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.
Portugal jumps to 73.8% as the UAE slips
Portugal was named 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 dropped from 13.6% to 2.4%. Respondents could pick up to two destinations.
Williams said La Vida's clients have invested several hundred million euros in the Portuguese economy over the last decade through its Golden Visa program.
Brexit is a major factor for 63%
Brexit is a major factor for 63% of respondents and a minor one for another 17%. La Vida asked about it for the first time this year, after a summer of longer queues for British travellers under the EU's new Entry/Exit System. One respondent said they did not regret voting for Brexit but that it had scuppered an easy move to Portugal.
A backup plan, not a panic exit
The most common goal was a Plan B or backup option, named by 60.9%. Tax reduction followed at 58.7% and visa-free travel at 54.3%.
60% want a UK Golden Visa
Sixty percent of respondents said the UK should introduce a Golden Visa program to attract investment. The Home Office closed the Tier 1 (Investor) visa to new applicants in February 2022. The survey notes that both the previous Conservative government and the current Labour government have indicated they could reintroduce a Golden Visa in some form. Half of respondents said they did not know who they would vote for if a general election were held today.