The UAE has secured a place among the world’s leading residence destinations after recording the biggest jump in the 2026 Global Residence Program Index by Henley & Partners. Climbing from fifth position last year to joint second, the country has entered the top three for the first time since the index was launched.
The rankings form part of the firm’s annual Residence and Citizenship Programs report, which evaluates 40 prominent residence schemes chosen from more than 100 worldwide. Each programme is independently reviewed by immigration experts, academics, economists, and country-risk specialists. Assessment criteria include reputation, lifestyle standards, regulatory compliance, investment thresholds, tax efficiency, processing quality, and global mobility benefits.
According to Henley & Partners, several structural strengths drove the UAE’s rise:
- Global wealth hub status: The country’s expanding role as a magnet for international capital, backed by policies targeting investors and entrepreneurs, has strengthened its global standing.
- Tax efficiency: The UAE ranked among the most tax-competitive jurisdictions worldwide, alongside Monaco and Saudi Arabia, enhancing its appeal to high-net-worth individuals.
- Quality of life: It was placed in the top tier for lifestyle standards, comparable with Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Switzerland.
-Regulatory clarity and flexibility: Transparent residence pathways and consistent policy direction were highlighted as key factors supporting long-term confidence among globally mobile families.
