Here Are The Countries Winning And Losing Wealthy Residents

Key Concepts:

• Wealth Migration: The movement of high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and their capital from one country to another.
• High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs): Individuals with liquid investable wealth of $1 million or more.
• Golden Visa Program: Residency or citizenship status granted to individuals who make significant investments in a country.
• EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program: A United States program that provides a path to permanent residency for foreign investors who invest a certain amount of capital in a U.S. business that creates jobs.

Wealth Migration Trends in 2025

• Record Migration: The Henley Private Wealth Migration Report 2025 projects a record 142,000 HNWIs will acquire residency or citizenship in a new country.
• Definition of HNWI: Nuri Katz of Apex Capital Partners clarifies that an individual with $1 million in liquid assets likely has a total net worth closer to $10 million.

Top Destination: United Arab Emirates (UAE)

• Leading Destination: The UAE is projected to be the top destination for HNWIs, with an expected influx of 9,800 in 2025.
• Growth: This represents an increase from 6,700 in the previous year.
• Attracting Factors: The UAE's welcoming immigration policies, including the expanded Golden Visa program and zero income tax, are key factors attracting millionaires.

Rising Star: Saudi Arabia

• Fastest Riser: Saudi Arabia is projected to welcome over 2,400 inbound millionaires in 2025.
• Significant Increase: This represents an eightfold increase compared to the previous year.
• Driving Factors: The surge is attributed to returning Saudi nationals and international investors settling in Riyadh and Jeddah.

United States (US)

• Second Ranked: The US is expected to welcome 7,500 new HNWI arrivals in 2025.
• EB-5 Program: The EB-5 immigrant investor program is a primary driver of HNWI migration to the US.
• Trump Gold Card Visa Program: Former President Donald Trump and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnik have proposed a $5 million "Trump Gold Card" visa program as a potential replacement for the EB-5 program.

Countries Experiencing Wealth Exodus

• United Kingdom (UK): Faces the largest single-year exodus of wealth, with 16,500 HNWIs expected to acquire residency elsewhere.
• China: Projected to be the second biggest loser, with 7,800 HNWIs expected to gain residency status in other countries in 2025.

Economic Implications

• Shift in Economic Influence: The Henley report emphasizes that countries are competing not only for talent but also for the wealth that follows it.
• Quote: "At stake is a profound shift in economic influence as countries compete not just for talent but for the fortunes that follow it." - Henley Private Wealth Migration Report 2025

Conclusion

The report highlights a significant global wealth migration trend, with the UAE and the US emerging as leading destinations for HNWIs, while the UK and China are experiencing substantial outflows. This movement of wealth has significant implications for the economic influence and competitiveness of nations.