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
Airport Eats: Where to Eat and Drink at Portland International Airport
Portland International Airport’s $2.15 billion transformation brings travelers craft cocktails, wood-fired pizza, Oregon seafood and exceptional coffee, with local restaurants turning PDX into an unexpectedly delicious destination before departure. The post Airport Eats: Where to Eat and Drink at Portland International Airport appeared first on Business Traveller.
Tanzania to Host World Travel Awards Grand Final on December 12th.
Tanzania is preparing to take centre stage on the international tourism calendar after being officially announced as the host destination for the 2026 World Travel Awards Grand Final, which will take place on December 12th at the stunning The Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, a premier 5-star luxury property nestled deep within the Central Serengeti National Park in Tanzania.
Morocco takes centre stage in London through the art of Winston Churchill
The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to the United Kingdom and the Moroccan National Tourist Office (MNTO) hosted an exclusive reception at the prestigious Wallace Collection in London, in connection with the exhibition Winston Churchill: The Painter. The initiative reflects MNTO’s ambition to place culture and internationally renowned figures at the heart of Morocco’s global tourism promotion. Coinciding with World Travel Market (WTM) London, the Moroccan National Tourist Office selected one of Britain’s most distinguished art institutions, the Wallace Collection, as the setting for an evening dedicated to the exhibition Winston Churchill: The Painter.
Naher Osten: Airlines setzen Flüge nach Dubai weiter aus
Die europäischen Airlines haben die Wiederaufnahme nach Dubai erneut verschoben. Condor setzt die Verbindungen in das Emirat ganz aus. The post Naher Osten: Airlines setzen Flüge nach Dubai weiter aus appeared first on Business Traveller.
Sri Lanka Sets Sights on 4-5 Million Visitors by 2030 at WTM London 2026
Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) revealed the island’s latest tourism developments at World Travel Market (WTM) London 2026, taking place from 3-5 November at ExCeL London. Led by the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Hon. Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe, the Sri Lanka delegation hosted a lunch and press conference on 4 November, sharing updates on new air connectivity from the UK, the country’s national tourism strategy and its priorities for 2027.
Quito Concludes Its European Promotional Tour with Its Own Stand at WTM London 2026
Quito is participating at World Travel Market (WTM) London 2026, taking place from 3 to 5 November at ExCeL London, with its own stand (N8-314), where it is showcasing its tourism offering and strengthening its positioning among international travel industry professionals. The Ecuadorian capital is using this global platform to reinforce relationships with tour operators, travel agencies, specialised media and strategic partners across Europe’s key source markets.
Qatar Airways Inaugurates Flights to Venezuela and Colombia
The airline inaugurates twice-weekly flights linking Doha, Bogotá and Caracas, becoming the first Gulf carrier to serve Venezuela while expanding connections between South America, Asia and the Middle East. The post Qatar Airways Inaugurates Flights to Venezuela and Colombia appeared first on Business Traveller.
Travel Around Paris And We'll Guess Your Relationship Status
Is there any city that's more romantic? View Entire Post ›
Broadcasters Julia Bradbury and Kate Humble extol virtues of the great outdoors during WTM London
Broadcasters Julia Bradbury and Kate Humble urged tour operators at WTM London to think carefully about how they target different audiences and the language needed to woo the right customers. Speaking yesterday during sessions on the Wanderlust Stage, they both extolled the virtues of the great outdoors and getting off the beaten track – especially if it encourages travellers to put down their phones and fully experience destinations.
Visit Qatar Launches Two-Night Doha Stopover Offer for UK Customers
Visit Qatar announced the launch of Stopover Your Way (Enjoy Two Nights on Us) at World Travel Market (WTM) London, offering eligible UK travellers two nights’ accommodation at participating four-star hotels across Qatar. Developed in partnership with Qatar Airways and Discover Qatar, the promotion encourages travellers to turn their journey into an opportunity to discover all that Qatar has to offer, from its rich cultural heritage to its beaches, desert adventures, museums and vibrant culinary scene. There are a number of participating four-star hotels, and customers have flexible options to upgrade or extend their stay.
String duo Sol Gabetta and Patricia Kopatchinskaja impress in theatrical Hong Kong recital
Seldom is the idiom to show up “with bells on toes” taken literally, but that is exactly what Moldavian-Austrian-Swiss violinist Patricia Kopatchinskaja and Argentine cellist Sol Gabetta did at their recital at Hong Kong City Hall on November 2. Classical music boundaries have no place in the pair’s playbook, and their theatrical entrance for the last leg of their Asian tour – each from opposite sides of the stage, dressed in bold colours and wearing slip-ons with bell-lined toes – was a clear...
InteleTravel Joins ITT as Corporate Member to Expand Opportunities for Travel Advisors
InteleTravel has joined the Institute of Travel & Tourism (ITT) as a corporate member, with the partnership finalised at World Travel Market (WTM) London 2026. The membership creates further opportunities for InteleTravel’s advisors to develop their industry knowledge and education, expand their professional networks and connect with senior leaders across the travel sector. Through partnership, InteleTravel advisors will have opportunities to attend ITT events, connecting with industry partners and peers while increasing their knowledge of the wider travel industry. With ITT expanding its regional events, the partnership will reach advisors around the country.
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.