Why Did Saudi Arabia Become the Top Destination for Wealthy Investor Migration in 2025?

August 14, 2025

Recent international reports have revealed a strategic shift in the migration of wealthy businesspeople and investors worldwide. At the heart of this shift, Saudi Arabia emerges as one of the fastest-growing destinations attracting this segment, with the number of wealthy investors arriving increasing by as much as 700% compared to the previous year. We discuss the key factors that have made the Kingdom a focal point for the wealthy globally, and the impact on the national economy and the real estate sector.

Global Migration of the Wealthy in 2025 – An Overview

According to a report by Henley & Partners, more than 142,000 wealthy investors are expected to move to other countries in 2025, marking a clear sign of deep economic shifts in the global landscape. Within this momentum, the UAE topped the list of recipient countries with 9,800 millionaires, followed by the United States and then Italy, while Saudi Arabia showed the fastest growth in attracting this affluent segment, according to the report. These shifts indicate that wealth follows freedom of opportunity and stability more than traditional geography.

Saudi Arabia: The Surprising Figure – Wealthy Migration Up 700%

Saudi Arabia, which welcomed around 300 millionaires in 2024, expects to receive about 2,400 millionaires in 2025—a 700% increase—placing it fifth globally. This reflects a qualitative transformation in its global competitiveness. This performance puts it firmly among the world’s most attractive markets and reflects the impact of comprehensive strategic changes, including residency programs and mega projects, along with financial and regulatory reforms that have enhanced its investment appeal.

Reasons for Attraction – What Does Saudi Arabia Offer Investors?

Vision 2030 and Mega Projects

Vision 2030 is a key driver of this migration, with the Kingdom implementing massive projects such as “NEOM,” the Red Sea Project, the Diriyah development program, and “New Riyadh,” which boost investment opportunities in real estate and tourism.

The “Premium Residency” Program – The Investor’s Entry Card

Known as the “Saudi Green Card,” this program allows investors permanent residency without the need for a Saudi sponsor, with rights to own property, trade shares, hire workers, and enjoy travel freedom. From the start of 2024 until July 2025, more than 40,000 people applied for premium residency, reflecting growing demand from investors around the world.

Investment Tourism and Political Stability

Investment-friendly policies, exemptions from certain taxes, environmentally sustainable incentives, a strategic location, and luxury tourism have made Saudi Arabia an ideal environment for investors seeking sustainability and profitability.

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Impact of This Migration on the Saudi Economy and Real Estate

Influx of Foreign Capital: The arrival of wealthy individuals means strong liquidity that boosts foreign reserves.

Stimulating Emerging Sectors: These investors are often founders or innovators. Reports indicate that around 15% establish new companies, and this rises to over 60% when it comes to multi-millionaires, generating jobs and strengthening the economy.

Growth in the Real Estate Market: Economic reports show that real estate transactions in Q1 2025 reached SAR 109 billion, up 37% compared to the same period last year, indicating strong demand for property.

Emergence of a High-End Support Services Market: Lawyers, financial advisors, real estate agents, and migration consultants are seeing growing demand to cater to this segment.

Saudi Arabia at the Heart of the Global Investor Shift

In conclusion, Saudi Arabia has successfully redrawn the global investor attraction map. Through Vision 2030, premium residency programs, and massive future projects, the Kingdom has become a clear destination for high-net-worth individuals, especially after the decline of traditional destinations such as the UK and China. While the UAE continues to hold its global lead in attracting the wealthy, Saudi Arabia is moving quickly to become the fastest-growing attractive investment destination for the affluent from around the world.

Source: The Henley Private Wealth Migration Report 2025

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