NEW YORK, USA – As the dust settles on the 2024 U.S. presidential election, a rising number of Americans are exploring pathways to live abroad, with a surge in interest in so-called golden visas.
These programs, which offer residency or citizenship in exchange for significant financial investments, are becoming particularly attractive to wealthy individuals seeking a safety net in an increasingly divided United States.
Golden Visas on the Rise
Investment migration consultancy Henley & Partners reported a dramatic 400% spike in inquiries from U.S. citizens during the week of the election compared to the prior week.
The surge reflects growing unease among Democratic voters facing the prospect of a second Trump presidency.
“The main focus for most Americans is just having the optionality… like an insurance policy,” said Dominic Volek, head of private clients at Henley & Partners.
Similarly, Arton Capital, another firm specialising in investment migration, reported a fivefold increase in inquiries the day after Trump’s victory.
CEO Armand Arton noted, “A very small percentage of these people are actually relocating, but they all want to have the option as a Plan B.”
Popular Destinations
Europe dominates the list of preferred destinations, with Portugal’s Golden Residence Permit Programme leading the way.
For a minimum investment of €250,000 ($265,000) in cultural or artistic initiatives, applicants can secure residency and eventually qualify for EU citizenship after five years.
Programmes in Greece, Spain, and Italy also remain popular, though they require a longer path to citizenship.
Ultra-wealthy Americans, including those with net worths exceeding $50 million, are targeting immediate citizenship options in Malta and Austria, albeit at a steeper cost.
Malta requires a minimum government contribution of €600,000 ($636,000), alongside real estate purchases and charitable donations.
Austria demands investments starting at €3.5 million ($3.7 million) in local businesses.
David Lesperance, an immigration and tax advisor, described the influx of interest as unprecedented.
“In the last two weeks, I have been averaging three to four American clients per day who have actually spent money on a paid consultation,” he said.
Broader Interest Beyond the Wealthy
Golden visas, which are out of reach for many Americans, represent only part of the story.
Social media platforms are awash with discussions about emigrating, with posts and videos offering guidance to those contemplating the move.
On Reddit, a thread titled “Emigrating after the US election results” garnered over 1,300 comments in under two weeks.
A YouTube video, “Countries for Americans Who Want to Leave the US,” attracted more than 500,000 views and 4,000 comments since it was posted just weeks ago.
Fears of social and political instability are particularly driving marginalised communities to consider leaving.
Flannery Foster, an American living in Spain who assists others in relocating, noted a spike in inquiries from LGBTQ+ individuals, parents of transgender children, women, and people of colour.
“These people are not your golden visa people,” said Foster. “I’ve been talking to people whose lives and livelihoods are at risk.”
Maintaining Ties to the U.S.
Many individuals seeking to relocate are not looking to relinquish their U.S. citizenship.
“There is a sense that, ‘I’m leaving because I have to, but I want to make sure that my vote still counts,’” Foster added.
This growing interest in expatriation underscores a widening divide in American society, with many prioritising personal safety and political stability abroad.
