42 India-born billionaires abroad, few foreign tycoons in India: Hurun 2025

According to Hurun Global Rich List 2025, Most major economies, including the US and UK, have a much higher share of foreign-born billionaires

At least 42 billionaires of Indian origin now live outside India, according to the Hurun Global Rich List 2025. These include Lakshmi Mittal and Anil Agarwal in the UK, as well as Jay Chaudhry and Vivek Ranadivé in the US. While their roots remain Indian, their wealth has been built or expanded overseas—often through global listings, acquisitions, or tax-friendly jurisdictions.

 

In contrast, India has just six immigrant billionaires—among the lowest in the world. Most major economies, including the US and UK, have a much higher share of foreign-born billionaires. The US leads with 206 immigrant billionaires, while the UK is home to 76.

 

Global comparison: Where billionaires move

 

India  

42 emigrant billionaires  

6 immigrant billionaires  

 

China  

66 emigrant billionaires  

10 immigrant billionaires  

 

USA  

22 emigrant billionaires  

206 immigrant billionaires  

 

UK  

76 immigrant billionaires  

 

Many of India’s emigrant billionaires have settled in the US, UK or UAE. Sectors like technology, finance and metals have seen the highest number of outbound moves. For instance, Lakshmi Mittal built ArcelorMittal from London, while Jay Chaudhry, founder of Zscaler, lives in California. Vivek Ranadivé, known for owning the NBA team Sacramento Kings, also resides in the US.

 

India sees little inbound billionaire movement

 

Despite its growing economy, India remains a rare choice for foreign-born billionaires. The six who do live in India typically have long-standing business interests or family ties. By comparison, Switzerland has 73 immigrant billionaires, the UAE has dozens, and even Australia has attracted several in recent years.

 

Share of immigrant billionaires by country  

USA: 24%  

UK: 51%  

Switzerland: 63%  

India: 2%  

 

The gap reflects differences in regulation, taxation, and lifestyle infrastructure. While Indian-origin billionaires continue to grow their wealth abroad, India has yet to emerge as a global destination for billionaire migration.

 

Note:

Emigrant: A person who leaves their home country to live in another.  For instance, Lakshmi Mittal was born in India but moved to the UK. He is an Indian emigrant

 

Immigrant: A person who comes into a country from elsewhere to live there. For instance, if someone was born in Germany but now lives in India, they are an immigrant in India.

 

So, emigrant = exits, immigrant = enters. If you're standing in India, emigrants are those who left, immigrants are those who arrived.