What does it take to create a secure life abroad while building wealth through real estate?
For Mikkel Thorup, the founder and CEO of Expat Money, the answer lies in combining international property investments with strategic second residencies and citizenships. On this episode of “Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing,” Jonathan sits down with Mikkel to explore how investors can utilize global real estate to diversify their assets, protect their families, and expand their opportunities.
Mikkel’s story is anything but traditional. A self-taught entrepreneur who left school at 12 and began traveling at 17, he has lived in nine countries and invested in real estate across ten. His work now centers on helping clients mitigate tax liabilities, secure Plan B residency options, and create cross-border portfolios that withstand economic and political uncertainty.
Unlike many investors who rely on leverage, Mikkel avoids heavy debt and focuses on pre-construction projects. By negotiating bulk purchases for his investor community, he eliminates developer risk and creates built-in equity from day one. Clients benefit not only from discounted prices but also from the stability that comes with group buying power.
Beyond financial returns, Mikkel stresses the lifestyle and generational advantages of global investing. His children, born in different countries, hold multiple citizenships, a gift he views as a legacy that extends to future generations. From Panama to Paraguay, his investments are as much about living an adventurous, globally connected life as they are about building wealth.
For investors considering international real estate, Mikkel underscores the importance of diversification across geography, currency, and property types. He also emphasizes the importance of trust, transparency, and boots-on-the-ground expertise. “I’d be cautious of anyone who tells you not to worry about seeing a property yourself,” he explains. That’s why he hosts quarterly investor tours, allowing clients to meet developers, lawyers, and local professionals while walking the projects firsthand.
As geopolitical risks escalate and global mobility becomes increasingly crucial, Expat Money provides more than just financial strategies. It provides pathways to resilience, freedom, and generational security. For those ready to expand beyond their backyard, Mikkel’s approach blends real estate investing with the lifestyle and legacy of living as a global citizen.
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