France gains a new millionaire every 15 minutes. How does Europe compare?
According to a UBS report, nearly one million people became dollar millionaires worldwide in 2025, with Europe contributing significantly. Eastern European countries, including Latvia, saw the fastest percentage growth.
Nearly one million people joined the ranks of dollar millionaires worldwide in 2025, equivalent to 2,680 new millionaires per day, according to UBS. Europe accounted for much of the growth outside the United States: the UK added 118 new dollar millionaires daily, and France 95. At current exchange rates, $1 million is worth about €875,000.
In percentage terms, Eastern European countries recorded the fastest growth. The top five spots in the global top 30 were all European. Lithuania led with 8% growth (921 new millionaires), followed by Turkey at 6.4% (5,650), Latvia at 5.7% (1,131), Hungary at 5.3% (1,349), and Ireland at 5.2% (9,491). Poland saw 4% growth, Greece 3.5%.
In absolute numbers, the US added 441,078 millionaires, nearly half the global increase. In Europe, the UK gained over 43,000, while France and Spain each added more than 32,000. Italy and Germany each added more than 24,000, ranking among the global top 10.
Daily rates are even more striking: the US averaged 1,208 new millionaires per day (47 per hour). In Europe, the UK added 118 per day (4.5 per hour), France 95, Spain 90, Italy 67, and Germany 66.
Not a single country in the UBS sample of 56 markets ended 2025 with fewer millionaires. Over 40% of the world's dollar millionaires live in the US (23.6 million out of roughly 57.5 million). Western Europe is home to just under 15 million (25% of the total).
The report notes that the number of millionaires is not always a reflection of a country's size or economic strength. Factors such as home ownership, private retirement savings, and tax incentives for saving and investing play a key role. Net worth is defined as the value of financial and real assets (mainly housing) minus debts.
