In this era of political unrest and growing global uncertainty, many Americans are seeking a second passport as a safety measure against possible future instability. According to advice from firms like Latitude Group and Arton Capital, there has been significant growth in US citizens applying for second passports or long-term residency in other countries, often through investment schemes. The election of Donald Trump as US president appears to have spurred on this trend.
Arton has seen a 400 percent increase in its US clients from the first three months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. In the same vein, Latitude has reported a 1,000 percent rise in US applications for second citizenship or residency since 2020. Despite this trend, there are no official records of the number of Americans seeking second passports. Nonetheless, industry estimates reveal that out of about 10,000 global applications for second passports in recent years, approximately 4,000 were submitted by Americans. The proportion of US applicants has notably increased since the pandemic.
Previously, only billionaires and business owners typically sought second passports. However, this is now a growing trend among professionals and politically concerned citizens looking for a “Plan B” or an exit route if they find it harder to live in the US. Christopher Willis, managing partner at the Latitude Group, suggests that having a second passport, even without immediate need, can be a safety net.
These second passport schemes require a financial contribution, usually through real estate investment, donations to national development funds, or the purchase of government bonds. Investment requirements vary, ranging from as little as 10,000 euros ($10,700) to over one million euros ($1.2m). While some schemes offer the right to residency only, others lead to full citizenship. For instance, Portugal’s Golden Visa can lead to citizenship in five years with minimal residency requirements, while Malta and several Caribbean countries offer full citizenship within 16 months.
The range of people applying for second passports has broadened, including individuals from the LGBTQ community, major political donors, and those concerned about authoritarian trends in US governance. They worry about civil liberties, immigration protections, minority rights, and potential inclusion in political watchlists. Other reasons for seeking a second passport include rising natural disasters like California wildfires and mass shootings, as well as deepening political divides.
Some individuals view second citizenship as a financial decision, investing in real estate in countries like Grenada and Antigua and Barbuda which offer passports in as little as six months. The allure of global mobility is another factor, with clients often combining “bundle” residencies to ensure broader travel access. The US system of citizenship-based taxation is another consideration for some high-net-worth individuals, leading some to consider renouncing their US citizenship.
Applications for citizenship by descent, a more affordable path, have also surged significantly, particularly with Italian ancestry. These laws allow individuals to reclaim citizenship in countries where they have ancestral ties.
Experts predict the demand for second passports will continue to rise as Americans are making bold lifestyle decisions to secure a second citizenship, often with the intention of passing it down to future generations.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/3/31/why-are-so-many-americans-applying-for-second-passports?traffic_source=rss
