According to New World Wealth who compiled the data for the Henley Global Citizens Report, a projected 88,000 of the world's millionaires will move to a new country by the end of the year.

High-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) with a net worth of over US$1 million are extremely mobile following the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as the current war in Ukraine which is having global repercussions. Due to the lockdown and travel restrictions from Covid-19, there are no specific reports for 2020 and 2021 but as restrictions have now eased, momentum is gaining as relocation has become front of mind for many of the ultra-rich.

It will come as no surprise that Russia and Ukraine are projected to see some of the biggest emigration numbers, by the end of 2022. Andrew Amoils, the head of research at New World Wealth stated in the report that “Russia [is] haemorrhaging millionaires […] Affluent individuals have been emigrating from Russia in steadily rising numbers every year over the past decade, an early warning sign of the current problems the country is facing”. Russia is projected to see 15% of their HNWIs moving (projected 15,000).

However, it is Ukraine that is expected to suffer the greatest loss of HNWIs as a proportion of its population – a huge 42% of its HNWIs, could leave by the end of 2022; a predicted net loss of 2,800 millionaires.

China and India are also predicted to see their millionaire populations relocate. General wealth growth in China has been slowly declining in the past few years, which could lead to China seeing its most damaging year yet.

India on the other hand is not so concerning. Predicted figures are suggesting that India will see approximately 8,000 HNWIs migrate during 2022, however there is also a suggestion that those who have relocated in the past, are returning. In the next few years, we would not be surprised if the HNWI population in India rises substantially, which will then make it one of the biggest growing wealth markets at that time.

The UAE

During 2022, the UAE is expected to draw in the largest inflow of HNWIs, with approximately 4,000 millionaires from; Russia, India, Africa, and the Middle East moving to the country. The UAE has been known as a ‘millionaire magnet' for many years; it has a robust international business hub, sits at the top amongst the world's most competitive tax systems, and offers a luxury lifestyle from education, leisure activities, shopping, and hospitality, to its top-end real estate sector. With the UAE predicted to surpass the US this year, the US is rapidly losing its appeal as a haven for the world's wealthiest.

Australia

In second place sits Australia – approximately 3,500 HNWIs will move to Oz before the end of 2022 (and according to the New World Wealth, 80,000 millionaires have already relocated in the last two decades). It is one of the largest countries in the world, rich in natural resources and fertile land, and has a thriving economy.

Singapore

Singapore is a favoured location, mainly for the rest of Asia. Emerging as Asia's top wealth management centre, this makes sense. A net inflow of approximately 2,800 HNWIs is expected to find a home in this prosperous country.

Israel

Israel sits closely behind, with large numbers of HNWIs from the UK, France and Russia set to move there; approximately 2,500 during the year.

Switzerland

But it is Switzerland we are keeping our eye on. Even though Switzerland is not part of the EU, it is within the Schengen area, and has always been an elite jurisdiction in which to settle down. Switzerland is projected to attract a net inflow of around 2,200 in 2022.

It has always featured amongst the top most attractive countries for high-net-worth individuals to live, being one of the world's wealthiest countries and known for its impartiality and neutrality. In 2021 Geneva was listed as one of the wealthiest cities in the world with the total wealth held in the city amounting to US$875 billion.

Portugal

A consistent favourite, fuelled by the ‘Golden visa' of Golden visas. Over the last decade, Portugal has seen HNWIs, wealthy entrepreneurs and ultra-rich investors from around the globe, predominantly from Turkey, South Africa, and South America, but also most recently from the US, relocate to its sunny shores. With the current hype around digital nomadism and the D7 visa, the younger generation of HNW families are setting up shop in Lisbon. An expected inflow of 1,300 HNWIs is expected in Portugal in 2022.

Greece

More and more HNWIs are relocating to Greece and applying for its Golden visa programme, with millionaires from Turkey, Russia, Ukraine, and China all favouriting the country. Greece is expected to see around 1,200 HNWIs apply in 2022. Dixcart has already seen interest, especially around the opportunities that are presented by obtaining a Greek residence permit but becoming tax resident in Cyprus and benefiting from the Cypriot non-dom tax regime.

Malta

Whilst just outside the top 10 list of countries gaining millionaires in 2022, Malta still has an important spot. Approximately 300 millionaires are expected to move to Malta in 2022, joining at least 2 billionaires already registered on the island.

In terms of wealth growth, the island currently has one of the fastest growing markets, with its strong economic performance in recent years being driven by its shift towards fast-growing services such as; finance, e-gaming and tourism, and its citizenship by naturalisation programme which has brought substantial new wealth to the island.

Summary

“Countries that draw wealthy individuals and families to migrate to their shores tend to be robust, with low crime rates, competitive tax rates, and attractive business opportunities,” Amoils has stated.

Dixcart Domiciles offers specialist advice regarding various residence programmes around the world. 

We can help you discover the different countries around the world that offer attractive residence and/or citizenship programmes and those that might suit you and your family best, and provide advice on a number of tax efficient solutions that might be available.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.