UK sees significant millionaire exodus, driven by tax policies and global economic shifts, according to New World Wealth.
According to analysts from global expertise firm New World Wealth (NWW), the United Kingdom has witnessed an exodus of more than 10,000 millionaires over the past year.
This marked departure has been linked to factors including tax implications, the increasing dominance of the United States and Asia in the high-tech sector, the diminishing prominence of the London Stock Exchange, and perceived deteriorations within the national healthcare system.
In 2024 alone, the UK recorded a net loss of 10,800 millionaires.
In comparison, the previous year saw a smaller yet significant loss of 4,200.
During the period from 2017 to 2023, the UK cumulatively lost 16,500 millionaires, with influences such as Brexit and the
COVID-19 pandemic speculated as major contributing factors.
In the same timeframe, only China reported a higher number of wealthy emigrants.
This trend reflects a broader shift, as high net-worth individuals explore other global cities and locations that offer appealing alternatives.
Cities such as Paris, Dubai, Amsterdam, Monaco, Geneva, Sydney, and Singapore are noted among favored destinations for departing UK millionaires.
Additionally, regions like Florida, the Algarve, Malta, and the Italian Riviera are popular retirement destinations.
Andrew Amoils, NWW's head of research, highlighted several factors potentially driving wealthy non-domiciled residents away.
The introduction of additional taxes targeting these individuals has urged many to relocate.
Capital gains tax and estate duty rates also play a role in deterring wealthy business people and retirees from remaining in the UK.
Historically, the United Kingdom, and London in particular, have been attractive to migrating millionaires from Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
Amoils noted that English, the global language for high-net-worth individuals, previously enhanced the UK's appeal.
However, as major English-speaking economies (such as the US, Australia, and Canada) have expanded, the necessity of English as a unique appeal has waned.
Moreover, emerging high-income markets, including Singapore, the UAE, New Zealand, Malta, Switzerland, and Mauritius, offer environments where English suffices, with educational infrastructure improving to match the UK's standards.
The data, sourced from New World Wealth and Henley & Partners, addressed high net-worth individuals possessing liquid assets exceeding one million US dollars (£821,500).
Interviews with figures such as Charlie Mullins, founder of Pimlico Plumbers who has moved to Spain, suggest that political decisions and economic policies are perceived as complicating business operations in the UK.
A representative from the UK Treasury stated the government's commitment to progressive tax reforms designed around fairness.
The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) predicts that reforms targeting non-domiciled individuals will generate £33.8 billion over five years, intended to support public service investments and the overarching Plan for Change.