I’ve lived in 10+ countries over the last decade. Not as a tourist, but as a strategic global citizen.
This lifestyle isn’t just about pretty Instagram photos from beach clubs in Bali. It’s about freedom by design.
I’ve made millions of dollars from my online lifestyle business while establishing legal residency in Panama and Dubai, UAE. I’ve optimized my tax situation legally. I’ve created a life with zero geographic limits.
Global citizenship changed everything for me. It can do the same for you.
Here’s exactly how it works to become a global citizen in 2025.
Table of Contents
What is a global citizen?
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Global citizenship isn’t about collecting passport stamps — it’s about strategically designing your life across borders to maximize freedom and opportunity.
Most people live where they were born by default. They never question it.
Global citizens take a different approach. We see the entire world as a menu of options:
- Some countries offer better tax systems
- Others provide higher quality of life
- Some have stronger business networks
- Others give better banking options
I pick and choose the best of each. You can too.
Unlike digital nomads who bounce around on tourist visas, global citizens create legal roots in strategic locations. We build systems, not just experiences.
“The old rules said success means climbing the ladder in one location. The new rules reward those who build bridges between multiple worlds.”
The evolution of global citizenship
Twenty years ago, only the super-rich could be global citizens.
Today, anyone with an online business can do it.
The journey typically follows this path:
- Remote worker (location-dependent job, location-independent work)
- Digital nomad (constant travel, temporary stays)
- Global citizen (strategic residencies, legal structures)
The pandemic changed everything.
Remote work jumped forward by a decade in just months.
Look at these facts:
- Over 35 million Americans will work remotely by 2025
- Nearly half of digital professionals can work from anywhere
- 86% of remote workers get more done
- 50+ countries now offer digital nomad visas
We’re seeing the rise of “location choice”— the ability to pick the best systems from around the world.
You’re no longer stuck with what you were born into.
Core benefits of global citizenship
Here are some of the core benefits of global citizenship.
Tax optimization
“Most entrepreneurs overpay taxes because they don’t realize taxation is largely optional when you design your life correctly.” – Navid Moazzez
Strategic residency planning can legally cut your tax burden by 30-90%.
I’ve saved hundreds of thousands by living in tax-friendly places.
This isn’t about tax evasion.
It’s about tax planning.
Big difference.
Lifestyle design
I spend winters networking in Dubai’s perfect weather.
I enjoy European summers when I want.
I never shovel snow unless I choose to.
This isn’t about vacation — it’s about living in the perfect environment year-round.
Global business perspective
My business exploded when I started seeing multiple markets firsthand.
I took strategies from Dubai’s business scene and applied them to my Western audience.
It worked like magic.
You can’t get these insights from reading articles online.
You have to live it.
Risk protection
“In an uncertain world, geographical diversification is the ultimate insurance policy.”
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
Spread your assets across different countries.
Create backup plans for: • Banking • Residency • Business operations • Investment holdings
When one country has problems, you’re already set up elsewhere.
Network expansion
The people you meet as a global citizen are game-changers.
My international network directly led to 7-figure partnerships.
These deals would never have happened if I’d stayed in one place.
Your network determines your net worth.
Global citizenship expands that network exponentially.
My global citizen journey
I left Sweden in 2012 with a one-way ticket and a dream. No fancy plan. No trust fund. Just determination.
The early years weren’t glamorous. I lived in Thailand and Bali on $1,000/month while building my first digital products. I slept on friends’ couches sometimes. I ate street food for $2 a meal.
Everything changed in 2015. I realized I needed to optimize my business structure and residency situation. I spent months researching options.
I made my first big moves:
- 2015: Launched my first 6-figure virtual summit from Thailand
- 2017: Got permanent residency in Panama
- 2019: Set up banking across 3 continents
- 2021: Secured residency in Dubai
- 2023: Hit 7-figures with team members in 5 countries
The hardest parts surprised me. Opening international bank accounts? Nightmare. Maintaining legal compliance across borders? Complex. Learning new cultures? Actually pretty easy.
“The hardest part of global citizenship isn’t the travel — it’s building systems that work seamlessly across borders.” – Navid Moazzez
The freedom made every challenge worth it. I designed a life most people can’t imagine. I live where I want. I work when I want. I pay taxes where it makes sense. All completely legal.
Digital nomad vs. global citizen
Many people confuse these two concepts.
They’re completely different:
Digital nomad:
- Travels all the time (often monthly)
- Keeps legal ties to home country
- Uses tourist visas
- Minimal financial structure
- Focuses on experiences
Global gitizen:
- Creates strategic home bases
- Establishes legal residency
- Optimizes tax structure
- Diversifies banking globally
- Builds long-term wealth
I started as a digital nomad.
I evolved into a global citizen when I saw the limitations of constant travel.
The shift happened when I started seeing countries as tools, not just places to visit.
“Digital nomads chase experiences. Global citizens build systems. The first is a lifestyle, the second is a wealth strategy.”
Legal foundations for global citizens
You need solid legal structures to be a true global citizen.
Residency vs. citizenship
Residency means you can live in a country.
Citizenship gives you a passport and political rights.
Most global citizens have multiple residencies but only one or two citizenships.
Focus on these factors when planning residency:
- Tax rules (Do they tax worldwide income?)
- Physical presence requirements
- Path to permanent status
- Relationships with other countries
Visa options
Your visa options depend on your situation:
- Digital nomad visas: Easy to get, last 1-2 years
- Investment residency: Buy property or invest in local business
- Income-based visas: Prove you make enough money remotely
- Company formation: Start a local business entity
Two game-changers in my strategy:
- UAE Golden Visa
- Panama Friendly Nations Visa
Research what fits your situation best.
Banking setup
Banking is the foundation of freedom.
I keep accounts in multiple currencies and countries.
This gives me flexibility and security.
Focus on: • Multi-currency accounts • Easy international transfers • Investment access • Daily banking solutions
Start building these relationships early.
They take time.
Business structures
Your business structure matters hugely.
Options include: • Offshore companies in places like BVI • Business-friendly locations like Singapore or Estonia • Holding company structures for protection
“Your passport determines your rights. Your residency determines your taxes. Your business structure determines your freedom.” – Navid Moazzez
Practical steps to become a global citizen
Here are some practical steps to become a global citizen:
Phase 1: Build your foundation (months 1-6)
- Create location-independent income • Make digital products or services • Build systems for remote delivery • Set up reliable payment processing
- Research best countries for you • Look at tax rules and requirements • Consider lifestyle factors • Check political stability
- Start your financial infrastructure • Open international bank accounts • Get multi-currency capabilities • Build credit globally
Phase 2: Make your move (months 6-18)
- Get your first strategic residency • Complete visa process • Establish local presence • Keep perfect records
- Set up your business structure • Talk to international tax experts • Restructure for advantages • Create compliance systems
- Build your global network • Connect with other global citizens • Find trusted service providers • Create backup plans
Phase 3: Optimize everything (ongoing)
- Expand your global presence • Add more residencies strategically • Grow banking relationships • Consider citizenship if it helps
- Make your systems better • Automate compliance work • Streamline operations • Review tax planning yearly
“Most people overestimate what they can accomplish in a month and underestimate what they can accomplish in a year. Global citizenship is a marathon, not a sprint.” – Navid Moazzez
Common global citizen myths
Here are some common myths I see when “global citizen” is talk about:
“You need to be rich to do this”
I started with less than $5,000 and a laptop.
You can begin with affordable countries like Panama, Georgia, or Portugal.
Work your way up to premium spots like Singapore or Dubai.
“Only tech people can do this”
My business sells digital courses and virtual summits.
Nothing technically complex.
You just need income that doesn’t depend on your location.
“It’s one long vacation”
I work harder than most of my friends back home.
Managing multiple legal systems requires discipline.
I’m just more productive because I design my perfect work environment.
“You need to speak many languages”
English works almost everywhere for business.
Learning local languages enhances your experience but isn’t necessary for legal matters.
“The biggest barrier to global citizenship isn’t money or skills—it’s the willingness to embrace complexity in exchange for freedom.” – Navid Moazzez
Action steps to becoming a global citizen
Here are some action steps to take if you want to become a global citizen and live a true freedom lifestyle:
Month 1: Learn the basics
- Read about flag theory and jurisdictional planning
- Join communities of global citizens
- Research visa options in 3-5 target countries
Month 2-3: Prepare Your Income
- Switch to remote work or online business
- Save 6 months of living expenses
- Test your setup with short international trips
Month 4-6: Plan Your First Move
- Talk to international tax experts
- Get documents ready for residency application
- Create backup plans for banking and business
Essential resources to check out:
- Sovereign Academy
- Nomad Capitalist
- Tax-Free Today
- Wise.com
“Take the first step before you feel ready. Perfect information is impossible in a constantly changing global landscape.” – Navid Moazzez
FAQs
What is a global citizen?
A global citizen strategically creates legal presence in multiple countries to optimize freedom, taxes, and lifestyle. Unlike tourists or digital nomads, global citizens like myself establish formal legal ties through residency permits, business entities, and banking relationships in carefully selected places.
Do I need to learn multiple languages?
No. English works for business almost everywhere. Learning local languages makes life more fun but isn’t necessary for the legal stuff. Focus first on understanding international tax and banking concepts.
How do taxes work as a global citizen?
It depends on your citizenship, residency, and business structure. Many countries only tax income earned within their borders. With proper planning, you can legally reduce taxes by becoming resident in tax-friendly places while following your citizenship country’s rules.
What about healthcare when traveling?
International health insurance plans like Cigna Global or IMG cover you worldwide. Many global citizens also get local insurance in their main home base. Healthcare in Singapore, Dubai, and Panama often beats Western quality at lower prices.
Can I keep while living this lifestyle?
Absolutely. I’ve built 6-figure client relationships without meeting many in person. Set clear communication expectations, create overlapping work hours, and use reliable video conferencing. Many clients actually prefer working with global professionals.
What’s the biggest challenge people face?
Banking, hands down. Opening accounts as a non-resident gets harder every year. Start building international banking relationships early, ideally before leaving your home country. Keep perfect records of where your money comes from.
How do I pick my first international base?
Look at: ease of getting residency, tax benefits, quality of life, cost of living, and closeness to your target markets. Good starter locations include Panama, Paraguay, Portugal, Malaysia, Thailand, the UAE and Georgia. They have straightforward residency processes and welcome entrepreneurs.
Does this work for families?
Yes, with extra planning. International schools exist in most global hubs, and kids thrive with international exposure. Healthcare, education, and community become more important factors. Many families choose a “home base plus travel” model rather than constant movement.
Conclusion
Global citizenship gives you freedom most people never experience.
It’s not about running from responsibility.
It’s about intentionally choosing the best systems from around the world.
This path takes work. But so does building any valuable asset.
Your international setup might be the most valuable asset you’ll ever create.
“The greatest competitive advantage today isn’t what you know — it’s the freedom to apply what you know anywhere.” – Navid Moazzez
Start small. Be patient.
Focus on building systems, not just having experiences.
Begin with one strategic residency before expanding.
The world offers endless opportunity for those willing to break free from geographic limits.
Want the blueprint? Check out my Global Citizen Masterclass where I show you each step with real examples and templates.
Your borderless future is waiting.
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