A growing number of Americans, particularly finance professionals and tech entrepreneurs, are increasingly exploring European Golden Visa Programs, which offer residency and citizenship in exchange for financial investments. This trend has been fueled by political instability and the uncertainty surrounding the upcoming U.S. presidential election, according to Schengen.News.
These programs, offered by several European Union countries, allow wealthy foreigners to obtain residency and citizenship by making significant investments and fulfilling certain requirements. A recent survey by Arton Capital reveals that 53% of affluent Americans are considering leaving the U.S. after the election, regardless of the outcome.
The survey highlights that interest in Golden Visa programs is particularly high among younger millionaires. In fact, 64% of individuals aged 18 to 29 express strong interest in obtaining residency or citizenship through such investment schemes.
Top European Golden Visa Programs for Americans
Portugal, Greece, Malta, and Spain are the most sought-after destinations for U.S. nationals looking into Golden Visa programs, despite recent changes to these schemes.
In Portugal and Spain, real estate investment options have been removed from their Golden Visa programs. However, experts in both countries report that these changes have not significantly impacted interest. In Spain, the cancellation of real estate investments has even led to a surge in applications, with requests nearly tripling in August 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, according to Juan Carlos Lois, an international mobility specialist in Spain.
Similarly, in Portugal, the removal of the real estate investment route has not deterred interest. Gustavo Caiuby, managing partner of Heed Capital, noted that interest in Portugal’s Golden Visa Program has increased fourfold in early 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. Caiuby added that both Brazilians and North Americans continue to show strong interest in the program, with many still seeking clarity on how to navigate the changes.
Despite the adjustments to these programs, the demand for Golden Visa opportunities remains strong as Americans look for more stable and favorable environments in Europe amid growing concerns back home.
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