#London #United Kingdom #Henley Partners #Millionaires #Wealth Migration

Millionaires on the Move: UK Braces for Historic Wealth Exodus

The landscape of global wealth is undergoing a significant shift in 2025, as an unprecedented number of millionaires consider relocating. According to the recently published Henley Private Wealth Migration Report, a staggering 142,000 high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) are anticipated to make the move this year. The UK is set to face the largest net outflow ever recorded, losing approximately 16,500 millionaires—a figure that more than doubles the expected loss of 7,800 millionaires from China, which ranked second in this year’s findings.

Economic Impacts of Wealth Migration

This trend is indicative of a broader perception among wealthy individuals that opportunities, freedom, and stability are increasingly found outside the UK. Dr. Juerg Steffen, CEO at Henley Partners, asserts that 2025 marks a pivotal shift, with a European country leading the world in millionaire outflows for the first time in a decade. This trend raises critical concerns about the long-term implications for the UK's economic competitiveness and its overall appeal for investors.

Furthermore, other significant EU countries, including France, Spain, and Germany, are projected to see net losses in HNWIs as well. France is expected to lose about 800 millionaires, Spain 500, and Germany 400. While nations like Ireland, Norway, and Sweden also prepare for similar wealth drains, affluent individuals seem drawn towards more investment-friendly locations within Europe.

Global Trends in Wealth Migration

On the other hand, countries like the UAE are experiencing a fresh influx of wealth, with an expected gain of 9,800 new millionaires—a number that far outranks the USA’s anticipated 7,500 new residents. This sharp contrast profoundly highlights the changing dynamics of wealth distribution worldwide. Nations like Switzerland, Italy, Portugal, and Greece are also expected to gain significant numbers of millionaire migrants, thanks to attractive tax regimes and appealing lifestyles.

Interestingly, Saudi Arabia has emerged as a notable player in wealth migration, with a net inflow of 2,400 millionaires, showcasing its growing reputation as a favored destination. Countries traditionally prominent in this arena, like Singapore and Australia, are reflecting lower net inflows, marking a noticeable decline in their previous appeal.

The Rising Stars

Meanwhile, Southeast Asia appears to be shifting towards new safe havens, with Thailand quickly gaining traction among wealthy migrants. As Bangkok becomes a rival to Singapore, it presents a new avenue for HNWIs looking for stability and opportunity. Other notable nations, including Hong Kong and Japan, also stand to benefit from this migration, attracting larger numbers of millionaires in 2025.

Reflecting on Future Trends

The data not only illustrates the current trends but hints at a future where the trajectory of wealth distribution may undergo even more significant transformations. Latin America, though, isn’t as fortunate; countries like Brazil and Colombia are projected to face substantial millionaire losses, while other BRICS nations such as India and Russia are seeing their lowest net millionaire losses since the onset of COVID-19.

In conclusion, the landscape of wealth migration in 2025 is pivotal and transformative, with the UK witnessing a historic outflow of millionaires unlike anything observed in the last decade. As HNWIs flock to more appealing regions and nations, the need for countries to reevaluate their investment approaches may be greater than ever, transforming the dynamics of global wealth for years to come.