Europe is declining, radically & rapidly
All indicators display that Europe is in rapid decline, this is as obvious as the sky being blue at this point. Recent numbers display that Europeans are far poorer compared to their American friends and struggle to attract/retain any sort of talent due to ungodly regulations, taxation and anti-business policies. As the saying goes, when the going gets tough, the tough get going.
Also, Henley & Partners have released their 2025 update on millionaire migrations which is quite revealing. Some major takeaways for me have been (all millionaires, centimillionaires or billions):
- 16,800 UK citizens have left
- For the first time, France, Spain, Sweden, Ireland are now seeing declines (ranging from 100 to 1200 per country) whereas Portugal, Greece and Italy are seeing increases in their millionaires due to favourable lifestyle, tax regimes and residency programs leading to citizenship. Interestingly, Spain has been a huge no-no for wealthy entrepreneurs and investor and Italy and Portugal has largely received almost all of these individuals
- Montenegro is the fastest growing location on a percentage basis for millionaires relocating in the last 10 years.
- UAE, USA and Italy have the largest increases in millionaires by number
- Every single one of the BRICS countries have seen an exodus of millionaires; many eastern dictatorships also see an exodus
- The rate by which investors are choosing other Western jurisdictions like Switzerland, Canada, New Zealand, Australia and others is slowing (despite there being net increases in numbers)
- European wealth taxes have caused an enormous (in the 10s of billions) amount of wealth changing jurisdictions; on the whole, only the South of Europe is receiving huge volumes of people with Hungary, Latvia and Croatia small exceptions. Established financial centres are bleeding out.
I recall speaking with someone far more intelligent than I and I asked them, “Where would be the ideal place to escape towards?”. He said: Ideally, an island where it’s easy for you to get there but difficult for others to show up. The island would have to be safe, food secure which may mean having fisheries and not being implicated in conflicts.
If you’re inclined to seek new beginnings in islands far, far away. Here is a short list of countries that [as long as the EU exists] you qualify (or can easily) to obtain residency that fulfill the criteria above.
- Åland Islands: EU citizens can make a nice transition to these beautiful, quiet, safe islands. They are an autonomous region of Finland, despite being mostly populated by Swedish people (Swedish is the most popular language). From what I can tell, its a beautiful place to raise a family in an outdoors, mellow lifestyle; albeit very gold!
- Saint Martin: Saint Martin is a place that many French citizens move to for a cheaper, sunnier place to live while they make their money and then return to Europe. There are a number of tax benefits such as no property tax or capital gains tax that are quite interesting. We did write on our experience in Saint Martin if you want to check our article here–> Saint Martin Travels
- French Polynesia: I believe this is a major underdog because it’s so, so far away but you can enjoy zero taxes on almost everything individually. As long as you can find shelter and a sufficient food supply–it may be a great place to escape global conflicts in paradise. Companies do have a taxation of 25% but there is a first year exemption of all taxes. It’s no surprise it’s the top honeymoon destination!
- Azores or Madeira: These Portuguese islands in the Atlantic Ocean would be top of my list! They are safe islands, that haven’t been inundated with mass migrants of the 3rd world, with an unexplored charm, cleanliness and great views. Their main interesting point for me is their ability to sustain themselves agriculturally and their energy security. If you’re believing that WW3 will impact Europe, than this is the furthest you can get away from it and still remain in Europe!
- Switzerland, not an island of course, and it’s not a given you’ll be accepted, but being an EU citizen is an easier pathway to receiving residency in Switzerland. Entry often depends on your purpose, the requirement behind showing significant financial resources or innovative potential or employment (depending on which permit you receive).
- Saba, Eustatius and Bonaire: Collectively known as the BES islands are municipals of the Netherlands (different from the Kingdom of the Netherlands). These islands have received a considerable amount of investment over the years and offer a very tranquil, relaxed, safe place to escape the problems. Dutch and American citizens populate the place the most, so you’ll be familiar with your neighbours. We wrote a great deal about Saba in our On The Ball Travels page. Our Premium Subscription service offers an investment breakdown of Saba as well. You will need a residency permit for access, but like Switzerland, it’s easier than what you may believe as a European.
Are you interested in these topics? Our subsidiary called Open Door has been created for people like you seeking more freedom, better lifestyle, reduced taxes and an international portfolio. We put our experience to work and get you started to beat the upcoming storm! Use our contact form below and check out opendoorconsultancy.net
#StayOnTheBall
