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The United Arab Emirates has reached a historic milestone in global livability rankings, entering the top three in the 2026 Global Residence Program Index for the first time. The country climbed from fifth place last year to joint second, according to the report published by Henley & Partners, which evaluates 40 leading residence programs worldwide.
The index, released annually as part of Henley & Partners’ Residence and Citizenship Programs Report, assesses programs across criteria such as reputation, quality of life, compliance standards, investment requirements, tax efficiency, processing quality, and mobility outcomes. Independent experts including immigration specialists, economists, academics, and country-risk analysts contribute to the evaluation.
Changing Global Preferences
Henley & Partners highlighted a shifting trend in international mobility, with investors and globally mobile families increasingly looking beyond traditional European destinations. While Europe remains highly attractive, its long-standing dominance is being challenged by countries that have strategically engaged with the global investor community. Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, chairman of Henley & Partners, noted: “The 2026 results reflect a structural evolution. Forward-thinking countries such as Singapore and the UAE are positioning themselves to attract globally mobile investors.”
In the latest rankings, Greece retained first place with a score of 73, maintaining its position as the world’s top residence-by-investment destination. The UAE scored 72 points, sharing second place with Italy and Switzerland, ahead of destinations such as Portugal, Australia, Canada, the UK, Singapore, and the United States.
Factors Behind the UAE’s Rise
Henley & Partners cited several key factors contributing to the UAE’s leap in the rankings:
- Global Wealth Hub: The UAE’s status as a centre for internationally mobile capital has strengthened, supported by policies attracting investors and entrepreneurs.
- Tax Efficiency: Ranked among the most tax-competitive countries globally alongside Monaco and Saudi Arabia, the UAE remains appealing to high-net-worth individuals.
- Quality of Life: The nation ranks in the top tier for lifestyle and livability, alongside countries like Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Switzerland.
- Regulatory Clarity: Transparent and consistent residence policies inspire confidence among globally mobile families seeking long-term planning security.
Residencies as Strategic Tools
The report comes at a time when residence and citizenship programs are increasingly integrated into long-term national strategies rather than being seen as short-term revenue streams. Juerg Steffen, CEO of Henley & Partners, emphasized that governments are using these frameworks to attract investors, entrepreneurs, and mobile families who drive innovation and growth.
The firm also reported record levels of cross-border relocations in 2026, onboarding clients from 95 countries over the past year. This trend reflects the growing mainstream adoption of structured residence planning among globally mobile households.
By combining lifestyle advantages, tax competitiveness, and strategic investment opportunities, the UAE is now recognized as a premier destination for international residents, marking a historic first in its ascent into the top three globally.
