In today’s interconnected world, the value of holding dual citizenship has never been greater. With recent changes in 2024 to Caribbean citizenship programs, including increased donation minimums, citizenship by real estate investment is now more appealing than ever. This path allows you to secure a second passport by purchasing property, offering not just a place to call home but also access to financial, lifestyle, and mobility benefits.

After going through the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program a few years ago, I’m proud to call myself a dual citizen of Canada and Antigua and Barbuda. Having experienced the process firsthand, I know how life-changing it can be. The CARICOM passport, similar to the European Union passport, grants the right to live and work across most Caribbean islands, which is a game-changer for anyone seeking flexibility and new opportunities. Beyond residency, the Caribbean offers compelling economic and tax advantages, making it an ideal option for those looking to optimize their global lifestyle.

Remote work has transformed the way that people live and work—and I’ve been embracing this lifestyle since 2017, traveling continuously across 50+ countries and staying in nearly 100 different Airbnb hotels, coliving spaces, hostels, and serviced apartments. From bustling urban hubs to quiet seaside escapes, I’ve experienced it all. But over the years, one thing has become crystal clear: the Caribbean is missing out on this opportunity.

Despite its world-class beauty and vibrant culture, the Caribbean lacks the infrastructure for professionals and families working remotely—spaces like Airbnb hotels, flexible coliving setups, and long-stay accommodations.

When I first relocated to the Caribbean, I seriously considered starting my own independent real estate brand or purchasing a franchise. After evaluating my options, it became obvious that Sotheby’s International Realty was the strongest player in the Caribbean. In some markets, their lead over competitors was significant. From my conversations, it was clear that Sotheby’s Caribbean real estate agents had unmatched local knowledge and professionalism.

Building my first startup, ICAREUM, was one of the most ambitious projects I had ever undertaken. As a PropTech startup, it was designed to revolutionize the real estate industry by offering a cloud-based 3D sales enablement platform for commercial leasing and pre-construction developments. After 18 months, over US$500,000 invested, and countless challenges, ICAREUM became one of the worst startup failures in my career. However, as with all failures, the experience provided invaluable lessons that have shaped me into a better entrepreneur and investor.

When I first visited Thailand in 2017 on a 5 month working trip through Southeast Asia, I was captivated by its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and the undeniable charm of its people. Like many others, I seriously considered relocating to this tax-friendly paradise. The allure of Thailand’s beautiful beaches, its reputation for safety, and the potential to invest in an emerging real estate market were all appealing. But I kept researching the question, “Can foreigners buy property in Thailand”?

In my years of living and investing in the Caribbean, I've encountered stories of fraud and deception that are almost too wild to believe. Coming from a country like Canada, where these situations are rare, and the real estate and financial services sectors are tightly regulated, it’s taken time to understand why these schemes have been successful. We all appreciate that the allure of high returns can often cloud our judgment. This often leads individuals and investor groups to make bad decisions and take uncalculated risks. In this article, I explore the biggest Ponzi schemes in the Caribbean and the impact that they have had on the reputation and economic success of the region.

My journey started with my first real estate investment in Canada, a property in Downtown Hamilton, in 2011. At the time, Hamilton was considered the armpit of Ontario, the ugly cousin to Toronto. Despite skepticism from others around me, I saw the citi’s potential due to its unique blend of urban density and heritage charm. With the little bit of capital I had saved up over the years and a basement apartment available for free, I left my career in 2014 and moved to Hamilton. This was my big contrarian bet, and I was all in.

When I first started researching countries to move to the Caribbean back in 2018, one of the tools I used was Google Maps. This is actually how I discovered the Jolly Habour real estate market. When I first started looking at this community, it was a run-down old Marina, but since, it has become one of the most attractive investment options for Brits, Canadians, and Americans seeking a slice of Caribbean paradise. Located on the south-west coast of Antigua, the Jolly Harbour community has breathtaking beaches and rapidly improving amenities and is starting to appear on more people's radar.

Owning property in the Caribbean has been a dream for many, including me. With its perfect beaches, tropical landscapes, and luxury lifestyle, it's no wonder people from all over the globe are drawn to this region. I first discovered the Barbados real estate in 2018 while obsessively researching Caribbean real estate, but it wasn’t until 2021 when I first stepped foot on the island. Since then, we have made this emerging market in the Caribbean our primary focus, along with Antigua and Barbuda, where I’m currently based.

Since seriously considering purchasing a second home in the Caribbean in 2018, I have been obsessed with finding that dream beachfront villa—my “Personal Belize.” I’m not sure if it was all the Bond 007 movies I watched or the dream of escaping the Canadian winters, but spending time in the Caribbean has long been on my mind. This region is becoming more attractive for real estate investors and vacation home seekers, and believe it or not, there is still cheap Caribbean real estate to be had.

With the Canada capital gains tax increase in 2024, a significant shift is happening that's poised to reshape how capital gains are taxed, especially for wealthy Canadian families, investors, and business owners. With the federal government's latest move, I'm diving deep into the implications of the capital gains tax increase, a topic that's not only timely but crucial for understanding the broader economic shifts in Canada. This change, set to take effect on June 30th, 2024, targets capital gains exceeding $250,000, marking a pivotal moment in Canadian tax policy to foster a more equitable tax system.

Hamilton, one of Ontario's fastest-growing cities, attracts home buyers and has become a hotspot for travellers worldwide. This surge in popularity makes it an ideal time to explore which neighbourhoods stand out for their hospitality potential and livability. Let's discover the best neighbourhoods in Hamilton that promise a blend of comfort for residents and appeal for visitors, ensuring you make an informed decision that feels right.

When I explore the Bimini real estate market in The Bahamas, I'm immediately struck by its unparalleled location. Bimini is astonishingly close, just 50 miles off the coast of Florida, making it the nearest Bahamian island to the United States. This proximity provides a unique advantage for Americans seeking a tropical escape without the extensive travel times often associated with island destinations. North and South Bimini, along with several smaller cays, compose this picturesque

Navigating Canada's tax system and staying on top of things as a business owner or investor can be difficult, and there are a lot of complexities. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or new to the game, understanding the basics of tax law and planning is crucial to success. In this article, I'll share the essentials of effective tax planning, from reducing taxable income to maximizing deductions and tax credits.

When I came across Andrew Henderson's story, it opened my eyes to a new perspective on life and personal freedom. He'd done what many only dream of: living by the five magic words, "Go where you're treated best." His personal journey was a bit more intense then mine, cutting ties with the United States and renouncing his citizenship. He created a life across various global destinations before anybody else, and that resonated deeply with me.

The Caribbean is one of the most undervalued regions in the world. But that is about to change and change quickly. My name is Dan Merriam, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned in my extensive journey through real estate, it’s that the right timing and insight can make or break investment careers. I want to share with you why I firmly believe that the market for luxury Caribbean real estate market is on the brink of a major transformation.

My decision to leave Canada in 2020 and move to Antigua and Barbuda was the culmination of a life spent exploring and doing business across the globe. My travels took me to over 50 countries, including extended stays in the US, Asia, Europe and various Caribbean islands. This global journey wasn't just about exploring new places but about discovering and capitalizing on unique investment opportunities, shaping my skills and perspective as a Wealthy Expat.

I’m excited to take you through my personal journey in the real estate world, starting from my early days of inventing in Downtown Hamilton. It's a story of taking risks, learning from the ground up, and ultimately finding success in a market and career while many people initially doubted me. I'll share the challenges I faced, the strategies that worked, and why, in 2020, I decided to prepare my $15M portfolio for liquidation. I will also share why I decided to leave Canada and move to the Caribbean real estate market.