Political divisions in Europe are driving a migration of millionaires from Germany, the UK, and France to the UAE, according to the CEO of Arton Capital.
A significant wave of German billionaires is contemplating relocating to the UAE amid rising political tensions and economic uncertainty across Europe, revealed a new study by global investor immigration firm Arton Capital.
This movement coincides with the UAE’s historic rise in global passport rankings, becoming the first Arab country to reach such a milestone after previously being ranked outside the top 10 most powerful passports worldwide.
A survey of 1,000 German residents with a net worth of at least one million euros ($1.08 million) found that 37% are considering relocation following recent national elections.
This aligns with industry experts’ observations of increased German inquiries with Arabian companies in recent months, focusing on second citizenship and residency options.
Canada is the top destination for 29% of these high-net-worth individuals, followed by Australia (22%) and the US (16%), while the UAE ranks seventh, attracting 11% of billionaires interested in moving. Dubai currently hosts over 200 billionaires and ranks among the world’s top 15 cities for ultra-wealthy residents.
“German millionaires have the potential to bring substantial revenue to the UAE,” Armand Arton, CEO of Arton Capital, told Arabian Business.
“The country’s appeal lies in its luxurious lifestyle, abundant business prospects, and world-class infrastructure, making it especially attractive for European expatriates.”
The survey also reflects a wider trend of affluent Europeans seeking alternatives beyond the continent. “Our previous research showed that 27% of British millionaires and 6% of French millionaires are also considering the UAE after their elections. The region is clearly attracting increasing numbers of wealthy Europeans,” Arton noted.
This aligns with predictions by Henry & Partners that 2025 will see the largest documented wealth migration wave, with around 142,000 high-net-worth individuals expected to relocate globally.
Political Polarization Fuels Migration
The potential exodus is linked to growing political polarization in Germany. Research shows that immigration concerns (47%) and restrictions on external rights (42%) are key motivators for wealthy Germans. Economic worries also contribute: 31% fear a decline in quality of life, 30% are concerned about increased taxes on high-net-worth individuals, and 26% cite a deteriorating business climate.
“Both political and economic issues have fueled this negative outlook,” Arton explained. “Immigration was a major factor, with nearly half of respondents citing it as a significant concern.”
Jeffrey Hensler, CEO of Passport Legacy, echoed this trend in a recent interview. “Germany’s cultural and societal shifts have been severe, leading to many applications from the country,” Hensler said.
He pointed to deeper societal problems, including safety worries: “Parents cannot even let their children attend school without protection — this is very different from Europe twenty years ago.”
Economic uncertainty also weighs heavily, with German billionaires expressing a lack of confidence.
“Despite Germany’s strong economy and EU leadership role, the ongoing internal and external political upheaval is causing many millionaires to question whether to stay,” Arton said.
Hensler added, “Two million illegal immigrants entered Germany in the past 18 months. Fixing this will require a political shift and years of effort.”
UAE’s Golden Visa and Safe Haven Appeal
For those contemplating relocation, the UAE offers unique advantages beyond traditional wealth havens.
“Dubai stands out from places like Switzerland and Singapore by providing fast-track residency via its Golden Visa program,” Arton said. Hensler concurs, noting the UAE faces very little competition in attracting global wealth.
“The UAE actively targets affluent individuals with cutting-edge infrastructure, luxury real estate, and a strategic location linking Europe, Asia, and Africa.
“Additionally, a stable government, favorable tax policies, and a thriving millionaire expat community make Dubai a preferred destination for German high-net-worth individuals seeking better global mobility.”
Data shows German billionaires interested in the UAE primarily come from health, real estate, and finance sectors. Arton Capital has seen a surge in German inquiries about second citizenship and residency.
Growing Global Demand for Investment Residency
The survey revealed strong support for investment-based residency programs, with 88% of German billionaires expressing interest in acquiring golden visas or citizenship through investment.
“Wealthy Germans are clearly weary of their domestic political environment and are searching for a ‘Plan B,’” Arton said.
This trend coincides with the UAE’s increasing global mobility power, granting access to 72 more countries since 2015. The Emirates is currently the only Arab nation ranked among the top tier on the Henley Passport Index, offering visa-free entry to 185 prominent destinations worldwide.
“The global competition to attract high-net-worth individuals is intensifying. Our research from the UK, France, and Germany reveals a strong demand for alternative citizenship options among Europe’s wealthiest,” he added.
This pattern is not limited to Germany; polarizing election outcomes in the UK, France, and the US also play a role.
“Millionaires are relocating to gain mobility, security, and lifestyle benefits that come with second residencies or citizenships,” Arton explained.
This shift contrasts with declining passport rankings: the UK dropped to fifth place in 2015, and the US slipped from seventh to ninth over the last decade, highlighting a fundamental realignment in global mobility and wealth flows.
Global Competition for Wealth Migration
The potential migration of German assets occurs amid fierce international competition for wealthy individuals. The US recently unveiled a new $5 million initiative under the Trump administration to replace the existing EB-5 investor visa program.
“The biggest development in the wealth migration sector is from the USA,” Arton said.
President Donald Trump announced the launch of a $5 million ‘gold card’ last week to supersede the current EB-5 visa. Though details remain scarce, “it’s clear the administration aims to capitalize on this global wealth migration,” Arton noted.
As European countries reform or restrict their investment migration programs, the US move signals confidence in its ongoing ability to attract crucial foreign capital.
For the UAE, which has steadily enhanced its appeal through programs like the Golden Visa and attractive tax policies, the potential arrival of German billionaires both validates and boosts its strategy to become a global hub for talent and wealth.
“The UAE benefits greatly from this, and rightly so,” Hensler said. “Their approach is effective — strict laws and regulations, welcoming those who want to work, live well, and prosper. Europe, by contrast, has shifted in ways that have hurt it over the past 15 years.”
“Competition to attract investment from these high-net-worth individuals will only increase as countries strive to make their offerings more appealing,” Arton concluded.
