The world’s richest families are relocating at record speed, treating residency like an investment strategy. From tax havens to safe-haven cities, a new global map of wealth is quietly taking shape.
WEBDESK – Act Global Media
The world’s wealthiest families are relocating across borders at a pace experts say has never been seen before, reshaping global migration patterns and turning a handful of cities into exclusive hubs of private capital.
Wealth advisers report a surge in demand for residency, citizenship and relocation planning services as ultra-high-net-worth individuals increasingly treat geography like an investment portfolio — something to diversify for safety, stability and flexibility.
According to a UBS survey of billionaire clients, more than a third moved at least once in 2025, while many others are considering relocating. Among younger billionaires, nearly half changed residence last year.
From chasing opportunity to seeking protection
Historically, wealthy individuals moved to pursue business growth or tax advantages. Today, advisers say the motivation has shifted.
Rapid political change, regulatory uncertainty, surveillance concerns and geopolitical tensions are pushing families to secure “backup homes” and second passports. Protection of wealth and generational continuity has become as important as returns on investment.
Experts describe the trend as defensive migration — a hedge against sudden policy shifts rather than a search for opportunity alone.
The cities quietly filling with millionaires
Despite global movement, most wealth is concentrated in a small number of stable jurisdictions.
The United Arab Emirates has emerged as the biggest magnet, attracting nearly 10,000 millionaires in a year thanks to zero income tax, business-friendly rules, and long-term residency visas.
Europe still draws families seeking lifestyle and legal certainty, particularly Portugal, Greece, Italy, Monaco and Switzerland, while Singapore remains a favorite for financial stability and regulation-driven investors.
New players are also gaining attention. Saudi Arabia’s residency scheme is expanding rapidly, and Caribbean citizenship programs are increasingly used as backup passports rather than primary homes.
A deeper shift in trust
Advisers say the migration reflects declining confidence in political and financial systems worldwide. Even in traditionally stable countries, wealthy residents are reconsidering their long-term base as tax rules tighten and policies change faster than before.
For many of the ultra-rich, choosing a country now resembles choosing an asset class, balancing risk, diversification, and future security.
The result is a quiet but historic reshuffling of global wealth, with certain cities turning into safe havens while others steadily lose their richest residents.
