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A record-breaking shift in global wealth is underway. According to the Henley Private Wealth Migration Report 2025, published by Forbes, the world is witnessing the largest voluntary transfer of private capital in modern history. High-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) are on the move in unprecedented numbers, reshaping the global economic landscape.

A Record Year for Global Millionaire Migration 2025

This year, a projected 142,000 HNWIs—individuals with at least $1 million in liquid investable assets—are set to acquire residency or citizenship in new countries. The number is expected to grow to 165,000 in 2026. Nuri Katz, founder of Apex Capital Partners, notes that having $1 million in liquid assets generally means an individual’s total net worth is closer to $10 million.

Countries Winning Wealthy Residents

Leading the charge as the most sought-after destination is the United Arab Emirates (UAE), expected to attract 9,800 HNWIs in 2025—up from 6,700 in 2024. The UAE continues to strengthen its position as a global wealth nexus, benefiting from comprehensive policy innovation. Henley & Partners credits the country’s “welcoming immigration policy,” zero income tax, top-tier infrastructure, political stability, and favorable regulatory environment.

Saudi Arabia is this year’s fastest riser, forecasted to welcome over 2,400 millionaire migrants—an eight-fold increase from last year. This surge is driven by both returning Saudi nationals and new international investors relocating to cities like Riyadh and Jeddah.

The United States ranks second on Henley’s list, expected to receive 7,500 new HNWIs in 2025. Most wealthy migrants to the U.S. do so via the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, which has funneled more than $50 billion into the U.S. economy and created hundreds of thousands of jobs.

Countries Losing Wealthy Residents

At the other end of the spectrum, the United Kingdom is experiencing the largest one-year wealth exodus ever recorded. Henley projects that 16,500 HNWIs will gain residency elsewhere in 2025. China follows closely behind, with an expected 7,800 millionaire departures.

The Henley report underscores that this migration represents a significant shift in economic power. It warns that countries like the UK, once magnets for wealthy individuals, are now cautionary tales of how policy changes can reverse fortunes. Prior to 2016, the UK had consistently attracted more millionaires than it lost.

Is It Really Migration?

Katz points out that the term “migration” can be misleading. “These people are not actually leaving the U.K. They are simply getting paperwork in different countries, but aren’t necessarily making the move.” For most, it’s about having a “Plan B.”

Only around 30% of HNWIs use investment migration programs to gain new residency or citizenship, according to Henley & Partners. Most opt for other visa types—work, ancestry, retirement, family—or acquire a second passport by birthright.

The Trump Gold Card: A New Contender?

One controversial newcomer to the investment visa scene is the proposed $5 million Trump Gold Card. Promoted by Donald Trump and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, the initiative aims to replace the EB-5 program. Since its website launch on June 11, nearly 70,000 people have reportedly registered interest. Lutnick predicts up to 200,000 investors could participate.

However, experts are skeptical. With fewer than 30,000 centimillionaires globally and one-third of them American (who don’t need a U.S. visa), the actual impact may be minimal.

Why This Migration Matters

“With estimated collective investable wealth of around $63 billion, the UAE has evolved from regional hub to global wealth nexus,” the Henley report says. The global millionaire migration 2025 reflects more than just a lifestyle change, it marks a massive realignment of global influence, capital, and policy competitiveness.

Dubai is experiencing a phenomenal rise in the demand for branded residences, reshaping the city’s skyline and redefining luxury living. The 43% increase in branded residence sales in Dubai in 2024 has not only broken records but also firmly established the emirate as the world’s epicenter for high-end, branded real estate. Let’s find out what’s driving this surge and what it means for the future of global luxury real estate.

$16.3 Billion in Sales Reflects Unprecedented Demand

With over 13,000 luxury units sold last year alone, the sale of branded residences in Dubai has generated a staggering $16.3 billion (AED 60 billion). This growth is driven by the allure of curated living experiences offered by global brands, and the emirate’s unmatched appeal to affluent buyers and investors seeking exclusivity and prestige.

The Dubai branded residences surge is no fluke. With 140 branded projects already active and more in the pipeline by 2031, the market’s momentum reflects a long-term trend rather than a short-lived spike. Developers are increasingly partnering with fashion houses, hospitality giants, and even automotive brands to meet the growing appetite for high-concept living.

What sets Dubai apart in this global race is not just volume, but vision. The branded residences market in Dubai is benefiting from the city’s safe investment climate, world-class infrastructure, and strategic global connectivity. Buyers are drawn to homes that promise not just luxury, but also lifestyle and long-term value.

As demand continues to climb, branded homes in Dubai are also commanding a price premium of 20-30% over non-branded units. This makes the branded residences market in Dubai a compelling option for investors looking to maximize ROI while owning a piece of the emirate’s luxurious future.

The Dubai luxury real estate boom is a testament to the city’s ability to innovate and lead. As construction projects multiply and prestigious names leave their mark, Dubai is setting a new benchmark in the global property arena.

The sale of branded residences in Dubai isn’t just thriving—it’s rewriting the rulebook for what luxury living can be. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or a lifestyle-driven buyer, the time to explore this booming sector is now.

For a deeper look into Dubai’s most prestigious branded homes, explore the digital edition of our Branded Residences Coffee Table Book. This curated collection offers insights into the city’s top luxury collaborations and architectural excellence. To discover featured projects and exclusive listings, visit Branded Residences in Dubai.

Dubai has launched a game-changing initiative to facilitate first-time investors. Spearheaded by the Dubai Land Department (DLD), this new program is a collaborative effort between 13 leading developers and five prominent banks. The goal is simple yet powerful: empower residents and locals to take their first step onto the property ladder with flexible financing, preferential pricing, and government-backed incentives.
Here’s everything you need to know about Dubai’s first time investor property scheme.

What is the Initiative?

The newly introduced Dubai first-time investor property initiative targets individuals looking to buy their very first home in the emirate. The scheme is open to UAE residents aged 18 and above who hold a valid Emirates ID and do not currently own a freehold property in Dubai.

Under this program, eligible buyers can invest in properties valued up to AED 5 million (approximately USD 1.36 million), regardless of their income level. Importantly, there are no salary criteria attached to the eligibility, with participating banks having the discretion to decide financing terms.

Which Developers Are Part of the Program?

The DLD has brought together a powerhouse lineup of 13 developers:

• Emaar
• Nakheel
• Azizi Developments
• Wasl
• Dubai Properties
• Damac Properties
• Danube Properties
• Binghatti
• Meraas
• Ellington Properties
• Beyond Developments
• Majid Al Futtaim
• Palma Holding

Which Banks Are Participating?

In parallel, five major financial institutions are offering financing solutions:

• Emirates NBD
• Emirates Islamic
• Mashreq Bank
• Dubai Islamic Bank
• Commercial Bank of Dubai

Key Benefits for Investors

• Priority Access: First-time buyers will be given exclusive early access to newly listed properties.
• Flexible Payment Plans: Customizable options that allow easier entry into the market.
• Zero-Interest Registration Fees: DLD registration fees can be paid via banks or credit cards with 0% interest.
• Developer Discounts: Special offers and price cuts are expected from partnered developers.
• Attractive Financing Offers: Participating banks are extending preferential mortgage terms to qualified buyers.

How to Apply

Interested participants must register via the Dubai Land Department website or the Dubai REST app. Once registered, applicants will be guided through the process, including property selection, financing options, and final acquisition.

Market Impact

DLD anticipates the initiative will bring in at least 5,000 new investors this year. The emirate recorded property transactions worth AED 761 billion in 2024, and the aim is to push that figure to AED 1 trillion by 2033.

Officials believe this initiative will provide a “missing link” for aspiring property owners who are interested but hesitant due to financial barriers. Developers also expect a surge in demand as a result of the increased accessibility.

Additional Developments

This initiative is part of a broader strategy by the DLD to support the real estate market. Other measures include:

• Launch of a smart rental index with building ratings from 1 to 5 stars
• Introduction of a real estate tokenization pilot project

With the launch of Dubai’s first-time investor property scheme, the city once again demonstrates its forward-thinking approach to economic growth and community development, making property ownership more accessible than ever before.