LONDON, UK / ACCESS Newswire / July 8, 2025 / The United States has climbed to the 19th position in the 2025 World Citizenship Index (WCI), marking a notable improvement from its 22nd place last year. According to the latest report, the country's upward movement is primarily attributed to stronger performance in the areas of economic opportunity and global mobility.
In particular, the United States rose sharply in the motivator of Economic Opportunity, moving to 2nd place, a significant leap from 14th in 2024. The nation also registered a rise in its Quality of Life score, advancing from 29th to 20th, which reflects better living standards and socio-economic conditions.
Despite the positive shift, the World Citizenship Report, that featured the World Citizenship Index, highlighted the increasing concerns among high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) regarding long-term safety and political stability in the United States. These concerns are reportedly driving a growing number of wealthy Americans to explore alternative citizenship options in more stable and secure jurisdictions.
"Alternative citizenship today is no longer abstract; it is practical, strategic, and urgently necessary," said Micha-Rose Emmett, CEO of CS Global Partners, the firm behind the World Citizenship Report. "At its essence, citizenship reflects universal human desires: safety and security, economic prosperity, quality of life, financial stability, and mobility."
The World Citizenship Report, through the World Citizenship Index evaluates 188 nationalities across five key motivators: Safety and Security, Economic Opportunity, Quality of Life, Global Mobility, and Financial Freedom. Each motivator is weighted according to its relevance to HNWIs, with the final rankings calculated using a proprietary composite scoring system.
Economic Performance and Innovation Fuel the Climb
The World Citizenship Report further noted that the United States continues to maintain global economic appeal, bolstered by its leadership in artificial intelligence and biotechnology. A mature capital market, robust consumer base, and dynamic start-up culture position the country as a cornerstone of global economic activity. Its strong standing in Global Mobility further enhances its international connectivity through expansive diplomatic and travel arrangements.
However, the country's relatively lower score in Safety and Security dampens overall sentiment. Rising crime rates in urban centres, deepening political polarisation, and growing concerns over civil liberties have made many HNWIs apprehensive about the United States' future trajectory.
Decisions such as withdrawing from international treaties and escalating geopolitical tensions have further prompted investors to hedge their positions through citizenship diversification.
For North American respondents, Safety and Security ranked as the most important motivator for seeking alternative citizenship, even surpassing Quality of Life, a trend not mirrored in other regions.
Citizenship as a Strategic Asset for the Future
The WCI findings reveal a broader shift in mindset: alternative citizenship is no longer an escape plan but a strategic tool. Jurisdictions such as St Kitts and Nevis, Malta, and Dominica are increasingly seen as attractive destinations for American families seeking secure, well-governed environments for future legacy planning.
This trend aligns with the evolving nature of wealth management, where mobility, flexibility, and resilience are central to strategy. HNWIs and ultra-HNWIs (UHNWIs) are now viewing alternative citizenship as a form of financial and personal insurance amid global unpredictability.
"Citizenship has evolved from a legal marker into a multifaceted tool for resilience, freedom, and purposeful engagement with the world," noted the World Citizenship Report 2025.
The United States' rise to 19th place in the 2025 World Citizenship Index reflects its enduring economic strength and global reach. Yet, the increasing demand for alternative citizenship among American HNWIs highlights an underlying need for greater personal security, long-term stability, and strategic freedom.
As geopolitical and domestic complexities deepen, citizenship is no longer solely a matter of birthright. For the globally-minded elite, it has become a vital component of modern preparedness and peace of mind.
Contact Details:
Website: https://csglobalpartners.com/
Email: info@csglobalpartners.com
SOURCE: CS Global
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