Wealthy Americans Seek Overseas Residency After November 2024 Election

After the November 2024 election, 1,833 people applied for New Zealand's investor visa, with 617 being wealthy Americans. This is much higher than before.
By Newsroom | Politics, Immigration |

A notable trend has emerged where affluent Americans are actively pursuing "golden visa" programs offered by foreign countries. These programs typically grant residency rights in exchange for significant financial investment. Reports indicate a rise in inquiries and applications from U.S. citizens for these schemes, with several sources linking this surge to concerns about the political climate and potential policy shifts in the United States, particularly those associated with former President Donald Trump's influence.

Rich Americans Fleeing Trump Are Scrambling for Overseas 'Golden Visas'... - 1

Background and Timeline

The interest in these overseas residency programs appears to have gained momentum following Donald Trump's election in November 2024. This period saw an increase in searches for emigration information and a rise in applications for investor visas.

Rich Americans Fleeing Trump Are Scrambling for Overseas 'Golden Visas'... - 2

  • November 2024: Donald Trump's election is cited as a catalyst for increased interest in overseas residency.

  • Post-Election (Late 2024 - Early 2025): Investment migration consultancies report a significant uptick in inquiries from Americans.

  • April 2025 onwards: New Zealand eases rules for its foreign investor migrant visa, leading to a reported surge in applications from U.S. citizens.

  • Throughout 2025: Various reports detail Americans exploring "golden visa" options in countries like New Zealand, Portugal, Italy, Malta, the UAE, and Canada, with some even considering refugee status.

Actors Involved

Several groups and individuals are central to this unfolding situation:

Rich Americans Fleeing Trump Are Scrambling for Overseas 'Golden Visas'... - 3

  • Affluent Americans: The primary demographic seeking these programs. Their stated motivations often include concerns about political direction, immigration laws, and general political tension in the U.S.

  • Immigration and Business Law Firms: Companies like Harvey Law Corporation and Arton Capital have noted increased client activity related to emigration and investment visas.

  • Immigration and Relocation Consultancies: Firms such as Nash Kelly Global are directly observing and commenting on the trend, with Stuart Nash, a former minister, suggesting many applicants seek a "safe haven."

  • Foreign Governments: Countries like New Zealand, Vanuatu, Portugal, Italy, Malta, and the UAE offer these programs, often with the stated aim of attracting foreign investment to stimulate their economies.

  • New Zealand Immigration Minister Erica Stanford: Has provided figures on U.S. citizen applications for New Zealand's investor visa.

  • Former U.S. Politicians and Experts: Discussions around programs like the "Gold Card" (referring to a specific U.S. residency program for investors) involve perspectives from figures such as immigration lawyer Darren Silver and other legal and political commentators.

Evidence of Increased Interest

Data and reports from various sources illustrate a clear increase in Americans pursuing overseas residency:

Read More: Texas Senate Democratic Primary Early Voting Starts February 17, 2026 Affecting Voters

Rich Americans Fleeing Trump Are Scrambling for Overseas 'Golden Visas'... - 4

  • New Zealand's Investor Visa: According to government figures, 1,833 people applied for the visa program, with nearly 40 percent (617) being wealthy Americans. Former minister Stuart Nash stated, "Nearly everyone who is applying is applying because of the changes they're seeing under the Trump administration." New Zealand's Immigration Minister Erica Stanford reported 85 applications from U.S. citizens for the "golden visa" scheme since April. This contrasts with only 116 interested parties in the two-and-a-half years prior to scheme changes.

  • Broader Trends: Harvey Law Corporation recorded a 1,514% rise in search activity around emigration following Trump's election. Arton Capital reported over 100 inquiries the day after Trump's election win, five times the usual daily average.

  • Refugee Claims: There were 245 refugee claims filed by Americans so far in the year of the report, compared to 204 the previous year, with reports suggesting political disagreements as a contributing factor.

  • Other Destinations: Malta, the UAE, and Portugal are also cited as increasingly popular destinations for Americans seeking residency or citizenship through investment.

Motivations for Seeking Overseas Residency

Multiple sources point to political and social factors as drivers for Americans seeking foreign residency:

  • Political Climate: Many applicants explicitly cite concerns about the political direction in the U.S. under Donald Trump. Stuart Nash noted that individuals are seeking a "safe haven" rather than just a "tax haven."

  • Policy Concerns: Suggestions include worries about "stricter immigration laws, heightened political tension and potential rollbacks of progressive policies."

  • General Discontent: Reports mention "political divisions" influencing wealthy Americans to "weigh their options." Some individuals express a desire for an "escape hatch" if political situations worsen.

  • Investment Opportunities: While often framed around political concerns, the programs themselves offer residency in exchange for investment, which can also be an attractive prospect for financial diversification and access to different markets.

Nature of "Golden Visa" Programs

"Golden visa" schemes are not uniform. They typically offer residency rights, but not always immediate citizenship, in exchange for a significant financial commitment.

  • New Zealand's Program: Offers residency rights, requiring a required investment in the country's economy. It does not grant immediate citizenship.

  • Vanuatu's CBI Programs: Provides a direct path to citizenship through its Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs, distinct from residency-focused visas.

  • "Gold Card" (U.S. Context): This specific U.S. program is described as offering an "express lane to permanent residency" with potentially more favorable tax implications for foreign nationals. However, it is noted that this program is not an investment that offers returns, unlike the EB-5 visa which requires a lower investment and is tied to job creation.

Conflicting Perspectives on "Gold Card" Program

The U.S. "Gold Card" program has drawn varied reactions and interpretations regarding its viability and intent.

PerspectiveDetailsSource Mention
Proponents' ViewSeen as a step towards a "merit-based immigration system." Considered "underpriced" for the time and hassle it saves for foreign multi-millionaires, offering an express lane to residency and tax benefits.Immigration lawyer Kolken (implied client perspective)
Skeptics' ViewInterest wanes when clients learn it's not an investment with potential returns, unlike the EB-5 visa. Clients are surprised it doesn't offer returns.Immigration lawyer Darren Silver
Legal/Political ChallengesImmigration lawyers, some Democrats, and some Republican lawmakers state that the program's implementation or nature is not legally permissible.Mentioned in context of legal challenges
Program Structure DiscrepancyClients are surprised when told the "Gold Card" is not an investment offering returns, contrasting with the EB-5 visa requirements ($1 million in business or $800,000 in targeted areas).Immigration lawyer Darren Silver

Conclusions and Implications

The observed trend of affluent Americans seeking overseas residency, particularly through "golden visa" programs, is a significant development. The primary impetus appears to be a response to political uncertainty and perceived shifts in U.S. policy and environment.

  • Direct Causation: While direct causal links are complex, numerous reports and statements from immigration professionals and former officials strongly suggest a correlation between Donald Trump's political influence and the surge in interest for foreign residency.

  • Geographic Spread: The trend is not confined to one destination, with New Zealand, European countries, and even applications for refugee status in Canada being noted.

  • Program Diversification: Americans are exploring a range of options, from residency-by-investment schemes to, in some cases, refugee claims, indicating a broad spectrum of concern and response.

  • Economic Impact: The "golden visa" programs themselves are designed to attract capital, suggesting a potential economic benefit for the host countries, while the U.S. may experience a form of "brain drain" or capital outflow from this demographic.

  • Future Considerations: The sustained interest in these programs may depend on ongoing political developments within the United States and the continued availability and attractiveness of foreign residency options.

Sources Used:

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are wealthy Americans looking to live in other countries after the November 2024 election?
Many wealthy Americans are worried about the political changes and policies in the U.S. after the November 2024 election. They are looking for a 'safe haven' in other countries.
Q: What are 'golden visas' and how are Americans using them?
'Golden visas' are programs in other countries that let people get residency if they invest a lot of money. Americans are applying for these visas to live in places like New Zealand, Portugal, Italy, and the UAE.
Q: How many Americans applied for New Zealand's investor visa?
New Zealand's investor visa program received 1,833 applications. Nearly 40 percent, or 617 people, were wealthy Americans. This shows a big increase in interest.
Q: What specific concerns do Americans have about the U.S. political climate?
Americans are concerned about the political direction and potential policy changes in the U.S. Some reports mention worries about stricter immigration laws and general political tension.
Q: Are there other ways Americans are seeking to live abroad besides 'golden visas'?
Yes, some Americans are also exploring other options. For example, there has been an increase in refugee claims filed by Americans in Canada, with political disagreements mentioned as a reason.
Q: What is the U.S. 'Gold Card' program, and why is it discussed?
The U.S. 'Gold Card' program is a way for very wealthy foreigners to get residency quickly by investing a large amount of money. However, some experts say it's not a good investment because it doesn't offer returns like other visas, and its legal standing is questioned.