Dear reader,
Once seen as the world’s golden ticket, the American passport isn’t as powerful as it used to be. With fewer visa-free destinations and rising global competition, more US citizens are exploring dual nationality to widen their options, according to immigration experts.
The US fell out of the top 10 rankings for the most powerful passports for the first time in 20 years as political polarisation, tax and social unrest increase under President Donald Trump, the latest Henley Passport Index found. Ranked first in 2014, the US is now tied in 12th place with Malaysia.
Companies are also reporting dramatic shifts in immigration patterns from the Middle East to the US since the H1-B visa fee was hiked to $100,000.
Most Americans are turning to Caribbean countries such as Saint Kitts & Nevis or Dominica, where the process is fast and investment requirements are lower than in Europe.
At citizenship advisory firms like Henley & Partners, the waiting list for citizenship-by-investment consultations is now long. Consultants say most of their new customers are now American.
There is also rising interest in second passports from the UK, owing to a decline in quality of life as high taxation takes hold.
Turkey has emerged as an increasingly attractive destination, offering a second passport to Middle Eastern and Asian investors, experts said. In Europe, Portugal and Greece continue to dominate the list, attracting people seeking EU mobility, lifestyle and long-term settlement options.
Are you thinking of getting a second passport and which destinations are on your radar? Drop us an email at pf@thenationalnews.com
Have a great day!
More Americans pursue second citizenship as US passport slips in global ranking
A rising number of US and UK citizens are seeking to escape the high taxes and political, social and economic uncertainty in their home countries, immigration specialists say. They are taking advantage of citizenship-by-investment and residency-by-investment programmes, which are currently attracting high interest.
Recessionary pressures and tariff wars have led to rising demand for such schemes, as the affluent seek a plan B for global mobility, minimising risk and access to favourable tax regimes.
Residence and citizenship advisory firm Henley & Partners has recorded significant growth in applications from US citizens over the past two years. Applications grew by 60 per cent in 2024 and have already exceeded last year’s total by 55 per cent year to date.
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