Rich but not Mighty: A Study of Non-Traditional Migration by Convenient Billionaire Refugees as Economic Emigrants

Abstract

In previous decades, one or two rich Norwegians moved to Switzerland. Suddenly, in 2022 there were 36 wealthy Norwegians moving to Switzerland. They were all labeled tax refugees and economic emigrants in the media. This article applies the theory of convenience to study the phenomenon of immigration. Based on extensive media coverage as the source of information for this study, some convenience themes seem to dominate. In the motive dimension of convenience theory, goal achievement for business activity is visible in the sample. In the opportunity dimension, Switzerland as a tax haven with financial secrecy is attractive. In the willingness dimension, learning from others is visible in the sample. This article presents important insights into a phenomenon that has not been investigated in traditional migration research