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Millionaire migration patterns: insights from Henley & Partners and New World Wealth

Millionaire migration patterns: insights from Henley & Partners and New World Wealth

The United Arab Emirates and the United States lead the world in attracting migrating millionaires, followed by a mix of European destinations, Asian financial centers, and countries offering access to growing markets or a particular lifestyle.

The ranking below uses projected net inflows of millionaires in 2025 from Henley & Partners and New World Wealth. Net inflow means arrivals minus departures, not the total number of millionaires living in a country. The report generally counts people with at least US$1 million in liquid investable wealth. These figures are estimates, so they are best read as a comparison of migration patterns rather than a precise count of every move.

1. United Arab Emirates: about 9,800 net arrivals

The United Arab Emirates tops the list by a wide margin. Dubai and Abu Dhabi combine international business links, modern infrastructure, luxury housing, and access to markets across Europe, Asia, and Africa. The absence of personal income tax is a major attraction for some wealthy residents, although other taxes and costs still apply.

Long-term residence routes, including eligibility-based golden visas, also make it easier for some entrepreneurs, investors, and skilled professionals to establish a base. Its appeal is broader than tax: business owners value its flight connections and expanding financial and professional-services sectors.

2. United States: roughly 7,500 net arrivals

The United States attracts wealthy people seeking a large consumer market, deep capital markets, leading universities, and opportunities to build or invest in businesses. New York remains a center for finance, while places such as California, Texas, and Florida offer different combinations of technology, entrepreneurship, lifestyle, and tax treatment.

The trade-offs are significant. Federal and state taxes can prove intricate, while immigration routes rely entirely on an applicant’s unique situation. Even so, for numerous founders and investors, tapping into American customers and investment networks outweighs these drawbacks.

3. Italy: roughly 3,600 net arrivals

Italy pairs established cities and attractive places to live with access to the wider European market. Milan’s business and financial activity draws internationally mobile professionals, while other regions appeal to families looking for culture, property, and a different pace of life.

Italy can also appeal to individuals with significant earnings originating abroad, largely due to a favorable tax framework designed for qualifying newcomers. Nevertheless, the conditions have evolved over the years, and this advantage does not imply that every revenue stream avoids standard Italian taxation.

4. Switzerland: roughly 3,000 net arrivals

Switzerland’s reputation for political stability, strong institutions, private banking, and high-quality services continues to attract wealthy families. Zurich and Geneva are especially important for finance and international business, while the country’s education, healthcare, and transport add to its appeal.

Taxes and residence conditions vary by canton and personal situation. Some eligible foreign residents may have access to special tax arrangements, but Switzerland is not a uniformly low-tax destination. Its high cost of living is another important consideration.

5. Saudi Arabia: about 2,400 net arrivals

Saudi Arabia’s standing mirrors its ongoing economic growth and its drive to draw global talent and investment. Key development initiatives, an expanding private sector, and emerging prospects across energy, technology, tourism, and construction provide compelling incentives for business owners and corporate leaders to move there.

Residency options have expanded for some qualified applicants. At the same time, a move often depends on a specific business opportunity or professional role; the country’s appeal is not identical to that of a traditional wealth-management center.

6. Singapore: about 1,600 net arrivals

Singapore provides political stability, a robust legal framework, advanced financial solutions, and a strategic hub for commercial operations throughout Southeast Asia. Entrepreneurs and families looking to oversee their portfolios while remaining adjacent to rapidly expanding regional markets find it particularly appealing.

Its strengths come with constraints. Housing and schooling can be expensive, and requirements affecting residency, investment, and family-office activity are selective. Wealth alone does not guarantee permission to live there.

7. Portugal: about 1,400 net arrivals

Portugal attracts affluent newcomers with its climate, relative safety, established international communities, and access to Europe. Lisbon and Porto appeal to entrepreneurs and remote business owners, while coastal areas draw families and retirees.

Policy shifts carry significant weight in this context. Acquiring real estate no longer qualifies investors for Portugal’s golden visa through the previous property pathway, and the former sweeping tax exemptions for recent arrivals have been phased out. Although Portugal continues to draw interest, future expatriates ought to evaluate the updated regulations instead of depending on outdated assumptions concerning residency or fiscal advantages.

8. Greece: about 1,200 net arrivals

Greece combines Mediterranean living with European access and an active property market. Athens offers urban business opportunities, while islands and coastal areas appeal to people who can split their time between countries.

While residency-by-investment programs have successfully sparked interest, qualifying real estate thresholds and requirements differ depending on the region and the nature of the investment. Growing demand has simultaneously invited scrutiny regarding housing affordability, demonstrating how an influx of capital can generate challenges alongside its economic advantages.

9. Canada: about 1,000 net arrivals

Canada’s draw is less about low taxes than about stability, education, healthcare, and long-term prospects for families. Toronto and Vancouver have large international business communities, and several cities offer opportunities in technology, finance, and natural resources.

Rising housing expenses and shifting immigration policies complicate the choice. Still, for numerous affluent arrivals, the allure of establishing a family and enterprise in a stable environment stays strong.

10. Australia: about 1,000 net arrivals

Australia shares the tenth position alongside Canada within the 2025 forecasts. Its allure is built upon robust institutions, prominent metropolises boasting global commercial connections, education, medical care, and a lifestyle that draws in households alongside founders.

It is crucial to avoid mistaking high demand for simple accessibility. Australia shut its previous business innovation and investment visa stream to fresh applicants back in 2024. Future residents need to meet the criteria through currently active immigration channels; financial capital on its own does not serve as a route to residency.

What the ranking reveals

These countries do not attract millionaires for one universal reason. The United Arab Emirates competes on international connectivity and personal tax treatment; the United States on market access and opportunity; Switzerland and Singapore on stability and financial services; and several European destinations on a combination of lifestyle, location, and targeted residence or tax policies.

The figures also leave out an important distinction: a country can attract wealthy newcomers while others leave it, and a strong net inflow does not show how long arrivals stay or how much they invest locally. The most durable destinations are likely to be those that offer more than an initial incentive—a place where businesses can operate, families can settle, and residents can plan with confidence.

By George Power