It is not making front-page headlines, nor is it being publicly proclaimed, yet across the Caribbean and beyond, a rising number of affluent Americans are discreetly securing foreign citizenships through financial investment. These so-called “golden visa” schemes, which grant residency or full citizenship in exchange for capital outlay, have become an appealing contingency for those wealthy enough to afford such an option.
The principle itself is not new. Countries such as Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, and Saint Kitts and Nevis have, for some time, provided pathways to citizenship for foreign nationals willing to invest in government funds or approved property developments. What has changed, however, is the marked increase in interest from United States citizens—individuals who, until recently, appeared not to consider such a plan necessary.
Since 2020, several Caribbean nations have recorded unprecedented levels of applications from Americans. Real estate professionals in the region have also observed a notable change. One agent in Antigua remarked that whereas buyers previously sought holiday homes, they are now overwhelmingly inquiring about citizenship linked to their property purchase.
Beneath the surface of picturesque villas and tropical lifestyles lies a deeper motivation: uncertainty. The political climate in the United States has become increasingly polarized. Economic anxieties persist, compounded by wider geopolitical instability, the prospect of future tax reforms, and memories of stringent pandemic-era travel restrictions. For the wealthy, acquiring a second passport represents not an escape, but a safeguard—an alternative if circumstances worsen.
The Caribbean is not the only region attracting such attention. New Zealand has experienced a significant rise in investor visa applications following amendments to its requirements earlier this year. Interestingly, Americans have made up about half of those new candidates. The message is unmistakable: many people are looking for long-term, secure environments that are far from unstable political or economic situations.
For most, this is not about emigrating immediately. Rather, it is about preparation. Much like an insurance policy, it may never be needed—but it is comforting to possess. A second citizenship offers increased mobility, possible tax efficiencies, and the flexibility to relocate swiftly, should the need arise.
That said, these golden visa schemes are not without their detractors. Several European nations have begun to reassess their stance. Spain, for example, has entirely abolished its golden visa program, citing its impact on housing affordability and community cohesion. Portugal has introduced reforms of its own, removing real estate investment as a qualifying category for residency.
Even in the Caribbean, there is growing skepticism. Although such programs provide a lot of national income—frequently, in a few cases, a large share of GDP—they have been attracting global scrutiny. Critics have voiced concerns about the inadequacy of the screening process, citing instances involving individuals from criminal groups or politically sensitive backgrounds. Such scrutiny has prompted both the European Union and the United States to urge stricter oversight, in some instances threatening to revoke visa-free travel agreements.
Despite such concerns, demand appears to be holding firm. For those with the means, the process remains relatively simple: make the investment, complete the paperwork, and, within a few months, a second passport is issued.
The low-profile nature of these actions says a great deal about their purpose. No grand declarations are made. There are no celebratory posts online. Instead, documents are signed, applications are submitted, and another individual quietly joins the ranks of dual nationals. Such an action is not an act of fleeing—it is one of foresight.
Whether this trend accelerates or gradually declines, it represents a broader shift in how the global elite perceive security. It is no longer limited to wealth management; it now includes freedom of movement, contingency planning, and access to alternatives. For many, a second passport is no longer a luxury. It is peace of mind.
