A new report has spotlighted the increasing number of affluent North Americans making use of residency-through-investment options, including Portugal’s ever-popular Golden Visa.

The 2025 Investment Migration Executive Survey, which gathers insights from multinational investment migration companies, tracks emerging trends and sentiment across the sector.

According to the findings, individuals from North America have “flooded into a market once the near-exclusive domain of wealthy individuals from emerging economies”.

For 40% of firms surveyed, North America has become their largest client source market — a fourfold increase over the past six years. In addition, half of respondents said North Americans now represent their fastest-growing demographic.

The region has now overtaken the Middle East and North Africa, which had previously been the dominant source market for 60% of those polled.

The report suggests that this surge is being driven by rising concerns around political polarisation in the United States and a growing appetite for “optionality”.

It also notes that one in five firms indicated that the most common source of their clients’ wealth is derived from investment portfolios.

Paul Stannard, founder and chairman of Portugal Pathways and the Portugal Investment Owners Club, said the findings strongly reflect recent patterns he has observed.

He explained: “Portugal Pathways has seen a sharp increase in the number of Americans, in particular, looking at the Golden Visa as an attractive option.

“More and more investors want a Plan B option. They see the incredible lifestyle Portugal offers – with its vibrant culture, excellent healthcare and international schools - and view its Golden Visa as a desirable option.”

To qualify for Portugal’s Golden Visa, applicants must commit €500,000 to an approved alternative investment fund.

The programme is open to non-EU, non-EEA and non-Swiss nationals, requires a minimum stay of just seven days per year, grants residency rights, and allows visa-free travel across the 29 Schengen Area countries for both business and leisure.

After meeting the required criteria for the qualifying period, Golden Visa holders may also apply for Portuguese citizenship.

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About Portugal Investment Owners Club

The Portugal Investment Owners Club, or P Club for short, is a unique investor membership community designed for discerning individuals, families, and organisations committed to exploring and capitalising on life in Portugal and enjoying money-can't-buy experiences and exclusive events.

About Portugal Pathways

‍‍Portugal Pathways has supported hundreds of Golden Visa residency-by-investment applications and provides expert guidance through its professional supply chain network on estate planning, wealth management, Golden Visa and tax optimisation, including post-NHR / IFICI tax regime planning, as well as private healthcare, money transfers and bespoke relocation and luxury real estate solutions to enhance life and investment in Portugal

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Disclaimer: The information on the Portugal Pathways and Portugal Investment Owners Club (P Club for short) websites and in email communications is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, tax, or financial advice. You should consult and check with a qualified professional advisor before relying on any information provided on this website or in email communications. As it relates to investments in Golden Visas or other wealth management solutions offered by regulated and professional advisors, it is important to note that past performance is no guarantee of future returns. Private equities can be highly illiquid and come with risk and should always be under professional independent advice. Golden Visa investments need to be held for 6 to 7 years to allow for permanent citizenship/passport in the EU.

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