A survey conducted by Portugalist.com reveals that nearly half of Americans contemplating a move to Portugal are open to renouncing their U.S. citizenship after acquiring Portuguese citizenship. Of the 200 respondents, 29.5% expressed a definitive 'Yes' to renunciation, while 19.5% indicated 'Maybe.' In contrast, 45.0% responded 'No,' and 6.0% were unsure.
James Cave, founder of Portugalist.com, noted that many individuals are motivated by a desire for a lifestyle change, citing the appealing aspects of Portugal, such as its cuisine, scenic streets, and beaches. However, the survey highlights a deeper, values-driven migration trend among American expats.
Key findings from the survey include:
- Renunciation Split: 49.0% of respondents are willing to consider renouncing their U.S. citizenship, while 45.0% prefer to maintain it.
- Political Disenchantment: Among those who would renounce, 83.1% cite political disenchantment with the U.S. as their primary motivation.
- Tax Concerns: 38.5% of those already residing in Portugal point to the complexities and costs associated with the U.S. global tax filing system as a significant factor for severing ties.
- Long-Term Commitment: Over 35.5% of all respondents do not expect to return to the U.S., with this figure rising to 44.2% among those already living in Portugal.
Official data from AIMA indicates that the number of U.S. citizens residing in Portugal has increased significantly, from 14,126 in 2023 to 19,258 in 2024. This rise is attributed to Portugal's accessible residency visa options, including the D7, Digital Nomad Visa, and Golden Visa.
Despite the U.S. government's recent reduction of the renunciation fee from $2,350 to $450, the survey found that 75.0% of respondents believe this change does not influence their decision-making process. The choice to renounce citizenship appears to stem from emotional and values-based considerations rather than financial ones, indicating a disconnect between the U.S. government and its citizens living abroad.