A remarkable trend is emerging as more Americans, particularly those in finance and technology, express a keen interest in the Golden Visa Programs offered by various European countries. This surge in interest can largely be attributed to political uncertainties and the impending presidential elections in the United States.
Many affluent Americans are increasingly considering residency and citizenship options through investment schemes available in several EU nations, as highlighted by Monte OZ Travels.
These investment programs provide a pathway for wealthy individuals to gain residency and, eventually, citizenship by making significant financial contributions and fulfilling specific criteria.
A recent survey conducted by Arton Capital reveals that 53% of affluent U.S. citizens are contemplating leaving the country after the elections, regardless of the results. This sentiment is particularly strong among younger millionaires aged 18 to 29, with a striking 64% showing substantial interest in Golden Visa and Golden Passport initiatives.
Top European Golden Visa Programs Attracting Americans
As reported by News Week, the Golden Visa Programs in Portugal, Greece, Malta, and Spain continue to captivate U.S. nationals, despite some recent modifications to these programs.
Portugal and Spain have eliminated the real estate investment option from their Golden Visa Programs, while Greece has raised the minimum investment threshold for its real estate pathway.
Real estate experts in Portugal and Spain assert that removing the real estate investment route has not adversely impacted the appeal of their Golden Visa Programs. On the contrary, Juan Carlos Lois, an international mobility expert based in Spain, noted a significant increase in demand for Spain’s Golden Visa since the changes. In August alone, Spain witnessed a nearly threefold rise in applications compared to the same month last year.
Meanwhile, Gustavo Caiuby, managing partner at Heed Capital, shared insights with Correio Brasiliense, stating that despite the removal of the real estate option, interest in Portugal’s Golden Visa Program remains robust among Brazilians and North Americans alike.
“Many are eager to understand the changes surrounding Golden Visas and how they can still benefit from them in Portugal,” Caiuby remarked. He further noted that since the start of 2024, inquiries about Portugal’s Golden Visa have surged fourfold compared to the same time last year.
