Crypto’s growing role in international immigration and citizenship

In a world where financial flexibility and international mobility are increasingly desired, Apex Capital founder Nuri Katz says cryptocurrencies are playing an increasing role in helping people buy freedom.

Roundtable host Rob Nelson sat down with Katz at the Bitcoin Conference to discuss the intricacies of acquiring citizenship through investment using digital assets like bitcoin.

“We help people obtain citizenship through different investment products and represent them in quasi-judicial procedures required by governments,” Katz explained. This process includes extensive due diligence and KYC (Know Your Customer) to ensure applicants meet rigorous international security standards.

For those curious about the details, Katz explained that the investment process could include real estate, government bonds or even donations to smaller countries. These countries, such as Malta, Montenegro and several Caribbean nations, welcome investment as a way to boost their economies. “You can’t do that in France,” Katz said, emphasizing the unique opportunities in smaller countries.

The conversation then turned to the motivations behind seeking citizenship by investment. Katz explained that this approach provides judicial arbitration and offers greater freedom of movement to individuals from countries with more restrictive travel policies. He noted that even Americans in the crypto space are now showing interest in these products as a form of diversification and risk management. “It’s very risky to hold all your assets in one asset class,” Katz emphasized.

This diversification extends beyond just financial assets. Obtaining a second citizenship provides protection against possible future uncertainties in one’s home country. “You protect your Bitcoin and your life,” Katz said, emphasizing the strategic advantage of having multiple citizenships.

Nelson concluded the discussion by emphasizing the appeal of this strategy. With a second citizenship, individuals are not limited by the regulations of a single government and have the flexibility to move and live in different parts of the world. Katz summed it up succinctly: “If you’re just an American citizen, you’re constrained by one government. Today, you’re constrained by one government.”

Countries continue to experiment with identity and citizenship on blockchain, with the island nation of Palau recently putting its digital ID card program on Solana.