Europe is expected to strengthen its position in the global billionaire landscape over the next five years, with the region’s share of the world’s wealthiest individuals set to rise slightly as billionaire numbers continue to surge worldwide.
According to Knight Frank’s 2026 Wealth Report, the global billionaire population is projected to increase from 3,110 in 2026 to 3,915 by 2031, representing a 26% rise. This follows a 14% increase over the previous five years, when the number of billionaires climbed from 2,723 in 2021.
Europe is forecast to play a significant role in that expansion. The continent’s billionaire count is expected to grow from 780 in 2026 to 994 by 2031, an increase of 27%. That would lift Europe’s share of the global billionaire population from about 25% to 25.4%.
Knight Frank’s global head of research, Liam Bailey, said the figures reflect a major shift in wealth creation patterns across the world, even amid economic uncertainty and geopolitical instability.
Within Europe, Poland is expected to record the fastest growth. Its billionaire population is projected to more than double, rising from 13 to 29 by 2031. Sweden follows with an 81% increase, from 32 to 58 billionaires, while Denmark is expected to see its total rise from 12 to 21. Norway is also forecast to post strong growth, increasing from 17 to 26 billionaires.
Austria is projected to record a 50% rise, while Spain’s billionaire population is expected to grow by 40%, reaching 53. Italy, one of Europe’s largest economies, is forecast to increase from 61 to 82 billionaires by 2031. Turkey is also expected to see notable growth, rising from 35 to 46 billionaires.
The report highlights the growing prominence of the Nordic region, with three of Europe’s four fastest-growing billionaire markets located there.
Globally, Saudi Arabia is expected to record the strongest growth, with its billionaire population rising by 183%, from 23 to 65. India is forecast to lead in total billionaire numbers among the fastest-growing markets, reaching 313 by 2031.
Asia-Pacific will remain the world’s largest billionaire region, accounting for 36% of the global total in 2026. North America, while continuing to add billionaires in absolute terms, is expected to see its global share decline from 31% to 27.8% by 2031.
Knight Frank’s Rory Penn said the world’s wealthiest individuals are becoming increasingly selective about where they invest and live. Security, political stability and the rule of law are now among the most important considerations for ultra-high-net-worth families.
As wealth continues to expand across regions, Europe appears poised to remain a key destination for both capital and the world’s richest investors.
