Beyond family settlement, residency and citizenship by investment (RCBI) programs are gaining attention from entrepreneurs, especially in the context of cross-border business.

Previously, these programs were primarily linked to living or education needs for future generations. However, as businesses expand into new markets, many investors now consider a second residency or citizenship as a key factor supporting the establishment and operation of businesses in multiple countries.

When founders or leadership teams can legally reside and work in a target market, businesses often find it easier to establish companies, meet partners, and implement investment projects. This makes residency rights an operational advantage in the international business environment.

HLG representatives consult with clients. *Photo: HLG*

According to Harvey Law Group (HLG), some investors approach investment migration similarly to managing an asset portfolio. In this view, residency and citizenship are strategic options that can be combined to increase flexibility against changes in immigration, investment, or business policies across countries.

A portfolio might include investment citizenship for relatively fast processing to support international travel, residency rights in countries with stable legal environments for settlement or education, or citizenship by descent if family conditions allow. Diversifying residency options helps investors maintain backup plans as regulations in individual markets change.

Jean-François Harvey, founder and managing lawyer of Harvey Law Group. *Photo: HLG*

Jean-François Harvey, founder and managing lawyer of Harvey Law Group, states that many entrepreneurs do not seek a single program but are interested in building a long-term residency strategy aligned with their international business plans.

"Amid rapidly changing global policies, preparing various residency options can help entrepreneurs maintain greater flexibility and proactivity in their business operations", he said.

A Harvey Law Group representative also suggests that the trend of building residency portfolios could increase in the coming years as Asian entrepreneurs continue to expand into more international markets. This rising demand makes choosing the right program more complex, as each country has different regulations regarding investment, residency, and taxation.

Established in 1992, Harvey Law Group is an international law firm specializing in advising on investment residency and citizenship programs, with a network of offices in regions such as Europe, North America, and Asia - Pacific.

With immigration and investment policies potentially changing during 2026-2028, staying informed and consulting directly with experts is considered a necessary preparatory step for many investors.

Harvey Law Group plans to host consultation sessions at its HLG office in Hanoi on 19/3 and in Ho Chi Minh City on 20/3. These sessions will focus on investment migration strategies, asset management, and risk management options for families and businesses.

Anh Vu

Interested investors wishing to register for the consultation sessions can contact Harvey Law Group via hotline: 091 444 1016.