The best countries to live where you'll pay less tax
Find out which countries around the world charge less tax and how to move there.
Ever wondered where you can pay little or no tax and still live an amazing life? Here are 20 of those countries. Read on to find your dream destination.
Bahamas
What’s the tax situation? No income tax, corporate tax, capital gains tax or inheritance tax.
What’s the lifestyle like? The weather means after-work drinks on the beach on this archipelago, 50 miles off the Florida coast.
Can I move there? You’ll need an employment contract and long-term work permit or the funds to buy property.
Monaco
What’s the tax situation? There’s no income tax, capital gains tax or wealth tax (French nationals aside) in the world’s second-smallest country.
What’s the lifestyle like? High-society living on the French Riviera and free healthcare for citizens/employees.
Can I move there? You need a contract from an authorised Monegasque employer, an approved business or piles of cash.
Panama
What’s the tax situation? No taxes on income earned outside Panama for individual residents and companies.
What’s the lifestyle like? White-sand beaches, tropical climate, property bargains and low-cost private healthcare.
Can I move there? You’ll need a job contract and work permit or $300,000 to be eligible for a Person of Means (POM) visa.
Mauritius
What’s the tax situation? Non-residents pay no tax on income earned outside of Mauritius. Flat rate of 15% otherwise.
What’s the lifestyle like? It’s paradise in the Indian Ocean with good flight connections.
Can I move there? Investors, professionals and the self-employed will need a Work and Residence Permit, or the combined Occupation Permit for non-nationals.
United Arab Emirates
What’s the tax situation? No income tax, property tax, capital gains tax or sales tax.
What’s the lifestyle like? Hot weather, vast shopping malls, high ex-pat salaries and good career prospects.
Can I move there? Yes, with a job. Your employer will apply for your work permit, residence visa and Emirates ID.
Image: Laborant / Shutterstock.com
The Cayman Islands
What’s the tax situation? There’s no direct income tax for expats working in this British Caribbean territory.
What’s the lifestyle like? Crystal-clear water, after-work snorkelling sessions and stand-out beaches.
Can I move there? Skilled professionals and those in finance and law stand the best chance of obtaining a much-prized work permit.
Bermuda
What’s the tax situation? No income tax but employers pay a payroll tax, some of which is taken from salaries.
What’s the lifestyle like? Watersports, golf, beaches, and year-round sunshine in this mid-Atlantic haven.
Can I move there? Work permits are a must – professional financial or legal qualifications make this easier. Or buy a house over $1million…
Oman
What’s the tax situation? There’s no personal income tax in the Sultanate of Oman.
What’s the lifestyle like? Deserts and beaches to explore, a lively expat community in capital Muscat, a low crime rate and cheap fuel.
Can I move there? Expats must be sponsored by an employer in order to get a work visa and residency permit.
Qatar
What’s the tax situation? No income tax to pay to the Qatari government. No sales, capital or wealth taxes.
What’s the lifestyle like? Cheap fuel, high salaries, Doha’s cultural scene and mild winters.
Can I move there? You need a job offer and residence permit. Your sponsor/employer will apply for this on your behalf.
Bahrain
What’s the tax situation? No income tax levied in this Gulf state.
What’s the lifestyle like? Sand dunes, desert scenery and tax-free shopping.
Can I move there? Yes, with a contract. Your employer will organise a Residence Visa which allows you to get a driving licence, bank account and health insurance.
Vanuatu
What’s the tax situation? No personal income tax payable in this 83-island archipelago.
What’s the lifestyle like? It’s in the South Pacific – isn’t that enough? And it has the world’s only underwater post office…
Can I move there? You’ll need a Residency Permit as a contracted employee, or proof of income if self-funded.
Image: PomInOz / Shutterstock.com
Anguilla
What’s the tax situation? No income tax to pay in this British overseas territory.
What’s the lifestyle like? This tropical Caribbean isle in the Lesser Antilles is small, peaceful and has gorgeous beaches.
Can I move there? Only with a work permit from the Department of Labour that’s been approved by the Department of Immigration.
British Virgin Islands
What’s the tax situation? Income tax is zero-rate on this northeastern Caribbean archipelago.
What’s the lifestyle like? Tropical, sunny and you’ll have millionaires for neighbours.
Can I move there? If no locals apply for the job, then you can. There are different conditions for different work permits.
Maldives
What’s the tax situation? No income or sales tax, although there is a Business Profit Tax (profits only).
What’s the lifestyle like? These low-lying Indian Ocean atolls have some of the world’s best beaches and marine life.
Can I move there? You’ll need an Employment Approval (EA) before applying for a Resident Permit (Working Visa).
Turks and Caicos
What’s the tax situation? There are no income or property taxes in this British Overseas Territory.
What’s the lifestyle like? Awesome scuba diving, sugar-white beaches and warm sunny days.
Can I move there? You’ll need a work permit which allows you to work for one employer, or a business license for self-employed permits.
Singapore
What’s the tax situation? Taxes start from 2% and the highest personal income tax rate is 20%.
What’s the lifestyle like? High salaries, career prospects and great quality of life in a modern southeast Asian capital.
Can I move there? Yes, with a work visa e.g. the Employment Pass (for qualified foreign professionals, managers and executives earning at least $3,300 a month).
Image: joyfull / Shutterstock.com
Andorra
What’s the tax situation? Low: 0% on the first €24,000, 10% if over €40,000, 5% in between. No wealth, gift or inheritance tax.
What’s the lifestyle like? State-funded healthcare, sunny summers, mountain views and cheap skiing.
Can I move there? You need a work permit, for a job or business, or proof of sufficient funds.
Bulgaria
What’s the tax situation? A flat rate of 10% on income earned in Bulgaria. With extras, it adds up to 12.9%.
What’s the lifestyle like? Cheap property, great scenery, inexpensive skiing and low-cost private healthcare.
Can I move there? Non-EU/EAA or Swiss citizens need a National Employment Agency work permit. EU/EAA and Swiss nationals don’t.
Switzerland
What’s the tax situation? Swiss income tax is paid at three levels, one of which is flat but the other two vary across the country. The highest country-wide rate is 11.5%.
What’s the lifestyle like? Life runs as efficiently as the clocks Switzerland is famous for, with stunning scenery too, although property is expensive.
Can I move there? Most EU/EEA nationals can move freely, otherwise you are subject to a quota and need to have permission.
USA
What’s the tax situation? Depends on where you want to live and how you want to live. Some states, such as New Hampshire, have no income tax but other taxes are higher while in others the reverse is true.
What’s the lifestyle like? From California dreaming to a New York state of mind, America has something for everyone.
Can I move there? You’ll need the fabled Green Card, which you can get via family, a job or the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program (better known as the ‘Green Card Lottery’).
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