U.S. nationals have become the fastest‑growing segment in the global citizenship‑by‑investment (CBI) market, accounting for almost one‑third of all applications processed worldwide in the first quarter of 2026.
Rapid growth in U.S. demand
- A decade ago, Americans made up only about 5 % of applications handled by major investment‑migration firms.
- By 2025 that share had risen to nearly 40 %, a ≈2,400 % increase over ten years.
- In Q1 2026, U.S. applicants represented ≈33 % of all global CBI filings.
- Arton Capital reported a 400 % jump in U.S. client inquiries in the first three months of 2025 compared with the same period in 2024.
Key motivations
- Travel freedom is the top reason cited by respondents in a spring 2025 Harris Poll, with ≈50 % of all Americans—and ≈66 % of Gen Z and Millennials—expressing interest in dual citizenship.
- Secondary drivers include greater security and stability, health‑care access, and cost‑of‑living considerations.
- For high‑net‑worth individuals, the United States’ worldwide income tax regime makes a second passport an important tool for long‑term wealth planning; 53 % of American millionaires were actively exploring offshore options before the 2024 election.
- Younger Americans, many of whom began their careers during the pandemic, view residence and income as separable, making second citizenship a logical extension of remote‑work flexibility.
Popular programs and destinations
Caribbean (quick citizenship, no residency requirement)
| Country | Typical processing time | Visa‑free access | Notable feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antigua and Barbuda | 4–6 months | 140+ countries (incl. Schengen, UK) | U.S. applicants = 50 % of 2026 pool (up from 26 % in 2025) |
| St. Kitts and Nevis | 4–6 months | 140+ countries | |
| Dominica | 4–6 months | 140+ countries | |
| Grenada | 4–6 months | 140+ countries | E‑2 treaty allows Grenadian citizens to apply for U.S. business residency |
| Saint Lucia | 4–6 months | 140+ countries |
Europe (path to EU residency/citizenship)
- Portugal Golden Visa – offers residency leading to EU citizenship after a legal stay; attractive for its healthcare, education, and freedom of movement within the EU.
- Greece Golden Visa – similar residency route with lower investment thresholds; draws tech founders, physicians, retirees, and families seeking a European safety net.
- Both programs have seen a broadened applicant profile, moving beyond traditional investors to include professionals and families.
Broader implications
- Second citizenship is increasingly treated as a portfolio asset, diversified alongside investments, offshore trusts, and foreign property.
- The surge in demand among Americans—who hold the world’s most powerful passport—suggests a shift from viewing dual citizenship as a luxury to seeing it as a mainstream risk‑management tool.
- The trend reflects a combination of geopolitical uncertainty, tax considerations, and generational changes in attitudes toward mobility and residence.
Source article: www.artoncapital.com
