Henley & Partners has released an elaborate report that highlights some of the most important millionaire migration trends for 2025. The UAE firmly maintains its position as the leading millionaire magnet.
The number of millionaires expected to relocate to the Gulf state this year is 2,000 more than the US in second place. Isn’t it incredible? The UAE’s continued success is because of quality of life parameters, business opportunities, strategic position and the sun.
Let’s get through all the details in this article.
These days, the UAE is one of the most popular tourist destinations, luring millions of people for shopping, sightseeing, dining, thrilling experiences and more. The UAE is an entertainment paradise, featuring Yas Island, Dubai Opera and plenty of other places.
Be it the summer season or the cooler months of December and January, the UAE is a promising tourist destination all year round. There are hundreds of hotels and attractions in the Gulf state, offering the best there is to see here at great prices.
Tourism is indeed a big part of the UAE. The country has some of the best international airlines, including Emirates, Etihad and flydubai. The UAE’s strategic location is also turning itself into a magnet. But did you think that’s all there is to the UAE? No, not at all.
Henley & Partners reports millionaire migration 2025 projections
Millionaire migration trends for UAE
Henley & Partners released a report on June 24, stressing that the UAE maintains its position as the top global destination for millionaire migration as it is expected to attract the highest number of richie rich this year – more than 9,800 people could be relocating.
This report shines light on some of the most important millionaire migration trends for 2025. The UAE is estimated to attract Dh231 billion ($63 billion) because of the relocations. The millionaire migration to the country nearly doubled, from 98% in 2014 to 2024.
The number of millionaires in the UAE is expected to increase to 130,500. Simultaneously, the population of centi-millionaires – people holding assets exceeding $100 million – could rise to 325, reported Khaleej Times. The UAE shall be home to 28 billionaires.
Here are the reasons:
The UAE’s continuing success in the global millionaire migration trend is because of major changes to lifestyle, business, strategic positioning and the sun (yes!). Let us get through all the details in this article.
The UAE’s increasing appeal among millionaires in different parts of the globe rests on multiple factors beyond its immigration policy. You can also find a promise in zero income tax setting, political stability and state-of-the-art infrastructure.
The UAE is an oil-rich nation. But the country has significantly updated its offerings and continues to do so. Dubai – one of the 7 Emirates – is one of the most happening places today. Dubai is the place to see and be seen, to be honest.
15 minutes to start a business in the UAE!
There are so many factors helping the UAE lure more super-rich people. The Gulf state presents streamlined business-friendly processes, free trade zones and a fertile ground for entrepreneurs and established businesses alike.
It is often said that it takes just 15 minutes to start a business in the UAE. Imagine ease, but at its best. The UAE also has a strategic location as a good portion of the globe can be accessed from here in just 3 to 4 hours. Isn’t it incredible?
Plus, the sunshine. Let’s not forget this precious thing about the UAE.
The Emirates gets a good amount of sunshine all year round. This factor also helps in luring more richie rich. Temperatures could exceed 40 degrees Celsius in summers, but indoor attractions are plenty in number here.
The UAE offers easier access to foreign markets. Hundreds of entrepreneurs are establishing family offices here, boosting the local job scene too. People are also migrating to the UAE to better protect their assets from potential taxes or regulatory issues.
The start-up scene in the UAE is also extraordinary. The Gulf state offers dozens of Golden Visas, permitting entrepreneurs to reside in this futuristic place for up to a decade. Isn’t it so seamless? It is time to handle the star of the night.
UAE Golden Visa Programme and Millionaire Migration
The UAE Golden Visa is immensely responsible for the promising millionaire migration trends seen in recent years. This is a long-term residence visa, enabling foreign talents to stay, hold a job or study in the UAE and get access to amazing benefits, too.
Many people are eligible for this programme, including entrepreneurs, investors, scientists, outstanding students and graduates, frontline heroes and humanitarian pioneers. Some of the top benefits offered as part of the UAE’s Golden Visa are:
1. The benefit of not needing a sponsor
2. The ability to stay outside the UAE for more than the usual period of 6 months in order to keep the residence visa valid
3. The ability to sponsor family members, regardless of their ages
4. The ability to sponsor unlimited number of domestic helpers
5. The permit for family members to stay in the Emirates until the end of their permit duration, if the primary holder of the Golden Visa dies
In order to simplify the process, the UAE is also offering a One Touch Golden Visa service. It is designed to simplify the application process, letting the applicants save a lot of time and effort. You can apply through the ICP platform or ICP mobile applications.
Many people are eligible for the Golden Visa. You might be a humanitarian pioneer or a frontline hero displaying extraordinary effort in periods of crisis. You might be a student or an entrepreneur.
Millionaire migration 2025: UK braces for maximum possible impact
The UAE firmly maintains its position as the leading millionaire magnet. The number of millionaires expected to relocate to the Gulf state this year is 2,000 more than the US in second place, said Henley & Partners, a residency and citizenship company.
It has been found that a record-breaking 142,000 millionaires are projected to relocate internationally in 2025. The UK is expected to see the largest in losses, according to the report released on June 24.
The UK could lose 16,500 millionaires in 2025, much more than anticipated. China ranks second on the list of losses as it is expected to see 7,800 millionaires relocate. The US occupies the second position in the other list, projected to see +7,500 millionaires.
For the first time in a decade of tracking, a European country leads the list of losses in number of millionaires. This is not just about changes to taxes. It reflects a deepening perception among the rich that greater opportunities lie in the other part of the globe.
Does Brexit sound like possible blunder?
Since 2016, the UK has shifted from being a net magnet for millionaires to a net exporter. There is a possibility of a record-breaking 16,500 millionaires migrating to other parts of the globe in 2025. The UAE has become a major destination for the migrating Brits.
Especially from 2017 to 2023 post brexit, the UK lost a total of 16,500 millionaires to migration. This is concerning because from the 1950s to the early 2000s, the country consistently attracted large numbers of rich families from across the region and beyond.
The broader Europe is seeing a shift in perception.
The UK is definitely not alone in its struggles. For the first time, France, Spain and Germany are expected to see net millionaire losses in 2025. There is a possibility of 800, 500 and 400 millionaire bidding goodbye to the three countries in the same order in 2025.
It appears more and more rich people in Europe are starting to think that better opportunities, freedom, stability and atmospheric conditions lie in some other nations, such as the UAE, Montenegro, Malta, the US and Costa Rica.
In terms of top migration destinations from the UK, most are relocating to the UAE, Italy and the US. Supported by the current state of their tax regimes, Italy, Portugal and Greece are expected to see +3,600, +1,400 and +1,200 millionaires migrate in 2025.
Traditional destinations are losing appeal.
Southern Europe is fast emerging as a fresh millionaire magnet in the region. Monaco is one of the most popular options, especially among the ultra-rich in the UK. The beautiful country is expected to see more than 200 millionaires relocate this year.
Europe’s smaller markets are also noticing a lot of strong momentum. Montenegro and Malta are gaining prominence these days. Outside of Europe, strong demand from the UK, India, Russia and more countries has constantly reinforced the UAE’s appeal.
Traditional destinations such as Singapore (+1,600) and Canada (+1,000) appear to be losing their appeal for millionaires. Thailand (+450) is rapidly emerging as a strong millionaire magnet in the region as Bangkok is positioning itself as a key opponent to Singapore.
Hong Kong (+800) is starting to see steady incoming from the rest of the continent after a challenging period of political uncertainty. Costa Rica (+350), Panama (+300), the Cayman Islands (+200) and Bermuda (+50) are also getting a lot of attention.
Does millionaire migration actually matter?
It matters. Definitely. Nearly 142,000 millionaires are projected to migrate to a different country in 2025, compared to the 128,000 people expected last year. The UAE and the US are topping the list of destinations for all the right reasons.
There are multiple benefits of millionaire migration. Migrating millionaires are an important source of forex revenue. There is a high possibility that people migrating to a different country shall bring their money, too.
Many millionaires (nearly 20%) are entrepreneurs and company founders. These people tend to start businesses in the country they are migrating to and, therefore, create local jobs. This percentage rises to more than 60% for centi-millionaires and billionaires.
The migrating millionaires boost the local stock market. But perhaps most importantly, these people indirectly create thousands of jobs through their spending capacity, especially in sectors like luxury hotels, find dining, retail and prime property.
Dubai is more than just a city, it is a lifestyle
Back in 2024, Tuomas released a video on YouTube about the real reason behind millionaires secretly shifting to Dubai. No, it is not just taxes. For a little background, Tuomas is a former finance professional.
Just recently, he left his investment banking job and life in London and shifted to Dubai as a content creator and freelance coder. He has been regularly documenting the big transition in his life on his YouTube channel, boasting close to 34,000 subscribers.
“The elephant in the room is obviously that Dubai has no income tax,” Tuomas stressed but noted that the neighbouring countries of the UAE also boast a lucrative tax regime. Taxes are not the entire picture here.
Let’s understand.
In the video from last year, Tuomas highlighted a series of factors behind Dubai’s rising appeal global millionaires, mentioning taxes, freedom to do businesses, safety, people’s attitude and a sense of community.
It is a fact that authorities in Dubai take safety seriously. Dubai is one of the safest cities globally and Tuomas also highlighted this prime factor. But he also talked about the abundance of sunshine in the Emirate.
It takes more than just a visa to relocate to a different country. You definitely need a change in perception, too. Tuomas mentioned in his video that Dubai is an appealing destination among entrepreneurs and content creators. You can find his journey on his channel.
Millionaire Migration Trends 2025: In a nutshell
In a nutshell, millionaire migration should not be taken haphazardly. The UAE is constantly positioning itself as one of the most appealing destinations for millionaires. The benefits the Gulf state is offering are probably quite scarce in other parts of the globe.
The migrating millionaires bring a lot of attention to the host nation’s economy. They significantly support the economic landscape, ensure more job creation and boost the stock market scene, too. Essentially, there are a lot of benefits on the table for both sides.
The migrating millionaires are looking for greater opportunities, a better climate, more freedom and constant stability. Only the countries facilitating these conditions for their residents are seeing more richie rich migrate in.
In the near future too, the UAE is expected to maintain its dominant position in the global millionaire migration scene. The Gulf state is constantly updating its offerings, in addition to building a tourism landscape that is too appealing and seamless.
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