That is the biggest advantage,” comments Bastien Trelcat.

Investors can also purchase homes, retirement lodges and beachfront properties in countries such as Cyprus, St. Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Saint Lucia, Grenada and Vanuatu.

“Who is 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. Acquiring a second citizenship can help attain personal goals of hassle-free travel, access to good health and education systems, and to grow and maximize wealth across borders,” says Bastien Trelcat.

Thais are required to obtain a visa to travel to the United States, Canada, Australia, Europe, and other most-developed economies.

Bastien says his company aims to advise Thais on 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 for investors who normally have business dealings in different countries, he says. On top of obtaining immigration benefits, the investors can also keep the possibility to get his investment back after a holding period.

Bastien says acquiring a second citizenship is no longer an issue of nationalism. “Acquiring a second passport is nothing against your nationality. It is 2018 and globalization is changing more than ever before”.

HLG is now looking at Thailand as an emerging market with a growing middle-income population. “HLG has been educating the market. It’s an alternative to all investments commonly known. Our services are valuable to people who need mobility. You don’t have to be a millionaire to apply as the starting price is set at US$100,000. We see a trend in middle- and higher-middle class qualifying for a second citizenship. For most of them this it is like joining a private club of the most fortunae 1 percent.”

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 “Best Immigration Firm” at the 13th annual Macallan ALB Hong Kong Law Awards 2014 and 2017. 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 please contact HLG Managing Partner, Bastien Trelcat btrelcat@harveylawcorporation.com or Ms. Krittiya Keeratiyut, Office Director kkeeratiyut@harveylawcorporation.com

Call +6626701848 or visit FB: https://www.facebook.com/HLGcambodia/

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