The rising number of wealthy North Americans taking advantage of residency-through-investment programmes such as Portugal’s hugely popular Golden Visa, has been highlighted by a new report.
The 2025 Investment Migration Executive Survey polls multinational investment migration firms to identify trends and market attitudes.
And it has revealed those from North America have “flooded into a market once the near-exclusive domain of wealthy individuals from emerging economies”.
The survey revealed North America is now the largest client source market for 40% of those quizzed – quadrupling over the last six years.
Some 50% said they now formed the fastest-growing demographic.
North America has now overtaken the Middle East and North Africa region – once the biggest source market for 60% of firms questioned.
The survey says the shift has been motivated by concerns over political polarisation in the US and the desire for “optionality”.
It also revealed one in five firms surveyed indicated their clients’ most common source of wealth is their investment portfolio.
Paul Stannard, founder and chairman of Portugal Pathways and the Portugal Investment Owners Club, said the results tally with what he has seen over recent months.
He explained: “Portugal Pathways has seen a sharp increase in the number of Americans, in particular, looking at the Golden Visa as an attractive option.
“More and more investors want a Plan B option. They see the incredible lifestyle Portugal offers – with its vibrant culture, excellent healthcare and international schools - and view its Golden Visa as a desirable option.”
The Golden Visa requires €500,000 to be invested in an alternative investment fund approved for the programme.
Open to non‑EU/EEA/Swiss citizens, it requires a stay of just seven days a year, provides access to residency rights and opens up travel to the 29 Schengen area countries for business or pleasure.
The Golden Visa offers a route to citizenship after a qualifying period.
About Portugal Pathways
Portugal Pathways has supported hundreds of Golden Visa residency-by-investment applications and provides expert guidance through its professional supply chain network on estate planning, wealth management, Golden Visa and tax optimisation, including post-NHR / IFICI tax regime planning, as well as private healthcare, money transfers and bespoke relocation and luxury real estate solutions to enhance life and investment in Portugal
Disclaimer: The information on the Portugal Pathways and Portugal Investment Owners Club (P Club for short) websites and in email communications is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, tax, or financial advice. You should consult and check with a qualified professional advisor before relying on any information provided on this website or in email communications. As it relates to investments in Golden Visas or other wealth management solutions offered by regulated and professional advisors, it is important to note that past performance is no guarantee of future returns. Private equities can be highly illiquid and come with risk and should always be under professional independent advice. Golden Visa investments need to be held for 6 to 7 years to allow for permanent citizenship/passport in the EU.
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