Surge in American Interest in Portugal’s Golden Visa After U.S. Presidential Election

Following the recent U.S. presidential election, an increasing number of Americans are looking into Portugal’s Golden Visa Program, influenced by a range of political, social, and economic factors.

While some are motivated to seek Portuguese residency following Donald Trump's election as U.S. President, others are drawn to Europe’s appealing lifestyle and security.

Data from the Association of Americans Resident Overseas estimates that as of November 2023, at least 5.4 million U.S. citizens are living abroad, with European nations such as Germany, France, and Spain being popular destinations. Portugal, in particular, has become a top choice for those pursuing residency and potential citizenship through its Golden Visa Program, officially known as the Residency by Investment Program. This program offers wealthy non-EU nationals a path to residency in exchange for substantial financial investment and meeting additional requirements.

Why Americans Are Choosing Portugal's Golden Visa Program

The Portuguese Golden Visa Program stands out for offering multiple routes to residency, which applicants can select based on their interests and financial means. Investment options include:

• Fund investments

• Donations to arts or cultural heritage projects

• Scientific research contributions

• Job creation by establishing or investing in local businesses

• Capital shares and additional employment opportunities

The program's real estate investment route was historically one of the most popular choices but was recently phased out as part of Portugal’s broader efforts to address a national housing crisis. Nonetheless, interest in the program remains robust. “Many people want to understand what really happened with golden visas and how it is possible to still use them in Portugal,” said Gustavo Caiuby, managing partner of Heed Capital, in an interview with Correio Brasiliense. According to Caiuby, the demand remains high, especially from individuals in North America and Brazil, who continue to see Portugal as an attractive residency destination despite the loss of the real estate route.

The Prestige of Portugal’s Passport

Portugal’s passport ranks among the world’s most powerful, occupying the seventh spot in the VisaGuide.World Passport Index, which evaluates the strength of 199 countries’ passports. Portugal’s passport score of 90.26 allows holders visa-free access to 105 countries and passport-free entry into an additional 43 countries. As a Schengen Area member, Portugal also offers passport holders unrestricted travel across 27 other European countries, making it particularly attractive for those who value international mobility.

With the Golden Visa Program continuing to evolve, Portugal remains a favored choice for U.S. nationals considering a new life abroad, combining the allure of European residency with the practicality of global mobility and investment options. 

By fLEXI tEAM