Over a third (35%) of high-net-worth individuals are actively considering relocating to another lower-tax country, according to research from deVere Group.
The data is based on deVere Group’s 80,000 wealthy clients, particularly those from the UK, parts of Europe, Australia and some Asian and African jurisdictions.
The financial advisory group said tax changes, geopolitical tension and policy unpredictability were all key drivers behind the ‘Great Wealth Migration’.
Internal advisory trends from deVere Group show a marked increase in enquiries relating to tax residency restructuring, domicile review, second residency rights and cross-border corporate alignment.
Nigel Green, CEO of deVere Group, said: “The Great Wealth Migration is gathering pace. Conversations that once centred on optimisation are now centred on risk management.
“Tax exposure is no longer treated as static. Changes to capital gains tax, inheritance frameworks and preferential regimes in several mature economies have highlighted how rapidly fiscal conditions can change.
“Clients are restructuring legal and residency arrangements to avoid excessive exposure to a single tax regime or political system.
“Families want certainty and structural flexibility. Concentrated jurisdictional exposure now carries measurable financial risk.”
Green said relocation is also becoming increasingly defensive. Where once cross-border mobility was largely driven by expansion and growth opportunities, today’s movement reflects wealth preservation and asset protection priorities.
He said: “Safeguarding generational wealth, ensuring operational continuity and reducing vulnerability to sudden legislative shifts are central motivations. Succession planning features prominently in relocation discussions.
“Families are reviewing inheritance exposure, trust structures, and intergenerational asset transfer mechanisms in parallel with residency decisions.”
Green said wealthy individuals are concentrating on jurisdictions offering fiscal clarity, strong legal systems and long-term policy stability.
The United Arab Emirates continues to attract attention due to its zero personal income tax and long-term residency framework, the firm said. Select European hubs and Asian financial centres offering regulatory stability are also drawing increasing interest from families.
Green explained: “Wealth moves toward stability. When investors perceive policy volatility, they seek jurisdictions where rules are transparent, predictable, and favourable.”
However, he warned that relocation decisions are complex. Issues such as double taxation treaties, substance requirements, reporting obligations and long-term residency qualification rules must be carefully assessed.
“The Great Wealth Migration represents rational thinking in response to evolving global risk. Wealthy individuals are planning ahead.
“They’re making strategic decisions about where to live, operate and structure assets to enhance long-term wealth resilience, protection and growth,” Green added.
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