Portugal ranked #1 for Americans seeking dual citizenship in 2026

Portugal has surpassed Italy, Ireland, Spain, Malta, and other European countries as the best option for Americans looking to secure a second passport.

As more Americans seek to enhance their global mobility and secure long-term lifestyle flexibility, dual citizenship has become increasingly attractive.

A November 2025 Gallup Poll found that one in five Americans would leave the U.S. permanently. Meanwhile, a YouGov poll showed that 7% of Americans already hold a second citizenship, while a further 17% have considered pursuing one.

Reflecting this growing demand, a 2026 report by the World Digital Foundation ranked Portugal as the world’s top dual citizenship destination for U.S. passport holders.

How the rankings were determined

The assessment shortlisted five leading countries based on the appeal and benefits of holding dual citizenship alongside a U.S. passport.

Countries were evaluated across seven criteria: tax treatment, passport strength, process speed, geopolitical and reputational safety, long-term quality of life and desirability, and family inclusion benefits. Each country was scored out of 70.

Portugal ranked first overall, driven by its performance in long-term liveability, safety, and family appeal.

Ireland placed second, while Italy ranked third, supported by cultural appeal but held back by slower citizenship processes and bureaucratic complexity.

Canada performed strongly as a family-centric and stable option, while Malta ranked fifth amid increasing reputational scrutiny at the EU level.

Why Portugal ranked #1

Portugal’s top ranking reflects its balance of stability, liveability, and long-term desirability. While other countries excelled in individual categories, Portugal stood out for strengths that remain resilient even if policies or incentives change.

“Citizenship decisions are no longer just about tax efficiency or visa-free travel,” said Danielle Moxey, Research Representative at the World Digital Foundation. “Families are asking whether a country will still be desirable, safe, and offer a high-quality lifestyle.”

Portugal scored particularly highly for family integration, cultural depth, and geopolitical connectivity, supported by a strong international reputation, low crime rates, and a welcoming social fabric.

While its tax incentives and passport strength are attractive, Portugal’s appeal as a destination for dual citizenship is rooted in intrinsic lifestyle qualities rather than policy-driven benefits.

“Portugal stands out because its value doesn’t collapse if incentives change,” Moxey added. “Its culture, safety, and reputation are unique, valuable assets.”

Portugal’s Golden Visa appeal

For many affluent Americans, the most popular pathway to Portuguese citizenship is the Golden Visa residency-by-investment programme. Since its launch in 2012, the Golden Visa has awarded residency to over 12,000 primary investors and more than 20,000 of their family members.

Over the same period, the programme has generated an estimated €54 billion for Portugal’s economy, with every €1 invested producing approximately €6 in economic impact.

Portugal's Golden Visa can be acquired by investing €500,000 in one or more eligible alternative investment funds. Requiring just seven days of residency per year to maintain Golden Visa status, investors gain a pathway to permanent dual EU citizenship. Click here to find out the full benefits and requirements of the Golden Visa in 2026.

Portugal allows dual citizenship and maintains a long-standing double taxation treaty with the United States, helping mitigate double taxation risks while providing a clear, rules-based route to EU citizenship through naturalisation.

Beyond legal and tax considerations, investors are drawn to Portugal’s lifestyle advantages, including world-class healthcare, strong education options, political stability, excellent global connectivity, mild year-round weather, and a high-quality, healthy way of life.

If you are exploring Portugal’s Golden Visa or long-term residency and citizenship options, speak with the experts at Portugal Pathways. You can arrange a no-obligation discovery call to understand how Portugal can fit into your family, lifestyle, and investment strategy for 2026 and beyond.

The report concludes that while tax incentives and passport strength remain important, long-term desirability, reputational safety, and family liveability are now decisive factors.

“The most resilient citizenship strategies are rooted in countries people genuinely want to live in,” Moxey said. “Portugal exemplifies that shift.”

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To find out more about investing in Portugal's Golden Visa, contact Portugal Pathways today.

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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

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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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