With changes occurring in the worldwide distribution of wealth, affluent individuals are more frequently turning away from conventional European locations towards areas providing better tax benefits, greater stability, economic prospects, and lasting safety.
As per the Henley Private Wealth Migration Report 2026, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Singapore have become two of the top global locations for individuals with international mobility in terms of wealth. These countries are surpassing numerous traditional European centers.
A London-based international citizenship and residency consulting company named Henley & Partners claims that the conventional concept of relocating indefinitely from one nation to another is evolving.
Affluent people are progressively establishing a system of legal locations. A single nation could act as their main home, while another offers advantages related to nationality, and additional ones assist with commercial activities, financial assets, or the requirements of larger families.
The latest Global Wealth Mobility Framework from Henley & Partners assesses these locations according to various important criteria such as taxation policies, legal system strength, standard of living, investment opportunities, family considerations, political stability, and movement of funds.
This change indicates that governments are now vying not solely for affluent citizens but also for startups, financiers, and companies that fuel economic development. With ongoing worldwide instability influencing financial choices, adaptability, security, and international reach hold equal importance alongside conventional indicators of wealth.
The United Arab Emirates functions as an international hub for affluence.
The United Arab Emirates continues to lead globally in attracting wealthy residents. It secured a Wealth Mobility Competitiveness Score of 85.3 out of 100, positioning itself as the top performer according to the report’s evaluation system.
The case for the Gulf country is supported by various elements such as fiscal attractiveness, business-conducive regulations, strong security measures, international accessibility, and opportunities for extended residence.
Dubai has emerged as a key center for businesspeople, financiers, and affluent households looking for an advantageous location connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Instead of witnessing a departure of affluent individuals, the UAE is going through a phase of expansion. Numerous residents are exploring different opportunities for residence or nationality while still using the Emirates as their main hub for business and daily life.
The document highlighted a 41% rise in queries from people based in the United Arab Emirates between the last quarter of 2025 and the initial quarter of 2026. Requests for alternate residency or nationality saw an upward trend of 29% within this timeframe.
Singapore emerges as Asia's financial center
Singapore continues to enhance its status as a top choice for international assets. It was awarded a Wealth Mobility Competitiveness Index score of 79.5 out of 100, placing it second globally.
The expansion of this Southeast Asian city-state is supported by political consistency, robust systems, well-developed financial markets, and continuous interest from affluent individuals who move globally within Asia.
|
|
Individuals can be spotted at a shopping mall located within Singapore's Marina Bay Sands in May 2023. Image courtesy of VnExpress/Minh Nga |
Entrepreneurs and investors can benefit from Singapore's entry into one of the globe's most advanced commercial landscapes. Simultaneously, it acts as a perfect portal to rapidly expanding Asian markets.
After Singapore comes New Zealand, with a score of 75.8. The nation is attracting increased attention from investors after reintroducing its Active Investor Plus Visa Program.
This revived enthusiasm is backed by a consistent legal and regulatory framework, political stability, and New Zealand's reputation as a safe location distant from regions of global tension. This significantly enhances its attractiveness for long-term family settlement.
Although many European countries continue to appeal to affluent immigrants, the study indicates that certain classic locations are encountering growing challenges. Authorities in these regions are modifying taxation rules and legal systems.
Nations like the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Norway face increased rivalry as affluent people reconsider their preferred places for residence, investment, and raising families.
Even under such pressure, multiple European countries achieved strong results. Cyprus led the European list with a score of 73.5, ranking fourth worldwide. The Netherlands came next with 72.8, followed by Portugal at 72.5 and Italy at 72.3. Switzerland recorded 70.8, Greece attained 70.5, and Monaco completed the top ten with an unchanged score of 70.
Following the top ten worldwide are Germany at 69.7, Norway at 69.0, the UK at 68.3, and France at 65.7, along with the US.