Top 5 Investment Destinations for China's High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs) in 2025

 

Executive Summary: Top 5 Investment Destinations for China's High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs) in 2025

Client Brief: As China's economy navigates recovery amid global uncertainties, its ultra-wealthy (those with $1M+ in liquid assets) are increasingly diversifying abroad, with outbound wealth migration projected at 15,200 HNWIs in 2025—up 28% from 2022. Driven by factors like capital preservation, residency options, and access to emerging markets, preferences lean toward stable, tax-efficient hubs with investment migration programs.

Source : This analysis ranks the top 5 destinations based on Henley & Partners' 2025 Wealth Migration Report, Hurun Research, and recent trends, positioning Mauritius prominently in the top 3 for its role as a China-Africa gateway, seoagencyChina, Chinesetouristsagency

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Key Market Context: China's HNWIs hold ~$28 trillion in assets (UBS Global Wealth Report 2025), with 60% planning overseas investments in the next 3 years. Real estate, family offices, and business expansion dominate, favoring destinations with low taxes, political stability, and visa pathways. While the US and Singapore remain staples, emerging hubs like Mauritius are gaining traction via FTAs and BITs.

Top 5 Investment Destinations for Chinese HNWIs

Here's a ranked overview, blending migration inflows, investment volumes, and appeal to Chinese investors (e.g., real estate yields, tax treaties, and sector opportunities). Mauritius secures #3 for its strategic Africa pivot, per 2025 EDB Mauritius and China-Mauritius FTA data.

Rank	Destination	Key Attractions for Chinese HNWIs	Projected 2025 Inflows (HNWIs)	Avg. Investment Size (Real Estate/Business)
1	United States	EB-5 visa program (min. $800K investment for green card); high real estate yields in LA/SF/Seattle (top Hurun picks); tech/education access. Despite trade tensions, 3,500+ Chinese HNWIs annually.	~4,200	$1M–$5M (properties in CA/NY)
2	Singapore	Family office incentives (0% capital gains tax); Mandarin fluency and proximity; crypto/tech hubs. Tightening regs slow inflows, but still draws 3,500+ for stability.	~1,600	$2M–$10M (funds/RE in Sentosa)
3	Mauritius	Gateway to Africa via 17 DTAs/BITs; China-Mauritius FTA (2024) eases trade; property investment yields residency (min. $375K). Booming for Chinese firms in renewables/real estate; political stability ranks #1 in Africa.	~800 (rising 50% YoY)	$500K–$3M (luxury villas/Africa holdings)
4	United Arab Emirates (UAE)	Golden Visa (min. AED 2M/$545K property); 0% income tax; Dubai's luxury/RE boom. Attracts Chinese for lifestyle diversification; crypto-friendly.	~6,700	$1M–$4M (Dubai properties)
5	Canada	Start-up Visa and provincial nominee programs; stable real estate in Vancouver/Toronto. Appeals for education/family relocation; despite foreign buyer taxes, inflows hold steady.	~3,200	$800K–$2.5M (BC/ON homes)

Why Mauritius Ranks #3 – Spotlight Analysis:

• Strategic Gateway: Positioned as China's "hub to Africa," Mauritius facilitates 60% of cross-border investments via its OECD-whitelisted status, AfCFTA membership, and 44 DTAs (17 African). Chinese trade with Africa hit $70.6B in Q1 2025 (95% YoY growth), with Mauritius channeling renewables, ICT, and pharma.
• Investment Incentives: Property buys grant instant residency; yields 5-8% in luxury segments. No capital gains tax; IPPAs protect against risks in volatile African markets explained Kezia Immobilier. https://keziaimmobilier.com/ 
• Rising Chinese Interest: 2025 delegations from Hong Kong/China firms (e.g., Eastern Gate Capital) highlight its role in Belt and Road extensions; tourism inflows (pre-FTA) surged 30% YoY.
• Risk-Adjusted Appeal: #1 in Africa for ease of business (World Bank); low corruption and green energy focus align with China's ESG push.

Strategic Recommendations:

• For Diversification: Allocate 20-30% to Mauritius for Africa exposure; pair with US/Singapore for liquidity.
• Entry Tactics: Use EB-5/Golden Visa for quick residency; structure via Mauritius holding companies for tax efficiency (e.g., 3% effective rate).
• Action Plan:
  • Q4 2025: Conduct due diligence on Mauritius RE via EDB; target $1M+ pilots.
  • Q1 2026: Launch family office in Singapore/Mauritius hybrid; aim 15% portfolio growth via crypto/RE.
  • Metrics: Track 10-15% ROI; monitor inflows via Henley quarterly updates.
• Risks: Geopolitical shifts (e.g., US-China tensions) may redirect flows; hedge with multi-destination portfolios.

Conclusion: The US leads for scale, but Mauritius' ascent to #3 underscores Africa's pull for Chinese HNWIs seeking high-growth frontiers. With $15B+ outbound FDI projected, now's the time to act—blending stability, yields, and strategic access. Share your portfolio details for a customized 2025 allocation model?