A key wave of German billionaires is considering moving to the UAE in the middle of growing political tensions and economic uncertainty in Europe, according to a new study by global investor immigration consultant Arton Capital.
This trend comes as the Emirates continues to have a historic increase in global pass power rankings after they invade the first Arab state to reach this milestone after being recently violated by the world’s 10 most powerful passes.
A study by 1,000 German residents with a net worth of at least 1 million euros ($1.08 million) shows that 37% of Germans with high network value (HNWIs) are considering moving after the recent national election.
The results agree with observations by industry experts who have found a significant increase in Germans in interviews with Arabian companies in recent months, looking at second citizenship options.
Canada competes with 29% of its priority target, followed by Australia (22%) and the US (16%), while VAE secured its seventh place in 11% of billionaires expressing interest in moving to the Emirates. Dubai already houses more than 200 billionaires, and according to its latest assets it places it for Ultra Hornetanjar, located in the top 15 cities in the world.
“German millionaires have the potential to bring an enormous amount of revenue to the UAE,” Armand Arton, CEO of Arton Capital, told Arabian Business.
“The country is incredibly attractive for European expats thanks to its luxurious lifestyle, abundant business opportunities, and world-class infrastructure.”
The survey highlights a broader trend of wealthy Europeans seeking alternatives outside the continent. “Our previous surveys demonstrated that 27 per cent of British millionaires and 6 per cent of French millionaires were also considering the UAE following their respective elections. It’s clear the region is increasingly luring affluent Europeans away from the continent,” Arton noted.
This corresponds to Henry & Partner’s prediction that 2025 will observe the most important wave of assets ever documented. 142,000 people with high network value expected to travel around the world.
Political polarization driving exodus
A potential escape comes amid an increase in Germany’s political polarization. Research shows that immigration concerns (47%) and increased external rights (42%) have become the main motivation factors for wealthy Germans. Economic factors also play an important role. 31% are concerned about declining quality of life, 30% are concerned about an increase in HNWI tax, and 26% are complaining about a bad business environment.
“Both political and economic grievances have contributed toward this gloomy sentiment,” Arton explained. “Immigration was cited as a main driver for millionaires wishing to leave, with 47 per cent of respondents noting that this was a considerable concern.”
Jeffrey Hensler, CEO of Passport Legacy, confirmed this trend in a recent interview with Arabian Business.
“In the past, especially in Germany… I mean, that is really a culture that failed massively,” Hensler noted. “We have therefore seen a lot of applications coming from there.”
He pointed to deeper societal issues, including safety concerns: “If you cannot even let your kids anymore go to school without protection—this is not what Europe was about 20 years ago.”
The sense of European economic outlook is particularly meaningful, with the fourth German billionaire pronounces a lack of trust.
“Despite the country’s robust economy and its central role in the EU, with seismic internal and external political shifts underway, many German millionaires are unsure if they want to weather the storm in Europe,” Arton added.
“In the last 18 months, 2 million illegal immigrants came into Germany. Imagine that,” Hensler told Arabian Business in January, highlighting what many wealthy Germans view as a deteriorating situation. “It needs a right shift in order for this to happen, apparently. It will take years to fix that problem.”
UAE Golden visas, safe haven for cash, more
For those considering moving, uae offers a different advantage over traditional wealth.
“Dubai distinguishes itself from the traditional wealth havens of Switzerland and Singapore by offering fast-track residency through the Golden Visa program,” Arton said. This assessment echoes Hensler’s observation that “the UAE has very little competition” in attracting global wealth.
“The UAE also more broadly actively attracts wealthy individuals with cutting-edge infrastructure, high-end real estate, and strategic location advantages, bridging Europe, Asia, and Africa.
“Furthermore, a stable government, favourable taxation regime, and a growing expat millionaire community make Dubai a top choice for German HNWIs seeking improved global mobility.”
Research shows that German billionaires interested in VAEs come mainly from the fields of health, real estate and financial services. Arton Capital reports a large number of inquiries from Germans looking for second citizenship or state residence options.
Global Golden Visa appeal on the rise
The survey showed overwhelming support for per-investment residency programs and 88% of German billionaires expressed interest in accessing golden visas or citizenship through their investment programs.
“Wealthy Germans are clearly feeling fatigued by the state of politics at home, and are looking elsewhere for a ‘plan B’,” Arton said.
This trend coincides with the increased global mobility power of the VAE, allowing access to 72 additional destinations since 2015. Emirates is currently the only Arab nation at the top level of the Henry Passport Index, which has visa-free access to targets of 185 globally prominent outcomes in countries registered in the Global Mobility Rankings Barry..
“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 from Europe’s wealthiest,” he added.
This trend extends beyond Germany. This comes as polarizing election results have been seen in the UK, France, and the United States as well.
“Millionaires are on the move, seeking mobility, security, and lifestyle benefits that a second residency or citizenship offers,” Arton added.
In contrast to falling passages, this shift is pronounced in contrast to falling passages. The UK passports dropped to fifth place today in 2015, but the US has dropped from seventh to ninth in the past decade. These changes reflect what experts call a fundamental shift in global mobility hierarchy and asset transition patterns.
Global competition for wealth migration
The potential migration of German assets comes under the increased global competition for the wealthy. The US recently announced a new $5 million initiative under the Trump government to replace existing EB-5 investor visa programs.
“The biggest news in the wealth migration industry is coming out of the USA,” Arton said.
US President Donald Trump announced the launch of a $5 million gold card last week, replacing the EB-5 visa that is currently available to investors. While there isn’t much information available about this visa at present, “it’s clear the [Trump] administration wants to capitalize on this wealth exodus that is sweeping the globe,” said Arton.
As European nations reform or close their investment migration programs, Arton sees the US initiative as “a vote of confidence in their enduring ability to attract vital foreign investment.”
For uae, who has consistently improved the appeal of global investors through initiatives such as the Golden Visa Program and lucrative tax policy, the potential influx of German billionaires is both the potential and validation of his strategy, which positions himself as the first global goal of prosperity and talent.
“The UAE is a big profiter among all of that, and rightly so,” Hensler said, “because they do it correctly. They have a very strict law and rules… If you want to work, if you want to have a great job and a great life, and if you want to make money, you’re welcomed here with open arms. But Europe has a different thinking for the last 15 years, and that bites them massively now.”
“Competition for the investment these HNWIs bring to their new host countries will only intensify as countries look to make their propositions as attractive as possible,” Arton added.
