Where Americans go for retirement: top countries

Despite the fact that the United States is considered one of the leading and wealthiest countries in the world, some Americans go abroad in search of a better life. They seek to change their environment, climate, or pursue new experiences and adventures.

According to the consulting company Henley & Partners, the firm received the largest number of inquiries from US citizens in 2022 - 447% more than in 2019. For the first time, Americans took the highest place among all citizens of the world who applied for residence and citizenship, as reported by Gobankingrates.

Portugal stands out among the main destinations attracting wealthy Americans for residence and citizenship. This country is the most popular option for investment migration for US citizens, thanks to the Golden Residence Permit program. In 2022, Portugal recorded a net inflow of approximately 1,300 millionaires, as the program provided wealthy individuals with residence permits in exchange for real estate investments.

Another destination is Malta, which attracts dozens of wealthy American citizens. This country grants citizenship to foreigners and their families who contribute to economic development. For this purpose, it is necessary to make investments ranging from 738,000 euros to 888,000 euros.

Wealthy Americans are also drawn to Spain, particularly for its investment programs, including the Golden Visa. Successful applicants and their families receive visa-free access to the Schengen area of Europe when they invest a minimum of €500,000. Additional alternatives include investment funds, bank deposits, or shares of registered companies in financial institutions in Spain with a minimum value of EUR 1 million, or investments in government bonds with a minimum value of EUR 2 million.

St. Kitts and Nevis is also an attractive destination for wealthy Americans who appreciate beautiful beaches and tropical landscapes. The St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program requires a minimum investment of $250,000. Investors and their families also receive full citizenship for life, which can be passed on to future generations.

Another European country, Greece, offers the Golden Visa program, providing visa-free travel within the Schengen area of Europe without the need for residence in Greece. An investment in real estate with a minimum value of 250,000 euros is required. Another option is a minimum €500,000 investment in Mykonos, Santorini, Thessaloniki, and most municipalities in Athens.

Italy's Golden Visa program offers visa-free travel to the European Schengen area without requiring permanent residence in the country. To qualify, one must meet one of these requirements: a minimum of €2 million in Italian government bonds, or a minimum of €500,000 in Italian stocks, or €250,000 if investing in innovative startups.

Earlier, TravelWise wrote about the best places to stay in Barcelona.