Politics, Cost of Living, and Healthcare Top US Investor Concerns in 2026

Political concerns are driving 94.3% of US investors considering a second residency or citizenship, according to La Vida’s 2026 US investor survey.

The findings reflect what our advisers hear from American clients every week. Interest in a second residency is now about security, stability and keeping their options open.

La Vida surveyed US citizens and residents between 8 and 18 October 2026 to find what is driving their interest in Golden Visa and Citizenship by Investment programs.

Who Took Part

La Vida invited investors from its database to take part in the survey. Every invitee has proactively enquired with La Vida about residency or citizenship by investment, so the results reflect people actively exploring their options rather than a random sample.

Of those who responded, 97% hold US citizenship and 94% live in the US. California, Florida and Texas were the most common home states.

90% of respondents reported a net worth above $1 million, and a third reported more than $5 million.

Politics Tops List of Concerns

Political concerns led by a wide margin at 94.3%, ahead of cost of living at 51.4% and healthcare at 47.1%.

Crime and security concerned 25.7% of respondents, down from 33.3% in La Vida’s 2025 US survey. Taxation concerned 22.9% and education 11.4%.

Immigration concerned 32.6% of respondents, healthcare 21.7% and education 10.9%.

Political concern crossed party lines. Every Democratic voter in the survey cited it, along with 91% of Republican voters.

“The deterioration in the ‘social contract’ has become so severe that the USA is no longer a pleasant place in which to reside,” said one respondent.

“An awful political environment is the main reason by far,” said another.

What is clear from the survey is an overwhelming sense of polarisation, despite many respondents on both sides of the political spectrum thinking much the same way when it comes to a Plan B. This suggests it’s perhaps the polarisation itself that is making people uncomfortable.

Whichever way they vote, the American clients we speak to describe the same feeling. They want stability for their families, and a second residency gives them a measure of control over what happens next.

How US Investors Compare With the UK

US and UK investors are looking abroad for very different reasons. Tax drives the British market, while politics, healthcare and cost of living drive the American one.

The gap on tax has a simple explanation. The US taxes its citizens on worldwide income wherever they live, so moving abroad rarely changes an American’s tax bill on its own. For US investors, a second residency is about lifestyle and security rather than tax, and the right structure still benefits from tailored advice.

Healthcare and Cost of Living Push Americans Abroad

Almost half of respondents (47.1%) cited healthcare as a concern, more than double the share of UK investors in La Vida’s 2026 UK survey.

“Cost of living is much higher here than in Europe. Housing, food, and household items are much more expensive here compared to Europe,” said one respondent.

“Quality of life in Greece is much higher than in the US,” said another.

We hear this often from American families. Many arrive focused on politics and quickly find that Europe offers a lower cost of living, high-quality healthcare and a pace of life they’ve been missing.

Plan B Is the Top Goal

A Plan B or backup option was the most common goal by far, named by 84.3% of respondents.

Relocation followed at 38.6%, ahead of visa-free travel at 35.7% and increased business opportunities at 12.9%. Only 11.4% named tax reduction as a goal.

“If I have to move I will. If I don’t have to move I’ll gladly stay in USA where I really enjoy my way of life,” said one respondent.

That sums up what most of our American clients tell us. They aren’t planning to leave tomorrow. They want the option secured so their family has choices if circumstances change, and many residency programs require little time in the country, which makes them a practical insurance policy rather than a commitment to move.

Portugal Tops List of Destinations

Portugal was the clear favourite, with 63.6% of respondents naming it among their top choices.

Italy came second at 27.3%, followed by the Caribbean Citizenship by Investment programs and Canada, tied at 24.2%, and Greece at 21.2%.

“I have already gotten my Portuguese citizenship in place and am moving to France next month,” said one respondent.

Portugal’s appeal for Americans is easy to see. Its Golden Visa offers EU residency and travel across the Schengen Area with a stay of just seven days a year, and it’s possible to apply for citizenship after 10 years. For families who want a second passport sooner, the Caribbean Citizenship by Investment programs offer one of the fastest routes available.

Mid-Term Voting Intentions

63.2% of respondents said they plan to vote Democratic in the upcoming mid-term elections, ahead of Republican at 16.2% and Independent at 10.3%.

A further 8.8% were undecided, and 4.4% said they do not plan to vote.

Whichever party wins in November, the investors we speak to want the same thing, which is certainty for their families and their wealth.

Planning a Second Residency From the US

This year’s results show that American investors are not acting out of panic. They are planning carefully. Politics is the starting point, but the real motivation is security: a home in a stable country, better access to healthcare and the reassurance of knowing their family has options.

If you are weighing up a second residency or citizenship, whether as a Plan B or a future move, you are in good company.

Golden Visa and Citizenship by Investment programs in Portugal, Greece, the Caribbean and beyond offer American families a range of options, each with its own requirements and timelines.

Our advisers are always happy to talk through what might suit your circumstances, with no obligation.