Tax Tops the List as Wealthy Brits Plan Their Exit, La Vida Survey Finds
Oct 19, 2026
LONDON - Oct. 19, 2026 - PRLog -- Taxation is the leading concern for 82.6% of wealthy UK investors considering a second residency or citizenship, according to new research from investment migration firm La Vida.
La Vida's 2026 UK Investor Survey asked investors who have enquired with the firm about residency or citizenship by investment what is driving their interest in leaving the UK, and where they plan to go. The survey ran from 29 September to 8 October 2026.
"Tax continues to be the main concern of wealthy Brits looking to leave the UK, with over 82% of respondents citing it as a factor driving their decision making," said Paul Williams, CEO of La Vida.
Wealth Tax the Biggest Fear
Wealth tax was the tax increase most likely to push respondents out of the UK, ahead of income tax and inheritance tax.
Political concerns (56.5%) and cost of living (52.2%) followed taxation as the top reasons for considering a move. Concern about crime and security fell sharply, from 59.3% in La Vida's 2025 survey to 37% this year.
"The average wealth of respondents was around £9 million. That's more than 20 times the national average, and no doubt a significant tax loss for HMRC for each one deciding to leave," said Williams.
"The top 1% of UK income taxpayers pay around 30% of all UK income tax. The UK government needs to find a way to persuade such wealth to stay and encourage more into the UK."
Portugal Pulls Ahead as Dubai Fades
Portugal was named as a top-two destination by 73.8% of respondents, up from 50.6% in 2025. Italy came second at 26.2% and Greece third at 19%.
Interest in the UAE fell from 13.6% to 2.4%, even though Dubai features heavily in coverage of wealthy Britons leaving the UK.
"Portugal is a top destination for many. La Vida's clients alone have gone on to invest several hundred million euros into the Portuguese economy in the last decade through its Golden Visa program," said Williams.
Brexit a Major Factor
Brexit is a major factor for 63% of respondents and a minor factor for a further 17%. La Vida asked about Brexit for the first time this year, after a summer of longer queues for British travellers under the EU's new Entry/Exit System.
"Brexit is the one and only reason why I would have an interest in a second residency," said one respondent.
"I don't regret voting for Brexit but it has rather scuppered an easy move to Portugal," said another.
Plan B, Not Panic
A Plan B or backup option was the most common goal, named by 60.9% of respondents, ahead of tax reduction at 58.7% and visa-free travel at 54.3%.
Support for a UK Golden Visa
60% of respondents said the UK should introduce a Golden Visa program to attract investment.
The Home Office closed the UK's Tier 1 (Investor) visa to new applicants in February 2022.
However, both the previous Conservative government and the current Labour government have indicated that they could reintroduce a Golden Visa in some form.
With Prime Minister Andy Burnham looking to draw further investment to the country, the proposal is likely to gain further support heading into this year's Budget and into 2027.
Notably, wealthy Brits back the idea. Half of respondents said they did not know who they would vote for if a general election were held today.
"The UK is being left behind not only by its citizens but by its competitors in the race for global wealth," said Williams.
Notes to Editors
- Methodology: La Vida invited more than 5,000 investors who have enquired about residency or citizenship by investment over the last decade to take part in its 2026 UK Investor Survey. The survey ran from 29 September to 8 October 2026.
- Respondents: 91% of respondents hold UK citizenship, 76% live in the UK and 93%, with a weighted networth of £9.7 million.
- Multiple answers: Respondents could select more than one concern and goal, and up to two destinations.
- Data and comments available: the full dataset, further respondent comments and year-on-year comparisons with La Vida's 2025 survey are available on request.
Photos: (Click photo to enlarge)
Source: La Vida
Read Full Story - Tax Tops the List as Wealthy Brits Plan Their Exit, La Vida Survey Finds | More news from this source
Press release distribution by PRLog
More News
‘Harry Potter’ HBO Series Casts James Potter and Lily Potter, Plus Charlie Weasley in Character’s Screen Debut
The “Harry Potter” HBO series has cast another casting spell. Harry Gilby, Jasper Talbot and Hannah Chinn have joined the cast as Charlie Weasley, James Potter and Lily Potter, respectively. The actors will appear in Season 1 of the series, which is dubbed “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.” James and Lily Potter, parents of […]
‘Harry Potter’ Series Finds Its Lily & James Potter In Jasper Talbot & Hannah Chinn; Harry Gilby To Play Charlie Weasley
HBO’s Harry Potter series has cast the roles of the titular wizard’s parents, James and Lily Potter, with Jasper Talbot and Hannah Chinn, respectively. Additionally, Harry Gilby joins as Charlie Weasley, the second eldest son of Molly and Arthur Weasley after Bill, whose siblings also include Percy, Fred, George, Ron, and Ginny. Harry’s parents did […]
Meghan Markle Serving as Special Guest on Junior MasterChef Australia
Not only can Meghan Markle stand the heat, but she’s more than ready to get back in the kitchen. And she’s getting the chance to do so in the form of Junior MasterChef Australia, which has tapped...
‘Barbara Forever’ Director Brydie O’Connor on Celebrating a Lesbian Icon Who Did It All – and Getting Support From Christine Vachon
Lesbian artist Barbara Hammer felt invisible for most of her life. She started making films in the late 1960s, but emerging queer filmmakers often face the same challenges today. “I really felt her frustration at so many different points,” says Brydie O’Connor, director of “Barbara Forever.” “We had such wonderful partners, but we were all […]
If You Can Pass This '90s Pop Culture Test, Then You're Definitely Not A Teenager
Best of luck! View Entire Post ›
Netherlands makes U-turn over Eurovision return
A Dutch broadcaster reverses a decision to take part, citing "sensitivities" over Israel's participation.
People’s Sexiest Man Alive 2026 Is Noah Wyle: See His Cover & Reaction to the News!
PEOPLE‘s Sexiest Man Alive for 2026 has been revealed and this year’s selection is…The Pitt heartthrob Noah Wyle (who just […] The post People’s Sexiest Man Alive 2026 Is Noah Wyle: See His Cover & Reaction to the News! appeared first on Just Jared - Celebrity News, Entertainment News & Photos.
David Bowie Immersive Concert Experience ‘Stage’ From Brett Morgen to World Premiere at Berlin Film Festival
The world premiere of the David Bowie immersive concert experience, “Stage,” has been set for Feb. 14 at Berlin’s Uber Arena. It will play during the Berlin Film Festival, representing a rare foray into alternative programming at the European film event. The experience, which combines previously unseen Bowie concert footage and immersive sound and light, […]
Brett Morgen’s David Bowie Immersive Concert Experience Set For Berlinale World Premiere
The spirit of late pop and rock icon David Bowie is set to return to Berlin, the city he called home in the mid-1970s. The Berlin Film Festival has announced it will world premiere U.S. documentarian Brett Morgen’s immersive concert experience David Bowie “Stage” during its 77th edition in the city’s 17,000-capacity Uber Arena venue. […]
Savannah Chrisley Announces She Is Pregnant, Engaged to Mystery Fiancé
Savannah Chrisley is indeed grown up—and celebrating a new chapter. The Growing Up Chrisley alum, 29, has announced she is expecting her first baby and later revealed on her Unlocked podcast that...
Riley Voelkel & Shiva Negar To Voice Adult Animated Comedy Project ‘Above Average’
EXCLUSIVE: Riley Voelkel and Shiva Negar will lend their voices to adult animated comedy series Above Average. The show, which is in late-stage development, comes from creators Andrew Deutsch and Cailin Walker-Bent at Canadian animation collective Red Pants Productions and Josh Harris at JVH Media in the UK. Above Average is billed as an irreverent […]
Noah Wyle Named People’s 2026 Sexiest Man Alive
After heating up emergency rooms since 1994, Noah Wyle has officially been named People’s Sexiest Man Alive for the first time. In his People interview for the prize, “The Pitt” star said he was in disbelief when he got the news. “I thought that sounded like a prank — just not in a million years […]
Recommended
YOUR NEWS, OUR NETWORK.
Do you have Great News you want to tell the world?
Be it updates about your business or your community, you can make sure that it’s heard by submitting your story to our network reaching hundreds of news sites across 6 verticals.