Top Reasons Why Global Millionaires Are Moving to Dubai

The above graphical data reflects the total number of millionaires who have moved to a new country since 2013, mainly those who have remained in their new country for more than six months.

Global Trend of wealth migration:

• Post-COVID:
  As evident from the above data, in 2018, there were 108,000 millionaire migrations, which continued to rise in 2019, also reaching 110,000 millionaires in mid-2019; however, the breakout of the global pandemic, COVID-19, at the end of the year imposed lockdown and travel restrictions, which continued till 2020 (12,000 millionaires) and 2021 (25,000 millionaires), leading to a halt in global mobility and travel.
  In the post-COVID years, there has been a rapid recovery, apparent by the numbers followed in 2022 (84,000 millionaires) and 2023 (120,000 millionaires). This indicates an exceptional rejuvenation from the damages caused by the pandemic. In 2024, the previous year, these numbers further reached higher levels to record an unprecedented relocations by 134,000 millionaires. The year 2025 is anticipated to be an unparalleled year of excellence with the biggest figures in history, forecasted to report 135,000 millionaires.
• Post-Brexit:
  Brexit is an abbreviation of 'Britain' and 'exit', which stands for the withdrawal process of the United Kingdom (UK) from the European Union (EU). This decision by the UK to leave the European Union (EU) had a huge impact on trade, commerce, and international business. During the post-Brexit period from 2017 to 2023, the United Kingdom witnessed the migration of 16,500 millionaires.
  London, which used to be a major financial and immigration hub for a large number of millionaires, is experiencing diminishing value as an international hub. According to Henley & Partners’ World’s Wealthiest Cities Report, London witnessed the migration of approximately 11,300 millionaires between January and December 2024. Many high-net-worth individuals are reportedly relocating from the capital to other destinations such as the UAE, which is set to take the first place for the third year as the world’s leading migration hub for millionaires, with around 6,700 migrants establishing homes in the Emirates.
• Geographical shifts:
  The global structures and patterns of wealth migration are witnessing a massive shift due to the changing geopolitical trends. The millionaires and wealthy migrants who were earlier attracted to countries like the United States, Canada, Germany, Australia, and the United Kingdom due to their secure sociopolitical environments are now shifting their homes from these countries to safer and secure countries.
  The growing political tensions and conflicts between the various countries are pushing the high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) to opt for more stable economies like the United Arab Emirates, which is emerging as a top destination for millionaire migrants. The economic instability, geopolitical tensions, and the need for better living conditions are impacting the distribution of global wealth migration.

Dubai - A top destination for HNWIs

Since the post-COVID and post-Brexit periods, accompanied by geopolitical trends and shifts, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is gaining prominence as a top destination for high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs). The UAE has set its sights on becoming the world’s top paradise for wealthy millionaires and migrants, making it possible with its attractive golden visa policies, luxurious lifestyle, and business-oriented global financial hub.

Other countries like the UK and China, which were earlier famous destinations for millionaire migrants, are now experiencing a steep outflow of these residents, with China reporting an outflow of approximately 15,200 millionaires and the UK experiencing a loss of around 9,500 millionaires in 2024. The UAE has recorded an inflow of 6,700 millionaires in 2024. Dubai, the mesmerizing haven of perfection and beauty of the Emirates, is a premium and top destination attracting a massive population of HNWIs to the city. According to the Henley Global Citizenship Report, around 4,500–6,000 millionaires are projected to relocate to Dubai in 2025.

1. Tax-Free Environment

• Dubai is a tax-free haven of opportunities. The city is exempt from all taxes, such as the income tax, capital gains tax, inheritance tax, property tax, and taxes on rental incomes. Dubai just imposes 5% VAT on the purchase of goods and services, and a corporate tax of 9%. This is one of the main offerings by the city, which no one else does, making it a prime destination for global millionaires.
• Dubai is a business-friendly and international financial hub, nurtured in an attractive and strategic location. This city has emerged as a premium location ideal for wealth preservation. Many global millionaires are now moving to Dubai either to establish their business or to expand their existing business.

2. Long-Term Residency (Golden Visa Program)

• Dubai offers a Golden Visa Program, which provides a long-term residency of 10 years to property investors, entrepreneurs, and professionals, allowing them to live, work, or study in the city. This program reflects Dubai’s appeal and aims to attract global talent to create a diversified and expanding business hub.
• Dubai provides residency without any sponsorship and offers long-term freedom to live and work in the city. Several programs cater to this need, such as the:
  • UAE Golden Visa
  • Virtual Work Visa
  • Investor and Retirement Visas
  • 90-Day Multiple-Entry Visa
  which offer residency to various sets of people depending on the different parameters.

3. Strategic Global Location

• A distinct feature that makes Dubai a popular destination, attracting global millionaires, is the prime and strategic location of the city. Dubai offers seamless and smooth connectivity to the major economies of the world within an 8-hour flight. It is a well-connected hub offering accessibility with its airports, such as the Dubai International Airport (DXB), which is among the world’s busiest airports, and the Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), which is set to undergo a huge transformative expansion.
• Dubai is located at the intersection of three continents: Europe, Asia, and Africa, offering a business gateway for international trade and investment between these countries. The city’s business-friendly policies and diverse economy attract entrepreneurs and multinational companies to establish businesses in Dubai.

4. Political Stability & Safety

• Dubai’s strong governance and recognized international reputation are evident from the city’s forward-thinking vision and strategic planning. The clear examples of demonstrating Dubai’s strong stature and political stability are the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.
• Dubai is one of the safest cities in the world. According to Numbeo’s Global Safety Index 2025, the UAE, including Dubai, has been ranked as the second safest country in the world with an astonishing 84.5 score on the index. The city’s strong safety standards, strict laws, and low crime rates make it a secure and safe place for both families and businesses, thereby attracting a large population of millionaire migrants globally.

5. World-Class Lifestyle & Infrastructure

• One of the top popular reasons why global millionaires are moving to Dubai is to enjoy the luxurious lifestyle and high standards of living. Dubai is home to some of the most premium and lavish villas and branded residences in luxurious areas such as Downtown Dubai and Palm Jumeirah, supported by over-the-top amenities, including international educational institutions like GEMS Dubai American Academy, and healthcare facilities like Mediclinic City Hospital.
• Dubai is a prominent hub of world-class infrastructure and attractions such as the World’s tallest skyscraper, Burj Khalifa, and Dubai Mall. The city has something for everyone, from private beaches and marinas to golf clubs and retail hubs, and strives to serve the interests of every individual.

6. Real Estate Investment Opportunities

• Dubai offers a wide variety of real estate investment opportunities to its residents as well as expats. The expats can also own freehold properties, allowing them to buy, sell, or lease properties without any restrictions, just like the UAE residents. Dubai provides high rental yields and capital appreciation ranging from 6% to 8% in prime locations such as the Palm Jumeirah, thereby being a premium choice for investors worldwide.
• Dubai is experiencing a surge in values in the elite areas, fueled by the increasing demand and growth due to the global wealth migration. The rising wealth taxes, political instability, and tightening immigration policies are attracting many millionaires to migrate to this city in search of a luxurious and secure lifestyle for themselves and their families.

The migrant millionaires moving to Dubai prefer to establish livelihoods in premium, top-performing, and high-demand locations.

Highlighting some of the prominent and attractive communities in Dubai:

• Emirates Hills - This community features Ultra-luxurious and custom-built villas and mansions developed in Dubai’s most exclusive address. The residences here often provide built-up areas exceeding 15,000 sq ft, well-furnished, spacious layouts, and are surrounded by lush green landscapes and alluring views of the golf course.
• Palm Jumeirah - This palm tree-shaped community offers a diverse variety of beachfront properties, including apartments, mansions, villas, townhouses, and penthouses. Palm Jumeirah provides some of the most exclusive and exquisite housing options with stunning views of the glittering blue hues surrounding the residences.
• MBR City & District One - The MBR City, mainly the District One area, is a famous residential option among people, especially millionaires, due to its Lagoon-style luxurious living. Moreover, the community’s seamless connectivity to the prime locations of Dubai, such as Business Bay, provides smooth and convenient commuting facilities to the working professionals.
• Dubai Hills Estate - Nurturing astonishing views of the Dubai Hills Golf course, the Dubai Hills Estate offers a modern and family-friendly luxurious lifestyle for its residents. This community caters to the different preferences and lifestyles of the people by providing them a mix of apartments, villas, and townhouses.
• Jumeirah Bay Island - For migrant millionaires looking to own a residence in a private island centered lifestyle, Jumeirah Bay Island is the top and most attractive option. Featuring a collection of villas, apartments, and townhouses, this island community is a perfect choice to add to your list of attractive housing communities in Dubai.

• In 2023, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, introduced a new initiative known as the Dubai Economic Agenda, or simply D33. This initiative is launched to revolutionize the city’s landscape and bring a new chapter in the trajectory of Dubai to double the economy in 10 years. D33 is a testament to the forward-thinking leadership and aspirations of its leaders.
• Infrastructure, AI, sustainability, and tourism growth all support real estate value. Dubai is transforming its stature as a global hub through investments in artificial intelligence, sustainability, and global trade. This strategic move by the Dubai Government is implemented through a groundbreaking agreement with France, valued at between $30 billion and $50 billion. The introduction and proper use of such technologies ultimately add a greater set of value to the real estate market and helps in accelerating the process of growth and development.
• Government reforms support the ease of doing business and long-term investor confidence. Their carefully developed and strategically designed fiscal policies and reforms enhance flexibility for doing business and help boost the confidence of investors. Dubai’s tax regime, with 100% tax-free policies with no personal income tax and competitive corporate tax, has eliminated the barriers created by taxes. Moreover, for investors, Dubai provides a strong and stable economy for investments. The city’s reputation as a global business hub and a top destination for foreign direct investments contributes to the investor’s confidence.

Investment in Dubai by global investors and the migration of the millionaires globally to this city is pushed by some key reasons and factors:

• Tax Efficiency, Security, and Global Prestige
  Dubai’s presence and influence as an elite location for millionaires is driven by some of the most attractive features offered by the city, which include its tax-efficient policies, secure lifestyle for its residents, and its reputation as a global financial hub. Many millionaires are migrating to Dubai to provide safe yet luxurious standards of living to their families and loved ones, as Dubai is known to be one of the cities with the lowest crime rates and high safety standards. Moreover, the robust tax strategies and persona of Dubai globally are boosters.
• Dubai’s Real Estate - An Asset with an Upward Trend
  The real estate market of Dubai is one of the most popular and successful markets in the world, with the involvement of the most prominent and world-renowned developers such as Emaar Properties, Sobha Realty, Damac Properties, etc. The uniquely crafted and thoughtfully designed developments and residences by these developers add to the premium and luxury segment of the city. Dubai’s real estate market is nothing short of a heavenly asset for buyers and investors, fostering an upward trend in the economy with its latest and up-to-date technologies and sustainable initiatives.
• Access to Elite Education, Healthcare, and Global Mobility
  Living in Dubai introduces a world of beautiful surprises to its residents. The city has provisions for some of the most elite educational institutions, such as the Swiss International Scientific School, medical institutions like Dubai Hospital, Rashid Hospital, etc. A key feature that attracts a huge number of investors and millionaires to Dubai is its global mobility services, which help various businesses expand their businesses on a global level by seamlessly navigating through the complexities of obtaining visas, work permits, and residency for expatriates

Dubai is not just a luxury playground, but a new capital of global wealth migration propelled by the city’s revolutionized and transformed strategies and policies. Dubai is emerging as a top destination for millionaires, who are moving to this paradise to create a more luxurious, secure, and exquisite lifestyle. The city has acquired its eminence as a leading destination for global wealth migration.

With its visionary policies, premium real estate, and a millionaire-friendly ecosystem, Dubai stands out as the #1 relocation choice for global elites in 2025 and beyond. The city’s unique mixture of modernity with traditional values and infrastructures makes it an attractive choice for various global investors and millionaires, catering to both their careers and lifestyle preferences. The pace at which the city is moving forward, there is no doubt in believing that it will continue to hold its position as the top global city for migrant millionaires by transforming and excelling through its creations and robust planning strategies.