Interest in “Golden Visas” — or residency-by-investment programs — has surged among Americans in the past year. rising cost, political instability and division is leading many to look at greener pastures. As searches peaked in July 2025, the question isn't just why they're seeking an alternative, but where they're heading — and Portugal consistently emerges at the top according to server recent studies. Political and social instability in the U.S. is also driving demand for relocation options — even among professionals previously considered unlikely to plan a "Plan B"
A recent study conducted by Argentina Expat examined search data from all 50 U.S. states to identify the focal points of this expanding trend. The findings show a distinct pattern: the quest for a 'Plan B' passport is primarily driven by residents of the wealthiest, most educated, and politically liberal states in the U.S. The data indicates an inclination towards established European programs, with Portugal emerging as the desired destination. Nevertheless, a detailed state-by-state analysis reveals intriguing regional preferences, while emerging data highlights a new array of up-and-coming hotspots that are drawing American attention.
Portugal in RED
The States Most Eager for a Second Passport To ascertain which states exhibit the greatest interest in global mobility, we developed an index based on per-capita search volume for general terms such as 'golden visa' and 'citizenship by investment.' The findings found a pronounced divide across the nation. The capital, Washington D.C., stands out as the leader by a considerable margin, boasting a search interest score nearly double that of the second-ranked state, Washington. The upper echelon of the list is mostly occupied by coastal, high-income states, indicating a strong correlation between wealth, political affiliation, and the aspiration for international options.For U.S. residents in high-income, globally connected states, Portugal remains a top destination for securing a residency “Plan B.” The program offers valuable access to EU rights and quality of life—if you’re prepared for:
A long wait time
Higher investment thresholds
Alternative routes beyond property (e.g., funds, job creation, culture)
Who’s Looking?
Blue states with the highest per-capita interest include:
Washington, D.C., ranking far above any other U.S. area.
Coastal states with strong tech, finance, and global industries — like California, Massachusetts, New York, Oregon — also show elevated interest.
These regions share three key traits:
High average incomes
A globally connected, mobile workforce
A left-leaning mindset that views a second passport as strategic security rather than a luxury
Why Portugal?
In the national arena, Portugal leads the Golden Visa category—and with good reason. Its program offers:
A clear path to EU residency
A lifestyle supported by lower cost of living, favorable tax plans, and a welcoming culture
Considering Portugal’s Golden Visa?
Portugal's program offers a renewed, strategic path to residency — but with important caveats to consider:
As of September 2025, the processing backlog for Golden Visas is huge — nearly 700,000 pending cases, with more than 40,000 applicants awaiting residency permits.
Real estate investment is no longer an eligible option as of 2023. Current qualifying paths include:
Investment funds (€500,000+)
Creating 10+ jobs
Research or cultural heritage contributions (€250,000–€500,000)