Europe is one of the richest regions in the world, but the level of well-being in the continent ranges from less than €30,000 to over €600,000 per adult. Find out which countries top the EU wealth rankings and where they have the lowest levels

Europe is traditionally considered one of the wealthiest regions in the world. At the same time, there is significant inequality within the union itself: the level of well-being between individual countries differs significantly, and the difference in wealth between Western, Northern and Eastern Europe remains very noticeable - both within the European Union and outside it.

Where do the richest and poorest people live in the EU? This article discusses the level of wealth in different European countries according to the “Global Wealth Report 2025”.

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What is “net worth”?

“Wealth” or net worth is understood as the total value of a household’s assets minus debt obligations.

Assets include:

- Financial instruments (deposits, investments, stocks, pension savings);

- Real estate and other tangible assets.

After subtracting loans and debts, you get a net worth indicator.

EU countries-leaders in terms of wealth

According to the rating, Switzerland remains the absolute leader in terms of wealth in Europe - over 630,000 euros of average wealth per adult (in dollar equivalent - over 700,000 USD).

Among the EU countries, Luxembourg takes first place - over 523,000 euros per adult. This is one of the few countries where the figure exceeds half a million euros. In addition, the group of leaders includes:

- Denmark - about 445,000 euros;

- Netherlands - over 343,000 euros;

- Norway - over 340,000 euros;

- Belgium - over 323,000 euros;

- Sweden - over 308,000 euros;

- Great Britain - over 314,000 euros.

These countries are characterized by a high share of financial assets, developed stock markets, private pension systems and a significant amount of investment.

Learn more about the ranking of the richest countries in the world in 2026 and the main changes of the year at the link.

Wealth levels in Europe’s strongest economies

Wealth levels vary significantly among the continent’s five largest economies:

- France – around €278,000;

- Germany – around €237,000;

- Spain – around €216,000;

- Italy – around €198,000.

France and Spain benefit from a wider distribution of property ownership and financial assets, while Germany and Italy have a lower share of the population with savings. This shows that a country’s economic strength does not always directly translate into the well-being of each citizen.

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Which European countries have the lowest levels of wealth?

Despite the high figures of the wealthiest countries, it is worth noting that more than a third of the countries studied have an average net worth of less than €100,000 per adult, including:

- Poland – around €56,000;

- Hungary – around €55,000;

- Bulgaria – around €48,000;

- Romania – around €44,500;

- Turkey – less than €30,000.

In these countries, the bulk of capital is concentrated in real estate, and access to financial instruments and investments is limited. The low level of income and the concentration of wealth in a small part of the population create significant economic inequality compared to Western and Northern Europe.

How is wealth distributed across regions in Europe?

An analysis of the average wealth per adult clearly shows the differences between different regions of Europe. Western and Nordic countries such as Luxembourg, Denmark, Sweden and the Netherlands demonstrate high levels of well-being thanks to their extensive property ownership, developed financial markets and private pension systems. Financial centres such as Switzerland and Luxembourg top the rankings not only because of their economic strength but also because of the high concentration of financial assets among their populations.

In Eastern and partly South-Eastern Europe, average wealth is significantly lower. Here, the bulk of wealth is concentrated in real estate, and access to stock markets and investments is limited. Countries such as Poland, Hungary, Bulgaria and Romania have averages of less than €60,000 per adult, while Turkey has less than €30,000 per adult.

The gap between the richest and poorest countries on the continent is more than 20 times wider, and within the EU it is more than 10 times wider. Such inequality highlights that geographical location, historical economic development and asset structure strongly influence the level of well-being of the population. At the same time, even in rich countries there are differences between the average and typical (median) wealth, which indicates the concentration of wealth in a small part of the population.

Quality of life determines the comfort, security and well-being of people in each country. Also read which 6 countries in the world are the best in terms of quality of life.

Prospects and trends in the level of wealth change in Europe

Despite inflationary pressures in recent years, in most Western European countries the overall level of well-being continues to grow - primarily due to the increase in the value of assets, in particular real estate and financial instruments.

At the same time, the gap between “rich” and “catching up” Europe persists. Capital mobility, tax competition between jurisdictions and access to investment opportunities are increasingly affecting the geography of European wealth.

So far, trends do not indicate a rapid reduction of this gap - Europe remains a region with a high overall level of well-being, but its distribution is very different between countries.

Against the background of such economic differences, more and more people are considering the possibility of moving, finding work or doing business in other European countries.

Consultation with a migration lawyer will be useful for anyone planning to leave their country of residence. Self-submission of documents is often associated with the risk of rejection due to errors or inconsistency of the type of permit. Professional support minimizes risks and increases the chances of a positive decision.

Seek advice from a migration lawyer to make your relocation process as safe and predictable as possible.

Let us remind you! The European Union has set an ambitious goal – to lift at least 15 million people (including 5 million children) out of poverty or social exclusion by 2030. We have already told you how the EU plans to reduce social inequality.

Photo – Freepik.com

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