Are you a resident of the Commonwealth interested in rediscovering traditions like obtaining a coat-of-arms? Or maybe you’re keen on obtaining citizenship-by-investment. Here we speak to lawyer GIACOMO MERELLO about the legal services he offers including Legal Heraldry, and why Antigua and Barbuda citizenship is an attractive option!
Tell us a bit about yourself and your journey to Singapore.
I arrived in Singapore in 2009 on a short business trip, but the warmth of the people I met and the country itself charmed me so much that I decided to move permanently here six months later. In 2017, I founded Marvelux Consulting, a regulatory consulting firm focused on Web3 and blockchain, and in 2018 I joined dMTV, a boutique international law firm created by my friend and colleague Prof Federico Vasoli. Together, we offer a range of high-quality niche legal consulting services and activities, including heraldic, nobiliary and dynastic law.
One of your specialties is Legal Heraldry. How do you help people obtain a coat-of-arms, and who’s a good candidate?
Motivation arose in part from personal history and experience, as other than a lawyer and diplomat, I am also Baron and Lord of Leslie (UK). Also, I’ve observed that many people today seek rediscovery of traditions and elegance, and desire to leave more than mere material things to future generations. We offer consulting services to citizens and residents of the Commonwealth – including Singapore and 55 other Countries connected by common roots with the United Kingdom, plus the USA – who might qualify for the grant of a coat-of-arms. This starts with, but is not exclusive to, those having achieved high-level educational degrees.
What does it mean to become a Gentleman Armiger, and what benefits does it offer?
It’s a great recognition of a person’s achievements. And it also technically makes the grantee a “Gentleman Armiger”, a basic form of nobility. The Arms become the exclusive protected property of the Armiger, with strict legal enforcement. They are inheritable and themselves an exquisite object of art, being hand-drawn on vellum and enclosed in a signed-sealed frame by Heralds.
We also facilitate, for individuals of any country who have reached high levels of success in their lives, petitions for certain chivalrous orders. One example is the Order of the Eagle of Georgia, a very prestigious knightly order, of which Queen Elizabeth II was Dame Grand Collar and whose Grand Master is HRH Crown Prince Davit Bagrationi of Georgia.
You also offer clients citizenship-by-investment services. What makes Antigua and Barbuda attractive?
Antigua and Barbuda’s citizenship-by-investment is the most affordable currently available option for families of four and more members. It also enjoys a great reputation, thanks to the robust due diligence process applicants must go through, ensuring only persons of excellent standing are approved. Citizenship offers a wide range of visa-free access countries (currently 154), including the EU/Schengen, UK, Canada, Singapore, Hong Kong and mainland China, and Russia. And citizenship gives access to a special treaty visa with the US allowing holders to reside for up to six consecutive months each year for a ten-year period. dMTV works closely on applications with myself, as Envoy of the Prime Minister, and with HE Ambassador Dario Item, Earl of Rothes.
What are the lifestyle perks of becoming a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda?
Antigua and Barbuda boasts heightened freedom of travel, over 365 pristine beaches, and great entertainment! It also has daily flights to many international destinations including London, New York and Miami. It’s also one of only 13 countries worldwide to have no concept of personal taxation! Plus, it offers a range of international licenses, including for crypto-related activities. Being a Commonwealth Realm under HM King Charles III means that obtaining citizenship also opens up the opportunity of becoming a Gentleman Armiger, as it will bring the person under the jurisdiction of the College of Arms in London.
If you’re keen to learn more, why not reach out to Giacomo for an initial consultation today?
dMTV Global
8239 8189 | gm@dmtvglobal.com
dmtvglobal.com | marveluxconsulting.com
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