In a time of political unrest and global uncertainty, more Americans are looking into getting second passports. This trend is seen as a safety measure against potential instability in the future. According to firms that specialize in citizenship and residency, like Latitude Group and Arton Capital, there has been a significant increase in demand from U.S. citizens for second passports or long-term residency in other countries. This surge seems to have accelerated after Donald Trump became president again in 2025.
Arton Capital reported a staggering 400 percent rise in American clients seeking second passports in just the first three months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. Latitude Group noted a 1,000 percent increase in U.S. applications for second citizenship or residency since 2020, coinciding with the peak of COVID-19 travel restrictions. While there are no official figures on how many Americans are pursuing second passports, industry estimates suggest that about 4,000 of the roughly 10,000 global applications in recent years have come from the U.S.
What was once mainly for wealthy individuals is now attracting a wider range of people, including professionals and those worried about the political climate. Christopher Willis from Latitude Group emphasized the importance of having a second passport, saying, “It’s better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.”
Many Americans are turning to “golden visa” or “citizenship-by-investment” programs, which allow individuals to gain residency or citizenship through financial contributions, often in real estate or government bonds. The investment amounts can vary widely, from around 10,000 euros to over one million euros. For example, Portugal’s Golden Visa offers a pathway to citizenship after five years with minimal residency requirements, while some Caribbean nations provide full citizenship in as little as 16 months.
Currently, 50 percent of Latitude’s U.S. clients prefer Portugal’s Golden Visa, followed by Malta and Caribbean countries. Interestingly, about 80 percent of these clients have no immediate plans to move; they just want the option available.
The types of people applying for second passports are also changing. David Lesperance, an immigration adviser, noted that his clients now include a diverse group, from LGBTQ individuals to political donors, reflecting concerns about the current U.S. administration. Many feel anxious about potential political repercussions and civil liberties under Trump’s leadership, particularly after controversial executive orders targeting minority rights.
In addition to political concerns, many Americans are motivated by financial reasons. Some see investing in foreign real estate for a second passport as a better option than buying a vacation home in the U.S. Furthermore, the U.S. tax system, which taxes citizens on their worldwide income, is pushing some high-net-worth individuals to consider renouncing their citizenship altogether.
There’s also a notable increase in Americans applying for citizenship by descent. Applications for this more affordable option have surged by 500 percent since 2023, with many targeting Italian ancestry. This pathway allows individuals to reclaim citizenship based on their family history, often without the need for financial investment.
Experts believe that the demand for second passports is likely to continue growing. Many Americans are making bold financial and lifestyle decisions to secure a second citizenship, thinking not just for themselves but also for future generations. As Basil Mohr-Elzeki from Henley and Partners noted, obtaining citizenship often allows for it to be passed down to children and grandchildren, creating a safety net for the family as a whole.