The UAE has secured its position among the top 10 countries where German millionaires are planning to relocate within the next 12 months, according to a fresh survey released on Thursday. This trend comes as wealthy Germans seek alternatives amidst their country’s economic slowdown, high taxation, and rising far-right political influence.
UAE Ranks 7th Among Preferred Destinations
A comprehensive study commissioned by Arton Capital reveals that 11% of German high-net-worth individuals have set their sights on the UAE as their preferred relocation destination in the coming year. The primary attractions include:
- Enhanced safety and security
- Zero income tax framework
- Promising real estate investment returns
The research surveyed 1,000 German millionaires with ages ranging from 18 to 70, all possessing a minimum net worth of €1 million. Notably, 18% of respondents reported wealth exceeding €5 million. The survey was conducted between February 24 and March 3, 2025.
UAE’s Growing Appeal to Wealthy Europeans
“UAE has become an interesting new destination in the last five years as we have seen a tremendous amount of investments from Germans to UAE. Around 11% of those surveyed are considering UAE as a second home or residency where they would like to immigrate,” stated Armand Arton, CEO of Arton Capital.
He highlighted several key factors driving this migration trend:
- Germany’s economic challenges post-COVID-19
- Increased business operational costs following the Ukraine-Russia conflict
- German economic productivity reaching historic lows
Global Leadership in Attracting Wealth
According to Henley and Partners, the UAE has established itself as the world’s premier destination for high-net-worth individuals. Projections indicate a net inflow of over 6,700 millionaires in 2024—surpassing all other countries globally. These wealthy migrants primarily originate from India, Africa, Europe, and other Middle Eastern nations.
Why German Millionaires Choose the UAE
German millionaires are particularly drawn to the UAE’s stability in an otherwise unpredictable global landscape.
“UAE is a very safe place. For people with that amount of wealth in Europe, safety becomes a major concern. You cannot drive the cars that you have worked hard to buy; the UAE, however, presents this freedom of living in a safe environment where they can enjoy their wealth,” Arton explained.
He added that real estate investment opportunities are a significant attraction, with property purchases being the first priority for most German millionaires arriving in the UAE.
The zero personal income tax structure in the UAE provides another compelling advantage compared to alternative wealthy destinations like Switzerland, Monaco, or Singapore, which maintain more intricate tax frameworks.
“Wealthy Germans are clearly feeling fatigued by the state of politics at home, and are looking elsewhere for a ‘plan B’. The global race to attract HNWIs is heating up. From our research into HNWI sentiment in the UK, France, and now Germany, there is a clear demand for alternative citizenship options for Europe’s wealthiest,” Arton concluded.
Top Relocation Choices
The survey identified the following countries as the top destinations where German millionaires wish to relocate:
- Canada
- Australia
- United States
- New Zealand
- Spain
- Netherlands
- UAE
Key Takeaway
The UAE’s combination of political stability, safety, advantageous tax policies, and lucrative investment opportunities is creating an increasingly attractive environment for wealthy Europeans seeking relocation options. As Germany faces economic and political challenges, the UAE stands poised to welcome a significant influx of high-net-worth individuals looking for security and prosperity.
JobXDubai 
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