The UK is expected to see a sharp rise in the number of high net worth individuals leaving the country, new research from deVere Group suggests.
The firm said advisers are reporting a sustained rise in enquiries from UK-based clients exploring relocation options, alternative residency programmes and cross-border structuring.
Nigel Green, CEO of deVere Group, said: “Strategic relocation planning now sits at the centre of decision-making for globally mobile wealth.
“We’re not guessing. We’re watching behaviour change. Enquiries including relocating out of the UK picked up strongly at the end of last year and they have not slowed. On that basis, we believe the number of wealthy people leaving in 2026 could potentially double.”
The financial advisory firm said the rise in enquiries reflects a build up of pressures reshaping how Britain is assessed by internationally mobile wealth. These include tax changes and the end of the non-dom regime, as well as wider concerns over regulation, economic direction and quality of life considerations.
Green continued: “Policy sets the backdrop, but confidence drives decisions. Wealth follows opportunity, stability and clarity about the future.
“Mobility now plays a central role in financial planning. High-net-worth individuals increasingly compare jurisdictions on access to global markets, infrastructure strength, family security and the ability to operate across borders with minimal friction.”
According to Green, countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Italy, Switzerland, Spain, Australia and Hong Kong are positioning themselves to attract mobile capital through predictable tax frameworks, investor-friendly residency schemes and policies designed to welcome international entrepreneurs.
He said: “Competition for global wealth has become deliberate and highly focused. This has turned into a contest for capital and talent. Governments which understand how mobile wealth has become are now shaping policy accordingly. The UK remains a major financial centre, but relative advantage matters more than reputation when people have genuine choice.”
Separate data has already pointed to a record net outflow of millionaires from the UK in 2025. However, Green warned that the exodus has economic implications beyond headline numbers. High net worth individuals play a disproportionate role in private investment, entrepreneurship, venture funding and philanthropy.
Going forward, deVere Group said the interaction between tax policy, regulatory direction and global competition for talent will be a defining force in investor behaviour.
Green said: “International mobility now sits at the centre of financial planning and entrepreneurs and investors are aligning themselves with environments that offer clarity, tax efficiency, ambition and long-term confidence.”
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