A New Reality I Didn’t See Coming
When I was younger, the term expat didn’t spark any excitement.
It was something I associated with retirees in their 60s, sipping gin and tonics in places like Benidorm or Ibiza. It was neutral, maybe even a little boring — just people who happened to live outside their home country.
But then I started traveling.
And the more I traveled, the more people I met from wildly different backgrounds — startup founders, digital nomads, investors, e-commerce entrepreneurs — the more I realised something that completely flipped my perspective:
Many countries no longer have their best people living in them.
I’m not just talking about “famous billionaires” leaving their countries. I mean everyday high achievers — successful business owners, skilled professionals, creatives — people who are building seven and eight-figure businesses and living entirely different lives from what’s considered “normal” back home.
The Silent Exodus
Once you start paying attention, you see the pattern everywhere.
You talk to enough location-independent entrepreneurs in Bali, Dubai, or Bangkok, and you start hearing the same story:
- They left because taxes were eating half (or more) of what they earned.
- They left because bureaucracy and over-regulation strangled their ability to grow a business.
- They left because the culture back home felt toxic, negative, and stagnant.
- They left because safety, opportunity, and freedom seemed to be disappearing fast.
It’s like there’s this unofficial club of people who’ve unplugged from the system — not in some conspiracy theory way — but in a practical, “I want a better life and I’m willing to move for it” way.
Where the Numbers Get Crazy
Let’s talk stats for a second.
According to Henley & Partners’ 2024 Private Wealth Migration Report, over 10,800 millionaires left the UK in a single year.
France lost 6,500. China lost 13,500. Even the US, which historically attracted wealth, saw over 3,000 high-net-worth individuals pack up and go.
These are net losses — meaning more wealthy people left than came in.
And they didn’t just vanish into thin air. They moved somewhere.
Why “Escaping” Is the Right Word
I say escaping because many of these people aren’t just relocating for fun. They’re actively running away from:
- Punitive tax systems – In some countries, the effective tax rate on high earners can push 50% or more.
- Over-regulation – The constant hoops you have to jump through to hire, expand, or even operate.
- Cultural shifts – From political division to “woke vs. anti-woke” extremes, a lot of people just don’t want to live in that atmosphere anymore.
- Erosion of safety and justice – Slow police response, rising crime, and bureaucratic messes.
Where They’re Going
Here’s the part that gets interesting. The migration isn’t random — it’s targeted.
Millionaires, entrepreneurs, and high achievers are moving to countries that incentivize success instead of punishing it1. United Arab Emirates (Dubai, Abu Dhabi)
- 0% personal income tax
- Ability to set up a free zone company and pay 0% corporate tax in many cases
- Fast residency visas for entrepreneurs, investors, and skilled professionals
- Strong banking system, international flight connections, and unmatched networking
This is where companies like GenZone come in — they handle your business setup, residency visa, and banking in Dubai so you can hit the ground running. Many of the people I meet here weren’t millionaires when they arrived — they became millionaires because the environment lets them grow.
2. Saudi Arabia
- Big push to diversify the economy beyond oil (Vision 2030)
- Tax benefits and incentives for foreign businesses
- Growing expat communities in cities like Riyadh and Jeddah
- Massive infrastructure and mega-project development
3. Oman
- Peaceful, safe, and with a more relaxed lifestyle than Dubai
- Attractive residency options for investors and business owners
- Lower cost of living while still maintaining tax efficiency
4. Indonesia (Bali)
- Not tax-free, but has special visas for remote workers and entrepreneurs
- Popular for those seeking a slower pace, natural beauty, and creative communities
- A hotspot for digital nomads building online businesses
5. Thailand (Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai)
- Affordable cost of living with high quality of life
- Investor visas and company setup options available
- Surprisingly large number of wealthy Westerners — many running global businesses from here
It’s Not Just About Money
Here’s the part most people misunderstand:
The tax savings are huge, yes — but for many, that’s not the only driver.
Living in a place like Dubai, Bali, or Bangkok often comes with:
- Better networking opportunities — You’re surrounded by other ambitious people.
- A healthier mindset — When you’re not drowning in negativity or political division.
- Freedom to grow — Fewer obstacles to starting new ventures or scaling existing ones.
- A global lifestyle — Quick travel access to multiple continents.
The Cultural Contrast
When you visit your home country after spending time in these “expat hubs,” the contrast can be jarring.
You notice:
- How stressed and overworked people are just to keep up with rising costs.
- How limited their mindset is about what’s possible outside their city or country.
- How resigned they seem to high taxes, bad policy, and endless bureaucracy.
Meanwhile, the people who left are operating in environments designed for growth. They’re reinvesting the money they don’t pay in taxes into new businesses, investments, and opportunities.
The “Become a Millionaire After Moving” Effect
One of the most fascinating trends I’ve seen:
A lot of people who move to places like Dubai aren’t millionaires when they arrive.
They come because they see the potential. Then, because of:
- Lower taxes
- Better networking
- Faster decision-making
- Less red tape
… they grow much faster. I know people who went from $100k/year businesses to $1M/year businesses in two to three years — and they’ll tell you they couldn’t have done it back home.
Critics vs. Reality
Of course, critics will say:
“You’re just avoiding your fair share.”
Or, “These countries have their own problems.”
And they’re right about one thing — no place is perfect.
Dubai can be expensive. Bali has infrastructure challenges. Saudi Arabia has cultural restrictions. Thailand has complex visa rules.
But here’s the difference:
People are choosing environments where the rules allow them to thrive, rather than drag them down.
How Millionaires Choose Their Destination
From what I’ve seen, the decision usually comes down to three main factors:
- Tax & Legal Environment – Is it friendly to entrepreneurs?
- Quality of Life – Safety, healthcare, housing, climate.
- Community – Are there other ambitious, like-minded people to network with?
Dubai, for example, checks all three boxes for a lot of people.
Setting Up in Dubai: The Blueprint
If Dubai is on your radar, here’s the quick outline:
- Choose a free zone that matches your business activity.
- Incorporate your company (GenZone handles all paperwork).
- Open a UAE bank account for your business and personal finances.
- Apply for your residency visa — usually 2–3 years, renewable.
- Move and start building in a 0% personal income tax environment.
The process is surprisingly fast — in some cases, under two weeks.
The Future of Millionaire Migration
If the trends continue, more countries will start competing for this mobile wealth.
That means:
- More tax-friendly programs
- Easier residency visas
- Aggressive economic incentives to attract talent and capital
It’s basically a global bidding war for high-achievers.
And just like companies relocate for better business conditions, individuals are now doing the same with their personal lives.
Final Thought
Whether you agree with it or not, the reality is clear:
High-net-worth individuals — and those on their way there — are voting with their feet.
They’re choosing places where:
- Success is rewarded, not punished
- Their money works harder for them
- They can live life on their own terms
And as more people make that move, the gap between “stay” and “go” countries will only get wider.
So… where will you go?
If Dubai is on your list, GenZone can walk you through the setup, from your trade license to your visa, in a way that’s fast, transparent, and designed for growth.
