UAE Breaks Into World’s Top Three Residence Destinations for First Time

The UAE climbed from fifth place last year to joint second, marking its highest-ever position since the index was introduced. The rankings form part of Henley & Partners’ annual Residence and Citizenship Programs report, which evaluates 40 leading residence-by-investment programs selected from more than 100 worldwide.

Each program is assessed by immigration specialists, economists and country-risk experts. Criteria include quality of life, reputation, compliance standards, tax efficiency, processing quality, investment requirements and mobility outcomes.

In the 2026 index, Greece retained first place with a score of 73. The UAE shared second place with Italy and Switzerland, each scoring 72. The ranking places the UAE ahead of countries such as Portugal, Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, Singapore and the United States.

Henley & Partners said the results reflect changing preferences among globally mobile investors and families. While European destinations continue to dominate, their lead is narrowing as other regions gain ground.

Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, chairman of Henley & Partners, said the latest data shows a structural shift in global residence trends. He noted that countries such as the UAE and Singapore are actively engaging with international investors seeking stable long-term bases.

The report attributed the UAE’s rise to several structural factors, including its growing status as a global wealth hub, competitive tax framework and regulatory clarity.

The UAE ranked strongly in tax efficiency, alongside jurisdictions such as Monaco and Saudi Arabia. The country was also placed in the top tier for quality of life, alongside Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Switzerland.

Clear residence pathways and consistent policy signals were cited as additional factors contributing to investor confidence.

Henley & Partners said residence and citizenship programs are increasingly being used as strategic economic tools rather than short-term revenue measures. Governments are focusing on attracting entrepreneurs, investors and internationally mobile families who can contribute to economic growth.

The firm reported onboarding clients from 95 countries over the past 12 months, reflecting a rise in cross-border relocation among high-net-worth individuals.

Analysts say the UAE’s ranking reinforces its position as a long-term base for professionals and business owners, supported by infrastructure development, legal certainty and defined residency frameworks.

The 2026 report highlights a broader shift, with competitive residence destinations emerging across the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean. Within this context, the UAE’s move into the top three signals a significant change in how it is viewed globally by investors considering where to live and invest.