Published on October 29, 2026
Wealthy Americans are increasingly looking to put down roots outside the United States, driven largely by mounting political concerns, safety apprehensions, and a shifting domestic landscape. According to a recent report by La Vida, a prominent golden visa and citizenship-by-investment firm that advises high-net-worth clients on global migration, a staggering 94.3 percent of U.S. investors are actively considering a second residency or citizenship.
The firm surveyed 70 well-heeled U.S. investors this month who were actively exploring residency changes. The majority of the respondents are millionaires with an estimated average net worth of around $8 million. These affluent individuals point to a growing sense of unease regarding security and safety, which they link directly to ongoing political strife. For many, the decision to look beyond American borders is not merely about lifestyle preferences, but a fundamental reassessment of their long-term environment.
"The deterioration in the ‘social contract’ has become so severe that the USA is no longer a pleasant place in which to reside," one investor noted in the survey.
Beyond immediate safety concerns, the data reveals a strong desire for a precautionary measure. A remarkable 84.3 percent of the investors surveyed stated they wanted a "Plan B"—an option that would give their families the ability to make the move abroad with ease should circumstances stateside change permanently. This figure marks a slight increase from the 76.4 percent who expressed similar sentiments in 2025, underscoring a steady upward trend in the demand for alternative residencies among the nation’s wealthiest demographic.
For many, the philosophy behind acquiring a second residency is rooted in preparedness rather than immediate displacement. As one respondent explained, "If I have to move I will. If I don’t have to move, I’ll gladly stay in USA where I really enjoy my way of life."
While political instability and social friction are primary catalysts, economic factors also play a significant role in motivating high-net-worth Americans to look abroad. Other reasons cited for pursuing a potential second residency include the escalating cost of living in the United States, noted by 51.4 percent of respondents, and concerns over healthcare, highlighted by 47.1 percent.
Taxes were also a notable consideration, with 22.4 percent of those surveyed stating that fiscal pressures influenced their exploration of a second residency. Tax policy has emerged as a particularly critical battleground in the affluent stratosphere, most notably highlighted by recent political debates in states like California. There, voters have faced decisions regarding aggressive fiscal measures, such as a proposed one-time five percent wealth tax targeting individuals with a net worth exceeding $1 billion. In response to these looming levies, a significant number of affluent residents have already chosen to relocate from the Golden State to other domestic havens, such as Miami, while others are casting their gaze across international waters.
When considering where they might actually settle if they decide to leave the United States, respondents overwhelmingly pointed toward a single European favorite. A dominant 63.6 percent of the investors named Portugal as one of their top picks for relocation. The nation’s renowned golden visa program remains a powerful draw, allowing participants to gain European Union residency and travel freely throughout the various countries of the Schengen Area, with eventual eligibility to apply for citizenship after ten years.
Portugal’s appeal, however, exists within a broader European and global context of soaring demand. Across the continent, real estate markets have felt the pressure of international wealth; for instance, between 2014 and 2024, house prices in Lisbon surged by 176 percent, and by more than 200 percent in its central historic districts. Driven by high demand and constrained housing supply, home price-to-income ratios have climbed, placing Lisbon at the top of Europe’s housing unaffordability rankings. Despite these economic realities, the allure of European residency continues to captivate affluent Americans seeking stability and mobility.
Following Portugal in the La Vida survey, Italy secured the second-spot position, with 27.3 percent of respondents indicating they would consider moving to the Mediterranean nation. Meanwhile, the Caribbean and Canada tied for third place, each capturing 24.2 percent of the preferences among the surveyed investors.
For some members of this affluent cohort, the transition is already underway. Capturing the determination of many within this shifting demographic, one respondent shared, "I have already gotten my Portuguese citizenship in place and am moving to France next month."
