“Conflict Between Iran and Israel Has Had a Deep Impact”: 10 on the Weekend with Afshin Sarhangpour

10 On The Weekend is a weekly (-ish) feature in IMI, the concept of which is simple: Each time, we ask the same ten questions of a different IMI Pro, letting readers get to know the interviewee on a more personal and informal level than they might during the ordinary course of business.

Our guest this week is Afshin Sarhangpour, Director of Canada at Beyond Residence and Citizenship.

How do you spend your weekends?

On weekend mornings, I enjoy playing football (or “soccer,” as it’s known in Canada). It’s a fantastic way to stay active and energized. 

My weekends usually also include lively gatherings with my sons, Nima and Aria, their partners, and close friends. I truly value this time to relax, connect, and recharge through meaningful social moments.

What are your top three business goals this year?

This year, my key goals are: 

• To continue guiding my clients through uncertain times, 
• To expand my business reach beyond the Middle East, and 
• To navigate new challenges in the investment migration industry with confidence and care.

What is your biggest business concern right now?

A large portion of my clientele is based in the Middle East, and the conflict between Iran and Israel has had a deep impact on them. 

Beyond the emotional strain, it’s also brought about major logistical challenges, particularly banking restrictions and limitations on transferring funds, which are hindering some clients from moving forward.

Which book is on your nightstand right now?

I’ve always had a love for history, and right now I’m reading a book that dives into the history of my hometown and its surrounding regions. It’s been especially meaningful, as I came across my own name in the book’s records while researching my family tree.

How and when did you first get into the investment migration industry?

I entered the industry in 1998 when I launched my immigration consulting business. My first client, from Iran, applied through the Quebec Investor Immigrant Program. 

That case sparked a series of referrals from the client’s family and business network, which laid the foundation for my entire career in this field.

What was your proudest moment as a service provider?

One of my proudest moments was being invited to a citizenship ceremony in Vancouver by an investor client. 

Being there to witness their success firsthand was incredibly fulfilling and reminded me of the real impact this work can have on people’s lives.

Which investment migration market development has surprised you the most in the last year?

The rapid emergence of digital nomad visas has been particularly striking. Many countries are now creating immigration options specifically designed for remote professionals and entrepreneurs, offering more flexible and accessible pathways to residency. 

It’s a compelling reflection of how global mobility is evolving alongside modern work trends.

If you could go ten years back in time, what business decision would you change?

I would have diversified my client base earlier to reduce dependency on one region. Although my work in the Middle East has been deeply rewarding, recent geopolitical issues have emphasized the need for broader market outreach. 

Still, every challenge along the way has been a valuable lesson.

What investment migration industry personality do you most admire?

I have great admiration for my friend and business partner, Hakan Cortelek. With decades of experience across continents, his global insight and pioneering work, particularly with HSBC and Henley & Partners, have significantly shaped the industry. 

His strategic thinking, combined with a sincere client-first approach, continues to inspire me.

If all goes according to plan, what will you be doing five years from now?

If everything goes as planned, I’ll still be leading in the investment migration space, deepening global partnerships, and helping even more families achieve security and opportunity through thoughtful immigration strategies.