Why global residency, estate planning is the new frontier of wealth preservation
The journey of wealth and global mobility, is no longer enough about earnings, as the modern professional is increasingly concerned about wealth preservation.
The journey of wealth and global mobility, is no longer enough about earnings, as the modern professional is increasingly concerned about wealth preservation.
This was the theme at the recently held roadshow in Abuja hosted by Henley & Partners in partnership with Afrinvest Trustees and Afrinvest Investment Management, and had in attendance, international partners of citizenship by Investment programs.
Chisom Nwogbo, the acting managing director of Afrinvest Trustees Limited, outlined a roadmap for transitioning from foundational earning to a lasting generational legacy for wealth preservation.
For many, the word ‘trust’ conjures images of estates and aristocratic lineages. However, Nwogbo was quick to dispel this notion.
“Young professionals, growing families, and individuals with even modest assets can all benefit from trust structures much earlier than they think,” she noted.
Estate planning, she argued, is not a task for the twilight years but a “starting point” for anyone with the basics, a salary, income and savings; car, personal belongings, and home items; early investments or pension contribution; bank accounts and insurance policies”.
Without a plan, these assets, no matter their size, remain “unprotected, unstructured, and vulnerable to risk”.
The transition from active earning to a lasting legacy is a strategic evolution requires moving beyond simple asset accumulation toward structured wealth preservation.
At the core of this process is the recognition that earning power is often temporary, while a well-planned estate can be permanent. “We see wealth management as a journey through four specific stages. By categorising this evolution into foundation building, accumulation, consolidation, and transfer, we can align fiduciary support with an individual’s current life stage”, she said.
This progression ensures that as wealth grows and family responsibilities increase, assets are not left vulnerable but are instead organised through increasingly sophisticated frameworks.
For the globally mobile, preservation also means addressing the complexities of international jurisdictions and the potential for assets to be frozen during probate.
“As wealth expands beyond borders, the complexity of managing international assets increases, utilising dollar-denominated solutions provides the necessary liquidity to protect heirs from financial gaps, ensuring that wealth remains accessible across borders without the typical delays of probate”.
“The ultimate goal of this institutionalisation culminating in a Family Office, is to unify legal, tax, and estate planning into a single strategy”, Nwogbo noted.
This holistic approach prevents the fragmentation of assets over time, safeguarding the family’s financial integrity and ensuring that the legacy survives the transition from one generation to the next.
Troy Hanley, managing director of Private Clients at Henley & Partners, emphasised the benefits of investment migration for Nigerian families and the importance of viewing residency and citizenship as a dynamic concept and strategy for wealth preservation.
He urged Nigerian families to prioritise this rather than a one-time transaction.
“Getting an alternative residence and or citizenship is more holistic than that. It’s also about acquiring international investments, business expansion, education for your children, global tax planning and concierge”
“Nigeria’s in particular in particular are always very globally minded, and always thinking of these international opportunities, usually around their children”, he said. “When thinking about residence and citizenship planning, think about it as a dynamic concept for a Nigerian family trying to secure their family’s future”.
He gave an example saying that while a family might begin their journey focusing on Canada, their needs often shift toward the United States as children reach college age.
For Hanley, the primary motivator remains “optionality”, the ability to secure international prospects while maintaining core business interests in Nigeria.
For families prioritising multi-generational stability, Evans Ahanaonu, representative from Greece said the Greek Golden Visa is an inclusive option, noting that properties in Greece has appreciated by 5 to 7 percent annually over the last five years. “The program covers three generations,” Ahanaonu highlighted, noting that a single application can include the primary applicants, their children, and the parents of both spouses. This pathway provides a foothold in Europe’s Schengen Area, complete with free medical care and education, provided the family is willing to navigate basic language requirements for eventual citizenship.
Transitioning to wealth preservation in North America, Rhy Guy, representative from Canada described Canada as an ideal destination for West African enterprises looking to scale westward.
He outlined the rigorous but rewarding entry requirements, stating, “You have to have a net worth of half a million dollars. You have to have a proven business experience that will help our economy.”
Guy was particularly vocal about the long-term fiscal benefits for residents, specifically regarding education costs. “World-class education is free and you get to pay local tuition,” he remarked, contrasting a local fee of $5,000 against the $100,000 international students might otherwise pay.
Nuno Oliveira, representative from Portugal explained that while real estate is no longer a direct path to citizenship in Portugal, the €500,000 private equity fund route remains highly effective.
He highlighted the program’s unique flexibility, noting that unlike other European schemes requiring six months of residency per year, Portugal maintains a “seven-day minimum stay requirement.” Oliveira further reassured investors by detailing a “guaranteed buyback” scheme, explaining that “once you reach one of your goals… you can request your money back… we will pay you back the 500,000 euros.”
The United Arab Emirates was presented as the premier choice for those seeking a “second home” with high capital returns.
Rami Jrab, representative from Dubai, highlighted the 10-year Dubai Golden Visa as a gateway for business growth and property investment. “Abu Dhabi offers a lot… technically your property goes up in value,” he explained, citing districts where appreciation has reached a staggering 300 percent. This creates a dual benefit where the investor gains a renewable, long-term residency in a stable environment while their underlying asset grows exponentially.
