Wealthy Californians Turn to Golden Visa Programs for Global Mobility
Affluent residents of California are increasingly buying citizenship-by-investment schemes in countries such as Portugal, Malta and New Zealand as a hedge against U.S. political uncertainty.
Citizenship-by-investment advisers report a surge in applications from wealthy Californians seeking second passports through programs in Portugal, Malta and New Zealand. These schemes require multimillion-dollar investments in real estate or funds and offer residency that can later lead to citizenship, allowing families to study in Europe and travel more freely. Firms such as Henley & Partners, Latitude and La Vida Golden Visas note that clients view the additional residency as an insurance policy against potential upheavals in the United States.
While most applicants do not intend to move permanently, they appreciate the flexibility of not having to reside full-time in the host country. High-profile examples include a San Francisco family preparing paperwork for Portuguese residency and a San Diego lawyer pursuing a similar path for his children. The market’s growth reflects broader concerns across the political spectrum about the country’s future direction.
Why it matters
The move shows how political uncertainty can drive wealthy Americans to seek legal footholds abroad.
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