Why More Americans Are Getting a Second Passport & Buying Property Abroad

By Anne Brightman

Founder and CEO @ Brightman Group Real Estate | Business Development
February 21, 2025

Did you know that only half of Americans have a valid U.S. passport? That means 170 million people have never left the country. But for those who do travel, many are taking it a step further—not just looking for a vacation, but securing a second citizenship and a home abroad.

It’s not just the ultra-wealthy either. Entrepreneurs, families, investors, remote workers, and retirees are all making this move. Why? OPTIONS.  For many people, a second passport and international property aren’t just lifestyle upgrades—they’re insurance policies for a more secure, flexible, and globally connected future.

At Brightman Group, we see this trend firsthand. As an American-owned and operated company with years of experience helping Americans navigate foreign property markets and secure residency or citizenship through investment, we’ve helped countless clients diversify their assets, create a Plan B, and expand their global opportunities.

Why Now?

Dual citizenship isn’t just a luxury anymore—it’s a strategic decision. The U.S. and Canada allow dual citizenship, and more Americans are realizing what that means: the freedom to move, invest, and live beyond one country’s borders.

A second passport or property abroad isn’t just about leaving—it’s about having more choices and security in an unpredictable world.

Why Americans Are Looking Abroad for Citizenship & Property

🌍 Security & Stability – With increasing uncertainty in the U.S., many are looking for a backup plan. A second passport or foreign residency offers political and economic stability while establishing a foothold in another country.

✈️ Freedom to Travel & Live Anywhere – The 2020 travel bans showed just how limiting one passport can be. Dual citizenship or residency allows for visa-free travel and unrestricted movement across multiple countries.

💰 Financial & Investment Benefits – Americans are diversifying their assets globally. Real estate investments in stable foreign markets offer long-term financial security, tax advantages, and international banking access.

🏡 Better Lifestyle & Lower Cost of Living – Many are drawn to countries where they can enjoy a higher quality of life at a lower cost—better healthcare, a more relaxed pace, and a stronger work-life balance.

🎓 Education & Career Growth – A second citizenship or residency opens the door to top-tier universities and international job markets, offering more educational and professional opportunities.

This shift isn’t just about leaving the U.S.—it’s about gaining financial security, lifestyle freedom, and a flexible future. Whether through real estate investment, residency programs, or citizenship by descent, Americans are embracing a global approach to living and investing.

Who Is This For?

🖥️ Entrepreneurs & Remote Workers – More people are working from anywhere and want legal and residential flexibility to match.

📈 High-Net-Worth Individuals & Investors – Tax incentives, international banking, and real estate diversification make property abroad a smart financial move.

👨👩👧👦 Families – Parents are buying property in Europe to secure residency and citizenship for their children’s future.
💍 Married Couples – 20% of U.S. marriages involve a foreign spouse, meaning millions of Americans already qualify for dual citizenship.

Why Americans Are Choosing Portugal for Property & Citizenship

More Americans are investing in Portuguese real estate and residency programs, drawn by the country’s stability, lifestyle, and access to the European Union. Here’s why Portugal is a top choice for those looking to diversify assets and expand their global opportunities:
🏠 Residency & Citizenship Pathways – Portugal offers multiple options for foreign investors and expatriates to obtain residency and, eventually, citizenship. Programs like the D7 Visa (for retirees and passive income earners) and the Golden Visa provide a clear path to EU citizenship—and visa-free access to 27 European countries.

☀️ High Quality of Life & Retirement Appeal – Portugal is consistently ranked as one of the best places to retire, thanks to its affordable cost of living, high-quality healthcare, and warm climate. Cities like Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve offer a relaxed pace of life, vibrant culture, and a welcoming expat community.

🏗️ Stable & Attractive Real Estate Market – Unlike the volatile U.S. housing market, Portugal’s real estate sector remains strong and secure. From oceanfront villas in Cascais to historic properties in Porto, there are diverse investment opportunities with solid long-term value and rental potential.

💵 Tax Advantages for Foreign Residents – The reformed Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime has made Portugal a top destination for tax-friendly living, offering benefits for new residents. Holders are exempt from paying taxes on global income in Portugal for 10 years while the income earned in Portugal is taxed at a flat rate of 20%. From January, 1st 2024 the NHR tax regime was adapted and replaced by NHR 2.0.

The NHR 2.0 offers a different perspective as it no longer provides tax relief for foreign-source pensions. However, it offers tax exemptions on foreign-sourced capital gains. Nevertheless, the eligibility criteria for the new NHR program are still uncertain as it is still awaiting regulation.

🌐 Greater Mobility & Global Access – Americans who obtain Portuguese citizenship  gain the ability to live, work, and study anywhere in the European Union, opening doors for career growth, business expansion, and international education opportunities.

🚀 Business & Investment Growth – Portugal’s thriving startup ecosystem, business-friendly policies, and access to EU funding make it an ideal location for entrepreneurs, digital nomads, and investors looking to expand into Europe.

The Future of Second Citizenship & International Real Estate

For Americans, securing a second passport and/or an international home amounts to taking control of their future. It’s a Plan B, an opportunity booster, and a way to build long-term wealth and stability.

At Brightman Group, we specialize in helping Americans navigate foreign real estate markets and secure residency or citizenship through investment. If you’ve ever thought about expanding your horizons, now is the time to take the next step.

Because in an unpredictable world, the best thing you can have are choices.