When it comes to world leaders, most people think they are only motivated by service. But prime ministers in many countries also earn huge salaries and enjoy numerous allowances that make their total earnings some of the highest in the world. In this article, we take a closer look at the top 20 highest paid prime ministers in the world and their net worth, explaining how much they earn, their benefits, and what makes them so wealthy.
Why Are Prime Ministers Paid So Much?
Prime ministers lead entire countries, make important decisions about policies, and manage national and international relations. This position comes with a lot of responsibility and stress. As a result, many countries offer competitive salaries and allowances to their prime ministers.
The earnings usually include:
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Basic salary approved by the government
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Allowances for housing, transportation, and security
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Entertainment allowances
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Special stipends or bonuses
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Retirement benefits after leaving office
This means the total income of a prime minister can be much higher than their basic salary.
Top 20 Highest Paid Prime Ministers in the World 2025
Below is the detailed list of the top 20 highest paid prime ministers in the world and their estimated net worth. These figures are based on official salary reports, government disclosures, and verified wealth estimates.
1. Lee Hsien Loong – Prime Minister of Singapore
Lee Hsien Loong is widely regarded as the highest paid prime minister in the world. He earns an estimated salary of $1.6 million annually, excluding other allowances. This huge salary is tied to Singapore’s unique policy of paying top salaries to attract competent leaders.
His net worth is estimated at $80 million, accumulated from years in government service and investments.
2. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum – Prime Minister of UAE
Sheikh Mohammed, also the ruler of Dubai, earns a significant amount as the prime minister of the United Arab Emirates. His wealth, however, is mostly from his royal family inheritance and businesses.
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Annual Salary: Approximately $1.4 million
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Net Worth: Over $14 billion
3. Fumio Kishida – Prime Minister of Japan
Japan is one of the world’s largest economies, and its prime minister is well compensated.
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Annual Salary: About $400,000
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Net Worth: Estimated at $5 million
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He also receives allowances for travel and housing.
4. Rishi Sunak – Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
Rishi Sunak not only earns from his position as the UK Prime Minister but also has family wealth through his wife’s business interests.
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Annual Salary: $250,000 (Prime Ministerial pay plus MP salary)
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Net Worth: Approximately $850 million (family combined wealth)
5. Justin Trudeau – Prime Minister of Canada
Justin Trudeau earns one of the highest salaries among leaders in North America.
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Annual Salary: $380,000
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Net Worth: $12 million
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He also benefits from official residences and travel allowances.
6. Anthony Albanese – Prime Minister of Australia
As the head of government in Australia, Anthony Albanese earns a salary close to $550,000 annually.
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Net Worth: Estimated at $10 million
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Additional perks include official housing and transport.
7. Olaf Scholz – Chancellor of Germany (Equivalent to Prime Minister)
Germany’s leader is called a Chancellor, but the role is equivalent to that of a prime minister.
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Annual Salary: $360,000
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Net Worth: Around $4 million
8. Kyriakos Mitsotakis – Prime Minister of Greece
Kyriakos Mitsotakis has a salary and allowances that bring his annual income to $220,000.
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Net Worth: Estimated at $3 million
9. Narendra Modi – Prime Minister of India
Narendra Modi’s salary is comparatively lower than many leaders on this list. However, he is one of the most influential leaders in the world.
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Annual Salary: $45,000
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Net Worth: Approximately $450,000
10. Pedro Sánchez – Prime Minister of Spain
The Spanish Prime Minister earns:
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Annual Salary: $220,000
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Net Worth: Around $3 million
11. Jonas Gahr Støre – Prime Minister of Norway
Norway’s prime minister enjoys one of the highest living standards in the world.
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Annual Salary: $300,000
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Net Worth: $4 million
12. Mark Rutte – Prime Minister of the Netherlands
Mark Rutte’s annual pay is around $210,000 with several allowances.
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Net Worth: $2 million
13. Mette Frederiksen – Prime Minister of Denmark
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Annual Salary: $220,000
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Net Worth: $1.5 million
14. Alexander De Croo – Prime Minister of Belgium
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Annual Salary: $190,000
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Net Worth: $2.5 million
15. Xavier Bettel – Prime Minister of Luxembourg
Luxembourg is one of the richest countries in the world, and its leader is well compensated.
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Annual Salary: $250,000
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Net Worth: $3 million
16. Sanna Marin – Former Prime Minister of Finland
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Annual Salary: $190,000 (when in office)
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Net Worth: $1.2 million
17. Ulf Kristersson – Prime Minister of Sweden
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Annual Salary: $210,000
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Net Worth: $1.7 million
18. Micheál Martin – Former Prime Minister of Ireland (Taoiseach)
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Annual Salary: $230,000
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Net Worth: $2 million
19. Mario Draghi – Former Prime Minister of Italy
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Annual Salary: $200,000 (while in office)
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Net Worth: $3 million
20. Élisabeth Borne – Prime Minister of France
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Annual Salary: $240,000
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Net Worth: $2 million
Summary Table: Top 20 Highest Paid Prime Ministers in the World 2025
| Rank | Prime Minister & Country | Annual Salary (USD) | Estimated Net Worth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lee Hsien Loong (Singapore) | $1.6 million | $80 million |
| 2 | Sheikh Mohammed (UAE) | $1.4 million | $14 billion |
| 3 | Fumio Kishida (Japan) | $400,000 | $5 million |
| 4 | Rishi Sunak (UK) | $250,000 | $850 million |
| 5 | Justin Trudeau (Canada) | $380,000 | $12 million |
| 6 | Anthony Albanese (Australia) | $550,000 | $10 million |
| 7 | Olaf Scholz (Germany) | $360,000 | $4 million |
| 8 | Kyriakos Mitsotakis (Greece) | $220,000 | $3 million |
| 9 | Narendra Modi (India) | $45,000 | $450,000 |
| 10 | Pedro Sánchez (Spain) | $220,000 | $3 million |
| 11 | Jonas Gahr Støre (Norway) | $300,000 | $4 million |
| 12 | Mark Rutte (Netherlands) | $210,000 | $2 million |
| 13 | Mette Frederiksen (Denmark) | $220,000 | $1.5 million |
| 14 | Alexander De Croo (Belgium) | $190,000 | $2.5 million |
| 15 | Xavier Bettel (Luxembourg) | $250,000 | $3 million |
| 16 | Sanna Marin (Finland) | $190,000 | $1.2 million |
| 17 | Ulf Kristersson (Sweden) | $210,000 | $1.7 million |
| 18 | Micheál Martin (Ireland) | $230,000 | $2 million |
| 19 | Mario Draghi (Italy) | $200,000 | $3 million |
| 20 | Élisabeth Borne (France) | $240,000 | $2 million |
Factors That Influence a Prime Minister’s Salary
Several factors affect how much a prime minister earns:
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Economic strength of the country
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Government policy and budget
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Level of responsibility and duties
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Perks and allowances included in the salary
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is the highest paid prime minister in the world?
Lee Hsien Loong of Singapore is the highest paid prime minister, earning about $1.6 million annually.
2. Do prime ministers get paid for life?
Some countries offer retirement benefits, but not all prime ministers receive lifetime salaries.
3. How does a prime minister’s salary compare to a president’s?
In most countries, presidents earn slightly more, but there are exceptions.
4. Which African prime minister earns the most?
Sheikh Mohammed of UAE, though also a monarch, earns the most in Africa.
5. Are prime ministers richer than businesspeople?
No, most prime ministers are not richer than top businesspeople, but some have personal wealth from family businesses.
Conclusion
The salaries and net worth of prime ministers vary widely across the world. Some leaders like Lee Hsien Loong and Sheikh Mohammed earn millions, while others like Narendra Modi have more modest earnings.
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