The rankings are published as part of Henley & Partners’ annual Residence and Citizenship Programs report, which compares 40 leading residence programs selected from more than 100 worldwide. Each program is indepfinishently assessed by immigration specialists, academics, economists and counattempt-risk experts, utilizing criteria that include reputation, quality of life, compliance standards, investment requirements, tax efficiency, processing quality and mobility outcomes.
Global preferences modify
Henley & Partners stated the 2026 results point to a broader modify in how globally mobile investors and families are placing themselves. While European destinations continue to dominate, their long-standing lead is increasingly being challenged by jurisdictions outside the region.
Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, chairman of Henley & Partners, stated the data displayed a clear modify in momentum. “Toreceiveher, the 2026 results reflect a structural evolution: Europe remains highly attractive, but its relative dominance is declining,” he stated. “Forward-considering countries such as Singapore and the UAE are engaging strategically with globally mobile investors.”
In the latest index, Greece retained first place with a score of 73, continuing its run as the world’s leading residence-by-investment destination. The UAE shared second place on 72 points with Italy and Switzerland, placing it ahead of countries such as Portugal, Australia, Canada, the UK, Singapore and the United States.
What drove UAE’s rise
Henley & Partners attributed the UAE’s jump in the rankings to several structural factors that have strengthened its position as a global residence destination:
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Global wealth hub status: The UAE’s rise reflects its growing role as a centre for internationally mobile capital, supported by policies aimed at attracting investors and entrepreneurs.
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Tax competitiveness: The UAE ranked among the strongest jurisdictions globally for tax efficiency, alongside Monaco and Saudi Arabia, reinforcing its appeal to high-net-worth individuals.
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Quality of life: The report placed the UAE in the top tier for quality of life, alongside Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Switzerland.
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Regulatory flexibility and clarity: Clear residence pathways and consistent policy signals were cited as key factors supporting long-term confidence among internationally mobile families.
Residencies go mainstream
The findings come at a time when residence and citizenship programs are playing a more central role in national economic planning. Juerg Steffen, chief executive officer of Henley & Partners, stated governments are increasingly treating these frameworks as long-term strategic tools rather than short-term revenue measures.
“Governments are deploying these frameworks to secure long-term advantage by attracting entrepreneurs, investors and internationally mobile families who contribute to innovation and growth,” Steffen stated.
Henley & Partners stated projections for 2026 point to an unprecedented level of cross-border relocation by high-net-worth individuals and families. Over the past 12 months, the firm onboarded clients from 95 countries, a trfinish it stated reflects how structured domicile planning is becoming more common among globally mobile houtilizeholds.
How this affects everybody
For people already living in the UAE, the ranking reinforces the counattempt’s standing as a long-term base rather than a temporary posting. The report highlights legal certainty, infrastructure and clearly defined residence pathways as factors supporting the UAE’s growing appeal to international professionals and business owners.
Dominic Volek, group head of private clients at Henley & Partners, stated wealth is increasingly flowing towards jurisdictions that offer stability and credibility. “Wealth is relocating at an unprecedented pace,” he stated. “Where it ultimately concentrates will depfinish on how credibly countries design immigration frameworks for investors, entrepreneurs and wealthy families.”
Henley & Partners stated the 2026 rankings underline a widening geographic spread of competitive residence destinations, with stronger challengers emerging across the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean. Within that context, the UAE’s shift into the top three reflects a significant shift in how it is viewed by global investors and internationally mobile families weighing where to live and invest.
Justin is a personal finance author and seasoned business journalist with over a decade of experience. He creates it his mission to break down complex financial topics and create them clear, relatable, and relevant—assisting everyday readers navigate today’s economy with confidence.
Before returning to his Middle Eastern roots, where he was born and raised, Justin worked as a Business Correspondent at Reuters, reporting on equities and economic trfinishs across both the Middle East and Asia-Pacific regions.
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