An IMGW News Report
As political polarisation intensifies in the United States, a growing class of high-net-worth Americans is taking a page from the global elite’s playbook: secure a second citizenship—or at the very least, a contingency plan abroad.
“For an increasing number of Americans, global mobility is no longer aspirational. It is prudent planning in a world that feels less predictable by the day”
“We’re seeing a growing number of Americans exploring second citizenships as a strategic safeguard—what used to be a luxury is now viewed as a modern necessity,” says Patrícia Casaburi, CEO of Global Citizen Solutions, a Portugal-based migration consultancy.
At the heart of this shift sits Malta, a small Mediterranean island with outsized appeal. New figures from global residency advisory firm Latitude Group show that 25% of its US clients seeking European citizenship now opt for Malta, drawn by the country’s stability, EU membership, and streamlined acquisition process.
“In the last five years, we’ve seen a 1,000% increase in US applications for citizenship or residence by investment,” says Eric Major, CEO and Chairman of the Latitude Group. “The US has become our fastest-growing market—displacing China, India, and the Middle East.”
Malta’s Citizenship by Investment programme offers EU citizenship within 12 to 16 months for those who meet strict due diligence criteria and invest a minimum of €600,000, along with a property purchase or lease, and a €10,000 donation to a registered NGO. The full process typically totals around €1 million.
“For investors seeking fast access to the EU, Malta’s well-regulated citizenship framework remains a key route—balancing efficiency with strong due diligence,” says Casaburi.
But Malta offers more than just a passport. “We boast a thriving GDP of an estimated €22 billion and a per capita income of circa €33,000, outpacing several larger EU economies,” notes Jonathan Cardona, CEO of the Residency Malta Agency. “Malta is an attractive destination for investors looking for stability and business growth opportunities.”
The country’s Permanent Residency Programme provides long-term security without the need for renewals—an advantage not often found in similar schemes. “Investors are granted permanent residency from day one, provided that all programme eligibility criteria are maintained,” Cardona explains. “Visa-free access to all Schengen countries for 90 out of 180 days is extremely convenient. Our application is open to four generations, with the possibility of adding future spouses of children and grandchildren after residency is granted.”
Still, Portugal remains the top destination among Latitude’s American clients, accounting for 50% of applications. Though recent reforms have excluded real estate from eligibility, investors can now qualify via €500,000 contributions to regulated funds such as private equity or venture capital. “Portugal’s combination of lifestyle, healthcare, and accessible residency options like the D7 Visa makes it one of the most attractive Plan B destinations today,” Casaburi adds.
The Caribbean also draws interest for its efficiency and affordability. Programmes in Grenada and Antigua & Barbuda offer second passports in as little as six months through investments starting at $270,000.
Latitude has also reported a 500% spike in US applications for citizenship by descent since 2023, particularly in Italy, which accounts for 80% of these cases.
Across all programmes, roughly 80% of Latitude’s American clients say they do not intend to relocate immediately. “It’s about optionality,” says Major. “Whether it’s political uncertainty, civil rights concerns, or economic diversification, they want a fallback. They’re thinking globally, even if they plan to stay put for now.”
The motivations range from asset protection to personal freedom. “We’ve seen a more diverse client mix recently,” Major observes. “People are restructuring their lives—selling assets, buying property abroad, preparing for the unknown.”
For an increasing number of Americans, global mobility is no longer aspirational. It is prudent planning in a world that feels less predictable by the day.
