Almost one in three of Britain's wealthiest people are considering leaving the UK amid growing concerns over tax changes and the economy, according to new research.
The latest Saltus Wealth Index Report found that 30% of high net worth individuals could consider moving abroad, with 8% actively exploring a permanent move within the next 12 months.
Changing attitudes towards leaving Britain
Mike Stimpson, partner at Saltus, said the research showed a significant shift in attitudes towards leaving Britain. “People do not uproot their lives over a single tax announcement, and our research does not suggest that Britain’s wealth creators are heading for the exits en masse,” he said.
“What it does show, however, is a marked change in the way people are thinking. Leaving the UK has moved from a distant idea to something that a growing minority are actively testing against their family, financial and personal circumstances.”
Confidence falls and tax risks rise
The report found that confidence in the UK economy among wealthy respondents had fallen over the past year, while 40% identified tax changes as a key risk to their wealth. Concerns about pensions and Inheritance Tax were also prominent, with many respondents worried about the prospect of further changes affecting their finances.
Henrietta Grimston, a chartered financial planner at Saltus, said she had seen more clients asking whether moving abroad was a viable option. “I have seen a substantial increase in clients querying the viability of a move abroad, with a clear goal being to reduce future Inheritance Tax concerns,” she said.
Destination preferences and survey details
She added that some wealthy individuals had family connections or existing rights to live overseas, while others were exploring countries offering residency options to investors. However, Ms Grimston warned that relocating was not always straightforward, with access to healthcare, favourable tax arrangements and proximity to family all important considerations.
“The reality of missing out on time with family, particularly seeing grandchildren grow up or moving away from parents who may still be dependent, is a tough emotional decision to make,” she said.
Despite the growing interest in moving abroad, the research does not point to an imminent mass departure, with 70% of respondents saying they had no plans to leave the UK.
For those considering a move, the European Union was the preferred destination, while Spain and the United States were the most popular individual country choices.
The findings are based on a survey of 2,000 UK adults with at least £250,000 in investable assets, excluding their main home. The research was conducted by Censuswide in August 2026.
