Published on October 29, 2026
For a growing number of affluent Americans, the idea of putting down roots outside the United States has transitioned from a casual daydream into an active strategy. According to a recent report released by La Vida, a prominent golden visa and citizenship-by-investment advisory firm, an overwhelming 94.3 percent of wealthy U.S. investors are currently considering securing a second residency or alternative citizenship amid escalating political concerns.
The firm surveyed 70 high-net-worth U.S. investors this month who were actively exploring residency changes. The demographic skew of the survey highlights the sheer economic weight of the trend, with the majority of respondents being millionaires boasting an estimated average net worth of roughly $8 million. Rather than acting on a whim, these individuals are engaging in calculated mobility, prompted by a profound shift in how they view the domestic landscape.
Chief among their concerns is safety and security, closely tied to a perceived rise in political strife. The polarization and social friction defining the modern American political climate have taken a heavy toll on the confidence of the nation’s wealthiest citizens. As one survey respondent bluntly noted, the deterioration in the domestic social contract has become so severe that the United States is no longer considered a pleasant place in which to reside.
This anxiety has fueled a massive surge in demand for an insurance policy of sorts. The survey revealed that 84.3 percent of the participating investors are primarily motivated by the desire to secure a "Plan B"—a viable, frictionless option that would allow them and their families to make the permanent move abroad should circumstances stateside take a turn for the worse. This figure represents a noticeable upward tick compared to the 76.4 percent who expressed similar sentiments in 2025.
Even for those who hope never to pack their bags permanently, the insurance value of a second residency is paramount. As another respondent summarized, the prevailing philosophy among many of these affluent individuals is that if they have to move, they will, but if they do not have to, they will gladly stay in the United States where they genuinely enjoy their daily way of life.
Political instability is far from the only catalyst pushing high-net-worth individuals to look across international borders. The survey highlighted a constellation of domestic pressures compounding their frustrations. Nearly half of the respondents—51.4 percent—pointed to the increasingly burdensome cost of living in the United States as a primary motivator for exploring foreign residency. Meanwhile, 47.1 percent cited healthcare concerns as a contributing factor.
Taxation also emerged as a significant grievance, with 22.4 percent of those surveyed noting that fiscal policies and looming levies were pushing them to look outward. While federal and state tax debates are a perpetual fixture of American politics, the friction has reached an absolute fever pitch in certain locales. In the stratosphere of extreme wealth, tax policy has become a central battleground.
This tension is acutely visible in states like California, where the upcoming November election has local billionaires weighing their options. Voters in the Golden State are deciding whether a contentious one-time five percent wealth tax on individuals with a net worth exceeding $1 billion should be codified into law. The looming threat of this historic levy has already triggered a domestic exodus, with numerous high-net-worth residents fleeing California for more tax-friendly U.S. havens like Miami. However, for an expanding subset of these affluent Americans, moving across state lines is no longer enough; they are setting their sights entirely outside the nation’s borders.
When it comes to choosing where to establish their fallback options, one European nation stands head and shoulders above the rest. Portugal dominated the survey responses, with 63.6 percent of the investors naming the Iberian country as their top pick for relocation.
Portugal’s enduring appeal largely stems from its highly sought-after golden visa program. The initiative allows successful applicants to secure European Union residency, granting them the freedom to travel seamlessly across the various countries comprising the Schengen Area. Furthermore, the program offers a clear pathway for participants to apply for full citizenship after maintaining residency for ten years, making it an extraordinarily attractive proposition for Americans looking to anchor themselves in Europe.
While Portugal captured the lion’s share of the interest, other destinations also captured significant attention from the wealthy cohort. Italy claimed the number two position in the rankings, with 27.3 percent of respondents indicating they would choose the Mediterranean nation as their adoptive home. Following close behind, the Caribbean and Canada tied for third place, each capturing 24.2 percent of the preferences expressed in the survey.
The pragmatic, forward-thinking approach of these investors is underscored by the actions many are already taking. Some have moved past the exploratory phase and are actively executing their international relocation strategies. As one respondent shared, reflecting the decisive mood of the group, they have already successfully secured their Portuguese citizenship and are preparing to complete their move to France.
