An IMGW News Report
A quiet exodus is unfolding among America’s affluent. An increasing number of wealthy citizens are pursuing second citizenship or residency through ‘Golden Visa’ schemes, driven by a desire for stability, tax advantages, and lifestyle flexibility.
“In 2024, an estimated 4,820 wealthy Americans formally renounced U.S. citizenship, a 48% rise from the previous year and among the highest totals recorded”
Caribbean appeal remains strong. Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts & Nevis, and St Lucia continue to rank among the most sought-after destinations. Here, citizenship-by-investment (CBI) programmes offer visa-free travel, favourable tax regimes, and the ability to retain existing nationality in exchange for contributions or real estate purchases, typically starting from US$200,000.
“… estate agents report a surge of inquiries from Americans eager to relocate to Europe – particularly Portugal, Spain, Malta and Greece, for lifestyle and financial reasons”
Global figures reveal a broader trend. In 2024, an estimated 4,820 wealthy Americans formally renounced U.S. citizenship, a 48 percent rise from the previous year and among the highest totals recorded. Digital indicators also highlight a growing movement: inquiries about migration as “Plan A” surged 55 per cent between 2023 and 2024, with related search terms climbing by 30–45 percent.
New Zealand has become a top contender. Following policy reforms that reduced investment thresholds and residency requirements in April 2025, New Zealand received 65 new Golden Visa applications in just six weeks, most from U.S. nationals. Earlier data reinforces this surge: 189 applications were filed in under three months – compared with only 116 over the preceding 2½ years – and nearly half came from Americans.
European interest remains strong despite changing policies. Spain’s golden visa programme, which issued over 14,500 visas from 2013 to 2023 (many to Americans), was discontinued in April 2025. As a result, interest from Americans in Greece’s Golden Visa nearly doubled, rising from 302 to 383 monthly applications by November 2024. Meanwhile, estate agents report a surge in inquiries from Americans keen to relocate to Europe, particularly to Portugal, Spain, Malta, and Greece, for lifestyle and financial reasons.
Beyond statistics, migration is intensifying. Almost 53 percent of American millionaires say they are considering leaving the country, rising to 64 percent among younger millionaires aged 18–29. Overall, the global investment migration market is now worth around US $100 billion.
From Caribbean CBI initiatives to European Golden Visas and residence-by-investment programmes, and New Zealand’s relaxed policies, the demand for second passports is no longer fringe – it is fast becoming a mainstream safeguard among America’s wealthy.
