2025 Dual Citizenship Hotspots: Where Americans Are Moving Next

The Explosive Growth of American Dual Citizenship Seekers

Something extraordinary is happening in the world of dual citizenship. Henley & Partners, a company that helps international clients obtain residence and citizenship in other countries, reported a 183 percent increase in interest from U.S.

nationals trying to get dual citizenship between the first quarter of 2024 and the first quarter of 2025. Even more telling is the fact that the company reported a 39 percent increase between the last quarter of 2024 and the first quarter of 2025 alone, demonstrating that interest in dual citizenship grew in the wake of Trump's election and his return to the White House.

This isn't just about wealthy Americans exploring their options—it's about ordinary people searching for backup plans in an increasingly uncertain world.

Portugal: The European Dream Made Affordable

The most popular countries for Americans seeking dual citizenship include Portugal, Ireland, and Italy due to their ancestry programs and favorable investment opportunities. Portugal stands out as particularly attractive because in 2025, its passport improved to 3rd place in many global indices, granting hassle-free or visa-on-arrival entry to approximately 178 to 179 countries.

The country's Golden Visa program allows Americans to get residency through investment, and after five years from the submission of a residence permit application, citizenship becomes an option. What makes Portugal even more appealing is that in 2024, it ranked 7th in the Global Peace Index, remaining among Europe's safest and most socially stable nations.

Ireland: The Ancestry Goldmine for American Roots

Ireland represents one of the most accessible paths to dual citizenship for millions of Americans. Reports indicate that approximately 10% of Americans can trace their ancestry back to Ireland, making this option widely accessible.

The process is remarkably straightforward—if you have at least one Irish grandparent, you may be eligible for Irish citizenship. This not only offers an opportunity to connect with familial roots but also to work and live anywhere within the EU.

For many Americans, this route costs less than a Caribbean investment program while providing access to 27 EU countries.

Italy: Unlimited Generational Connections

Italy offers one of the most generous ancestry programs in the world. There is no generational limit, meaning that the line of descent can go even beyond great-grandparents.

More than 17 million Americans identify as being of Italian descent, according to the latest US census. The key requirement is that the Italian ancestor must have been born in Italy after March 17, 1861.

While the processing time ranges between one and two years due to thorough documentation checks, the payoff is substantial—full EU citizenship with unlimited travel and work rights.

Malta: The Fast-Track European Option for Investors

For Americans with substantial financial resources, Malta offers the fastest path to EU citizenship. A €600,000 investment in Malta's economy allows for citizenship eligibility after a three‑year residency period.

Increasing the investment to €750,000 shortens this requirement to just one year. As a member of the EU, it provides an advantageous position for visa-free travel to over 180 countries.

The program requires minimal physical presence, making it perfect for Americans who want to maintain their U.S. lifestyle while securing European citizenship.

Caribbean Nations: The Express Lane to Citizenship

Caribbean countries dominate the fast-track citizenship market. The easiest countries to get dual citizenship are states like Turkey, Vanuatu, Grenada, and Dominica.

They offer citizenship by investment that can be obtained in 1—10 months. Grenada's Citizenship by Investment program offers investors a route through contributions starting at $150,000 or investment in approved real estate.

Grenadian citizens benefit from visa-free travel to over 140 countries and are eligible for the U.S. E-2 Investor Visa, making it a strategic choice.

The E-2 visa connection is particularly valuable for American entrepreneurs looking to maintain business ties.

Canada: The Neighborly Choice with Shared Values

Canada remains a top choice for Americans seeking dual citizenship, though it requires more patience than investment programs. Americans can have dual nationality with 63 countries, such as the UK, Australia, and Canada.

The shared border, similar legal systems, and cultural compatibility make Canada particularly attractive. Countries like Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, Philippines, and Germany also permit dual citizenship with the US.

Many Americans are drawn to Canada's universal healthcare system and generally lower crime rates compared to the United States.

Australia: The Southern Hemisphere Sanctuary

Australia offers multiple pathways to citizenship, though it's becoming increasingly selective. Australia appeals particularly to wealthier individuals via its Global Talent Independent Program.

General skilled migration pathways are also available, leading to permanent residency and potential citizenship. The country's stable political system, excellent healthcare, and high quality of life make it attractive despite the lengthy naturalization process.

Australia's geographic isolation also provides a sense of security for Americans concerned about global conflicts.

Mexico: The Affordable Neighbor with Growing Appeal

Mexico is experiencing a surge in American interest, particularly among retirees and remote workers. With over 30 million Americans of Mexican descent, many qualify.

The procedure for obtaining a Mexican passport takes between 5 and 12 months. The country offers an incredibly affordable cost of living compared to the United States, and Mexico offers affordable living and long-term residency pathways.

The proximity to the U.S. makes it easy for Americans to maintain connections while enjoying a dramatically different lifestyle.

The New American Dream: Multiple Citizenship Options

What's driving this unprecedented interest in dual citizenship? Today, Americans see dual citizenship as a pathway to enhanced global mobility and an exit strategy, a kind of insurance against political instability.

A recent survey conducted by Harris Poll found that four in ten U.S. adults (42 percent) have considered or plan to relocate outside the country to improve their quality of life or financial position.

Among Gen Zers, this number went up to 63 percent, while 52 percent of millennials were considering moving abroad. The data shows this isn't just wealthy elites—it's becoming a mainstream American consideration across age groups and economic levels.

The Strategic Advantages Driving the Trend

Americans are discovering that dual citizenship offers practical benefits beyond just a "backup plan." The United States ranks 132nd out of 163 countries in the 2024 Global Peace Ranking. Moving to a safer country of second citizenship, such as Portugal or Ireland, may increase personal security.

Both countries rank in the top 10 safest nations, have low crime rates, and offer political stability. Additionally, many Caribbean countries have no capital gains or inheritance taxes, and some, like St Kitts and Nevis and Antigua and Barbuda, do not levy personal income tax.

Paraguay offers a low income tax of 8 to 10%, compared to the US rate of up to 37%. These financial advantages, combined with enhanced travel freedom and safety, make dual citizenship increasingly attractive.

Did you expect dual citizenship to become this popular among regular Americans, or did you think it was just for the ultra-wealthy?

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