Research from GetGoldenVisa confirms what many advisers have observed: LGBTQ+ American nationals are pursuing residency by investment at an accelerating pace in 2026, with motivations that extend well beyond the financial.
Some Key Points:
- LGBTQ+ Americans are framing second residency as legal and lifestyle protection
- Which programmes are attracting the most interest in 2026
- Key considerations when selecting a jurisdiction
A Shift in Motivation, Not Just Demand
The data points to a notable shift in how LGBTQ+ Americans are approaching residency planning.
Where previous cohorts were largely motivated by tax efficiency or lifestyle preferences, the 2026 enquiry base is more explicitly focused on legal protection and personal security.
Domestic legislative headwinds in the United States are driving clients towards jurisdictions that offer enforceable legal protections and established international communities. Portugal, Greece and select Caribbean programmes feature prominently, each offering distinct advantages in terms of legal framework, community infrastructure and processing timelines.
What This Means for Advisory Strategy
For wealth advisers, this cohort represents a client segment that requires both discretion and depth of programme knowledge.
Standard residency presentations focused primarily on investment thresholds and tax treatment are insufficient here.
Clients are evaluating jurisdictions on the full spectrum of lived experience, from partnership recognition to healthcare quality to community visibility. Marlow Bray's expertise across European and Caribbean residency by investment programmes positions the firm to serve clients who need rigour and confidentiality in equal measure.
If you are exploring options for yourself or advising clients in this position, a confidential conversation with the Marlow Bray team is the natural first step.
