The Great American Exodus: Why Wealthy U.S. Investors Are Seeking Second Residencies Abroad

Published on October 29, 2026

For a growing number of wealthy Americans, the American Dream increasingly involves having a backup plan outside the United States. Driven by deepening political polarization, domestic safety concerns, and mounting economic pressures, high-net-worth individuals are looking beyond U.S. borders to secure second residencies or foreign citizenships at an unprecedented rate.

According to a recent report released by La Vida—a prominent golden visa and citizenship-by-investment advisory firm—an overwhelming 94.3 percent of U.S. investors are actively considering a second residency or citizenship amid escalating political concerns. The firm surveyed 70 affluent U.S. investors this month who were actively exploring residency changes. The demographic represented in the survey consisted primarily of millionaires, boasting an estimated average net worth of around $8 million.

The motivations driving these affluent individuals to look abroad are multifaceted, but political anxieties sit squarely at the center of the trend. Concerns regarding personal security and safety stemming from ongoing political strife have prompted many well-heeled Americans to reconsider their long-term futures in the country. One surveyed investor starkly summarized the sentiment, noting that the deterioration in the domestic social contract has become so severe that the United States is no longer viewed as a pleasant or stable place in which to reside.

Beyond immediate political anxieties, the concept of a "Plan B" is paramount for these high-net-worth families. The survey revealed that 84.3 percent of participating investors wanted a secure, readily available option should their households decide once and for all to make the permanent move abroad if conditions stateside continue to shift unfavorably. This figure marks a noticeable, albeit incremental, increase compared to the 76.4 percent of investors who reported seeking similar fallback options in 2025.

For many, the pursuit of a second residency is viewed as an insurance policy rather than an immediate exit strategy. As one respondent explained, capturing the duality of the mindset among wealthy migrants, if they are forced to move due to changing circumstances, they will go; however, if they do not have to move, they will gladly stay in the United States, where they genuinely enjoy their current way of life and high standard of living.

Economic factors are also heavily influencing the decisions of affluent Americans. Beyond the realm of politics, the rising cost of living in the United States was cited by 51.4 percent of survey respondents as a driving force behind their interest in second residencies. Meanwhile, 47.1 percent pointed to the complexities and soaring costs of the American healthcare system as a contributing factor.

Taxes, a perennial topic of discussion among the ultra-wealthy, were also cited by 22.4 percent of those surveyed as a motivating consideration. In the upper echelons of the affluent stratosphere, tax levies have transformed into a critical political battleground. This dynamic is especially visible in states like California, where upcoming elections have forced a spotlight on wealth taxation. Voters in the state have faced decisions regarding aggressive fiscal proposals, such as a contentious one-time 5 percent wealth tax targeting individuals with net worths exceeding $1 billion.

The looming threat of such heavy levies has triggered a domestic migration wave of its own, with many high-net-worth individuals fleeing the Golden State in favor of more tax-friendly U.S. locales, such as Miami. For those looking even further afield, however, domestic relocation is simply not enough, prompting them to explore international borders to safeguard their accumulated capital.

When considering where they would actually pack their bags and head to if they decided to leave the United States, one European nation dominated the preferences of survey respondents. An overwhelming 63.6 percent of the investors surveyed named Portugal among their top prospective destinations.

Portugal’s enduringly popular golden visa program has long served as a magnet for foreign investors. The program allows participants to gain European Union residency and travel freely across the various countries comprising the Schengen Area. Furthermore, successful applicants remain eligible to apply for full citizenship after maintaining their residency status for 10 years, making it an attractive long-term proposition for families seeking European integration.

While Portugal captured the lion’s share of interest, other global destinations also figured prominently in the survey results. Italy secured the number two spot, with 27.3 percent of respondents indicating they would consider relocating to the Mediterranean nation. Meanwhile, the Caribbean and Canada tied for third place, each capturing 24.2 percent of the responses from prospective expatriates looking for stable, appealing foreign environments.

The tangible reality of this global mobility trend is already playing out for many affluent families who have spent recent years laying the groundwork for their international transitions. Highlighting the decisive action being taken by some members of this demographic, one investor shared a glimpse into their personal migration timeline, noting that they have already secured Portuguese citizenship and are officially scheduled to move to France the following month.