Why Bitcoiners are looking beyond one passport

For many Bitcoiners, true financial freedom means more than just holding digital assets—it means stepping beyond national borders. Second passports are emerging as a practical tool to achieve that freedom.

In an exclusive interview with The Crypto Radio, Katie Ananina of Plan B Passport reveals the transformative potential of diversifying citizenship through strategic legal planning. Her insights shed light on the modern pursuit of global mobility.

"Plan B Passport is basically a hedge against your home government,” she said. “Do you want to have this plan B—this insurance policy in case of geopolitical disaster, civil unrest—or a three-letter agency coming directly after you?"

This perspective highlights a strategic shift: spreading risk across jurisdictions isn’t just about asset protection—it’s about building a resilient, multi‑faceted identity in a rapidly changing world.

Flag Theory and the quest for global mobility

Flag theory is a strategic mindset that encourages individuals to diversify their legal and financial ties across different jurisdictions. Rather than relying solely on one country’s stability, Bitcoiners are looking to establish multiple “flags” that serve as both safety nets and gateways to new opportunities. 

For many in the Bitcoin community, the concept is a natural extension of self-custody—a core principle where individuals maintain control over their assets without intermediaries. This approach aligns perfectly with the idea of limiting dependency on a single nation-state, a philosophy that encourages spreading risk and embracing global citizenship.

"My definition of flag theory is a way to limit your dependency on any one particular state by obtaining a second passport, a residency, a home,” she said. “Flags can be different, like Bitcoin, that would be another flag because it's in cyberspace. So that's basically the toolbox of flag theory."

By applying flag theory, Bitcoiners can construct a diversified portfolio of legal identities and financial homes. This not only minimizes risk but also maximizes flexibility, allowing them to adapt quickly in the face of shifting global dynamics.

Ultimately, the drive for global mobility isn’t just about avoiding risk—it’s about creating a lifestyle that celebrates independence. Bitcoiners see the acquisition of multiple citizenships as a proactive step towards a future where borders are less confining and opportunities more abundant.

Inside Plan B Passport: Securing a second citizenship

Plan B Passport is designed specifically for those who seek an escape from the constraints of their home country’s regulations. Founded by Katie Anania, the service offers tailored solutions to acquire a second citizenship in jurisdictions known for their favorable tax regimes and robust asset protection. 

By doing so, it provides Bitcoiners with a practical tool to mitigate the risks associated with geopolitical and economic instability.

Ananina's journey into this space was deeply personal. Having grown up in Russia and experienced repeated visa denials, she became acutely aware of the limitations imposed by a weak passport. 

Her early struggles with international travel ignited a passion for flag theory and led her to establish a company that now helps others secure a more powerful travel document.

How Bitcoiners navigate second citizenship options

"I've seen my visa getting denied all the time, not being able to travel for competition for Europe cup, World Cup,” Ananina said. “I was like, 'Wait a second, so my document is not good enough?'"

For Ananina, these experiences underscored the need for a reliable backup—a Plan B that could offer both security and freedom. Plan B Passport works by first understanding the client’s personal goals and then identifying the most appropriate pathway to second citizenship, whether through citizenship by investment, naturalization, or skill-based immigration.

The cost and complexity of obtaining a second passport vary significantly. 

For instance, citizenship by investment programs may range from around $100,000 to $1 million, while more accessible options, such as Mexican residency, might start at approximately $70,000. 

At the outset, Plan B Passport conducts an in-depth consultation to understand the client’s objectives. This step is crucial in determining the most suitable route—be it through investment, naturalization, or another immigration program.

"I usually say start looking into this couple years before you're ready to pull the trigger,” she said. “Sit in the market for two years and see what's changed, because the policies change (and) the jurisdictions with their citizenship by investment programs (change)."

By keeping abreast of evolving policies and market conditions, Bitcoiners can secure a second citizenship before options become limited. It also reflects a broader awareness of the dynamic nature of international law and economic regulation—factors that can change rapidly and without warning.

The future of self-sovereignty and global power shifts

Nations are also increasingly competing to attract mobile, tech-savvy talent by offering attractive tax rates, streamlined residency programs, and robust support for digital entrepreneurs. This competitive landscape is reshaping traditional notions of national loyalty and prompting governments to rethink their strategies in an era defined by digital mobility.

Countries like El Salvador, Turkey, and Antigua have emerged as popular destinations for those seeking alternative citizenship. These jurisdictions offer unique advantages, from favorable tax regimes to visa-free travel, making them attractive to a global community eager to embrace freedom. 

Yet another page from the Sovereign Individual playbook.

The smaller nation will be the first ones to adapt and attract talent and capital.

The nation states now compete for you! https://t.co/zChQHFNqrz

— Katie | Plan B passport (@PlanBpassport) February 26, 2025

As more people opt for second passports and diversified legal ties, the traditional power dynamics between state and citizen may well be upended.

Looking ahead, the convergence of digital finance and global mobility suggests a future where borders become increasingly fluid. The ability to live, work, and invest across multiple jurisdictions is set to redefine what it means to be a citizen in the 21st century. 

The insights shared by Ananina reveal that securing a second passport is more than a financial maneuver—it is a commitment to freedom and self‐reliance. For Bitcoiners, this strategy embodies the spirit of decentralization, extending the philosophy of self-custody into every aspect of life.

Through the expert guidance of services like Plan B Passport, individuals can navigate complex international processes and build a diversified portfolio of legal identities. This proactive approach not only protects assets but also opens up a world of opportunities beyond traditional borders.

As global dynamics continue to evolve, the quest for personal freedom and digital sovereignty will drive innovative solutions in citizenship and finance. The age of borderless living is on the horizon, inviting those with the vision and courage to shape their own destiny.

Embracing these strategies today may well define the financial and personal freedoms of tomorrow.

 

Listen to the whole interview on The Crypto Radio's live player or in Guardians of Bitcoin podcast.