As global research points to continued growth in private wealth migration to the Gulf, client data from Sovereign PPG Corporate Services suggests a broader trend is emerging with high-net-worth individuals increasingly combining residency decisions with sophisticated wealth structuring and succession planning.
Since the start of 2026, approximately 43% of all enquiries received by the company have related to either Migration or Private Wealth services, with migration accounting for around 25% enquiries and private wealth representing almost 20%.
The figures cover a period that has included heightened geopolitical tensions across the Middle East, yet demand has remained resilient, indicating that internationally mobile families continue to view the Gulf through a long-term strategic lens.
Migration enquiries have been driven primarily by UAE Golden Visas, Saudi Premium Residency, relocation planning and residency solutions, while private wealth enquiries have focused on family offices, foundations, trusts, special purpose vehicles (SPVs), holding structures and cross-border wealth planning.
According to Sovereign PPG Corporate Services, the distinction between these two areas is becoming increasingly blurred.
Jade Wong, Head of Sales – UAE at Sovereign PPG Corporate Services, said: ‘Our enquiry data spans a period of heightened regional uncertainty, yet demand has remained remarkably resilient. In many cases, periods of uncertainty reinforce the importance of long-term planning rather than delaying it.
‘We’re increasingly seeing clients approach residency, family governance and wealth structuring as interconnected decisions. Rather than simply relocating, they are looking to establish robust structures that provide flexibility, asset protection and continuity for future generations.’
The firm’s enquiry data also reflects the Gulf’s continued appeal as an international hub for wealth and investment. The majority of enquiries (44%) originate from the UAE, followed by Saudi Arabia (7.8%), the UK (5.8%), Qatar (4.8%), Pakistan (3.8%), India (3.4%) and the United States (3.4%), demonstrating sustained demand from both regional and overseas markets.
Recent client mandates further illustrate this convergence between mobility and wealth planning. These include a UK-based individual establishing a DIFC family foundation to hold cash, property and company shares; a French private banker securing a UAE Golden Visa linked to a property acquisition; and a Dutch high-net-worth athlete relocating under the UAE Golden Visa programme while simultaneously establishing a DIFC family office to support broader wealth structuring objectives.
Wong added: ‘What we’re witnessing is an evolution in client priorities. Residency is no longer viewed as a standalone objective but as one component of a wider strategy encompassing succession, governance, investment, and legacy planning.
‘The Gulf has matured into an ecosystem where internationally mobile individuals and families can address these needs holistically. As a result, migration and private wealth are no longer separate conversations — they are increasingly part of the same strategic journey.’