VANCOUVER, British Columbia – As political polarization, economic volatility, and privacy concerns escalate within the United States, many Americans are actively pursuing second passports to secure new opportunities abroad.
Amicus International Consulting, a global leader in second citizenship and legal identity change services, has seen a sharp uptick in U.S. inquiries, particularly for Caribbean, European, and South Pacific programs.
Once limited to high-net-worth individuals, the phenomenon has expanded to include remote professionals, retirees, and families seeking greater personal freedom, legal protection, and financial anonymity.
Surging Demand for Dual Citizenship
According to Amicus International Consulting, the top destinations where Americans are seeking second passports in 2025 include:
- Grenada
- St. Kitts and Nevis
- Dominica
- Portugal
- Malta
- Vanuatu
- Turkey
These countries offer citizenship by investment (CBI) or residency-to-citizenship pathways with varying levels of financial and physical presence requirements. Grenada and St. Kitts remain particularly popular due to visa-free travel to over 140 countries and relatively fast processing times.
“Americans are looking for more than just travel convenience. They want jurisdictional flexibility, safety, and the ability to protect assets offshore,” said a senior employee at Amicus International Consulting. “Programs like Grenada’s offer a unique combination of visa mobility, tax neutrality, and access to markets like China, where U.S. citizens currently face restrictions.”
Case Study: A Tech Entrepreneur Seeks Caribbean Stability
Matthew R., a 38-year-old software executive from California, turned to Amicus International Consulting after growing disillusioned with the direction of U.S. domestic policy. Concerned about potential capital controls and aggressive tax enforcement, he pursued a second passport from Dominica.
“I needed a Plan B that offered both political neutrality and the ability to diversify my assets internationally,” Matthew said. Dominica’s program was fast, discreet, and legally robust. Amicus handled every detail.”
Within five months, Matthew secured his new passport and used it to open offshore accounts in the Cayman Islands and Singapore.
Portugal’s Golden Visa Sees Spike in American Applicants
Portugal’s Golden Visa, which offers EU residency (and eventual citizenship) to those who invest in real estate or business ventures, has seen a dramatic increase in applications from U.S. citizens. The 2024 Portugal Immigration Report cited a 37% rise in American applicants year over year.
With political uncertainty at home and EU mobility on the line, many Americans see Portugal as a scenic and strategic destination.
“Portugal’s program is ideal for Americans who want access to the European Union without renouncing their U.S. citizenship,” said an Amicus consultant specializing in EU migration. “It’s attractive for families, digital nomads, and those who want a legal exit strategy.”
The Driving Forces Behind the Exodus
A 2024 Gallup poll found that 16% of Americans aged 25-45 actively consider relocation abroad. The motivations include:
- Rising domestic surveillance and digital tracking
- Concerns about political unrest and civil liberties
- Tax planning and asset protection strategies
- Seeking better healthcare, education, and lifestyle abroad
- Fear of future conscription or authoritarian legislation
While the U.S. passport remains one of the most powerful globally, it also comes with increasing legal obligations and scrutiny, particularly under FATCA (Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act), which forces foreign banks to report U.S. account holders.
Case Study: Retirees Seeking European Quality of Life
David and Carol, a retired couple from Chicago, contacted Amicus International Consulting in early 2024. Their goals were simple: access to European healthcare, safety, and a more relaxed pace of life. After exploring their options, they chose the Malta Individual Investor Programme.
“Malta’s system allowed us to legally acquire citizenship through a combination of donation and government-approved real estate,” David said. “We’re now residents of a peaceful EU country, with better medical care and fewer political tensions.”
Legal and Safe Alternatives to Renunciation
Contrary to popular belief, securing a second passport does not require renouncing U.S. citizenship. Most countries offering second citizenship allow dual nationality.
Amicus International Consulting emphasizes legal pathways: “We work exclusively with jurisdictions where our clients can legally acquire second passports while retaining U.S. nationality. Renunciation is a separate step and not required.”
However, a growing segment of clients—including political dissidents, whistleblowers, and digital privacy advocates—choose to renounce their U.S. citizenship after securing a second nationality, citing FATCA and global reporting laws as primary motivations.
The Rise of the “Banking Passport”
A key motivator for second citizenship is financial privacy. Several countries offer what insiders call “banking passports” from neutral jurisdictions that allow for secure offshore banking, greater economic mobility, and reduced red tape.
“Some of our clients come to us with one purpose: asset protection,” said an Amicus legal analyst. “They want to open offshore accounts or trusts without triggering U.S. banking surveillance. In many cases, a second passport provides the necessary firewall.”
Vanuatu: The Remote Power Player
Though lesser known, Vanuatu has become a surprise favourite among American applicants. Its appeal includes:
- No income, inheritance, or capital gains taxes
- Visa-free access to over 130 countries
- Rapid processing time—often under 60 days
A 2025 internal report at Amicus shows that 12% of all new American clients consider Vanuatu their top choice, up from just 4% in 2022.
Case Study: Corporate Executive Avoids Litigation Exposure
Tanya L., a former CFO of a Fortune 100 company, sought Amicus’ help after facing civil litigation threats. Concerned about her exposure and U.S. asset seizure laws, Tanya secured citizenship in St. Kitts and Nevis and transferred key holdings to a Nevis trust.
“Without my second passport, I would’ve had no jurisdictional protection,” Tanya noted. “I now live between Dubai and the Caribbean and sleep much better.”
Amicus International’s Role in a Changing Landscape
With decades of experience assisting clients in complex legal identity transitions, Amicus International Consulting has positioned itself as the go-to firm for Americans exploring international options. Amicus maintains full legal compliance and confidentiality from initial consultations to passport delivery.
“Each client’s situation is different—some are escaping political instability, others are protecting generational wealth,” said an Amicus representative. “But the constant is this: Americans want options. And we provide them—legally, securely, and with discretion.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep my U.S. passport while getting a second one?
Yes, most second citizenship programs allow for dual nationality. Amicus works only with countries that do not require renunciation.
How long does the process take?
It varies. Caribbean programs often take 3–6 months. EU Golden Visas may require an extended residency period before full citizenship.
How much does it cost?
Costs range from $100,000 for donation-based Caribbean programs to over €600,000 for EU programs like Malta.
Will my financial information still be tracked by the U.S.?
If you retain U.S. citizenship, it is under FATCA and FBAR rules. However, a second passport opens pathways for compliant financial planning.
Is it legal?
Absolutely. Amicus International only operates within legal frameworks recognized under international law.
About Amicus International Consulting
Amicus International Consulting is a global leader in second citizenship, legal identity change, and privacy consulting. With clients in over 60 countries, Amicus provides end-to-end solutions for individuals seeking a lawful and confidential exit strategy.
📞 Contact Information
Phone: +1 (604) 200-5402
Email: info@amicusint.ca
Website: www.amicusint.ca
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