Singapore has secured its position as the third most attractive city globally for ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs), according to the Savills HNWI Hotspot Index 2025. It trails only Dubai and New York in the extensive ranking that evaluated nearly 100 cities across multiple dimensions including business environment, family infrastructure, legacy planning, lifestyle amenities, and privacy provisions.
This recognition reflects a notable shift in global wealth flows and preferences, positioning Singapore ahead of established financial centers such as London and Hong Kong. This demonstrates the city-state’s enhanced appeal to the world’s wealthiest individuals.
Singapore’s ascendancy stems from multiple interconnected factors that address contemporary HNWI priorities. The jurisdiction maintains a strong business-friendly environment supported by robust economic fundamentals, substantial foreign direct investment flows, and pro-business legal frameworks characterized by quality financial governance.
Access to highly educated talent pools and infrastructure supporting multinational corporate operations further reinforce its competitive positioning within the global financial ecosystem. The city-state’s luxury real estate market exhibits managed stability and resilience, with prime residential properties maintaining steady demand and consistent price appreciation despite global economic fluctuations. Transparent regulatory frameworks ensure investor confidence and asset security.
Family-oriented considerations considerably influence HNWI relocation decisions. Singapore addresses these through extensive offerings including international educational institutions, world-class healthcare facilities, and safe, clean urban environments.
Integrated infrastructure facilitating efficient mobility and service accessibility complements luxury retail, fine dining, and cultural amenities that appeal strongly to affluent families. Dubai’s millionaire population has doubled in a decade, underscoring the competitive intensity among premier wealth destinations in attracting and retaining ultra-high-net-worth residents. The UAE’s broader positioning as a wealthy corridor combining lifestyle and financial access strengthens the region’s appeal to global ultra-wealth seeking diversified investment opportunities.
The taxation framework offers substantial advantages for wealth preservation, featuring predictable and efficient regimes without capital gains, estate, or inheritance taxes. This supports intergenerational wealth transfer and legacy planning. Legal structures facilitating succession and trust arrangements, combined with elevated privacy protections and asset safeguarding mechanisms, create a secure environment for international investors.
Notably, contemporary HNWI preferences increasingly focus on quality of life, family well-being, and geographic asset diversification beyond purely financial returns. Younger generations of wealthy individuals prioritize sustainability, digital infrastructure, and lifestyle appeal. Singapore’s property sector is projected to see moderate price increases of 3-7% for 2025, reflecting sustainable growth that appeals to discerning investors.
Singapore’s tech-forward, innovation-driven ecosystem aligns with these evolving priorities. The city is increasingly viewed as a long-term residential and investment destination rather than merely a financial intermediary, reflecting its wide-ranging appeal to global ultrawealth.
