Definition of UHNWI (Ultra High Net Worth Individual), asset thresholds, number of UHNWI in France, Europe and the Grand Est. Sources: Knight Frank, Capgemini, Wealth-X 2025-2026. Reference article.
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Definition · UHNWI · Reference article · Sources 2025-2026
This article defines in a precise and sourced manner the terms UHNWI, HNWI and the associated wealth thresholds. It presents updated figures for France, Europe and the Grand Est. Main sources: Knight Frank Wealth Report 2025, Capgemini World Wealth Report 2025, Wealth-X World Ultra Wealth Report 2024.
Definition: what is a UHNWI?
UHNWI is the acronym for Ultra High Net Worth Individual — in French: individual with very high net worth. This term designates a natural person whose net wealth (total assets less debts) exceeds 30 million US dollars (approximately 28 million euros at the June 2026 rate).
This threshold of $30 million is the one used by the main references in the sector:
- Knight Frank (The Wealth Report): $30 million net
- Wealth-X: $30 million net
- Capgemini (World Wealth Report): sometimes uses $50 million for UHNWI, but $30 million for the “ultra” segment
- Credit Suisse (Global Wealth Report): $50 million net
Net wealth includes: real estate (primary and secondary residence), financial assets (shares, bonds, funds), participations in unlisted companies, collectibles (art, vehicles, watches), cash. It excludes debts (mortgages, loans).
Key point: UHNWI = Ultra High Net Worth Individual = net worth ≥ $30 million. This threshold is most widely used by Knight Frank, Wealth-X and the majority of financial institutions.
Classification: HNWI, VHNWI, UHNWI
The standard wealth management classification distinguishes three levels:
| Category |
Net worth threshold |
Number in the world (2024) |
| HNWI (High Net Worth Individual) | ≥ $1 million | ~22.8 million |
| VHNWI (Very High Net Worth Individual) | ≥ $5 million | ~2.7 million |
| UHNWI (Ultra High Net Worth Individual) | ≥ $30 million | ~426 330 |
Sources: Capgemini World Wealth Report 2025, Wealth-X World Ultra Wealth Report 2024.
How many UHNWI in France?
France is the 4th country in the world and the 2ndEuropean countryin number of UHNWI, behind the United States, China and Germany:
- UHNWI in France (2024): approximately 8,630 individuals (Knight Frank Wealth Report 2025)
- HNWI in France (2024): approximately 858,000 individuals (Capgemini 2025)
- UHNWI France growth 2019-2024: +21% over 5 years
- 2029 projection: Knight Frank projects growth of +29% in French UHNWI by 2029, or around 11,100 individuals
Geographic distribution in France
The concentration of UHNWIs in France is strongly Parisian:
- Île-de-France: ~65% of French UHNWI (Paris, Neuilly, Boulogne, Versailles, Saint-Cloud)
- PACA (Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur): ~12% (Cannes, Nice, Saint-Tropez, Monaco border)
- Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes: ~8% (Lyon, Annecy, Megève)
- Grand Est: ~2.5-3% (Strasbourg, Mulhouse, Metz, Alsatian industrial families)
- Other regions: ~12% distributed between Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Occitanie, Brittany, Hauts-de-France
The UHNWI of the Grand Est
The Grand Est has approximately 215 to 260 UHNWI according to our cross-referenced estimates. This figure is explained by:
- The Alsatian industrial dynasties (automobile, agri-food, chemicals, construction)
- Cross-border entrepreneurs (Luxembourg, Switzerland, Germany)
- The high-level liberal professions (surgeons, international business lawyers)
- Multi-owner real estate investors (vineyards, historical heritage)
Key point: The Grand Est has between 215 and 260 UHNWIs, mainly concentrated in Strasbourg, in the Alsatian vineyards and the cross-border basin. It is the 6th UHNWI basin in France.
Typical profile of a French UHNWI
According to Wealth-X and our field observations:
- Average age: 58 years
- Source of wealth: 67% entrepreneurs (self-made), 21% inheritance + activity, 12% pure inheritance
- Average number of residences: 3.2 (France + foreign)
- Dominant sectors: finance, real estate, technology, industry, luxury
- Philanthropy: 89% of French UHNWIs are involved in at least one philanthropic cause
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Frequently asked questions
What is a UHNWI?
UHNWI stands for Ultra High Net Worth Individual. This is a natural person whose net worth (assets minus debts) exceeds 30 million dollars, or approximately 28 million euros. This threshold is the one used by Knight Frank, Wealth-X and the majority of financial institutions.
How many UHNWI are there in France?
FrancIt had approximately 8,630 UHNWIs in 2024 according to the Knight Frank Wealth Report 2025. It is the 4th country in the world and the 2nd European country in number of UHNWIs. This figure is expected to reach ~11,100 by 2029.
What is the difference between HNWI and UHNWI?
An HNWI (High Net Worth Individual) has a net worth ≥ $1 million. A UHNWI has net worth ≥$30 million. France has approximately 858,000 HNWIs and 8,630 UHNWIs.
How many UHNWIs in the Grand Est?
The Grand Est has between 215 and 260 UHNWIs, mainly in Strasbourg, in the Alsatian vineyards, and the cross-border basin (Luxembourg, Switzerland, Germany). It is the 6th UHNWI basin in France.
