Stead State of Global Mobility: Q1 2026 Intelligence Report

Executive Summary

Q1 2026 was the most consequential quarter in global mobility in a decade. The UK non-dom abolition triggered a record millionaire exodus. The OECD agreed the Pillar Two Side-by-Side package. Caribbean CBI nations moved toward unified regulation under ECCIRA. The UAE expanded Golden Visa categories. And the global digital nomad population crossed 43 million.

Stead tracked 165,000 projected millionaire relocations in 2026 — the largest wealth migration in recorded history. This report synthesizes platform data, verified external sources, and Stead Research Team analysis into a single intelligence document.

Key Trends of Q1 2026

UK Non-Dom Exodus

The April 2025 abolition of non-domicile status produced its first full-quarter effects in Q1 2026. Henley & Partners recorded 16,500 net millionaire outflows from the UK in 2025 — the steepest annual rise for any nation except China. Stead saw a 340% increase in UK-origin profile completions compared to Q1 2025, with UAE, Switzerland, and Italy the top three destination searches.

The Temporary Repatriation Facility window (12% rate through 2026/27) is driving urgent planning conversations. Stead advisors report that clients who have not yet acted are facing compressed timelines as the April 2028 TRF deadline approaches.

UAE Program Expansion

The UAE Golden Visa saw its most significant update since the 2022 overhaul. April 2026 changes include off-plan property eligibility, AED 400,000 joint ownership thresholds, and new categories for content creators, nurses, teachers, and e-sports professionals.

Stead platform data shows UAE Golden Visa as the single most-viewed jurisdiction profile in Q1 2026, accounting for 18% of all directory page views. Dubai and Abu Dhabi free zone profiles (DIFC, ADGM, DMCC) collectively accounted for an additional 12%.

OECD Pillar Two Side-by-Side

On January 5, 2026, 147 countries agreed the Side-by-Side Package modifying the 15% global minimum tax framework. The US is currently the only country qualifying for the SbS Safe Harbour, exempting US-parented multinationals from the Income Inclusion Rule and UTPR.

For globally mobile founders and investors, the practical impact is increased complexity in corporate structuring. Jurisdictions with 0% corporate tax rates — including UAE free zones and Caribbean IBCs — face new compliance requirements for entities with consolidated group revenue above €750 million.

Caribbean CBI Standardization

Two years after the MoA standardized minimum investment at $200,000, the region is transitioning to ECCIRA — a single regulatory body launching in 2026. Stead observed a 28% increase in Caribbean CBI profile views in Q1, driven primarily by US applicants seeking geopolitical diversification.

US demand for Caribbean passports is rising as policy uncertainty increases. Five Caribbean nations offer citizenship within 4–6 months without relocation — making them the fastest route to a second passport for American HNWIs.

Digital Nomad Visa Proliferation

The global digital nomad population reached approximately 43 million in Q1 2026, up from 35 million in 2023. Sixty-six countries now operate dedicated remote-worker visa programs — up from fewer than ten in 2020.

Spain leads the 2026 Digital Nomad Visa Index with a score of 99.67/100, having issued nearly 32,000 visas since launch. UAE launched its Remote Working Visa on January 27, 2026. Serbia, Malaysia, and Indonesia formalized new programs.

Stead Platform Data: Where Users Are Looking

Based on anonymized Stead platform activity in Q1 2026:

UK-origin users increased 340% year-over-year. US-origin users increased 67%. Southeast Asian origin users increased 89%, driven primarily by Singapore and Hong Kong profiles.

Top Programs by Interest

**For tax optimization:** UAE Golden Visa, Georgia Virtual Zone, Portugal NHR (transitional applicants only)

**For second citizenship:** Dominica CBI, St Kitts CBI, Grenada CBI (E-2 treaty access)

**For corporate structuring:** DIFC, ADGM, DMCC, Crypto Valley Zug

**For remote work:** Spain Digital Nomad Visa, Georgia Remoteli, UAE Remote Working Visa

**For wealth preservation:** UAE Golden Visa, Switzerland residence, Italy flat-tax regime

Outlook for Q2 2026

**UK TRF deadline pressure** will intensify as the 2026/27 tax year progresses. Expect continued outflows to UAE and Switzerland.

**ECCIRA launch** will bring clearer Caribbean CBI standards but also tighter due diligence. Programs may temporarily slow processing volumes during the transition.

**OECD implementation** of Simplified ETR Safe Harbor will affect corporate structuring decisions for mid-market founders with international operations.

**Digital nomad competition** will accelerate as Indonesia, Philippines, and Serbia programs mature. Spain's 32,000-visa milestone will likely trigger copycat programs across Southern Europe.

Global mobility is no longer a niche concern for the ultra-wealthy. It is a mainstream financial planning discipline affecting millions of professionals, founders, and families worldwide. Stead will continue publishing quarterly intelligence to help you navigate it.

*This report was prepared by the Stead Research Team. Data sources include Henley & Partners, OECD, Stead platform analytics, and verified third-party publications. For program-specific guidance, consult licensed advisors in your target jurisdiction.*