‘Golden Visas’ allow individuals to live, work, and study in a country in exchange for a significant investment in that nation's economy. Many of these programs may also provide a pathway to citizenship after a certain period of residency. Still somewhat controversial, options exist for expats, business professionals, and retirees to gain legal residency in another country — for the right price.
Between 2019 and 2024, the number of Americans seeking a second passport or alternative residence abroad surged by more than 1,000%, according to Henley & Partners, a global citizenship and residence advisory firm based in London. Demand has continued to accelerate strongly through 2025 and into 2026.