United States: The World Citizenship Report (WCR) 2026 has revealed that American nationals account for 21% of all global CBI applications, making the United States the single largest share of applications in the investment migration industry.
The report, released in May 2026, highlights a significant rise in demand from U.S. citizens for alternative citizenship and residency options. According to the findings, inquiries from Americans regarding Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programmes surged by 183% during the early months of 2025.
The findings of the report outlined a combination of factors, including tariff-related economic pressures, election-driven policy uncertainty, and volatility in energy markets for these statistics. The report notes that these developments have prompted many affluent individuals and families to reassess their long-term plans and seek greater security through global mobility.
The WCR further suggests that the global balance of power is transforming, with the world increasingly shifting toward a multipolar landscape. This evolving reality is influencing not only geopolitical dynamics but also personal wealth and citizenship strategies.
According to the report, the changing global environment has encouraged many individuals to explore opportunities beyond their home countries, particularly in nations offering strong economic prospects, high living standards, and favourable business environments. The report also warns that sustained tariff-driven inflation and economic uncertainty could slow global growth to 3.1% in 2026.
As a result, many High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs) are pursuing alternative citizenship options as a means of securing greater stability and flexibility for themselves and their families. The report highlights that access to a better quality of life, enhanced family security, and future opportunities now outweigh political concerns as the primary motivations for seeking a second citizenship.
The World Citizenship Report 2026 is an annual flagship research publication of CS Global Partners, a London-based government advisory and marketing firm specialising in investment migration programmes.
Rising Demand for Alternative Citizenship
Against a backdrop of geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, and ongoing global conflicts, reliance on a single jurisdiction is increasingly being viewed as a risk. Consequently, affluent Americans are integrating alternative citizenship into their long-term family and wealth planning strategies.
The report found that 71.6% of mass affluent individuals worldwide are now more inclined to consider obtaining an additional citizenship or residency as a response to changing global conditions, with Americans leading this trend.
Chief Executive Officer of CS Global Partners, Micha Rose Emmett, described the findings as evidence of a significant shift in investor behaviour.
“The findings of WCR describe a new equilibrium as 71.6% of mass affluent individuals are more inclined towards alternative citizenship, while only 2.7% are less inclined. Citizenship planning is no longer a contingency; it is the default setting.”
The report indicates that wealthy individuals increasingly view citizenship diversification as an essential component of long-term planning, enabling greater mobility, security, and wealth preservation.
Supporting this trend, only 33.5% of High-Net-Worth Individuals surveyed expressed confidence that their current citizenship alone would provide sufficient security and opportunities for the future. As a result, nearly two-thirds are exploring alternative options to safeguard their families, assets, and prospects.
For many affluent American families and investors, alternative citizenship has become a strategic tool for navigating uncertainty. The report notes that jurisdictional diversification is now being incorporated into broader wealth management strategies, allowing individuals to access multiple economic systems, expand opportunities, and better manage future risks.
