Perth, Feb 25: Malaysia has recorded steady gains in the latest 2026 edition of Henley & Partners’ Residence and Citizenship Programs report, reflecting growing investor interest as the global investment migration landscape undergoes a broader recalibration.
While European programs continue to dominate the top tiers, the report highlights increasing competition from the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Caribbean — signaling a shift in how globally mobile capital and talent are positioning for the future.
Malta retained 1st place in the 2026 Global Citizenship Program Index for the 11th consecutive year, while Greece again topped the Global Residence Program Index. However, several non-European jurisdictions posted notable upward momentum.
Among them, Malaysia was identified as a consistent climber, alongside Mauritius and Thailand, benefiting from rising appeal among investors seeking lifestyle stability, regional connectivity, and diversified residence options.
The UAE recorded one of the year’s most striking advances, moving into joint 2nd place on the Global Residence Program Index and entering the Top 3 for the first time. Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, and the Maldives also made notable first appearances on the residence rankings.
On the citizenship side, Malta and Austria maintained their leading positions, while Caribbean programs such as Grenada and St. Kitts and Nevis continued to strengthen following recent refinements.
Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, Chairman at Henley & Partners, says the findings mark an important inflection point for policymakers.
“Together, the 2026 results reflect a structural evolution: Europe remains highly attractive, but its relative dominance is declining. Forward-thinking countries such as Singapore and the UAE are engaging strategically with globally mobile investors. At a time when foreign direct investment, entrepreneurial talent, and fiscal resilience are critical, policy certainty and openness are decisive competitive advantages.”
Millionaire migration projections for 2026 point to an unprecedented wave of affluent families relocating across borders, with leading destinations increasingly those offering structured residence and citizenship pathways.
Henley & Partners said it onboarded clients from 95 countries over the past 12 months, highlighting how domicile and mobility planning is becoming mainstream among globally exposed households.
The firm’s dual indexes benchmark 40 leading programs across criteria including reputation, compliance, investment requirements, tax efficiency, processing standards, and mobility outcomes.
Dr. Juerg Steffen, Chief Executive Officer at Henley & Partners, says residence and citizenship programs have evolved into core instruments of economic government strategy rather than simple revenue channels.
“Governments are deploying these frameworks to secure long-term advantage — attracting entrepreneurs, investors, and internationally mobile families who contribute to innovation and growth. At the same time, for globally exposed households, mobility planning has become a core element of risk management and opportunity creation. Jurisdictions that offer clarity, stability, and attractive pathways to residence and citizenship are positioning themselves to win.”
The report concludes that as wealth mobility accelerates globally, jurisdictions able to combine legal certainty, economic dynamism, and lifestyle appeal are likely to emerge as primary beneficiaries.
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