Golden Visa Boom: Which U.S. States Are Leading Americans Toward Plan B Passports?

Growing American Interest in Golden Visa Programs

In recent years, the Golden Visa has evolved from a niche opportunity into a mainstream investment migration path for U.S. citizens. Once dominated by wealthy Russians, Chinese, and Middle Eastern investors, the Golden Visa programs of Europe and beyond are now increasingly being driven by Americans searching for Plan B passports. Rising living costs, political division, and the appeal of global mobility are fueling this surge, according to a new study by Argentina Expat.

The Study: Which States Lead Golden Visa Searches?

The study analyzed Google Trends data from August 2024 to August 2025 across all 50 states plus Washington, D.C. It measured searches for terms like golden visa and citizenship by investment, normalizing results to a 0–100 index. The higher the score, the greater the relative interest in Golden Visa applications.

At the very top of the rankings is Washington, D.C., which scored a perfect 100—double the interest of any other state. Following closely are Washington State, California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Vermont, Virginia, Maryland, New York, and Oregon. Notably, these are high-income, largely blue-leaning states where residents have both the financial capacity and international exposure to pursue second residency or citizenship abroad.

Why Americans Are Seeking Plan B Passports

Argentina Expat founder Ognjen Pavlovic notes that demand among Americans has surged dramatically. “Wealthy Americans are now joining the global elite in exploring Golden Visa options,” he explains. Several factors are driving this trend:

• Rising cost of living: The average retired household spends $5,000 monthly, yet the average Social Security check in mid-2025 was only $2,005. This mismatch pushes retirees to consider destinations with lower costs and better healthcare.
• Political instability: Many residents, particularly in Washington, D.C., cite divisive politics and federal job losses as reasons to explore international residency options.
• Healthcare benefits: Affordable or even free healthcare in countries like Portugal, Spain, and Greece continues to attract older Americans.
• Real estate value: With median U.S. home prices at $439,450, selling a property in states like California or New York can easily fund a Golden Visa investment abroad.

Washington, D.C.: The Epicenter of Golden Visa Interest

No state—or district—showed as much desire to leave the U.S. as Washington, D.C. With a median household income of $108,210, residents of the capital are financially equipped to invest in residency-by-investment programs. Many locals point to the political environment and recent federal upheavals as the trigger for seeking alternatives.

One D.C. resident planning her retirement abroad remarked: “It’s the political environment. Thousands of federal jobs have vanished, competition is fierce, and the city feels like a police state. I’m ready to make the move.”

Initially considering the Portugal Golden Visa, she has since shifted toward Mexico due to increased restrictions in Europe—highlighting how Americans are diversifying their Plan B passport strategies.

High-Income Coastal States Dominate Golden Visa Demand

Beyond D.C., the study shows a clear pattern: coastal states with booming real estate and high incomes lead the list. Residents of California, Massachusetts, and New York often work in tech, finance, or global industries, giving them both the means and international mindset to pursue investment migration.

These states also have some of the highest property valuations, meaning selling one home can easily fund a move abroad. With typical Golden Visa thresholds starting at $250,000, homeowners in these states can leverage their equity to secure European residency and still have capital left over for living expenses or further investment.

Where Americans Want to Move: Portugal Leads the Way

When it comes to destinations, Portugal Golden Visa remains the clear favorite. Known for its straightforward path to European Union residency, Portugal continues to dominate Google searches in nearly every U.S. state.

Other destinations also emerged:

• United Arab Emirates led interest in Texas.
• Spain Golden Visa ranked highest among Nevada and Arkansas residents.
• Malta residency programs were popular in New Mexico.
• Argentina and Thailand saw significant surges, while Paraguay—despite not offering a formal Golden Visa—sparked rising curiosity.

The pattern is clear: Americans prefer Europe, but interest is expanding to Latin America and Asia as European costs rise.

States Least Interested in Golden Visa Programs

At the opposite end, residents of Kentucky, Montana, Mississippi, South Dakota, and North Dakota showed the least interest in citizenship by investment programs. These states generally have lower household incomes and property values, making it harder for residents to access the funds necessary to secure residency abroad.

For example, in Mississippi, where median household income falls well below the national average, selling a home is less likely to generate the liquidity required for a $250,000 investment overseas.

The Real Estate Connection: U.S. Home Sales as a Gateway to Golden Visa

A major driver of Golden Visa applications from Americans is real estate equity. With the median national home price near $440,000, selling a property in states like California ($750,000 median) or Massachusetts ($797,000 median) can directly fund a Portugal Golden Visa or other programs in Europe and the Caribbean.

This connection underscores why wealthier states dominate the rankings—simply put, homeowners in these markets can afford to turn property gains into international mobility.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Golden Visa for Americans

As the cost of living continues to rise and political polarization deepens, experts predict American interest in Golden Visa programs will only accelerate. For many, this is not just a financial decision but a lifestyle strategy.

Notte Global has observed firsthand how U.S. investors are increasingly exploring Europe, Latin America, and even emerging Asian programs. The combination of real estate investment, residency rights, and long-term citizenship opportunities makes the Golden Visa a powerful Plan B for those seeking stability, mobility, and financial security.