Tax led concerns among respondents considering a second residency or citizenship in La Vida’s 2026 survey, while a backup option ranked above relocation as a stated goal.
La Vida reported that 82.6% cited taxation, followed by political concerns at 56.5%, cost of living at 52.2% and crime and security at 37%. Respondents could select more than one concern. A backup option was named by 60.9%, compared with 58.7% who cited tax reduction, 54.3% who wanted visa-free travel and 52.2% who named relocation. The results record stated interests, not actual departures from the United Kingdom.
Portugal was among the top two destination choices for 73.8% of respondents, ahead of Italy at 26.2% and Greece at 19%. The survey allowed up to two destination choices. La Vida reported that Portugal’s share was 50.6% in its 2025 survey, while taxation was cited by 88.9% that year. Brexit was a major factor for 63% and a minor factor for 17%; La Vida said this was the first year it asked about Brexit.
Asked which tax increase might prompt them to consider leaving, 26% named a wealth tax, compared with 22% for income tax and 20% for inheritance tax. La Vida said no UK wealth-tax policy has been confirmed.
La Vida invited more than 5,000 people from its database who had previously enquired about residency or citizenship by investment. The survey ran from Sept. 29 to Oct. 8. Among respondents, 91% held UK citizenship and 76% lived in the UK; La Vida estimated their average net worth at about £9 million. The firm described its sample as nonrandom. Its findings page did not state how many people responded or provide a response rate, so the results describe people already exploring investment-migration options rather than UK residents generally.
La Vida CEO Paul Williams said departures could reduce tax receipts for His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs. He also said La Vida clients had invested several hundred million euros in Portugal over the past decade through its Golden Visa program.
