Meet Heidi Finn

Today we’re excited to be connecting with Heidi Finn again. If you haven’t already, we suggest you check out our prior conversation with them here.

Heidi, thanks for joining us again. Just to level set a bit for folks who may have missed our last interview together, can you briefly introduce yourself?
Previewing properties by horseback, helicopter, or yacht. Curating shortlists of lifestyle and investment properties to buy or rent. Overseeing home renovations, liaising with architects, contractors, designers. Helping facilitate a smooth transition for big people, little people, and their pets.

Aspen. Vail. Denver. Dublin. Barcelona. London. Sydney. Tulum.

Meet Heidi Finn, the international real estate and lifestyle “concierge” with over three decades of experience helping clients design a lifestyle they love. She’s like the ‘been there, done that’ best friend that gives the inside scoop on how and where to buy, rent or relocate in the world’s most fabulous destinations.

And she should know. Born to German parents, Heidi has been to 130+ countries, all seven continents and has lived in five foreign countries with three citizenships!

Heidi’s clients are business, sports celebrities, public figures, or just everyday HNWIs looking for discrete, personalized advice on how to obtain a second passport or residency and invest in the corresponding real estate or investment funds. She helps bridge the gap between the overwhelming options and an effortless experience.

Heidi has been buying and selling properties in far flung destinations since 2004 and owns a residential and commercial real estate brokerage in Colorado. Heidi holds a certification from the Investment Migration Council based in Geneva, and is a U.S. Strategic Partner for Latitude Group, one of the world’s leading Citizenship and Residency Advisement firms.

Prior to her career in real estate, Heidi had an extensive career in private aviation and “extravagant lifestyle management”. She also was an adventure tour guide for a company hosting private jet journeys (Best. Job. Ever!). In addition, Heidi Finn took a company public on Australian and London Stock Exchanges. As well, Heidi served as Public Relations Liaison for NASA and European Space Agency for Cassini-Huygens spacecraft orbiting Saturn.

Alright, so our main goal today is to give our audience an update on what you have been up to since our last conversation. We’d love to hear how things are going and what you are most looking forward to or excited about these days.
My personal journey into the world of Citizenship and Residency is no surprise to all that know me. After all, I’ve been to 130+ countries, all seven continents and lived in five foreign countries before moving from London to Denver in 2001.

You’ve likely heard about it before. By contributing to a country’s economy – often through real estate, government bonds or development funds – you can obtain a second residency, visa or passport to countries like Portugal. Spain. Greece. Malta. Panama. If you have European ancestors you might also qualify through Descent (ancestry) without a big investment or years of living abroad required. For many, it’s about enhanced travel, financial security, and having a “Plan B” when life throws the unexpected your way.

But my journey began when my son, 6yrs old at the time, was diagnosed with dyslexia. At the beginning of 1st grade, on the playground at a local Denver public school my son clung to me when the bell rang, tears streaming down his face.

“Mommie, PLEASE don’t make me go in there. They make me do things that make me embarrassed.”

Tears filled my eyes and my heart sank. Even after a long, EXHAUSTING battle with the school to get an IEP in place- “He’s just not behind enough” they said- it was clear to me at that very moment public school wasn’t going to cut it. Three weeks later we pulled him from from our local elementary and placed him in a private school that specializes in kids with dyslexia.

Fast forward two years later and he’s never been happier, testing at or above grade level, but frankly, the tuition costs are staggering. We’re spending our college savings on elementary and high school. Stack the deck in his favor when he’s young absolutely, but what happens if he wants to go to university? How are we going to pay for it?!

I knew from my many years abroad that residents and citizens of E.U countries receive much lower tuition fees (often free or under $5,000USD a year), along with access to financial aid and in-state tuition rates across all EU member states.

Ok, great. But how do we tap into that?

At the time we only had U.S. and British citizenship. Having moved from London to Denver I vowed never to go back – I’m a sunshine girl. London weather sucks and with Brexit that avenue was no longer an EU option anyway.

So I started doing research and came across the world of Citizenship by Investment and a lightbulb went off in my head.

We could do this. But so could many of my real estate CLIENTS.

So on a Friday afternoon I picked up the phone and dialed a number in Canada to one of the largest Citizenship by Investment firms, and to my surprise, a gentleman with a foreign accent answered.

“Hi,” I blurt out. I didn’t expect anyone to answer so I didn’t rehearse anything! “My name is Heidi Finn and I own a real estate company in Denver, Colorado. I’ve traveled to 130 countries, lived in five foreign countries, taken a company public on Australian and London stock exchanges, heavily invested in real estate and crypto and have a large client base. I’ve been reading about Citizenship and Residency by Investment and not only am I interested but I think you should open an office in Colorado and I should be the one to do it.”

Awkward. Silence.

“Uh, hi. Unfortunately I am not the one who makes those decisions. That person is in Dubai at a global citizenship conference and won’t be back for a couple of weeks. May I direct you to our HR department?”

“No. Thank you though. Rather, can you get me a ticket?”

“To the conference?’ he asks incredulously. “It starts on Tuesday.”

“Yes, and airplanes depart the United States every day,” I tease. “Seriously. Can you get me a ticket?”

“Ummm, let me check get back to you.”

Three days later I am on a flight to Dubai to proposition the Head of North America at a cocktail party to open an office in Denver.

***

Dubai – a glittering oasis where luxury is redefined and the extraordinary is everyday. Where futuristic skyscrapers soar into the sky alongside vast desert landscapes that reminds me of my native New Mexico.

It’s feels good to be back.

I checked into the hotel and looked at my invite. Great, just enough time for a quick nap before heading up to the rooftop for the opening cocktail party. A couple hours later, donned in a short red cocktail dress and sky high heels, I make my way to the rooftop. “Go big or go home” I say to myself as I step off the elevator.

The Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, is towering the background as I grab a glass of champagne and take in the scene. The party is packed, buzzing with energy, a captivating DJ playing a sexy rhythm that pulses through the warm night air. The vibe is electric, security and champagne fountains everywhere adding to the extravagance.

I have a vague idea of what the guy I’m looking for looks like. I have his name written on the inside of my hand like a 12yr old but not entirely confident I know how to pronounce it. Now, how to to find him…

I scan the room and see a tall, beautiful blonde woman standing alone in the corner, her champagne glass empty. Perfect. A friend. I grab two fresh glasses and head over to introduce myself.

“I think this is a terrible idea,” she says in a heavy, Bulgarian accent when I tell her what I’m here to do. “You definitely should not do this on the first day.”

“Really? I was taken aback. “Why not?”

But before she could answer a man with a handlebar mustache leans into our conversation. “Excuse me ladies,” he says with a smile. “I could not help but overhear. I think it’s a brilliant idea and I know who you are looking for. Come, let me introduce you.”

I smile at my Bulgarian friend and turn to the man with the handlebar mustache. I can’t believe my luck!

We weave through the crowd stopping short of a group of men engaged in conversation. My new friend with the handlebar mustache points him out.

The man I’m looking for is a quintessential banker type- tall, dark with a handsome appearance exuding an air of sophistication and confidence. I take a sip of my champagne and approach without an intro. Here goes nothing!

“Hi” I say, extending my hand. “My name is Heidi Finn. So glad to finally meet you!”

“Hello Heidi, thank you for coming“ he says warmly. “My apologies,” glancing at my nametag. “I don’t recognize your company?”

“Well… my company is irrelevant” I say, “I actually came all the way here to meet you!” I take a sip of my champagne and pause, hoping that didn’t sound like a stalker.

“You did?” he asks incredulously. “Why?”

“I came all the way here to tell you I think you need to open an office in Colorado and I should be the one to do it.”

He smiles and takes a sip of his champagne. “HR usually handles these types of things.” Clearly amused .

“Perhaps…” I lean forward at tap his glass with my own. “But this is going to be more effective.”

Three months later I opened the third United States office for the company right here in Denver!

What are you most excited about in the coming year?
Let’s face it: while a U.S. passport is powerful, but it doesn’t grant you total freedom. Visa restrictions, travel limitations or geopolitical tensions can still get in the way. A second passport or residency gives you the flexibility to live, work, retire, travel, send your kids to foreign schools or access affordable health care without the red tape.

Americans have become the number one source market for people seeking a second residency or passport in the past eight years, superseding India and China. As a result I am excited to open the third U.S. office for Latitude Group right here in Denver. We are Residency, Citizenship and Ancestry Specialists here to help the many Coloradans jumping on this trend- I have three citizenships myself!

2. “Plan B” for Peace of Mind**
Life is unpredictable, and having a second residency or passport is like an insurance policy for your future. Whether it’s for political stability, economic concerns, or simply wanting a fresh start, having an alternative country to call home can make you feel secure no matter what happens, without the need for a work visa or sponsorship.

3. *More Options for You and Your Family**

– Education- Access top-notch universities at local tuition rates
– Healthcare- Enjoy affordable, high-quality healthcare in E.U countries like Portugal, Malta, Greece or Italy
– Family – Many countries allow inclusion of dependent family members, including older parents, as part of your application
– Lifestyle – Think beaches, mountains, or vibrant city living—whatever suits your style

4. Tax Advantages (Yes, Really!)

If you’re a high-net-worth individual or business owner, a second residency could unlock some serious tax benefits. Many countries offer favorable tax regimes, with no capital gains tax or even zero taxation on foreign-sourced income (hello, Panama or UAE!).

5. Make Travel a Breeze**
A second passport can open up visa-free access to countries the U.S. passport doesn’t cover. For example, a Caribbean passport might allow easier travel to Russia or China, while a European passport grants free movement across the EU.

Popular Choices for Americans

– Spain – Closing their program in April but still time to qualify!
– Portugal – Affordable living, access to the EU, and a pathway to citizenship after 10 years
– Panama – Low cost of living, tax perks, and proximity to the U.S. and a great alternative to Mexico!
– Malta – Direct EU citizenship and official language is ENGLISH!
– Greece – Affordable program grants residency with a €250,000 real estate investment and offers a pathway to citizenship after seven years.
Canada – Start an innovative business through the Start-Up Visa, with investment in a local business, or meeting specific financial and entrepreneurial criteria, leading to permanent residency and eventual citizenship.
– Caribbean Nations – Quick, affordable options for citizenship and visa-free travel to over 140 countries.

You might be thinking, “Isn’t this complicated?”

Yup, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right guidance, securing a second residency or passport is an exciting and rewarding process. And the benefits? Priceless. So, whether you’re planning for the future, chasing new adventures, or just craving a bit more freedom, now is the perfect time to explore your options. After all, the world is waiting for you!

Website: https://www.LatitudeWorld.com

Instagram: GlobetrotwithHeidi

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidileefinn

Other: Heidi.Finn@LatitudeWorld.com and +1 720.300.0330 cell

Image Credits
Heidi Finn