Emerging Safe UHNW Destinations for Stability and Privacy in 2025
As geopolitical tensions, economic volatility, and privacy concerns reshape the global landscape, ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) families are seeking new safe havens—destinations offering stability, security, and discretion. In 2025, traditional hubs like London and New York are waning, but emerging destinations are gaining traction for their unique blend of safety, privacy, and lifestyle appeal. At Aurelius Executive Protection Ltd (Aurelius EP), we specialise in safeguarding UHNW clients in these new locations, ensuring seamless protection wherever they choose to reside or travel. This article explores three emerging safe havens and how our bespoke security solutions keep clients secure in these dynamic environments.
Why Safe Havens Matter for UHNW Families
For UHNW families, a safe haven is more than a luxurious retreat—it’s a strategic sanctuary where physical safety, financial security, and personal privacy converge. According to Henley & Partners’ Wealth Migration 2024 report, countries with low crime rates, strong legal protections, and political stability are attracting over 40% of migrating millionaires, with many destinations seeing millionaire growth of 35% or more over the past decade. These locations offer UHNW families the ability to live discreetly, protect assets, and maintain a high quality of life, free from the risks of unstable regions or high-profile exposure.
However, relocating or travelling to these emerging destinations comes with unique security challenges. Cultural nuances, unfamiliar legal systems, and evolving local risks require tailored protection strategies. Aurelius EP combines predictive intelligence, discreet operatives, and advanced technology to ensure our clients thrive in these new safe havens.
Three Emerging Safe Havens for 2025
New Zealand: Remote and Stable, New Zealand has emerged as a top destination for UHNW families seeking isolation and safety. With a homicide rate of just 0.7 per 100,000 and a stable, transparent government, it ranks among the world’s safest countries. Its low population density—18 people per km²—offers vast private estates and minimal public exposure, ideal for families prioritising anonymity. The country’s Residency by Investment programme further enhances its appeal, allowing UHNW individuals to secure long-term stability.
Security Considerations: New Zealand’s remote location poses logistical challenges for rapid response in emergencies. Aurelius EP addresses this with advance planning, including pre-vetted medical facilities and secure transport options. Our operatives, provide discreet protection during outdoor pursuits like yachting or hiking, ensuring privacy without compromising safety.
United Arab Emirates: A Hub of Security and Opportunity The UAE, particularly Dubai and Abu Dhabi, has become a magnet for UHNW migration, attracting more millionaire migrants than any other country in recent years. With a homicide rate of 0.5 per 100,000, a “Mostly Free” Economic Freedom score of 71.1, and a 10-year Golden Visa programme, the UAE offers unparalleled physical and financial security. Its strategic location and tax-friendly environment make it a hub for global business, while its low crime rates ensure safety for families.
Security Considerations: The UAE’s high-profile events and bustling urban centres require sophisticated crowd management and cyber protection. Aurelius EP deploys operatives to blend into settings like Dubai’s Marina or Abu Dhabi’s cultural districts, while our cybersecurity team safeguards against digital threats targeting high-net-worth individuals. Our March 2025 UAE Country Risk Assessment, which flagged potential regional tensions, exemplifies our proactive approach to keeping clients safe during regional conflicts.
Portugal: Europe’s Discreet Retreat, Portugal is gaining popularity among UHNW families for its affordability, safety, and access to the EU. With a homicide rate of 0.9 per 100,000 and a robust Golden Visa programme, it offers a stable, low-profile environment. Cities like Lisbon and the Algarve provide a blend of cultural richness and privacy, appealing to families seeking a European base without the scrutiny of larger hubs like Paris or London.
Security Considerations: Portugal’s growing popularity increases the risk of targeted crimes against wealthy residents. Aurelius EP conducts comprehensive risk assessments, focusing on residential security and discreet travel risk mitigations. Our teams leverage technologies like perimeter intruder detection systems to secure private villas, ensuring families enjoy Portugal’s laid-back lifestyle with complete peace of mind.
How Aurelius EP Ensures Seamless Protection
At Aurelius EP, we understand that UHNW families require more than standard security—they need bespoke solutions that adapt to new environments. Our approach to protecting clients in emerging safe havens includes:
Pre-Arrival Intelligence: Before clients relocate or travel, our analysts conduct in-depth risk assessments, covering local crime trends, political stability, and cultural factors. For example, in New Zealand, we assess remote estate vulnerabilities, while in the UAE, we monitor regional geopolitical risks.
Discreet Operatives: Our teams, with backgrounds in military and intelligence, operate discreetly to maintain client privacy. Whether escorting a family through Dubai’s souks or securing a private event in Lisbon, our operatives blend seamlessly into any setting.
Integrated Technology: We deploy advanced tools like encrypted communications and drones for perimeter monitoring, ensuring robust protection without intrusive measures. In Portugal, our buried cable detection systems provide discreet estate security.
Crisis Response: Our global network enables rapid response to emergencies, from medical evacuations in New Zealand’s remote regions to secure extractions in the UAE during regional unrest. We coordinate with local authorities to ensure swift, discreet action.
A Real-World Example: Securing a Family in a New Safe Haven
Consider a UHNW family relocating to a new safe haven like the UAE, drawn by its stability and business opportunities. To ensure their safety and privacy, a comprehensive security plan would involve a risk assessment to identify local threats, such as media exposure or digital vulnerabilities. Discreet measures, like plainclothes escorts for daily routines and advanced perimeter sensors for their residence, would maintain their lifestyle without drawing attention. Real-time intelligence would allow for swift adjustments to travel plans during regional disruptions, ensuring seamless protection in a dynamic environment.
The Future of Safe Havens
As UHNW families increasingly seek out emerging safe havens, the demand for tailored security solutions grows. New Zealand, the UAE, and Portugal stand out for their unique blend of stability, privacy, and opportunity, but each presents distinct challenges. At Aurelius EP, we bridge these gaps with intelligence-driven, discreet protection that empowers clients to live freely in their chosen destinations.
Ready to explore a new safe haven with confidence? Contact Aurelius Executive Protection Ltd at ops@aureliusep.com to discuss bespoke security solutions for your family’s next move.
