Americans are looking for a Second Passport and are ready to Spend

For years, Americans have been looking for greener pastures. This desire to leave the U.S. resurfaced dramatically on November 6, when VisaGuide reported a staggering 1,514% increase in Google searches from Americans exploring migration options.

According to a representative from UK-based Immigration Advice Services, 97,000 Americans have visited their website since the election, with most inquiries focused on moving to England or Ireland. Meanwhile, a legal consultant from Italian Citizenship Assistance mentioned that they have received inquiries from Americans every three minutes since Trump’s latest election win.

While the idea of moving abroad can often be a knee-jerk reaction to election outcomes, dual citizenship has become more than just a political escape over the years. Wealthy individuals have utilized alternative
citizenship programs for decades, dating back to the first citizenship-by-investment program established by St. Kitts and Nevis in 1984.

These programs allow individuals to obtain citizenship in another country by investing amounts that range from $200,000 to $2 million in real estate, businesses, or government funds. The benefits include obtaining a second passport, enjoying visa-free travel to many countries, and sometimes receiving tax-free income and inheritance benefits for heirs.

Multiple passports are a practical strategy for enhancing global mobility and financial security. Although wealthy Americans have long been aware of this, the pandemic-era travel bans—which restricted Americans from visiting many of the 186 countries typically accessible without a visa—awoke many to this reality.

For those whose jobs allow remote work, or for retirees, freelancers, or others who can manage their livelihoods, options for leaving the U.S. include citizenship, residency, or digital nomad programs.

Citizenship by Investment
For high-net-worth individuals or anyone with sufficient savings, investment programs offer quick and flexible routes to citizenship or residency. The Mediterranean island nation of Malta currently has the hottest citizenship-by-investment program. It provides Americans with the fastest path to a European passport in just 16 to 18 months, provided applicants pass the country’s strict due diligence checks. However, it comes with a steep price: applicants who have lived in Malta for less than three years
face investment minimums of $750,000.

The requirements for applicants’ purchases vary by country. Generally, applicants must invest in a combination of private or commercial real estate, government bonds, and funds that contribute capital to priority sectors. For example, the St. Kitts and Nevis Sustainable Island State Contribution Fund supports green energy, local food production, and social safety net programs. Depending on the country, a non-refundable donation may also be required.

Residency by Investment
Another option is residency-by-investment programs, often called “golden visas.” Golden visa programs do not immediately provide a new passport; instead, they grant the right to live and work in a new country for a specific timeframe, often five or six years. Some programs can lead to permanent
residency or citizenship after the initial period.

Digital Nomad Visas and Citizenship by Descent
If you’re not ready to commit to permanent residency in another country, you might consider applying for a digital nomad visa. These temporary visas don’t lead to citizenship but provide flexibility to enjoy a new
environment. Currently, at least 66 countries offer digital nomad programs, with application fees ranging from $86 to $641. The duration of these programs varies, lasting from six months up to five years, depending on the country. To apply, you must provide proof of a valid passport and demonstrate economic stability. This usually involves submitting monthly income statements or bank statements that show you have maintained sufficient funds in your account over the past year to support your stay.

Citizenship by Descent
Another option to consider is obtaining citizenship by descent, which relies on your ancestry rather than your financial situation. Italy even allows for citizenship claims going back through unlimited generations, as long as the ancestral line remains unbroken—meaning the ancestor must not have naturalized in the US before giving birth to the next generation.

Citizenship is the only way to obtain multiple passports, but the quickest routes typically come with substantial financial commitments—unless you can prove a familial connection. Whatever path you choose, be sure to read the fine print, consult tax professionals and immigration lawyers, and ensure that your plans won’t lead to complications later on. When approached strategically, securing a second passport can serve as both a backup plan and a powerful opportunity.