Wealth Tax Fear Drives Wealthy Brits Toward Portugal
LONDON – October 19, 2026 -- Taxation is the top reason for 82.6% of wealthy UK investors who are considering a second residency or citizenship, and almost three in four of them name Portugal as a top-two destination, according to a new survey from investment migration firm La Vida.
The 2026 UK Investor Survey ran from 29 September to 8 October 2026. La Vida invited more than 5,000 investors who had enquired about residency or citizenship by investment over the last decade. Respondents averaged around £9 million in wealth, which CEO Paul Williams described as more than 20 times the national average.
Wealth tax is the biggest fear
Respondents were most likely to be pushed out of the UK by a wealth tax, ahead of income tax and inheritance tax. Political concerns (56.5%) and cost of living (52.2%) followed taxation. Concern about crime and security fell from 59.3% in the 2025 survey to 37% this year.