Some Trending Facts About Secondary Citizenship or Residency by Investment
In a world that feels more unpredictable by the minute, secondary citizenship and residency by investment (RBI) are no longer niche ideas reserved for the ultra-wealthy. They’ve become mainstream strategies for security, stability, and smart global living. Let’s dive into some of the hottest trends shaping this fast-evolving landscape in 2025.
Surge in Demand, Especially Among Americans
Since 2020, applications for second passports among Americans have skyrocketed by up to 1,000%, and early 2025 is showing another staggering 400% surge. It’s not just wanderlust fueling this frenzy. Political turbulence, economic unease, and a growing sense of insecurity under the current U.S. administration are pushing citizens to explore new global homes. More Americans than ever are realizing that a second passport isn’t just a luxury — it’s an essential back-up plan.
The demand signals a powerful shift: people are no longer passively hoping for stability.
They are actively engineering it, often with impressive speed and decisiveness. Secondary citizenship is becoming as common a topic at dinner parties as Bitcoin once was.
Motivations Beyond Travel
Gone are the days when second citizenship was simply a ticket to easier border crossings.
Today’s investors are looking for much more — economic resilience, tax optimization, family security, and a geopolitical safety net. It’s about future-proofing lifestyles against risks that feel closer to home every day.
Families are increasingly aware that having "Plan B" means more than travel perks; it means stability in volatile times. A second citizenship isn’t just a travel document — it’s an investment in generational security and long-term wealth preservation.
Family Inclusion
One of the biggest selling points of today’s CBI and RBI programs is their inclusivity. Applicants can now bring their entire tribe: spouses, children, siblings, even parents and in-laws. This shift transforms secondary citizenship into a comprehensive family protection strategy rather than an individual asset.
By extending eligibility to wider family networks, governments are recognizing the emotional drivers behind investment decisions. It’s not just about personal escape routes; it’s about ensuring an entire family’s future in a changing world.
Focus on Real Estate Investment
Brick and mortar continue to dominate the secondary citizenship scene. Real estate remains one of the most attractive pathways for investors, offering tangible value in addition to citizenship or residency rights. Governments love it too — it boosts local economies, creates jobs, and revitalizes communities.
Investors, on their end, are increasingly savvy. They view these properties not only as homes or vacation retreats but also as strategic assets that appreciate over time, adding another layer of ROI to their citizenship plans.
Evolving European Landscape
Europe’s approach to investment-based citizenship is undergoing a serious makeover. Spain and Cyprus have either axed or severely restricted their CBI programs, tightening the gateway to EU residency. Malta, while still open for business, demands a steep price point that narrows the field.
Meanwhile, Portugal, Greece, and Latvia continue to offer RBI options but with tougher rules and higher investment thresholds. Europe’s evolving stance reflects a more cautious, reputation-driven approach to welcoming global investors.
Top European Residency Programs
Greece’s Golden Visa program reigns supreme in 2025, offering investors some of the best benefits on the planet. Switzerland and Portugal aren’t far behind, both maintaining their strong allure. Spain’s program, however, is bowing out in April 2025, signaling another major policy shift in Europe’s investment migration scene.
The competition is heating up among countries aiming to attract high-net-worth individuals, but investors need to move faster and smarter than ever before to snag the best opportunities.
Innovative and Purpose-Driven Programs
Not all CBI programs are just about profit. Some countries are taking a bold, innovative approach, using funds for critical national challenges. Nauru, for instance, is leveraging its CBI program to help relocate its population as rising sea levels threaten the island’s very existence.
This purpose-driven shift appeals to a new generation of investors who care about the impact of their money. Citizenship by Investment isn’t just transactional anymore — it’s increasingly becoming transformational.
Stringent Due Diligence and Government Regulation
Gone are the wild west days of easy second passports. Today’s programs are serious business, with strict due diligence and government oversight at every turn. Background checks are exhaustive, financial sources are scrutinized, and transparency is king.
This crackdown boosts the legitimacy and prestige of modern CBI programs, ensuring that only reputable, well-qualified investors gain access — a win for both host nations and participants seeking long-term credibility.
Global Mobility and Visa-Free Access
Perhaps the most tangible perk of secondary citizenship remains global mobility. Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 130 countries opens up the world in ways that a single passport can’t. It’s about having true freedom of movement — a priceless commodity in a world where borders can snap shut without warning.
For business leaders, frequent travelers, and adventurous families alike, secondary citizenship unlocks opportunities that a single nationality simply cannot guarantee.
Economic Impact
Secondary citizenship isn’t just a personal win — it’s a major economic boon for many smaller nations. In some cases, Citizenship by Investment programs account for up to 13% of GDP, funding infrastructure projects, education, healthcare, and social development.
It’s a classic case of smart symbiosis: investors secure their futures, while nations secure much-needed capital for growth and resilience.
