Vancouver, Canada – The race to acquire second passports and new identities is accelerating among America’s wealthiest individuals.
According to a new report by Amicus International Consulting, the trusted leader in privacy and identity solutions, high-net-worth Americans increasingly seek legal pathways to new citizenship as political instability, economic uncertainty, and global crises reshape priorities.
The Surge in Demand for “Golden Passports”
The once-niche trend of “golden passports”—citizenship through investment programs—has exploded among Americans.
While previously dominated by citizens from China, Pakistan, and Nigeria, the market now sees a massive influx of Americans aiming to secure global mobility and financial freedom.
Paddy Blewer, director of Henley & Partners, noted, “We’ve never seen anything like it. Demand surged late last year and only continues to grow.”
High-Profile Examples of New Identities
Eric Schmidt’s Cypriot Citizenship
Former Alphabet Inc. CEO Eric Schmidt acquired Cypriot citizenship, adding to his impressive superyachts, private jets, and luxury real estate portfolio.
Peter Thiel’s New Zealand Citizenship
The billionaire PayPal co-founder leveraged his wealth and influence to obtain New Zealand citizenship, despite minimal residency time.
John Malone’s Irish Citizenship
Liberty Media’s chairman embraced Irish citizenship, drawn by favourable tax policies and European market access.
Denise Rich’s Austrian Citizenship
Songwriter Denise Rich renounced her U.S. citizenship to obtain Austrian nationality, motivated by tax advantages.
Why Wealthy Americans Are Seeking New Identities
- Political Instability and Tax Concerns
Rising concerns over tax increases and political shifts, particularly following recent U.S. elections, prompt affluent Americans to secure “plan B” options. - Freedom of Movement Post-COVID-19
COVID-19 lockdowns highlighted the fragility of global mobility. Second passports offer critical access to safe havens during future crises. - Investment and Business Opportunities
Many countries with citizenship-by-investment programs also offer business-friendly environments, enhanced access to global markets, and asset protection strategies. - Safety and Security
Political unrest, societal polarization, and economic uncertainty push elites to diversify their residency and citizenship options for security purposes.
How Citizenship-by-Investment Programs Work
Popular Programs Include:
- St. Kitts and Nevis: Citizenship through real estate investment or contributions to the Sustainable Growth Fund.
- Dominica: One of the most affordable CBI programs available today.
- Malta: Highly prestigious EU citizenship at a higher financial threshold.
Investment Requirements:
Starting from around $190,000 to $300,000, depending on the country and program specifics.
Application Process:
- Background checks and due diligence.
- Proof of investment (real estate, government bonds, or donations).
- Approval and issuance of citizenship and passport.
Case Studies of High-Profile Second Passport Holders
Roman Abramovich’s Portuguese Citizenship
The Russian billionaire secured Portuguese citizenship through a Sephardic Jewish ancestry law, broadening his EU mobility options.
Boris Becker’s Attempted Diplomatic Immunity
The former tennis champion pursued diplomatic immunity through a Central African Republic appointment to shield himself from bankruptcy proceedings.
Igor Kolomoisky’s Cypriot Citizenship
The Ukrainian oligarch leveraged Cypriot citizenship for enhanced EU access amidst mounting legal troubles in Ukraine.
Controversies and Legal Challenges in Golden Passport Programs
Despite the advantages, these programs face serious scrutiny:
Jho Low and the 1mdb Scandal
The Malaysian financier obtained Cypriot citizenship, which was later revoked due to his alleged role in embezzling billions from Malaysia’s sovereign wealth fund.
Demetris Syllouris’s Resignation
An Al Jazeera investigation exposed Cyprus’s parliamentary speaker aiding a Chinese criminal in securing a passport, leading to public outrage and program reform.
Malta’s Ongoing Passport Criticisms
Investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia exposed abuses in Malta’s program before her tragic assassination, highlighting corruption risks tied to golden passports.
Fugitives Captured Despite Golden Visas
Viktor Kozeny – Antiguan Citizenship
The “Pirate of Prague” obtained citizenship through Antigua’s CBI program but faced eventual legal pressure and extradition attempts.
Rami Makhlouf – Cypriot Citizenship
Cousin to Syria’s president, Makhlouf leveraged his Cypriot passport to attempt to dodge international sanctions, ultimately leading to citizenship revocation.
Alexandre Nogueira – Portuguese Citizenship
The Brazilian businessman used Portuguese citizenship to mask financial crimes but was eventually captured.
Risks and Criticisms of Citizenship-by-Investment
- Security Risks:
Authorities fear criminals and politically exposed persons (PEPS) could use these passports to launder assets or evade justice. - EU Pushback:
European Union officials, including Vice-President Vera Jourová, have warned that Europe must not become a haven for corrupt elites. - Transparency Challenges:
Governments face growing pressure to enforce stricter vetting processes and transparency standards to ensure the integrity of their programs.
Expert Commentary and Industry Outlook
At a recent London conference hosted by Henley & Partners:
- Three prime ministers actively promoted their countries’ programs.
- Former CIA Director David Petraeus delivered the keynote, underscoring the strategic dimensions of identity and citizenship in today’s geopolitical climate.
The event highlighted the lucrative business of citizenship sales and the growing international concerns about their regulation.
Amicus International Consulting: Your Trusted Partner for New Identities
Amicus International Consulting remains at the forefront of legal second citizenship solutions and privacy consulting.
Our services include:
- Citizenship-by-investment program assistance.
- Second passport acquisition through ancestry, investment, or naturalization.
- Full privacy protection and digital footprint minimization.
- Crisis management and identity security solutions.
Why Choose Amicus?
- Legal, ethical, and transparent services.
- Extensive experience guiding high-net-worth clients through complex processes.
- Complete confidentiality and discretion at every step.
Conclusion: A New Era of Global Citizenship
As demand for second passports and new identities continues to surge among America’s elite, the opportunities—and challenges—will only grow.
While securing a second citizenship offers freedom, security, and opportunity, it must be done legally, ethically, and strategically.
Amicus International Consulting provides the expertise needed to navigate this sophisticated world and ensure a smooth transition into your next chapter of global mobility.
📞 Contact Information
Phone: +1 (604) 200-5402
Email: info@amicusint.ca
Website: www.amicusint.ca
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