Millionaire migration has entered a new era. According to the newly released Private Wealth Migration Report 2025, a record-breaking 142,000 high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) will relocate this year — with forecasts climbing to 165,000 by 2026. More than just a shift in lifestyle preferences, this movement represents the largest voluntary transfer of private capital in modern history.
At Citizens International, we’ve seen firsthand how second citizenship is no longer just about convenience. It’s about control, resilience, and strategic future planning.
The UK’s Wealth Exodus: A Cautionary Tale
The United Kingdom is expected to see a staggering net loss of 16,500 millionaires in 2025 — the largest ever recorded. This so-called “Wexit” reflects years of mounting political and fiscal uncertainty following Brexit, with policy shifts such as the closure of the Tier 1 Investor Visa and the removal of the non-dom tax regime compounding the flight of capital.
UK-based clients are increasingly turning to investment migration as a safety net: with applications for alternative citizenship programs up 183% year-on-year in Q1 alone. For those looking to secure a more flexible global future, the appeal of second citizenship in places like Antigua & Barbuda has never been clearer.
Book a consultation to discuss your options.
UAE, USA, and the Rise of New Wealth Magnets
While the UK and China are seeing significant net outflows of HNWIs, the UAE is projected to attract 9,800 new millionaires in 2025, outpacing even the USA. This is no accident: it’s the result of a deliberate policy strategy focused on fiscal incentives, Golden Visas, political stability, and world-class infrastructure.
The USA still draws wealthy families for its business ecosystem, with a projected net inflow of 7,500 HNWIs, buoyed by renewed interest in programs like the EB-5 and proposed “Gold Card” initiatives. However, it’s worth noting that American nationals now make up over 30% of investment migration applications globally, reflecting a rising interest in outbound diversification amid domestic volatility.
Fastest-Growing Wealth Markets: Not Just Big Economies
It’s not just the traditional powerhouses seeing action. Countries like Montenegro (124% growth), Malta (87%), and Poland (82%) have posted some of the fastest millionaire growth rates globally over the past decade — largely due to inward wealth migration.
The trend is clear: wealth follows opportunity and stability, not just GDP. And for many investors, smaller jurisdictions with structured residency or citizenship pathways offer a compelling combination of access, flexibility, and lifestyle.
The Caribbean Advantage
In this shifting global landscape, the Caribbean’s Citizenship by Investment Programs stand out. With well-regulated pathways, rigorous due diligence, and lifetime citizenship that can be passed to future generations, countries like Antigua & Barbuda, Grenada, and St. Kitts & Nevis offer an effective hedge against global uncertainty.
For high-net-worth families, the Caribbean represents:
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Plan B security amid rising political risk
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Global mobility with visa-free access to key regions
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A cost-effective investment relative to European or North American options
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A safe, stable, and beautiful base for leisure or future relocation
What Comes Next?
With millionaire migration expected to surge by 16% next year, governments are waking up to the value of attracting – and retaining – mobile wealth. But as the UK has demonstrated, the absence of supportive policy infrastructure can quickly turn opportunity into outflow.
Whether you’re proactively seeking to diversify or reacting to instability at home, second citizenship offers long-term strategic flexibility. At Citizens International, we specialize in guiding clients through these complex decisions with clarity, discretion, and unmatched regional expertise.
Speak with our team today to explore your best-fit options.
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