International investment: unlock global opportunities

Boost returns, protect assets, and diversify risk by investing internationally.
Explore high-yield markets, secure your wealth with offshore assets, and reduce your financial risk by tapping into global investment strategies. Go beyond borders and build a resilient, diversified portfolio.

Investments & corporate finance department

The balkan countries are developing into attractive investment locations and alternatives to offshoring to distant asian regions. with attractive tax rates, innovative location promotion programs, and low wage levels, they are becoming interesting options in the competition between regions. many, and increasingly well-educated, people with roots in southeastern europe live in switzerland, germany, and austria. they are a valuable resource for developing new markets and establishing new production sites.

Cultural differences between central europe and the balkans are strong with regard to traditional values. the creeping spread of a radical gender ideology in our society within europe is a scandal that should deeply worry us all. in the balkan countries, however, traditional values are respected, which attracts thousands of investors and people.

• There is no gender propaganda in schools and kindergartens!
• Ban on transgender surgery for children and adolescents!
• Preservation of the traditional values of our society!

these are ideal opportunities to emigrate with your family and start building business relationships in the balkans.

• Are you considering exporting your products to southeastern europe?
• Are you identifying new procurement markets? do you want to outsource services or your production abroad to reduce direct production costs?
• Is acquiring a local company a strategic option for your business development in eastern europe?

the eastern europe investments department at gci unit advises on establishing and expanding long-term business relationships in southeastern europe:

Serbia, Montenegro, Albania, and North Macedonia.

the balkans are the gateway to freedom.

our GCI unit worldwide department specializes not only in eastern europe and the balkans, but also helps its clients internationally in asia, the cis, the pacific, and africa. we understand the unique challenges and ambitions of ultra high net worth individuals (uhnwis). your life is global, your assets are complex, and your needs extend far beyond standard solutions.

GCI – unit worldwide has many years of experience in this region, excellent contacts with local authorities, government leaders, companies, and associations, as well as a large network of experts. we are fully committed to the success of your project.

The international investment Mindset: shifting from local to global

People often look back at successful investments and think, “Wow! I should have done that.” But why didn’t they? The answer is simple: mindset.

In the traditional mindset, success is often about what’s closest to home—local markets, domestic opportunities, and familiar brands. But to truly harness the power of investment, you need to expand your perspective and embrace a global view.

From a capitalist’s standpoint, everything in the world is part of a market. Everything has a brand. But the brands that really matter aren’t the ones you see in a grocery store or on the latest fashion trends.

For a global economic player, the real game is played on the global stage. Every country is essentially a brand, competing in a market for your investment dollars.

These countries, whether they’re offering tax incentives, stable currencies, or booming economies, all have their own unique value propositions. The most successful investors understand that they don’t have to stay locked in one market or one region—they can move, diversify, and grow their wealth by tapping into the best opportunities around the world.

It’s no longer just about being a consumer in your local economy. It’s about being a global investor, strategically placing your money where it has the best chance to grow.

When you start thinking like a global economic player, you’ll see that the world is full of untapped opportunities. Countries offering favorable tax regimes, emerging markets with explosive growth, and more favorable regulatory environments.

You’re no longer confined to the financial constraints of one country. The question is: are you ready to shift your mindset and start investing in the world as your marketplace?

Adopting this international investment mindset is the first step toward protecting and growing your wealth in the 21st century. Let’s dive deeper into how to make these global opportunities work for you.

why you should invest overseas

Global asset fortress

Investing in multiple jurisdictions around the world offers unbeatable protection from lawsuits, government confiscations, and other unforeseen risks. Spread your wealth internationally and safeguard your assets from political and economic turmoil at home.

Borderless diversification

Emerging and frontier markets offer unique opportunities that are often uncorrelated with the ups and downs of developed economies. By diversifying your investments across borders, you not only hedge against local recessions but also enrich your financial and personal freedom.

Unlimited returns

International investments—from foreign bank term deposits to lucrative rental yields and real estate appreciation—can provide far higher returns than many domestic options. Tap into high-growth markets and unlock a new world of financial opportunity.

International real estate investments

Real estate is a solid investment class practically everywhere. but in many developed countries, returns are shockingly low – 1%, 2%, or maybe 3% with a bit of luck.

in markets like australia or major us cities, not only are returns low, but prices have also risen so sharply that buying property seems impossible unless you’re willing to take on significant debt. and with that debt comes significant risk.

want to buy in canada?

that’s a multimillion-dollar transaction right off the bat.

in places like these, people are moving further and further into the suburbs just to get a little return. but what if you forego name-brand products altogether?

what if you simply invested your money where it would be treated best?

this is exactly what we focus on here at tcme group worldwide – emerging and undervalued markets like belgrade in serbia, tbilisi in georgia, ulcinj in montenegro, phnom penh in cambodia, bogotá in colombia, or istanbul in turkey.

we also pay attention to rising stars like cairo in egypt and tashkent in uzbekistan – places where you can still snag prime city center real estate at a fraction of the price while still enjoying solid rental income and growth.

take ulcinj, for example. property prices there have increased by 30% in the last two years alone.

montenegro, or serbia, may not be a well-known destination, but it has all the essentials – and is regularly ranked as one of the most business-friendly countries in the world. according to gdp europe statistics, serbia, followed by malta and montenegro by a wide margin, had the highest gdp (growth rates of gdp for iq) in 2024 in all of europe, at 4.7%.

so what should you really look for in a smart international real estate investment?

start with this: look for places where you can buy property in the city center for under $1,000 per square meter.

there you’ll find assets with high appreciation potential, strong demand for rental properties, and properties that generate tangible income, all of which tend to go in one direction only—up.

markets like serbia, montenegro, and georgia? they’ve barely experienced any downturns. in fact, the cambodian real estate market has grown continuously for the past 25 years.

this is what happens when you’re dealing with pro-business economies that are on the rise, rather than stagnant or bloated economies like many western markets.

istanbul—one of the most underrated markets of all. from the outside, it may seem risky, but the fundamentals are rock solid. istanbul alone is home to 15 million people – compared to 80 million in turkey – and a booming export economy based on the production of televisions, household appliances, and furniture.

due to the weak currency, real estate there is still a bargain.

you don’t have to be extremely frugal or invest in so-called risky areas to win.

more stable markets like bangkok and kuala lumpur still offer fantastic value. while they cost more than $1,000 per square meter, they are extremely livable, incredibly undervalued, and offer numerous opportunities.

the same goes for montenegro – a market that is finally catching the attention of more and more people.

and let’s not forget: more and more countries are now allowing foreigners to buy and own real estate without restrictions.

bottom line: if you focus too much on chasing big names in the markets, you’ll miss the best opportunities elsewhere. because the best deals aren’t always where the spotlight is.

The real value isn’t always in the name brand

Countries like the united states built a strong brand—“the american dream,” “from rags to riches.” but that brand doesn’t always deliver.

most people chase what’s familiar and miss out on real opportunities in rising markets.

a friend once bought property in bangkok at $1300/m². people laughed. years later, he sold for $5000/m². now he’s in cambodia, where growth potential is higher and yields are stronger.

few know that thailand is now a financial safe haven. the baht is southeast asia’s strongest currency, and low interest rates show how much people trust it.

did you know the armenian dram stayed within 1% of the dollar over five years—while paying 10% interest? that’s the kind of value smart investors look for.

opportunities like these exist around the world. but by the time everyone notices, it’s too late. singapore once let you open a bank account with $1k. today, you’ll need $50k–$200k just to get in.

same story in budapest—once europe’s cheapest capital, now prices have caught up.

so if the average broke person says your overseas investment is crazy—you’re probably doing something right.

investors with the right mindset know the best opportunities aren’t always where the crowds are. they’re in overlooked markets with solid fundamentals and real potential.

adopt the international mindset. ignore the hype. and take your money where it’s treated best.

 How offshore gold storage can protect your wealth from The real threat

For centuries, precious metals like gold and silver have been trusted stores of value—a timeless hedge against economic turmoil and unstable currencies.

they’re not just safe havens—they’re smart investments.

but let’s be clear: gold isn’t risk-free.

yes, theft and loss can happen… but the biggest risk? government confiscation.

history has shown—from the u.s. to india—that governments have no problem seizing gold when times get tough.

and while some nations crack down on personal gold ownership, others like china and russia are quietly stacking gold overseas, strengthening their economies with real assets—not paper promises.

and guess what? you can do the same.

thanks to globalization, you can buy and store gold offshore in secure, neutral jurisdictions—far from overreaching bureaucrats.

we’re talking top-tier vaults in singapore, hong kong, london, tel aviv, and panama that let you store physical, segregated, personally allocated gold—in your own name.

no counterparty risk. no politician with a pen standing between you and your gold.

this isn’t paper gold, like gld etfs. this is real metal, stored securely in a jurisdiction that doesn’t want to touch it.

and the best part? you don’t need millions to start.

in progressive markets like singapore, you can open a vault with as little as one gold coin—and pay low fees to keep it safe.

it’s simple. you buy it. you own it. you control it.

and when you want it, you can fly in and pick it up—no questions asked.

no taxes. no vat. no hidden agendas.

just pure, tangible wealth in your name.

so if you’re looking to diversify beyond banks, beyond real estate, and beyond borders—offshore gold storage might just be the most solid move you make this year.

 Why smart investors are banking abroad for better yields (and more freedom)

Here’s the truth: the burdens of U.S. citizenship don’t end with taxes.

Even if you leave the country, the IRS still tags along—and so do the reporting obligations that come with your citizenship.

You can’t escape being a U.S. tax resident, and thanks to legislation like FATCA (Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act), you can’t quietly open a bank account overseas without someone watching.

FATCA turned every bank in the world into a reporting agent for the IRS. So if a bank suspects you might be a U.S. person, they’re obligated to report your accounts—even in places like Singapore, Switzerland, Panama, or rising stars like Armenia.

But here’s the upside: those same countries offer some incredible opportunities.

Take Armenia, for example. You can currently earn over 5% interest on a simple U.S. dollar term deposit. Try getting that from your bank back home.

If you’re a conservative investor who values safety and slow growth, that kind of return—just from parking your money—is hard to beat.

And the beauty? Many of these banks offer multi-currency accounts. You can hold different currencies, switch between them instantly, and protect yourself from the risk of a single central bank mismanaging your money.

Don’t feel comfortable using a small local bank? No problem.

Global names like HSBC, Citibank, and Standard Chartered are available in dozens of countries, offering familiar services with local advantages. If you trust Citibank in New York, why not trust it in Singapore or Dubai?

Here’s something that might surprise you: some countries have never had a single bank fail. Not once.

Contrast that with the U.S., where hundreds of banks have collapsed—even in the last 10 years during so-called economic “booms.”

So ask yourself this: if you see yourself as a conservative, low-risk investor… is your home country really the safest bet?

Countries like Singapore and Austria don’t just offer stronger banks—they give you better options, higher yields, and a stronger financial future.

And here’s the kicker: in many of these places, simply putting money in the bank can qualify you for residency or even citizenship.

That’s right. A basic term deposit could be your ticket to a second home, global mobility, and true independence.

So whether you’re looking for higher interest, more safety, or a bigger life abroad, the smart move might be as simple as where you bank.

Foreign stocks and bonds: the hidden upside to global investing

There’s no doubt that the 2010s were great for markets like the united states.

but what most people don’t realize is that some international markets did even better—places like thailand quietly outperformed.

you might say, “i already have an international fund. i’m covered.”

not so fast.

most “international” funds in countries like the us don’t go deep. they barely scratch the surface, holding only a tiny slice of actual foreign exposure.

they’re not capturing real growth. and they’re certainly not unlocking the world’s true investment potential.

but with an international brokerage account in hubs like hong kong, you can access markets across asia, europe, and beyond. you can invest in the companies and economies you thought your fund already had exposure to—but didn’t.

as a global investor, you have the chance to go straight to the source—from china and india to fast-growing frontiers like cambodia, georgia, and armenia.

and if you’re not a us citizen, there’s even more reason to look abroad.

foreigners investing in us stocks get taxed on dividends and hit with estate taxes when they pass away—many don’t even know that.

by investing directly in overseas markets, you can reduce or even eliminate those tax liabilities altogether.

in short, avoid the us tax trap, and you’ll keep more of your gains.

you don’t need uncle sam taking a bite out of your dividends. and you don’t need to limit yourself to wall street for big returns.

many foreign stock markets have crushed it—and continue to do so.

and if stocks feel too risky for you? government bonds can offer a safer path—with an extra perk.

take armenia, for example.

right now, you can invest in government bonds with 8% interest—and they come with a bonus: immigration benefits.

that means your investment could help you secure residency and a second flag.

the local currency, the dram, has also held up consistently against the dollar, making the deal even more attractive.

and armenia isn’t alone. there are dozens of similar opportunities around the world—you just need to look beyond your own backyard.

the truth is: global investing isn’t just for the ultra-wealthy anymore.

with the right strategy and an open mindset, you can tap into fast-growing markets, protect your wealth, and even gain second residencies along the way.

this is what happens when you stop playing local—and start thinking global.

The only real risk is doing nothing

If you want the best investments, you’ve got to think beyond the familiar.

that’s the key.

today, there are far more opportunities than there were ten, twenty, or thirty years ago—as countries continue to grow, evolve, and open their doors to investors.

you just need to catch them on their way up.

even small improvements in emerging or frontier markets can deliver massive returns.

don’t be the person who looks at today’s thailand and says, “i wish i’d bought when real estate was just $500 a square meter.” because now it’s five, even six thousand—and rising.

don’t be the person who says, “i should have done that.”

just do it.

there are places where you can see tenfold gains. real, consistent year-over-year growth.

many of these markets come with serious tax advantages too. they’re hungry for capital, and they reward investors with friendly tax laws and flexible policies.

and that’s only scratching the surface. we’ve got tons of deep-dive articles showing exactly where, how, and why to invest overseas.

bottom line? if you’re after long-term growth, higher yields, new markets, smart diversification, or even a backup plan for life…

go global.

however you like to invest, chances are you can do it better overseas—with higher returns and greater freedom.

we’ll show you how.

A Cost-Benefit Comparison
The US recently announced a new “Gold Card” program that offers wealthy investors a green card and a path to eventual citizenship in exchange for a $5 million donation. At first glance, this may seem attractive to many, but upon closer inspection, there are alternative strategies that offer significantly better value for money.

The US “Gold Card”: An expensive dream?

The “Gold Card” promises access to the US, a country with enormous economic opportunity and global influence. But the price is high: $5 million for a green card and the potential path to citizenship.

Following Cabinet approval on December 18, 2024, Cyprus has made changes to its Startup Visa program. The changes came into effect January 205.

The government has adjusted several core requirements:

• Residence permits are now extended from two to three years

• Extension periods are extended from one to two years

• Equity requirements drop from 50% to 25%

• Foreign worker allowances increase from 30% to 50%

• Companies investing €150,000 or more can hire additional foreign staff

Formation of an offshore company

Before we delve into how to incorporate an offshore company, it is important to understand what exactly an offshore company is. It is a business entity incorporated and operated outside of the owner’s home country.

In the financial sector, the term “offshore” refers to business practices that take place outside of the owner’s national borders. These can include, for example, real estate, bank accounts, investments or insurance.

The precise definition of an offshore company depends on the country in which to invest. Offshore companies operate in the same way as companies in the owner’s home country.

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