US to Europe: The Great Migration Boom of America’s Wealthiest

US to Europe: The Great Migration Boom of America’s Wealthiest

Plan B: Contingency Planning

Henderson’s insights confirm that investment migration isn’t just about moving abroad—it’s about securing flexibility in an increasingly unpredictable world. «Most clients aren’t renouncing U.S. citizenship outright, but they are establishing a Plan B—ensuring they have an alternative should the situation in the U.S. deteriorate further.»

An additional perspective is offered by Enzo Caputo, a Swiss lawyer specializing in banking access for U.S. citizens through his firm Swiss Banking Lawyers. Caputo has observed a surge in inquiries from Americans seeking to safeguard their assets.

«I have never experienced anything like this before,» he told finews.asia. «Over the past weekend, I received multiple inquiries from American clients. The priority for most is securing their wealth, but in many cases, the idea of leaving the US entirely is already in the back of their minds.»

Swiss Bank Account

For the first time in his more than 20-year career, Caputo is seeing interest not only from ultra-high-net-worth individuals but also from those with more modest wealth: «Now, I am receiving inquiries for amounts between $200,000 and $300,000.»

A notable share of his clients come from a scientific background, a trend that distinguishes this wave of migration from previous ones.

One of the most unique perspectives on American relocation trends comes from Jen Barnett, co-founder of ExPatsi, a firm dedicated to helping Americans navigate the process of moving abroad. Barnett, who has personally conducted relocation tours, has seen first-hand how many Americans underestimate the cultural adaptation required to successfully settle in a new country.

Cultural Issues

«There are financial vehicles that allow people to gain residency through investment for under $250,000, which is very attractive to the average American.,» Barnett explained.

However, «Americans have not historically been very mobile, so their biggest mistake right now comes out of not knowing where to start. They often decide on a country they like, and then try to move there. Instead, we counsel them on the path options, like investment, retirement, and skilled work, and encourage them to choose the path first and then see what countries offer it.»

For example, in many European countries, patience is a necessity rather than a virtue. «While many people in Europe speak English, it’s still important to try to assimilate to build community and be a responsible immigrant. It’s easier when you’re moving as a digital nomad or retiree and don’t need to use the language to earn your living,» she said.

Trump Issue

She also emphasized that despite the dream of escaping political tensions in the US, many expats find that new challenges replace old ones. «There are cultural differences, of course, and we remind people that if it were just like the USA, they wouldn’t want to move there to begin with,» Barnett noted.

One of the most frequently debated topics in investment migration circles is whether Donald Trump's presidency has been a decisive factor in the growing number of wealthy Americans seeking to relocate. The answer, according to industry experts, is nuanced.

Political Disappointment

Andrew Henderson, who has worked with hundreds of high-net-worth Americans on expatriation, explained: «We have more of the left-leaning, liberal people who don’t like Trump coming to us, but I think that eventually, the people who like Trump are still going to realize the country’s not going to be fixed.»

He noted that while the fear of another Trump presidency has driven some clients to explore migration options, the broader issue is a growing disenchantment with the U.S. political landscape as a whole.

Jen Barnett, who has surveyed thousands of potential expats, emphasized that political disappointment is the single most powerful force driving emigration desires in the US.

«Hedge Against Political Risk»

Basil Mohr Elzeki of Henley & Partners also confirmed that while political shifts contribute to the trend, financial and lifestyle considerations are equally important: «Most inquiries are currently politically driven, regardless of which side of the political divide they are on. The goal is to hedge against risks and to have a Plan B if a relocation becomes necessary.»

In a somewhat ironic turn of events, just as wealthy Americans are exploring investment migration abroad, the U.S. government has announced that it is likely to introduce its golden visa program to attract foreign investors.

US Golden Visa

According to Mohr Elzeki, such a step «certainly has the potential to be successful as the United States remains a very attractive private wealth destination with top tier education and healthcare as well as business opportunities with the biggest economy in the world». However, «the success of the program will depend on the residency requirements, tax implications and general application processes offered.»

This move reflects a broader irony: while Americans are increasingly looking outward for new residency opportunities, the US itself remains one of the most sought-after destinations for investment migration from other parts of the world. Historically, the U.S. has been a magnet for high-net-worth individuals from Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America, many of whom still see America as the ultimate place for wealth creation and opportunity.

New, Dynamic Era

Whether driven by political fatigue, financial diversification, or a desire for a better lifestyle, the surge in US investment migration is undeniable. However, it is not a one-way street. Even as Americans seek alternatives abroad, the US is preparing to compete for global capital and talent through its investment visa program.

Be it Americans moving out or international investors moving in, one thing is clear: the world of investment migration is entering a new, dynamic era.