Global Residence Program Index 2026 released on 26 February 2026

Key facts

• The United Arab Emirates (UAE) debuted in the top three of the Global Residence Program Index 2026, rising from fifth to joint second place.
• Greece secured the first position in the index, while the second rank is shared by the UAE, Italy, and Switzerland.
• The index was released by Henley and Partners and assessed 40 residence programmes based on reputation, quality of life, tax, and visa-free or visa-on-arrival access.
• Uruguay debuted at fifth place, Saudi Arabia at ninth, and Maldives at eleventh in the 2026 rankings.
• The UAE, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Switzerland achieved perfect reputation scores for top quality of life.
• Tax efficiency leaders in the index include the UAE, Monaco, and Saudi Arabia.
• Countries showing upward momentum or steady gains include Costa Rica, New Zealand, Panama, Singapore, Malaysia, Mauritius, and Thailand.
• Dr Christian H Kaelin serves as the chairman of Henley and Partners.