Aug 4, 2025
With simmering political tensions and persistent economic uncertainty, many Americans are quietly buying their way out — specifically, to the Caribbean.
Five tropical island nations in the region offer so-called “golden passports” or Citizenship-by-Investment (CBI) programs, and these have seen a recent surge in demand from U.S. clients, according to NBC News.
Advertisement
“It’s incredible — 99% of my buyers are from the U.S.A., and multiple inquiries are coming in daily looking for that citizenship program,” Nadia Dyson, founder of Luxury Locations Real Estate in Antigua, told NBC
British immigration consulting agency Henley & Partners has observed a similar uptick. Inquiries about golden passports from the U.S. jumped 182% year over year in the first quarter of 2025.
The ongoing boom is one of many signals that Americans are growing increasingly uneasy about the nation’s political and economic future. But the trend raises an important question:is a second passport really a smart hedge or an expensive mistake?
Passports as insurance policies
Pioneered by the Caribbean island of St. Kitts & Nevis in 1984, CBI programs offer a legal pathway for global investors to acquire a second passport in exchange for an economic contribution to the host country.
The contribution can be as low as $130,000 in some tropical destinations, but up to $230,000 plus in others, usually in the form of a donation or a qualifying real estate investment.
For many applicants, dual citizenship offers tax, legal, and travel-related benefits that justify the six-figure cost. But for some — especially U.S. citizens — the primary benefit is what Global X describes as “geopolitical insurance.”
“A second passport provides what wealth advisors often call a 'Plan B': an escape route to a stable country if conditions deteriorate at home, and a practical way to hedge against sovereign risk,” says the Swiss consulting firm.
And Americans appear deeply concerned about that risk. Nearly 69% of respondents told Talker Research they’re worried about the direction the U.S. is heading. A separate Harris Poll found a noticeable spike in the number of Americans seriously considering moving abroad after the November presidential election.
Advertisement
Nearly half (49%) of all respondents said they have either considered or already obtained dual citizenship.
If you’re weighing a similar move, make sure you understand all the pitfalls and caveats before you take the leap.
Must Read
- Dave Ramsey warns nearly 50% of Americans are making 1 big Social Security mistake — are you doing the same?
- Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how
- Robert Kiyosaki says this 1 asset will surge 400% in a year and begs investors not to miss this ‘explosion’
Join 250,000+ readers and get Moneywise’s best stories and exclusive interviews first — clear insights curated and delivered weekly. Subscribe now.
Should you get a second passport?
A golden passport could be an important safety hedge for you and your family. However, these passports come with strings attached that you need to be aware of before signing up.
For many CBI programs, the lowest entry price often applies only if you donate to the host country. If you prefer to obtain citizenship through real estate or business investments, the cost could be significantly higher.
Antigua and Barbuda, for instance, offers citizenship for $230,000 if you make a non-refundable donation to the nation’s National Development Fund, according to Henley & Partners. If you invest in real estate, the minimum threshold rises to $300,000 and for those looking to acquire a business to access this program the bar is set as high as $1.5 million.
Some programs also have stringent job creation or economic outcome requirements and your citizenship could be revoked if your investment doesn’t meet its targets.
Americans should also be aware that a golden passport isn’t necessarily a golden ticket to reduce taxes. U.S. citizens are obligated to file and pay taxes to the IRS on worldwide income regardless of where they live. You may need to renounce your American citizenship to avoid this, but the process is complicated and could involve paying an expatriation tax, according to Nomad Capitalist.
To minimize the costs and complexities, consider working with an experienced professional if you’re looking to add a golden passport to your collection.
You May Also Like
- Turning 50 with $0 saved for retirement? Most people don’t realize they’re actually just entering their prime earning decade. Here are 6 ways to catch up fast
- Inside a $1B real estate fund offering access to thousands of income-producing rental properties — with flexible minimums starting at $10
- Vanguard’s outlook on U.S. stocks is raising alarm bells for retirees. Here’s why and how to protect yourself
- Here are 5 easy ways to own multiple properties like Bezos and Beyoncé. You can start with $10 (and no, you don’t have to manage a single thing)
Vishesh Raisinghani is a financial journalist covering personal finance, investing and the global economy. He's also the founder of Sharpe Ascension Inc., a content marketing agency focused on investment firms. His work has appeared in Moneywise, Yahoo Finance!, Motley Fool, Seeking Alpha, Mergers & Acquisitions Magazine and Piggybank.
