Wealth inequality across and within Europe remains stark, as shown by several indicators. According to the European Central Bank's latest report, published in 2023, the median net wealth of households in the euro area stood at €123,500. However, this ranged from just €2,000 for the bottom 20% of the population to €1.01 million for the top 20%.
At the same time, the ranks of the ultra-rich are growing rapidly across the continent. The number of people with at least $30 million (€25.7m) in wealth rose by 26% over the past five years. Knight Frank's Wealth Report 2026 classifies them as ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs).
Their number increased from 146,525 in 2021 to 183,953 in 2026.
Over the five-year period, 37,428 people joined this exclusive group. That translates into an average increase of 7,486 members a year, or roughly 20.5 new entrants every day across Europe.
In Germany, five people join the ultra-rich every day
