Americans seeking second passports face new rules worldwide

A growing number of Americans seeking “backup” passports in times of political and financial instability in the U.S. are facing a fast-changing legal landscape abroad, as governments try to either capitalize on or curb this trend.

While some countries are opening new, easier pathways to citizenship or long-term residency options, others are tightening their requirements in ways that are slamming the door on millions of Americans hoping to settle there or get a second passport.

Why It Matters

The number of Americans dreaming of leaving the country and permanently relocating abroad has grown in recent years. A November Gallup survey found that one in five Americans would have liked to emigrate in 2024, including 40 percent of women aged 15 to 44—a 400 percent increase on a similar poll taken 10 years earlier. 

Immigration lawyers and consultants have also reported rising interest among Americans for dual citizenship—the ability to be a citizen of two (or more) countries. 

Some who have left the country told Newsweek they were actively escaping a hostile administration after President Donald Trump’s return to the White House. Others said they fled gun violence while also swapping a toxic hustle culture in the U.S. workplace for a more relaxed, cheaper way of living in Europe.

Which Countries Are Tightening Citizenship and Residency Rules

Concerns over the growing political divide in the U.S., economic uncertainty, and the desire for a “Plan B” that might come with the perks of lower taxes and better, cheaper health care and education, are fueling the recent rise in Americans seeking second citizenship.

But many of them might have already found that relocating to some countries, or obtaining a second passport in these places, has become harder over the last couple of years as these have tightened residency and descent rules. Crucially, these involve many of the most popular destinations for Americans.

Italy

Last year, Italy suddenly changed its citizenship-by-descent rules, which had until then allowed anyone with an Italian ancestor alive after March 17, 1861—when Italy became a unified country—to apply for citizenship.

After Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government’s emergency decree issued in spring last year, only foreign nationals with Italian parents or grandparents are now allowed to seek citizenship. That parent or grandparent must have held solely Italian citizenship at the time of their descendant’s birth or at their own death if it came earlier, effectively excluding those with dual citizenship.

According to the Italian Foreign Ministry, 60 million to 80 million people worldwide who would have been eligible for Italian citizenship under the previous rules were cut off by the new law that came into effect in May last year.

United Kingdom

Big changes are brewing in the United Kingdom as part of a major overhaul of the country’s immigration system backed by Prime Minister Keir Starmer. There are talks of changing the qualifying period for settlement, which allows permanent residency in the country, from five to 10 years and introducing an “earned settlement” model which would require migrants to demonstrate long-term contributions to the nation.

Some changes have already been introduced affecting dual citizens with a British passport. From February 26, British dual citizens have been required to demonstrate their right of abode before traveling to the United Kingdom or carrying a British passport, which costs approximately £100 (or more than $130) to obtain.

These rules are enforced by airlines before boarding a flight to the United Kingdom.

Portugal

Portugal, with its sunny, warm weather, delicious food, and relatively low cost of living has long been one of the most popular destinations for Americans wanting to relocate abroad. But the country has recently approved an increase of its citizenship residency requirements from five to 10 years for more foreigners, including Americans.

The country’s popular Golden Visa or residency-by-investment program, however, remains unchanged. The Portugal Golden Residence Permit Program guarantees a five-year residency to non-EU citizens willing to make a capital transfer of 500,000 euros (approximately $575,000) into Portuguese venture capital or investment funds. Recipients of the visa can then travel all around the European Union.

Portugal, according to experts, currently offers one of the best options for wealthy Americans wanting to relocate to Europe. Neighboring Spain abolished all investor‑residency routes, including property investment, last year, ending its Golden Visa program.

Which Countries Are Relaxing The Rules

In a global landscape where many countries have tightened citizenship and residency rules, there are a few outliers—including some which are conveniently close to the U.S.

Canada

In December last year, Canada introduced sweeping changes to its citizenship-by-descent rules, expanding eligibility for tens of thousands of descendants of Canadian citizens living abroad—including many Americans.

Bill C-3, also known as An Act to Amend the Citizenship Act (2025), replaced the country’s strict first-generation limit on citizenship-by-descent, allowing those born outside Canada before December 15, 2025—when the bill came into effect—to apply for citizenship as long as they have an ancestor who was a Canadian citizen when they were born.

That includes a parent, grandparent, great-grandparent or great-great-grandparent.

Those born on or after December 15, 2025, to a Canadian parent also born outside of Canada can be eligible for citizenship if their parent was a Canadian citizen when they were born and they spent at least 1,095 days in Canada before then.

Serbia

The Eastern European country of Serbia, which is not part of the European Union despite being granted candidate status in 2012, has introduced a “citizenship by exception” program via business investment.

The program is a fast-tracked way of granting citizenship in four to six months to foreign nationals whose admission is found to benefit national interests. The program does not require applicants to know Serbian or to have stayed in the country for a minimum period of time.

In a polarized era, the center is dismissed as bland. At Newsweek, ours is different: The Courageous Center—it’s not “both sides,” it’s sharp, challenging and alive with ideas. We follow facts, not factions. If that sounds like the kind of journalism you want to see thrive, we need you.

When you become a Newsweek Member, you support a mission to keep the center strong and vibrant. Members enjoy: Ad-free browsing, exclusive content and editor conversations. Help keep the center courageous. Join today.