How and Why Americans Are Getting a Second Passport for Global Mobility

In recent years, the trend of Americans seeking second passports has grown rapidly. More and more U.S. citizens are exploring the opportunities and benefits that come with holding dual citizenship. While a Golden Visa might seem like an option reserved for the wealthy or ultra-elite, the reality is that the global landscape has shifted, and many Americans are increasingly seeing the value of diversifying their citizenship portfolio. Let’s explore the key motivations behind why Americans are acquiring second passports and the benefits that come with this life-changing decision.

What is a Second Passport?

A second passport is an official travel document that grants an individual citizenship in a country other than their home nation, effectively allowing them to hold dual citizenship. This differs from simply obtaining residency, which permits an individual to live and work in a country but does not provide the full rights of citizenship, such as voting or holding a passport. 

Holding a second passport offers significant benefits, including enhanced global mobility, access to more visa-free travel destinations, and the security of a backup citizenship. Unlike permanent residency, which can sometimes be revoked or come with stringent renewal requirements, a second passport offers a more permanent status and full citizenship rights in the issuing country.

Interested in Getting a Second Passport?

How to Get a Second Passport as an American

Here are the key ways Americans can get a second passport:

• Citizenship by Investment Programs: Invest in real estate, government bonds, or donate to a government fund in countries like St. Kitts and Nevis, Malta, or Dominica. These programs offer a fast track to citizenship in exchange for a significant financial contribution.
• Citizenship by Descent: If you have ancestral ties to countries like Ireland, Italy, or Poland, you may be eligible for citizenship by descent. This often involves proving lineage through birth certificates and other documents, allowing you to claim citizenship based on your family history.
• Naturalization Through Residency: Obtain residency in countries with pathways to citizenship after a set number of years, like Portugal, Spain, or Canada. Typically, this involves living in the country for several years, learning the language, and integrating into society before applying for citizenship.
• Citizenship by Marriage: Marrying a citizen of another country may allow you to obtain citizenship more easily, as some nations have simplified processes for spouses, such as in Mexico or the Philippines.
• Special Talent or Skill-Based Programs: Some countries offer citizenship to individuals with special talents or contributions, such as in arts, sports, or science. Nations like Austria and Canada have specific programs for these cases.

These options offer various paths to obtaining a second passport, depending on your personal situation, investment capability, or family background.

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7 Key Reasons Why Americans Are Choosing to Acquire Citizenship by Investment

1. Tax Optimization

One of the primary motivations for Americans seeking a second passport is tax optimization. The U.S. is one of the few countries in the world that taxes its citizens on their global income, no matter where they reside. This creates a financial burden for U.S. expats who must navigate the complexities of both U.S. taxes and potentially foreign tax obligations.

By obtaining a second passport, some Americans are able to relocate to more tax-friendly jurisdictions or renounce their U.S. citizenship entirely to reduce their tax liability. Countries such as Portugal, Malta, and the Caribbean offer favorable tax regimes, particularly for high-net-worth individuals, business owners, and retirees. It is important to note that, at JH Marlin, we are not US tax advisors. It is also important to note that you are not allowed to renounce your US citizenship for tax purposes. 

At JH Marlin, we have experience with clients who have gone on to renounce their United States citizenship. One of our clients, Heidi Chakos, obtained St.Kitts & Nevis citizenship before she renounced her US citizenship. Afterward, she acquired an additional passport through the Portugal Golden visa program. Heidi has traveled extensively around the world and is grateful to have done citizenship by investment to allow her to renounce her US citizenship. 

The Top Tax-Free Countries in the Caribbean

2. Increased Global Mobility

A second passport can grant you freedom of movement on a global scale. While a U.S. passport grants access to a vast number of countries without the need for a visa, there are still limitations on international travel. For example, travel to Russia, China, and certain Middle Eastern countries may require a lengthy visa application process for U.S. citizens.

In contrast, having a secondary passport, particularly from a European Union (EU) country, provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to a wide range of additional destinations. For instance, EU passport holders can travel freely across all Schengen Area countries. Likewise, Caribbean passports can offer visa-free access to the U.K., the EU, and many other nations. This enhanced mobility makes traveling for business or leisure far easier and more convenient. 

For an American citizen doing business in China or Russia, having an alternative passport can be strategic for ease of travel. Additionally, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States passport had restricted visa-free travel. At JH Marlin, we saw a high number of Americans seek second passports in order to obtain visa-free travel access. 

3. Access to Better Healthcare and Education

Healthcare and education are two essential pillars that often drive Americans to seek second citizenship. Many countries with strong citizenship by investment (CBI) programs offer high-quality healthcare systems, often at a fraction of the cost compared to the U.S. This is particularly important for retirees who want access to affordable healthcare in their golden years.

At JH Marlin, many of our U.S. clients living in Costa Rica are surprised by the quality of healthcare. It is common for doctors to provide their personal email and phone numbers. There are no long wait times in many hospitals, and your results are often accessible via email. This contrasts with the long wait times and costly healthcare in the United States.

In terms of education, a second passport can open doors to prestigious schools and universities around the world. For example, holding citizenship in an EU country can provide access to universities across Europe, often at significantly lower tuition rates than those in the U.S. The ability to offer world-class educational opportunities to their children is a key motivation for many American families. For example, at JH Marlin, some of our clients have obtained a European passport through CBI so that their children can attend medical school in Europe. 

How to Choose the Right Program for Your Family

4. Political and Economic Stability

With the increasing political division and economic uncertainty in the U.S., some Americans are looking for a safety net. A second passport offers a form of insurance against potential risks like civil unrest, economic downturns, or drastic policy changes. By securing dual citizenship through a minimum investment in a stable, neutral country, individuals can protect their families and assets in a foreign country should the situation in the U.S. become unfavorable.

Countries like Switzerland, Singapore, and the Caribbean nations are known for their stable political climates and strong economies, making them attractive options for American investors seeking peace of mind. Individuals like Peter Thiel, the billionaire tech investor, have taken advantage of foreign citizenship to diversify their investments and improve their legal residence options worldwide. In my view, the upcoming elections will see an increased number of people interested in leaving the United States for a better life elsewhere. 

5. Lifestyle and Quality of Life

For many, obtaining a secondary passport is about more than just financial or logistical benefits. It’s about enhancing their standard of living. Some Americans are drawn to the idea of living in a country with a slower pace, beautiful landscapes, a better cost of living, or a more balanced work-life environment.

The ability to relocate to a country with a higher quality of life is a strong motivator for Americans, particularly those looking to retire or raise a family abroad. Countries like Portugal, Malta, and the Caribbean islands offer an idyllic lifestyle with excellent weather, beautiful scenery, and a vibrant cultural scene. In fact, JH Marlin was started after attorney Jennifer Harding-Marlin lived abroad. Having a better quality of life was one of the factors why Jennifer decided to relocate outside of North America. 

6. Investment Opportunities

Another driving factor is the economic freedom and investment opportunities that come with a second passport. Many countries that offer citizenship programs allow foreign nationals to make an economic investment in real estate or businesses as part of the process. This can be a lucrative business investment for those looking to diversify their portfolio or gain access to emerging markets.

For example, countries in the Caribbean, such as St. Kitts and Nevis or Grenada, have citizenship programs that allow individuals to invest in real estate developments, providing both a second passport and a solid return on investment. Similarly, European countries like Malta and Portugal offer Golden Visa programs that allow investors to gain residency or in some cases eventual citizenship through investments in property.

At JH Marlin, we can help you choose the country of citizenship that best aligns with your financial goals. Together, we can devise a plan that considers your specific needs, be it access to worldwide business travel, offshore tax planning, or an investment program to expand your current portfolio.

8. Renouncing American Citizenship

For many, the American dream is found outside the U.S. While not common, a small but growing number of Americans are choosing to renounce their U.S. citizenship entirely. This is often driven by frustrations over the U.S. tax system, particularly for those living abroad who must file taxes annually even if they do not reside in the country. However, U.S. citizens who renounce their citizenship also lose the benefits of their American passport, which can significantly impact their ability to travel freely, access government services, and potentially limit their work and residency options in certain countries.

A second passport provides citizenship status in a foreign country, granting investors the security and freedom to renounce American citizenship without becoming stateless. Although renouncing the U.S. citizenship is a serious decision with legal and financial implications, having a second passport ensures that individuals can continue to enjoy the benefits of citizenship elsewhere while escaping the obligations tied to their U.S. status. At JH Marlin, we have helped many Americans apply and secure CBI and then proceed to renounce United States citizenship. 

Second Passports, Financial Freedom, and Global Mobility

The desire for a second passport is no longer a niche interest among ultra-wealthy people—it has become a pragmatic choice for many Americans seeking greater financial freedom, global mobility, and enhanced quality of life. With an increasing number of countries offering citizenship by investment and residence programs, acquiring a second passport has never been more accessible.

Whether motivated by tax optimization, political stability, or the allure of a better lifestyle, Americans are realizing the advantages of diversifying their citizenship. For those ready to embrace a more globalized approach to life, a second passport offers an array of benefits that can reshape their future in profound ways. If you are interested in receiving more information about citizenship by investment opportunities around the world you can contact jennifer@jhmarlin.com.

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