Prime Family Office Locations: The Full List

Pros and cons of family office locations around the world.

Prime Locations: The Full List

Here we go, the full shortlist of prime family office locations, with pros and cons for each.

Bahamas 🌴

A tax haven in the tropics, it’s easy to see why this is a destination of choice for many family offices. The Bahamian government continues to promote a stable and welcoming environment for family offices.

Pros

Cons

No income, capital gains or inheritance taxes

As a tax haven, faces increased scrutiny and compliance costs

Stable political & economic environment, tax-neutral jurisdiction

Some claims the workforce is lacking skills

Well-developed financial services industry

Remote location can be inconvenient

The Digital Nomad Visa makes it easier for employees

Vulnerable to natural disasters

Strong privacy laws

Tech infrastructure is improving but still needs work

Beijing 🐼

Beijing stands out as a burgeoning center for family offices due to its strategic access to the vast Chinese market. The growth of wealth in China has been astonishing, but balancing against the wealth of opportunities for investment and business growth, lies …

Pros

Cons

Capital of a global economic player

Regulatory uncertainty: China is still a one-party country

Strong finance sector

Air quality issues

Political, cultural & educational hub of China

Political uncertainty: China is still a communist country

Government initiatives to open up financial sector

Language: Beijing can be difficult for foreigners

Belgium 🍫

There’s more to Belgium than beer and chocolate. Its central location in Europe and skilled, multilingual workforce make it an attractive hub for family offices looking at the EU. In a Twitter/X discussion, people were pretty hard on Belgium, but a number of family offices have made it their home.

Pros

Cons

Strategic EU base, advanced digital infrastructure

High personal income tax rates, high labor costs

Skilled multilingual workforce

Complex tax regulations

Favorable capital gains tax regime (0% in many cases)

Admin: anti-money laundering rules, anti-tax evasion measures

Strong legal system

Complex political system can mean regulatory inconsistencies

Bermuda 🏝️

Bermuda is another sunshine paradise in the Atlantic. The Bermudan government actively promotes family offices and has implemented standalone family office legislation to attract global family offices.

Pros

Cons

No income, capital gains, or inheritance taxes

Small workforce pool

Respected regulatory environment

Vulnerability to natural disasters

Proximity to US and access to LatAm markets

High cost of living & operations, expensive insurance costs

Strong insurance and reinsurance market

Limited local market and investment opportunities

Boston 🏫

Proximity to the likes of Harvard & MIT, Boston is an attractive location due to its access to talent and status as an established wealth management hub. The relatively low taxes and strong financial sector further enhance its appeal.

Pros

Cons

Access to top talent from prestigious universities

High cost of living and office space

Established wealth management hub

Harsh winters

Relatively low taxes compared to other US states

State inheritance tax

Vibrant biotech and health sectors, with investment opportunities

Recent increases in regulatory oversight

Robust financial services sector

Traffic congestion can be horrific

California 🌞

Major selling points are quality of life and proximity to Silicon Valley. A large, diverse talent pool and tech ecosystem make it a prime choice for those interested in technology & startups. But high state income taxes, living costs, crime rates and government interference are driving family offices out of state.

Pros

Cons

Large, diverse talent pool

High state income taxes

Tech/startup ecosystem - huge investment opportunities

High costs of living/operating. Increasing crime rates

Favorable climate, diverse landscape, high quality of life

Stringent regulations and growing government intervention

Strong tech industry presence

Increasing tax burdens

Access to top talent

Wildfire and earthquake risk

Cayman Islands 🏦

The Cayman Islands are a favored location for family offices due to their no-tax regime, respected regulatory environment, and proximity to the US and Latin American markets. But reputation is an issue…

Pros

Cons

Supportive, pragmatic government

Limited workforce

Strong family office organizations and representation

Vulnerability to hurricanes

No direct taxes

Perception issues - can mean reputational risk

Respected regulatory regime

Increased international scrutiny

Proximity to US/LatAm markets

Tax-neutral jurisdiction

Strong financial services sector

Channel Islands 🐄

The Channel Islands in the English Channel, including Jersey and Guernsey, offer low tax rates and a political stability. Proximity to Europe and strong financial regulations are positives, but remoteness, limited talent and high operating costs can be significant drawbacks.

Pros

Cons

Low tax rates

Remote location

Stable political environment

Limited talent pool

Respected financial centers

High operating costs

Proximity to London and Europe

High cost of living for staff

Strong regulatory framework

Increasing pressure to join tax transparency initiatives

Dallas 🤠

If you like the heat, Dallas offers a business-friendly environment with no state income tax and lower living and operating costs. Its growing economy is another plus.

Pros

Cons

No state personal income tax

Limited direct international flights

Lower costs of living/operating than other US cities

Lack of established wealth management talent pool

Business-friendly environment

Extreme weather events

Growing economy - this brings diverse investment opportunities

Limited public transportation makes commuting difficult

Recent legislative changes impacting property taxes

Dubai 🏙️

A leading location for family offices due to its no-tax regime, strategic location in the EMEA region and rapidly developing financial hub status. high-quality infrastructure further enhances its appeal, but the introduction of VAT and a 9% tax on certain corporations indicates how policies can quickly change.

Pros

Cons

No personal income taxes or capital gains tax

Political instability in the Middle East region

Strategic EMEA location, gateway between East and West

For summer months the heat can be stifling

Rapidly developing financial hub and robust regulatory framework

Cultural differences: adapting to local customs & business practices

High-quality infrastructure in transportation, health and tech

Lack of skilled family office talent, expensive cost of living

Emerging markets opportunities

New VAT & corporate taxes show how policies can quickly change

Florida 🏖️

Since Covid, many family offices have made the jump from New York to Florida, the Wall Street of the south. Anecdotally it seems that many families relocated to Florida during the pandemic and decided not to return.

Pros

Cons

No state personal income tax

Vulnerability to hurricanes

Established wealth management hub

Lack of state inheritance tax could change

Favorable climate and lifestyle

High costs in major cities

Growing economy, emerging tech scene, thriving real estate opportunities

High property insurance costs

Cultural ties and proximity to Latin America

Recent changes in property tax laws

Greece 🏛️

Greece introduced its Golden Visa Program, offering residency benefits in return for significant local investment. As family offices leave London, Greece is proving to be a popular destination. In return for a flat tax of €100,000 p.a. and an investment of €500,000 in Greek real estate or securities, individuals are exempt from taxes on foreign income/capital gains/inheritance.

Pros

Cons

Golden passport scheme / flat tax scheme

Political/economic instability

Relatively low costs of living

Brain drain of local talent

Strategic location in Europe, established maritime cluster

Underdeveloped wealth management industry

Great weather & beaches - perfect location to moor the family yacht

Complex bureaucracy can be incredibly frustrating

Favorable tax reforms

Recent austerity measures - poor services such as health and infrastructure. Higher crime in certain areas such as Athens

Hong Kong 🏢

Hong Kong is a prominent financial hub with low tax rates and is a strategic gateway to mainland China. However, high living costs and political uncertainty are cause for concern. While the government continues to court global family offices, turbulence on the ground has changed the atmosphere considerably.

Pros

Cons

Low tax rates

High costs of living/operating

Respected financial center

Political unrest impacting stability and confidence

Gateway to mainland China

Shortage of family office talent

Strong financial services sector

Recent national security law impacting privacy

Houston 🚀

A lack of state income tax and lower living / operating costs make it appealing for family offices. Its position as an energy industry hub and growing economy are additional benefits. However, limited access, lack of established wealth management talent and natural disaster risks are some notable cons.

Pros

Cons

No state personal income tax

Limited direct international flights

Lower costs of living/operating

Hotter climate & that humidity

Energy industry hub offering great investment opportunities

Lack of established wealth management talent

Growing economy

Vulnerable to natural disasters such as flooding risk

Traffic congestion

Italy 🍝

At a time when London seems to be actively driving family offices away, Italy is stepping up. The country is offering attractive residency programs and a high quality of life, with rich cultural heritage and relatively low living costs outside major cities. Italy offers a flat tax of €100,000 p.a. in return for exemptions on taxes on foreign income/capital gains.

Pros

Cons

Flat rate tax system, exempting individuals from foreign taxes

Political and economic instability

High quality of life and attractive lifestyle. Rich culture and history

High taxes and bureaucratic complexity

Relatively low costs outside major cities

Brain drain of local talent. Many of the smartest Italians still move away

Attractive residency programs

Italy has ongoing economic challenges with slow growth

Liechtenstein 🏰

The tiny principality of Liechtenstein lies on the border of Switzerland and Austria. It’s stable, the government is highly pragmatic and there is zero anti-rich sentiment. Many family offices set up their structures in Liechtenstein without physically moving there.

Pros

Cons

Advisors are close to the government

It’s small… there is not much more than the small city of Vaduz

Pragmatic and supportive government

Limited talent pool

Favorable tax regime (zero capital gains tax)

Perceived as a tax haven, facing increased scrutiny in EU

Strong financial services sector

Limited access, land-locked country, nowhere for the superyacht

Political and economic stability

Difficult to obtain citizenship

Confidentiality and privacy laws

High costs of living and operating

Proximity to major European markets

London 🎡

London is facing an identity crisis. Once the premier hub for global family offices, it’s seen an exodus due to changes in non-dom rules and a more hostile environment toward UHNWIs. Many family offices now retain a presence in London, but relocate their primary operations elsewhere. 

Pros

Cons

Major global financial center

Very high costs of living/operating

Deep talent pool

Brexit uncertainty impacting regulations

Respected regulatory environment

Higher taxes than other European centers

Strong legal system

Recent tightening of tax regulations

High quality of life and culture

Perceived increase in crime

Luxembourg 💼

Luxembourg is known for its stable political environment, respected wealth management center and pro-business policies. However, high living costs and very high personal taxes turn a lot of family offices off.

Pros

Cons

Stable political environment

Relatively high taxes

Respected wealth management center

High costs of living/operating

Pro-business policies and regulations

Small talent pool

Excellent quality of life

Recent EU scrutiny on tax practices

Monaco 🏎️

Monaco is a classic family office destination. No income tax, no wealth tax, no capital gains tax, no property tax. It’s a hub for the ultra-wealthy and is the richest per capita city in the world. Small, with less than 40,000 inhabitants, but at the center of Europe with great transport links.

Pros

Cons

Highly favorable taxes

Extremely high costs of living/operating

Safe and stable jurisdiction

Limited space, strict residency rules

High-end lifestyle, excellent access

Small workforce pool

Strong privacy laws

Limited local market - few local investment opportunities

The harbor, the restaurants, the F1, the glamor!

Recent international pressure on tax transparency

New York 🗽

Traditionally the leading US city for family offices, a premier global financial hub with a deep talent pool and unmatched cultural amenities. But higher taxes are leading family offices to consider other locations. Like London, I expect many family offices to maintain a team in New York, but relocate elsewhere.

Pros

Cons

Preeminent global financial center

Extremely high costs of living/operating

Deep talent pool across industries

High state and city taxes

Unmatched cultural/lifestyle amenities

Stringent and complex regulations

Strong legal system

Recent legislative changes increasing tax burdens

Puerto Rico 🌺

Puerto Rico offers significant tax advantages for resident investors, making it an attractive location for family offices. Its proximity to the US mainland and lower living costs are additional benefits. But Puerto Rico is not the most comfortable or stable place to live.

Pros

Cons

No federal personal income taxes

Political/economic instability

Low taxes for resident investors

Vulnerability to hurricanes and earthquakes

Proximity to US mainland

Limited family office talent pool

Lower cost of living

Infrastructure challenges (every road has a pothole)

Risk of crime can impact the quality of life

Panama 🛳️

Panama's favorable tax regime and established banking center make it appealing for family offices. But it’s perhaps now most synonymous with the Panama Papers scandal when +11 million documents were leaked detailing financial and attorney-client information of more than 200,000 entities.

Pros

Cons

No personal income or inheritance taxes

Perceived as a tax haven; Panama Papers means reputational risk

Use of US dollar currency

Limited family office talent pool

Established banking center

Political/economic instability

Favorable tax regime

Recent international scrutiny on tax practices

Singapore 🏙️

Singapore is on the way up. With low tax rates, respected financial hub status, and strategic location in Asia, it is highly attractive for family offices from Asia and around the world. Singapore is a success story as family offices in other Asian locations such as Hong Kong look to relocate.

Pros

Cons

Low tax rates

Very high costs of living/operating

Respected financial/wealth mgmt hub

Limited residency options

Strategic Asia location, progressive government initiatives. Government is pragmatic and proactive in encouraging UHNW families to the city-state

Cramped and humid, Singapore is sometimes cited as a city for young people but not for older generations due to the limited residential space. Education costs at international schools are also extremely high

Strong financial services sector and innovative wealth-tech scene. Well established legal and regulatory structures

Recent tightening of financial regulations

Strong rule of law

Spain 🎨

Spain may seem like an unlikely choice, but it has taken significant steps to become attractive to wealthy families. Its Golden Visa program provides residency benefits for significant investments. Spain is looking to hoover up some of the wealthy families leaving the UK.

Pros

Cons

High quality of life, climate, beaches

Political, economic instability

Low taxes for foreign residents; relatively cheap real estate

Underdeveloped wealth management industry

Rich culture and history - with investment opportunities in art, culture & heritage projects

High personal taxes and a complex tax system that is hard to navigate

Recent tax reforms

Brain drain of local talent

Strategic location in Europe and a member of the EU

Bureaucratic complexity

Switzerland 🕵️‍♂️

Another classic family office hub. Renowned for a stable political and economic environment, respected private banking sector and stringent privacy laws. But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows.. cost of living is very high, there are strict residency rules and international pressure on banking secrecy is growing.

Pros

Cons

Highly stable political/economic environment

Very high costs of living/operating

Respected and high-quality private banking hub, emerging fintech and Blockchain hub

Strict residency and immigration rules - this can complicate relocation of key family office staff

Stringent privacy laws - discretion is the name of the game in Switzerland

Some say the Swiss are not welcoming to foreigners

Low taxes - zero to low capital gains taxes

Limited local market

Excellent quality of life, good schools, infrastructure, low crime

Recent international pressure on banking secrecy

Sydney 🐨

Australia’s no inheritance tax policy, high quality of life, and Sydney's status as a respected financial hub make it attractive for family offices. However, high personal income taxes, very high living costs, and its remote location are significant drawbacks. Recent regulatory changes also impact its attractiveness.

Pros

Cons

No inheritance taxes

High personal income taxes

Respected financial hub, strong legal framework

Very high costs of living/operating

High quality of life, excellent healthcare

Remote location - inconvenient time zone making it difficult to coordinate with global financial markets

Strong economy, thriving real estate and tech sectors bringing investment opportunities. Strong ties to the Asia-Pacific region

Recent regulatory changes impacting financial services

Tennessee 🎸

Tennessee is a bit of a curve ball, but was suggested by several X followers. It offers a business-friendly environment with no personal income tax and low living and operating costs. Its growing economy is another plus. But Tenessee is not a family office hub, and the wealth management industry undeveloped.

Pros

Cons

No personal income tax

Limited high end services that wealthy families would expect

Low costs of living/operating

Lack of direct international flights

Business-friendly policies

Extreme weather conditions

Growing economy, particularly tech, music and entertainment sectors

Underdeveloped wealth mgmt industry and lack of family office talent pool

Recent legislative changes impacting property taxes

Tokyo 🗼

Tokyo is an established global financial center with a deep talent pool and innovative tech ecosystem. Its strategic location in Asia adds to its appeal. But cultural barriers mean that Tokyo is predominately a hub for wealthy Japanese families.

Pros

Cons

Established global financial center, stable economy with a strong regulatory framework

Very high costs of living/operating

Deep talent pool

Language/cultural barriers

Innovative tech/business ecosystem. Urban development/smart cities offering interesting investment opportunities

Stringent regulations and complex regulatory environment

Strategic location in Asia, access to the Asia-Pacific market

Recent tax increases

Culturally rich environment in which to live and work

Some risk of natural disasters (although excellent infrastructure and contingency planning in place)

Toronto 🍁

Toronto and other Canadian cities have been historic hubs for family offices, but there appears to be a steady flow of family offices out of Canada. As taxes increase and left-leaning governments target the wealthy, Canada is no longer the most comfortable place for family offices.

Pros

Cons

Stable economic/political environment

High personal/corporate tax rates, high property taxes

Respected financial hub and strong tech and innovation hub

High costs of living/operating

Diverse, skilled talent pool

Harsh winters

Strong financial services sector

Recent regulatory changes impacting financial services

Wyoming 🦬

Attractive rules around Private Family Trust Companies (PFTCs) have made Wyoming an unlikely hub for family offices. Wyoming offers some of the strongest asset protection rules in the US. As a business-friendly state, it is relatively easy to operate in. The main downside is its remote location though.

Pros

Cons

No personal income or inheritance taxes

Remote location - lack of direct international flights

Strong asset protection laws (PFTCs)

Limited family office talent pool

Business-friendly environment

Fewer cultural amenities or luxury services that wealthy families expect

Low cost of living

Limited access to major markets and investment opportunities

I’d love to hear from you on family office jurisdictions.

For a closer look at specific locations, look out for future Focus On series. These will get into the details of particular locations. The lifestyle, the rules, the reality, the problems, the perks.

If you would like to feature or share your ideas, drop me an email.

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