Second residencies have been a quiet strategy for those seeking to expand their global footprint, but 2026 is shaping up to be a turning point. Political polarization and the post-U.S. election policy shifts spurred a wave of high-net-worth individuals and remote professionals to look abroad for greater stability and freedom.
Throughout 2025, the ripple effects have only intensified, with tariffs, shifting visa frameworks, and escalating tensions between the U.S. and China fueling uncertainty across global markets.
Meanwhile, Europe finds itself balancing between the two competing powers, navigating economic pressure and internal reform debates, but also seizing the opportunity to attract the world’s most dynamic entrepreneurs and investors for innovation, talent, and strategic investment.
With new administrations taking shape in the U.S. and Europe, and leadership transitions across key EU member states, migration, taxation, and border control frameworks are being reshaped.
These political shifts, along with evolving visa policies and rising geopolitical tensions, are driving globally minded investors and families to act now, securing second residencies ahead of potential regulatory changes.
“We’re witnessing first-hand how political cycles have a tremendous impact on how entrepreneurs, investors, and families plan their lives,” says Mateus Leite de Campos, Managing Partner at Moveanywhere. “When governments shift direction, visa categories, taxation frameworks, and even foreign ownership rules can change overnight. A second residency is the ultimate insurance policy against uncertainty.”
Second Residency and Europe’s Innovation-Focused Programs
For many families, residency planning has become about securing their legacy. There’s a growing focus on the generational opportunity a second residency offers beyond the improvement of lifestyle. Access to education, healthcare stability, and long-term wealth protection have become central to every family’s decision-making.
As several countries tighten their golden visa schemes and others reconsider investor pathways, the opportunity is shifting toward a new generation of innovation and technology-focused residency programs designed to attract entrepreneurs, investors, and skilled professionals.
Across Europe, governments, including Portugal, Spain, France, and others, are moving away from purely capital-based models toward initiatives that reward innovation, research, and business creation, strengthening their competitiveness while fostering real economic impact.
The advantages don’t stop there. These new programs often feature shorter pathways to residency and reduced costs compared to traditional investment routes. Moreover, they offer a more direct integration into local innovation ecosystems, connecting residents with universities, startups, and technology hubs from day one.
“Once a program becomes too popular, governments tend to recalibrate,” continues Mateus. “But Europe’s new generation of residency pathways is encouraging investment that creates real value.
The entrepreneurs, investors, and families who act early are able to gain flexibility and peace of mind as well as position themselves at the forefront of this global shift. They stand to reap the benefits of the early years of these programs.”
Beyond lifestyle and access, second residencies are becoming a cornerstone of modern strategy. In a world where markets evolve overnight, having a foothold in a stable jurisdiction is invaluable.
For entrepreneurs, it opens doors to new markets, trade routes, and tax-efficient structures. For families, it ensures the freedom to relocate or provide world-class education without administrative friction.
Setting up 2026
As 2026 approaches, global mobility is entering a new era defined not just by political shifts but by the diversification of residency programs themselves. Europe’s transition toward innovation-led and impact-driven frameworks marks a new chapter for the industry, one where attracting talent and fostering economic value increasingly outweigh pure capital inflows.
The traditional playbook of investment migration is being rewritten, demanding closer collaboration with tech ecosystems, educational institutions, and emerging industries. For next year, the direction is clear: the future of residency lies in innovation, alignment with national priorities, and strategic foresight.
To explore your second residency options ahead of 2026 and how they fit into your business, professional, or family strategy, connect with Moveanywhere’s team here.
