Introduction: The Growing Trend of Leaving America
Americans leaving the US in 2026 represent a demographic shift that began years before the recent election cycle. High-net-worth individuals departing America cite multiple factors: tax compliance burdens, political uncertainty, healthcare costs, and quality-of-life considerations.
Google searches for “leaving America” or “leaving America while you can” on Reddit, surged 1,500% following the November 2024 election. But wealthy Americans have been planning their exit from the United States long before this spike. The numbers tell a clear story about Americans leaving America in unprecedented numbers.
The Data: Record Numbers Leaving the United States
Applications for Irish passports from US citizens rose 60% in the first two months of 2025. The United Kingdom recorded 1,900 Americans applying for British citizenship in Q1 2025—the highest number since record-keeping began in 2004.
In 2024, an estimated 4,820 wealthy Americans formally renounced citizenship, representing a 48% increase from 2023. This data on Americans leaving America reflects a sustained trend, not a temporary reaction.
A survey by the American Psychological Association found that 63% of Americans aged 18-34 have considered leaving the country. Among American millionaires specifically, 53% report contemplating departure from the United States, rising to 64% among millennial and Gen-Z high-net-worth individuals.
Harvey Law Group has observed this exodus firsthand. “We received a rush of applications in the middle of the year, a slowdown from July to mid-October as many traveled or waited for election results, then a flurry of inquiries since November,” notes Steve Corbin, senior associate at Harvey Law Group, in comments to Realtor.com about Americans leaving the US.
Why High-Net-Worth Americans Are Leaving America
Tax Compliance Burden
The United States remains one of only two countries worldwide that taxes citizens on worldwide income regardless of residence location. For wealthy individuals considering leaving America, this tax reality creates the single largest complication.
The Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA), fully implemented in 2014, requires foreign financial institutions to report accounts held by US persons. Many Americans departing the United States face difficulties opening bank accounts abroad, with some institutions refusing American clients entirely to avoid FATCA reporting requirements.
Annual US tax filing requirements persist regardless of where you live or earn income. Foreign Bank Account Report (FBAR) filing becomes mandatory when foreign financial accounts exceed $10,000 in aggregate. Penalties for non-compliance can reach 50% of account balances—a consideration for anyone leaving the United States.
For high-net-worth individuals with assets exceeding $2 million or average annual tax liability above $201,000, the exit tax applies upon renunciation. This creates substantial financial considerations for wealthy Americans leaving the country that require planning years in advance.
Political and Social Factors Driving the Exodus from America
The 2025 Stress in America survey by the American Psychological Association found 76% of adults feel more concerned about the country’s future than before. When asked to describe America today, respondents most frequently selected “freedom” (41%), followed by “corruption” (38%), “opportunity” (37%), “division” (36%), “hope” (35%), and “fear” (32%).
These statistics explain why many are leaving America. Immigration lawyers report clients describing their second citizenship as an “insurance policy” rather than immediate relocation. Approximately 5-10% of those obtaining alternative citizenship actually relocate, with 90% maintaining it as a backup option for potentially leaving the United States in the future.
Healthcare and Cost of Living
Healthcare costs in the United States continue rising, representing another factor for those considering leaving America. Countries with universal healthcare systems provide medical care without the financial stress common in the US system.
Housing affordability has reached unprecedented levels. Grocery prices have surged alongside what economists call “shrinkflation”—products becoming smaller while prices remain constant or increase. Many high-net-worth individuals departing America find that their wealth provides significantly more lifestyle value abroad.
Quality of Life Considerations
Work-life balance differs substantially between the US and many destination countries popular with Americans leaving for abroad. European nations typically mandate 20-30 paid vacation days annually, compared to the US average of 10-15 days. Several destination countries rank higher than the United States on quality-of-life indices, safety metrics, and healthcare accessibility measures, key factors for wealthy individuals leaving the US.
Legal Pathways for Americans Leaving the United States
Citizenship by Investment Programs
For high-net-worth individuals leaving America, citizenship by investment (CBI) programs provide the fastest route to second citizenship, with processing times ranging from 3-10 months depending on jurisdiction. These programs grant full citizenship rights, including passport issuance, without requiring physical relocation or renunciation of US citizenship.
Harvey Law Group has guided Americans through these programs for over 30 years across 20 global offices. The firm maintains direct relationships with government citizenship units in popular destinations for Americans leaving the United States.
Residency by Investment Programs
Golden Visa programs grant residence rights rather than immediate citizenship. For those leaving America but wanting a gradual transition, these programs typically require larger investments than CBI programs but provide a pathway to citizenship after 5-7 years of residence. Physical presence requirements vary by jurisdiction.
Ancestry-Based Citizenship
For Americans with eligible ancestry, this pathway avoids investment requirements entirely. Irish citizenship applications from US residents reached 4,700 in Q1 2025, the highest quarterly figure in a decade. UK passport applications from Americans hit record levels. Italian, Portuguese, and Greek ancestry programs also see strong interest from those researching options for leaving America.
Processing times typically range from 1-3 years depending on jurisdiction and documentation availability.
Caribbean Citizenship by Investment: Fastest Route Out of the United States
The Caribbean region offers five established CBI programs particularly popular with Americans leaving the US, with processing times of 4-10 months. All programs allow dual citizenship, require no physical residence, and provide visa-free access to 140+ countries including the Schengen Area and United Kingdom.
Dominica: Most Accessible Investment Level
Investment: $200,000 Economic Diversification Fund contribution
Processing: 6-8 months
Family: Four family members included at base price
Dominica citizenship by investment represents the Caribbean’s most affordable program for Americans leaving the country. The country imposes no wealth, gift, inheritance, or foreign income tax. Physical residence requirements: zero days, ever.
Visa-free access includes 140+ countries. Citizenship passes to future generations. The program, established in 1993, maintains strong international standing among those departing the United States.
St. Kitts & Nevis: Longest-Running Program
Investment: $250,000 Sustainable Island State Contribution
Processing: 6-10 months
Family: Four family members included
St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship offers the world’s oldest CBI program, operating since 1984. This 40-year track record provides program stability for Americans leaving America who want proven reliability.
The country imposes no personal income tax, wealth tax, gift tax, or inheritance tax. Visa-free access extends to 150+ countries including Schengen, UK, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
Real estate investment options start at $325,000 for government-approved developments with a minimum 5-year holding period.
Grenada: US E-2 Treaty Access
Investment: $235,000 National Transformation Fund
Processing: 4-8 months
Family: Four family members included
Grenada citizenship by investment provides unique advantages for Americans leaving the United States who want to maintain US business connections. This is the only Caribbean CBI program with E-2 treaty access to the United States. This allows Grenadian citizens to apply for US E-2 investor visas to operate businesses in America—maintaining US business connections even after departing the United States for tax purposes.
Grenada also offers visa-free access to China, unique among Western passport programs. The country hosts St. George’s University, where many American medical students study.
Antigua & Barbuda: Minimal Time Commitment
Investment: $230,000 National Development Fund
Processing: 4-6 months (fastest Caribbean option)
Family: Most cost-effective for families of 4+ members
Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment requires only 5 days of physical presence during the first 5 years—the lowest residence requirement among Caribbean programs popular with Americans leaving the US.
The twin-island nation offers visa-free access to 150+ countries, crypto-friendly banking infrastructure, and excellent international schools following American curricula. No wealth, inheritance, or capital gains tax applies.
St. Lucia: Business-Oriented Structure
Investment: $240,000 National Economic Fund
Processing: 4-8 months
Family: Up to three dependents at base tier
St. Lucia citizenship launched in 2015 with modern program design. The government bond investment option provides capital preservation for wealth advisors helping clients leaving America who prioritize this factor.
No physical residence requirements apply. The country maintains strong due diligence standards, contributing to program credibility. Investment opportunities beyond citizenship exist in the emerging technology sector.
For a comprehensive comparison of all Caribbean programs for those leaving the United States, see Harvey Law Group’s guide to citizenship in the Caribbean.
European Golden Visa Programs for Americans Leaving the US
Portugal Golden Visa: EU Access Through Investment
Investment: EUR 500,000 in qualifying investment funds
Processing: 8-10 months for residence permit
Citizenship path: 5 years minimum residence
Portugal Golden Visa provides EU residence rights leading to EU citizenship—a popular choice for Americans leaving the United States who want European access. The Non-Habitual Resident tax regime offers favorable tax treatment for 10 years for qualifying individuals.
Physical presence requirements: average of 7 days annually. English is widely spoken in major cities. The country ranks first among expat satisfaction surveys and offers excellent healthcare through its universal system.
Note that the real estate investment option was removed in 2023. Current pathways require investment in approved funds supporting Portugal’s economy.
Greece Golden Visa: Real Estate Investment Route
Investment: EUR 250,000 to EUR 800,000 depending on location
Processing: 6-8 months
Citizenship path: 7 years
Greece Golden Visa remains Europe’s most accessible entry point by investment amount for those departing America, though price increases implemented in August 2024 raised minimums to EUR 800,000 in prime areas including Athens, Thessaloniki, and major islands.
Certain regions still qualify at EUR 250,000. The program allows real estate investment rather than fund investment, providing tangible asset ownership. Rental income can offset holding costs. No minimum stay requirements apply for visa renewal.
Malta Residency Permit
Malta citizenship and residency programs provide direct citizenship rather than requiring years of residence first—appealing to Americans leaving the country who want EU access quickly. English serves as an official language, facilitating integration.
The program requires genuine connection to Malta—not passive investment. Applicants must either reside 12 months before citizenship or 36 months for reduced investment amounts. Strong banking and finance sectors attract wealth management professionals leaving the United States.
EU citizenship provides rights across all 27 member states immediately, including freedom of movement, work, and residence.
New Zealand Active Investor Plus Visa: Asia-Pacific Option
Following April 2025 policy reforms that reduced investment thresholds and residence requirements, New Zealand has attracted significant interest from Americans leaving the US. Political uncertainty following the 2024 US election combined with New Zealand’s stable democracy and independent judiciary makes it particularly attractive for those exiting America.
Growth Category:
- Investment: NZD 5 million for 3 years
- Physical presence: Only 21 days over 3 years
- Family: Spouse/partner and dependent children to age 24 included
Balanced Category:
- Investment: NZD 10 million for 5 years
- Physical presence: 105 days over 5 years (reducible with larger investments)
- Family: Spouse/partner and dependent children to age 24 included
Americans represent 45% of all New Zealand Active Investor Plus Visa applications since the April 2025 reforms—85 out of 189 total applications. The country received 65 new applications in just six weeks post-reform, compared to only 116 over the preceding 2.5 years.
No English language requirement applies for the investor visa (though citizenship requires basic proficiency). After completing the investment period and meeting residence conditions, applicants become eligible for permanent residence. Citizenship becomes available 5 years after obtaining permanent residence.
New Zealand Golden Visa for US citizens allows dual citizenship—Americans don’t need to surrender US passports.
Tax Implications for Americans Leaving the United States
US Citizenship-Based Taxation
The United States taxes citizens on worldwide income regardless of residence location. This obligation persists even after obtaining second or third citizenship, the most important fact for anyone leaving America. Annual filing requirements apply even when no tax is owed.
FATCA reporting requires disclosure of foreign financial accounts when aggregate value exceeds $10,000. FBAR (FinCEN Form 114) carries severe penalties for non-compliance, reaching up to 50% of account values in extreme cases.
Tax Optimization While Retaining US Citizenship
The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) allows exclusion of $126,500 in earned income for 2025, provided physical presence or bona fide residence requirements are met. Foreign Housing Exclusion provides additional deductions for housing costs abroad.
Foreign Tax Credits offset US tax liability with foreign taxes paid. Tax treaty benefits vary by country and income type. Strategic timing of relocation can optimize partial-year tax situations.
These provisions require proper structuring and documentation. Harvey Law Group partners with international tax advisors to coordinate complete planning strategies for clients leaving America.
The Exit Tax
The exit tax applies to “covered expatriates”—those meeting any of these criteria:
- Net worth exceeding $2 million
- Average annual income tax exceeding $201,000 (last 5 years)
- Failure to certify 5 years of tax compliance
Consequences include mark-to-market taxation treating all assets as sold at fair market value, immediate taxation on deferred compensation, and complex trust taxation rules.
Planning must occur 2-5 years before renunciation to implement mitigation strategies. The exit tax creates multi-million dollar liabilities for ultra-high-net-worth individuals departing America permanently.
Renunciation Decision Framework
Most Harvey Law Group clients maintain US citizenship after obtaining second citizenship. The majority view alternative citizenship as optionality rather than immediate departure from the United States.
Renunciation makes sense for:
- Ultra-high-net-worth individuals (>$50M) with manageable exit tax relative to future compliance burden
- Those with minimal US business ties or visitation needs
- Individuals for whom compliance costs exceed benefits
Renunciation does NOT make sense for:
- Those with ongoing US business operations
- Families in the US requiring frequent visits
- Individuals under 50 (premature permanent decision)
- Anyone uncertain about permanent life abroad
Renunciation is irreversible except in extremely rare circumstances. Harvey Law Group recommends living abroad 1-2 years with second citizenship before making final decisions about permanently leaving America.
Common Errors Americans Make When Leaving the United States
Insufficient Tax Planning
The most frequent error: obtaining second citizenship without prior tax analysis. US citizenship-based taxation persists regardless of new citizenship. Planning must occur before—not after—citizenship acquisition for those leaving the country.
Choosing Based Solely on Price
A $200,000 Dominica citizenship may not serve a $50 million net worth individual’s needs if their business requires specific visa-free access or particular banking relationships. Program selection should align with actual usage patterns and long-term objectives for those departing America.
Inadequate Source of Funds Documentation
Post-2024 compliance standards have intensified. The Continuing International Due Diligence (CIDD) Unit conducts ongoing monitoring even after citizenship grants. Applications require comprehensive financial documentation showing clear fund provenance.
Under-documentation leads to application delays, rejections, or potential revocations. Harvey Law Group conducts internal pre-screening before official submission to identify documentation gaps.
Using Non-Specialist Advisors
Citizenship and residency by investment represents a specialized legal field requiring government relationships and compliance expertise. General immigration lawyers or unregulated “citizenship agents” lack necessary experience for Americans leaving the US.
Harvey Law Group maintains licensed lawyers across 20 global offices with direct government relationships in major citizenship jurisdictions. The firm has guided Americans through these programs for over 30 years.
Excluding Family Members Initially
Adding family members after initial citizenship often costs more or becomes impossible as children age out of eligibility. Most programs allow inclusion of spouse, dependent children (up to age 18-30 depending on program), and sometimes parents.
Including all eligible family members in the initial application maximizes value and avoids future complications for families leaving the United States.
Rushing Without Full Evaluation
Comprehensive evaluation requires 2-4 weeks minimum. Applications themselves take 4-10 months. Attempting to compress timelines leads to errors, overlooked options, and suboptimal program selection for those leaving America.
Renouncing Too Quickly
Obtaining second citizenship and immediately renouncing US citizenship eliminates flexibility. Living abroad with dual citizenship for 1-2 years allows testing of lifestyle, business viability, and family adjustment before making irreversible decisions about leaving America permanently.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leaving America
Q: How many Americans are actually leaving?
Approximately 9 million Americans currently reside abroad according to State Department estimates. In 2024, an estimated 4,820 wealthy Americans formally renounced citizenship. However, the majority obtaining second citizenship maintain it as an option rather than immediate relocation outside America.
Q: Do I need to renounce US citizenship when leaving America?
No. Most Harvey Law Group clients maintain US citizenship while adding second citizenship. Dual and multiple citizenship is legal under US law. The decision to renounce requires careful consideration of irreversible consequences.
Q: What about my US taxes after leaving the United States?
US citizenship-based taxation continues regardless of residence or additional citizenships. FEIE, foreign tax credits, and treaty benefits can reduce effective rates, but annual filing requirements persist. Renunciation triggers exit tax for those meeting covered expatriate thresholds.
Q: How long does the process take for Americans leaving the US?
Caribbean CBI programs: 4-10 months
European Golden Visas: 6-12 months for residence
New Zealand Active Investor Plus: Approximately 4 months to Approval in Principle
Citizenship through European residence: Additional 5-7 years
Q: Can I include my family when leaving America?
Yes. Programs typically allow inclusion of:
- Spouse or partner (married or de facto)
- Dependent children (age limits vary: 18-24 depending on program)
- Parents (some programs, typically age 55+ or 65+, financially dependent)
Family members receive full residence or citizenship rights on the primary applicant’s investment.
Q: Where are Americans leaving the US going?
Based on Harvey Law Group client data:
- Portugal: Most popular European destination
- Caribbean (Grenada, St. Kitts): Fast citizenship, tax advantages, E-2 access
- UAE/Dubai: Tax-free jurisdiction, business hub
- New Zealand: Post-2025 reforms driving American applications
- Greece: Value option for Mediterranean lifestyle
Q: What is the minimum investment for leaving the United States?
Dominica: $200,000 (lowest globally)
Caribbean range: $200,000-$250,000 for donation-based programs
European range: EUR 250,000-750,000
New Zealand: NZD 5 million (Growth Category)
Plus government fees, due diligence costs, and legal fees.
Q: Will I pay double taxes after leaving America?
US citizens remain subject to worldwide taxation. However, FEIE ($126,500 exclusion for 2025), foreign tax credits, and treaty benefits often reduce effective rates. Most CBI countries impose no personal income tax, creating potential for lower overall burden with proper planning.
The Harvey Law Group Advantage for Americans Leaving the US
Harvey Law Group, established in 1992 by Jean-François Harvey, provides citizenship and residency by investment guidance across 20 countries through a network of 20 global offices. The firm maintains licensed lawyers—not agents—in major citizenship jurisdictions including Hong Kong, Singapore, Dubai, Paris, Montreal, and Miami.
With over 30 years specializing exclusively in investment immigration, Harvey Law Group has guided thousands of Americans through citizenship and residence programs. The firm conducts strict internal pre-screening before submission to government authorities, significantly improving approval rates.
Direct government relationships provide advance notice of program changes, processing priorities, and compliance requirements. Harvey Law Group coordinates with international tax advisors to structure complete immigration and tax strategies for clients leaving America rather than citizenship in isolation.
Looking Ahead: 2026 and Beyond
Current conditions suggest continued strong demand for investment migration among American high-net-worth individuals considering leaving the country. Political uncertainty, tax considerations, and quality-of-life factors show no signs of diminishing.
Program availability may contract. Spain closed its Golden Visa in April 2025. Greece raised investment minimums in 2024. Other jurisdictions may follow as political pressure increases on investment migration programs—affecting options for Americans leaving the United States.
Investment amounts continue rising. Acting now preserves access to current program terms and pricing before potential changes.
Due diligence requirements intensify globally. The Caribbean’s Continuing International Due Diligence Unit, established July 2024, conducts ongoing monitoring post-citizenship. Compliance standards will likely strengthen rather than weaken.
For Americans considering leaving the US, 2026 represents an opportune moment. Programs remain accessible, processing times stay reasonable, and legal pathways continue operating efficiently.
Next Steps for Americans Considering Leaving the United States
Harvey Law Group provides confidential consultations to assess eligibility, recommend optimal programs, and develop complete immigration strategies aligned with tax and financial planning for those departing America.
Schedule a consultation to explore your options for alternative citizenship or residence. All consultations remain confidential under attorney-client privilege.
