In a striking turn of events, the wealthy elite are packing their bags and heading for greener pastures, and the latest wealth migration report has the scoop. This year marks an unprecedented shift in the movement of high-net-worth individuals, with an estimated 142,000 people with a cool million—or more—deciding to swap their current homes for new ones. This mass relocation, described in the 2025 Henley Private Wealth Migration Report, is creating notable winners and losers on the global playing field.
Leading the charge is the United Arab Emirates, which has become the most popular destination for millionaires looking to migrate. A jaw-dropping 9,800 high-net-worth individuals are expected to gain residency in this sunny Middle Eastern locale in 2025, an increase of 6,700 from the previous year. The country’s appealing golden visa program and its tantalizing zero income tax policy serve as irresistible lures for these moneyed migrants. It seems like the UAE has rolled out the red carpet, welcoming millionaires with open arms and a grin.
Not to be overlooked, Saudi Arabia is making waves as the fastest-growing destination for affluent individuals, with a projected influx of over 2,400 millionaires. This number represents an eight-fold increase from last year, fueled by returning nationals and international investors eager to find opportunity in cities like Riyadh and Jeddah. It’s a remarkable turnaround for the Kingdom, showcasing its ambition to become a financial hub and attract talent from across the globe.
On the flip side of this financial migration drama, the United Kingdom is experiencing a notable decline. The Henley report projects that the UK will witness a staggering exodus of 16,500 high-net-worth individuals seeking greener pastures elsewhere. The combination of uncertainty and economic challenges seems to have left many with a bitter taste, prompting their departure in search of friendlier tax climates and economic stability.
Meanwhile, China is also feeling the heat, with an anticipated 7,800 wealthy individuals expected to seek refuge in other countries, further emphasizing the shifting economic landscape. The Henley report’s commentary on this trend captures the mood perfectly: countries aren’t just competing for talent anymore; they’re also vying for the fortunes that come with those talented individuals.
As we witness this mass movement of wealth, it’s clear that economic influence is shifting across the globe. Countries are stepping up their game, creating enticing policies aimed at attracting high-net-worth individuals. The competition is fierce, and the stakes are high, but one thing is certain: the world of wealth migration is undergoing a dramatic transformation, and it’s a story that’s only just beginning.
