Optionality, not exit. A second base in the EU for American families who want Schengen access, English-speaking environments, and the freedom to relocate quickly if needed.
A second residency that activates within weeks if domestic conditions change. You are not forced to use it; you simply have it.
Travel freely across most of Europe without visas, queues, or 90/180 limits once you hold a residence permit.
Portugal, Malta, and Cyprus operate in English; Portugal explicitly recognises dual citizenship with the US.
Public and private bilingual schools, EU university tuition rates, top-ranked healthcare systems at a fraction of US cost.
FEIE (~$130K), Foreign Tax Credit, and treaty positions can reduce double taxation. We coordinate with your US CPA — we don't replace them.
Portugal: 5 years to citizenship application. Spain: 10 years. Greece: 7 years. EU passport unlocks visa-free travel and right to live in any EU country.
Side by Side
| Program | Investment / Income | Stay Required | Citizenship |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portugal Golden Visa (Fund) | EUR 500,000 fund | 7 days/year | 5 years |
| Portugal D7 Visa | EUR 1,020/month income | 183+ days/year | 5 years |
| Greece Golden Visa | EUR 250K -- 800K real estate | No minimum | 7 years |
| Spain Non-Lucrative Visa | ~EUR 28,800/year passive income | 183+ days/year | 10 years |
Figures reflect 2026 thresholds. Spain real estate Golden Visa was discontinued April 2025; NLV remains the principal Spain route for Americans.
The American Hurdle
Many European banks refuse US-citizen account openings because of the FATCA reporting burden. This affects Golden Visa fund onboarding, mortgage processing, and even local utility setup. Working with advisors who pre-vet FATCA-friendly counterparties saves months of rejection cycles.
Free 30-minute assessment. We tell you which program actually fits your tax profile, family structure, and timeline — including when the answer is "wait."
