What if one decision made by your grandparents could change the entire course of your life? For Francisco Litvay, an Austrian-Brazilian entrepreneur and founder of Settee, that’s exactly what happened. In this episode of the Nomad Summit Podcast, he joins Christoph Huebner to discuss how dual nationality and smart residency planning can open doors to global freedom, financial flexibility, and generational opportunity.
From a Family Decision to a Global Business
Francisco grew up in Brazil but was born with Austrian citizenship through his father. That simple act of being registered at the Austrian Consulate would later set off a chain reaction that shaped his career and lifestyle. His connection to Austria inspired him to study there, which led to his first international job and eventually to launching Settee – a company that helps people around the world navigate international residencies, citizenship programs, and tax strategies.
As Francisco explains, “If I didn’t have the Austrian citizenship, maybe I would’ve never become interested in learning German or gone to study in Austria. Then I wouldn’t have gotten that job, which connected me with my business partner. So when I look back, it’s incredible how one decision from my father changed everything.”
Why Dual Nationality Matters for Nomads
Many digital nomads think of a second passport only in terms of visa-free travel. But as Francisco points out, it’s far more than that. Having a second nationality can determine where you can live, study, work, invest, and even how you build your business.
For nomads and entrepreneurs, this flexibility can be life-changing. It can mean lower taxes, easier access to international banking, and freedom from bureaucracy that limits global mobility. Francisco’s own experience shows how a second citizenship can unlock opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach.
Building Freedom Through Structure
When Francisco first started Settee in 2021, his goal was to make complex international topics accessible to Portuguese speakers. He saw a gap in the market for practical education around tax optimization and residencies in Latin America. Today, his company helps clients from Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, and beyond establish solid legal and financial foundations that support their nomadic lives.
He’s also seen firsthand how having a proper residency can make life simpler. “When I first went nomad, I didn’t have a fixed residency. It worked for a while, but eventually banks and financial institutions started asking for updated addresses and tax numbers. I lost good accounts because I couldn’t provide them,” he recalls. That experience convinced him that even digital nomads need at least one base.
Finding Balance Between Movement and Stability
Francisco’s lifestyle now includes extended stays in Colombia, Brazil, and Europe. He believes the healthiest approach to nomad life is combining exploration with routine. “At the start, you want to see as much of the world as possible. But after a while, you realize that having a few recurring bases improves productivity and quality of life,” he says.
Spending five months in Medellín helped him not only grow his business but also achieve a personal milestone – earning his blue belt in Jiu-Jitsu. It’s a reminder that growth doesn’t just happen through travel, but also through consistency and community.
Freedom Is a Family Legacy
Perhaps the most powerful takeaway from Francisco’s story is how freedom can be passed down through generations. His father may not have known where life would take his son, but by registering him as an Austrian citizen, he gave him a lifelong advantage.
“When you think about what you can leave for your kids, a second citizenship can be one of the most valuable gifts,” Francisco says. “In the case of Europe, it’s access to an entire continent and the freedom to build your own path.”
Key Lessons for Digital Nomads
- Dual nationality is about much more than convenience – it’s about building resilience and opportunity.
- Proper residencies and company structures protect your assets and simplify your life.
- Success as a nomad requires balance between movement and stability.
- Strategic family decisions can create generational freedom.
Listen to the full episode of the Nomad Summit Podcast to hear Francisco’s journey, insights on global tax strategies, and how dual nationality can shape your future as a nomad.
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