Robb Report: 94.3% Of US Investors Eye Second Residency

Over nine in ten wealthy US investors are considering a second residency or citizenship, according to La Vida’s 2026 US Investment Migration Survey.

Robb Report, the US luxury lifestyle magazine, covered the findings this week, highlighting the 94.3% of respondents looking at a second residency or citizenship with Portugal named as their first-choice destination.

What Our 2026 US Investment Migration Survey Found

We surveyed 70 US investors in October 2026, all of them actively looking into a change of residency. Most are millionaires, with an estimated average net worth of around $8 million.

A Plan B remains the main goal for US families. 84.3% of respondents said they want a back-up option in place, up from 76.4% in our 2025 survey. One investor summed up the mood by saying they would gladly stay in the US if they could, but would move if they had to.

That matches what our advisers hear from US clients every week. Most aren’t planning to leave tomorrow. They want a second residency secured so the option is there if their circumstances change.

Cost of living was cited by 51.4% of respondents, followed by healthcare at 47.1% and taxation at 22.4%.

US Demand At Record Levels

The survey adds to the picture from our Golden Visa Index, which shows global search demand for golden visas and citizenship by investment has grown more than sevenfold since 2016.

US enquiries to La Vida now sit at the highest level in our history, and political concerns continue to be one of the biggest reasons American families start the conversation with our team.

Portugal Remains The Top Choice For US Investors

Portugal was named among the top destinations by 63.6% of respondents, well ahead of any other country.

The Portugal Golden Visa gives investors EU residency and visa-free travel across the Schengen Area in exchange for a €500,000 subscription into a qualifying fund. The stay requirement is an average of just seven days a year, permanent residence is available after five years and it is possible to apply for citizenship after ten years.

La Vida has worked with the Portugal Golden Visa since the program launched, and we know first-hand how popular it remains with American families looking for a European base.

Italy, The Caribbean, And Other Destinations

Italy took second place with 27.3% of respondents, while the Caribbean and Canada tied for third at 24.2%.

For US investors interested in the Caribbean, the citizenship by investment programs in Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda, St Lucia, St Kitts and Nevis and Dominica offer a second citizenship and passport in a matter of months. Grenada also holds an E-2 treaty with the US, giving its citizens a route to apply for a US investor visa.

Investors looking for other European options can also consider the Greek Golden Visa, which starts at €250,000 for qualifying commercial-to-residential conversion and restoration projects, or the Malta Permanent Residence Program. Panama’s Qualified Investor Program offers a Latin American base through a $300,000 investment in real estate.

Speak To Our Advisers

More than nine in ten wealthy US investors are considering a second residency, a growing majority want a Plan B in place, and Portugal remains the destination of choice.

Whether your priority is EU residency through Portugal, Greece or Malta, a Caribbean citizenship through Grenada, Antigua, St Lucia, St Kitts or Dominica, or a base in Panama, our expert advisers can compare the programs that suit your family. Get in touch with La Vida today.

You can read the full Robb Report article here.