Just over a quarter of Europe’s wealthiest individuals are Internationalists—individuals who currently reside abroad, or have spent at least six months of their careers living, working or studying in another country—according to research conducted by Ipsos for inTV, a cooperative group of independent media channels.

The Ipsos Affluent Survey 2016 reported that of the 52.2 million who make up the most affluent group in Europe (the top 13 percent of income earners) more than 13.6 million are internationalists—a group that has grown by 21 percent over the past 10 years.

And while the affluent audience is well off by definition, Internationalists' personal income is at least 20 percent higher than the affluent average. They are more likely to own luxury products than the Affluent audience as a whole, including designer clothing costing over €1,000 (owned by 18 percent); footwear costing over €500 (17 percent); or jewellery over €1,500 (25 percent).

Almost half (46 percent) of Internationalists say they like to pursue a life of challenge, novelty and change. They are regular travelers, with 39 percent taking six or more return flights in the past year compared to the affluent average of 21 percent. They are twice as likely to be amongst Europe's most frequent flyers, with 22 percent taking 11 or more flights per year.

Internationalists are digitally focused with slightly higher tablet (61 percent) ownership compared to the Affluent population as a whole (59 percent). 44 percent turn to online sources first for news and current affairs. They spend just over two hours (128 minutes) online daily and watch an additional two hours (119 minutes) of TV per week day. Their social media usage is higher than average, and they spend 27 minutes per day on social sites and apps vs. 21 minutes for the Affluent average.