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Niki Thomet is Managing Partner at Engel & Völkers Lake Zurich.
In 2025, global wealth migration is projected to reach unprecedented levels, with an estimated 135,000 millionaires expected to relocate. The UAE is forecast to benefit the most, followed by the USA. Despite their smaller geographic and demographic footprints, Singapore and Switzerland stand out as preferred destinations. Both are internationally recognized financial and business hubs, drawing multi-national corporations and affluent professionals from around the world.
Switzerland continues to uphold its reputation as a ‘safe haven’ destination, despite the Swiss franc’s sharp appreciation against both the US dollar and the euro amid recent global market volatility. While this has made the country comparatively expensive, global high-net-worth individuals value Switzerland’s stable legal, political, and economic frameworks. In combination with its balanced media landscape and top-tier universities, Switzerland continues to attract the best graduates and boasts a highly skilled workforce in key industries, such as banking and finance, pharmacy, technology, and luxury.
According to leading global indices, including the World Happiness Report 2025, Numbeo’s Quality of Life Index, U.S. News’ Quality of Life Index, CEOWORLD Magazine’s Quality of Life Rankings 2025, as well as the Henley Opportunity Index, Switzerland ranks among the top five countries for quality of life, with Zurich recognized as the 2nd happiest city globally in the Institute for Quality of Life’s Happy City Index.
Switzerland has long been a beacon of stability during periods of global uncertainty, and for wealthy individuals considering relocation, Zurich stands out as the preferred destination. It offers a rare combination of financial opportunity, lifestyle quality, and long-term security.
For ultra-high-net-worth individuals seeking real estate opportunities, Zurich offers a bespoke proposition driven by the following factors.
Zurich is one of the world’s foremost financial centers, home to leading banking institutions, multi-national corporations, and a thriving fintech and crypto ecosystem. Its robust economic infrastructure supports sustained demand from global businesses and expatriates, making it a secure and appreciating asset class for investors.
Switzerland has topped the World Intellectual Property Organization’s Global Innovation Index for 14 consecutive years, outperforming Sweden and the USA. It continues to dominate in scientific research, technological advancement, and creative services.
Zurich ranks among Europe’s top 10 cities for international business expansion, according to the Financial Times fDi Report. It excels in the Economic Potential, Business Friendliness, and Human Capital & Lifestyle parameters, making it a resilient location for corporate growth amid global uncertainty.
Zurich ticks all the boxes for high-quality healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Its central location in Europe and well-connected international airport provide seamless access to other major global cities. Beyond business, the city boasts a vibrant cultural scene, fine dining, and a wealth of recreational opportunities.
Owning property in Zurich is akin to holding a blue-chip asset — a symbol of enduring value that embodies quality, stability, and exclusivity. For ultra-high-net-worth individuals, it is not merely a financial investment, but a strategic choice in a location aligned with long-term legacy planning and a commitment to quality of life.
Switzerland consistently ranks among the world’s most resilient real estate markets, characterized by strong demand and limited supply. Property values in prime areas of Zurich — particularly around the lake — have demonstrated robust appreciation, even in times of geopolitical and economic uncertainty. These assets are widely considered as crisis resistant.
Unlike some countries that offer residence or citizenship in exchange for property investment, Switzerland maintains stringent regulations. The Lex Koller law restricts non-residents from purchasing real estate unless in designated secondary home zones, such as new developments in ski resorts such as Andermatt. To acquire property in Zurich, foreign buyers must first secure Swiss residency, typically through employment, family reunification, or establishing tax domicile, and obtain “center of living” status.
Once residency is granted and land registry formalities are fulfilled, foreign nationals can purchase primary residences in Switzerland, enjoying rights that closely mirror those of Swiss citizens. For many affluent individuals, such real estate acquisitions form an integral part of their broader migration strategies, combining a superior quality of life with a resilient, long-term investment.
With sustained demand for premium real estate, market data from Engel & Völkers, in collaboration with Wüest Partner, highlights a continued trend among ultra-high-net-worth individuals towards luxury developments in prime locations along Lake Zurich and in the upscale suburban areas surrounding the city. Overall, the Swiss luxury real estate market reached new heights in 2024, with Zurich leading the way.
These figures confirm Zurich’s status as a premier global haven for luxury real estate investment. With a stable economic climate, excellent quality of life, and enduring appeal among international high-net-worth individuals, Switzerland’s largest city continues to attract discerning investors seeking to strategically reallocate real estate assets within their portfolios in a country that offers a unique blend of security, lifestyle, and long-term value across its key markets.
Henley & Partners assists international clients in obtaining residence and citizenship under the respective programs. Contact us to arrange an initial private consultation.
