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The world's richest people are flocking to these countries — here's how you can relocate abroad, too
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The world’s ultra-wealthy are packing up and moving out. A new report from Swiss bank UBS shows 36% of 87 billionaire clients relocated at least once in 2025, while another 9% are considering it (1). Among billionaires aged 54 and younger, 44% changed locations last year, with 15% considering a move. Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how Dave Ramsey warns nearly 50% of Americans are making 1 big Social Security mistake — here’s what it is and the simple steps to fix it ASAP Turning 50 with $0 saved for retirement? Most people don’t realize they’re actually just entering their prime earning decade. Here are 6 ways to catch up fast “We are truly experiencing the largest private wealth migration in history,” a UBS spokesperson told CNBC (2). According to the bank, the top reasons why its billionaire clients might decide to move were a better quality of life (36%), geopolitical concerns (36%) and the ability to organize tax affairs more efficiently (35%). But can everyday Americans enjoy the same benefits? Where are the wealthy moving? According to CNBC, citing migration consultants Henley & Partners, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) posted a net inflow of about 9,800 millionaires last year which was the highest in the world. Zero personal income tax, no wealth or capital gains taxes and a flexible golden visa program have made it a magnet for global capital. Golden visas open the door to residency for foreigners, often in exchange for qualifying investments. It’s worth noting, however, the U.S.-Israel war on Iran, just across the Persian Gulf, may have shaken things up, after several structures were destroyed in the UAE’s most populous city Dubai. Europe is another favorite, with Portugal and Greece attracting investors through residency programs. Italy, Monaco and Switzerland draw families who are looking for stability and tax certainty. In Asia, Singapore stands out for regulatory stability and strong financial infrastructure. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom experienced a mass exodus. After abolishing its centuries-old non-domicile tax regime in April 2025, the country recorded a net loss of roughly 16,500 millionaires, Henley & Partners estimated, per CNBC. Read More: The average net worth of Americans is a surprising $620,654. But it almost means nothing. Here’s the number that counts (and how to make it skyrocket) Relocating abroad isn’t just for ultra-wealthy investors. With careful planning and flexibility, the idea can become a reality for many everyday people. Here’s how to approach it the smart way. Start with official sources: Visa rules can change on a dime, and using official sources can cut down on costly mistakes. Before committing to a destination: Check country entry and residency rules through the U.S. Department of State Verify visa requirements directly with the country’s U.S.-based consulate Don’t rely on expat forums or social media groups, as the information may be false or out of date Make sure your income qualifies, if necessary: Some locations offer a path to residency based on income and not just investments in the country (golden visas). Qualifying income is not always super restrictive, and may include Social Security and government or private pensions. Understand your tax obligations: The Internal Revenue Service requires U.S. citizens to file annually, regardless of where they live. Worldwide income is generally subject to U.S. income tax. If you qualify as a tax resident for your new country of residence, you may have to file a tax return there as well. Navigating multijurisdictional tax regimes can be complicated and may require the services of a tax professional to minimize double taxation. Also consider the potential implications of buying property abroad, if any, in case you’re not renting. Plan for health care: Medicare generally does not cover health care outside the United States. As a result, many expats purchase private local insurance, which can be less pricey than similar coverage in the U.S., depending on the country. If a country offers its citizens universal health care, check out what options are available to foreign nationals. Consider any language barriers: Some countries have large expat communities and a lot of tourism, so finding English speakers may not be a problem. But consider that any official documentation you come across may be in the local language. In such cases, you might need to find an attorney or advisor who speaks both languages to help. Otherwise, learning the country’s language will help you integrate better with the locals. Robert Kiyosaki says this 1 asset will surge 400% in a year — and he begs investors not to miss its ‘explosion’ Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it Non-millionaires can now invest in this $1B private real estate fund for as little as $10. Here's how to get started in minutes Warren Buffett used these 8 repeatable money rules to turn $9,800 into a $150B fortune. Start using them today to get rich (and stay rich) Join 250,000+ readers and get Moneywise’s best stories and exclusive interviews first — clear insights curated and delivered weekly. Subscribe now. We rely only on vetted sources and credible third-party reporting. For details, see our editorial ethics and guidelines. UBS (1); CNBC (2) This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. 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