Why Some Ultra-High-Net-Worth Individuals Are Rethinking Where They Call Home In 2026

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Many business leaders, investors and other ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) invest in dual residency options to preserve generational health, wealth and security. As political tensions escalate, economic uncertainty deepens and climate events intensify, many are looking for sanctuaries not just for capital, but for quality of life.

Countries such as Malta, Greece, Portugal, Switzerland and New Zealand are among some of the top investment migration programs, according to Henley & Partners. Henly also projected that the number of individuals relocating with investible wealth of at least $1 million would climb from 142,000 in 2025 to 165,000 in 2026.

The decision for UHNWIs to migrate, often with multiple generations of family, is an extremely personal and layered decision. Each investor's reasoning is as unique as a fingerprint, but I've found the following are often defining factors that make up each commitment.

Generational Wellness

Investors often use golden visas as a way to gain access to a less stressful, more nature-centered lifestyle, in my experience. To many golden visa investors, wellness that extends beyond the physical is critical, as mental health and education round out an individual’s holistic well-being. I'm also seeing many families opting for open space primed for adventure, a globally respected education system and a nationwide environment that balances safety, culture and opportunity.

One metric that can help evaluate a country’s sense of wellness is its ranking on the annual World Happiness Report (download required for full report), published by Oxford University in partnership with Gallup and the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network. The study looks at gross domestic product per capita, life expectancy, sense of personal freedom, social support and other factors that paint a picture of a country’s overall state of satisfaction.

The 2024 report found that New Zealand ranked 12th globally. Switzerland ranked 13th. By comparison, the U.S., which has emerged as a top source country for golden visa applicants, ranked 24th.

Generational Wealth

The most obvious factors delineating golden visas from a financial perspective are the expected return on investment and the industries that are supported by these investments. Golden visas vary based on country, with varying investment requirements.

For example, Portugal requires an investment toward "artistic production, recovery or maintenance of national cultural heritage," per The Portugal News. New Zealand’s Active Investor Plus Visa focuses on stable, secure investment funds and direct investments in New Zealand businesses and industries.

Generational Safety

In 2026, where UHNWIs and their families reside is trending to become an even more strategic decision. In my experience, many of these families are yearning for a place to live where their children can walk to school, the care of the environment and climate are paramount, and the day-to-day is savored, not rushed.

I expect to see more opting for historically stable countries to not only safeguard assets and legacies but also family members themselves from potential geopolitical risks. It is therefore not surprising that I've found considerations tend to center around low crime rates and an advanced healthcare system.

Recommendations For Leaders

As we move into 2026, the definition of a "golden visa" continues to evolve. It's no longer simply about where wealthy investors can move—it's about where they can truly thrive. For many leaders and investors, migration has become less about escape and more about intentional design of a life worth passing down.

For today’s business leaders who are considering relocation, it's important to remember that mobility should be treated as a core pillar of long-term strategy, not just a contingency plan. As companies and families increasingly operate across borders, leaders must evaluate how residency, tax structures and regulatory environments affect both enterprise continuity and generational wealth. The most successful migrations will be those approached with the same rigor as any other major investment. It needs to be informed, deliberate and aligned with the future you intend to build.

The information provided here is not investment, tax, or financial advice. You should consult with a licensed professional for advice concerning your specific situation.