In the quest for legal permanent residency or citizenship with favorable tax conditions, individuals often seek countries offering zero or territorial taxation. Here's a curated list of the top 5 programs worldwide, ranked by the lowest entry requirement in terms of investment, and detailing the specific benefits and qualifying criteria:
Residency by Investment Program
Country: United Arab Emirates (UAE), Zero Taxation
0% Personal Tax: Residents enjoy tax-free status on all forms of income, including crypto earnings, capital gains from stock trading, employment income, dividends from personal companies, and royalties from intellectual property.
Program Base Cost: A minimum investment of AED 600,000 (~$163,350 USD) in real estate qualifies an individual for residency.
Qualifying Requirements: No age limitations; no specific days of presence required; property purchase must be maintained to retain residency.
Golden Visa Program
Country: Portugal, Territorial Taxation
0% Personal Tax: Portugal operates on a territorial tax system, meaning foreign-source income is generally not taxed, making it attractive for remote workers and digital nomads.
Program Base Cost: A real estate investment of €280,000 ($306,820 USD) in low-density areas or €350,000 ($383,530 USD) in high-density areas grants residency.
Qualifying Requirements: No age limitations; no minimum days of presence required; property investment must be maintained for 5 years.
Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) Program
Country: Malta, Zero Taxation
0% Personal Tax: Malta offers a non-habitual resident program, allowing tax exemption on foreign-source income, including capital gains, dividends, and interest.
Program Base Cost: A minimum investment of €250,000 (~$274,160 USD) in government bonds or property qualifies for residency.
Qualifying Requirements: No age limitations; no minimum days of presence required; investment must be maintained.
Startup Visa Program
Country: Estonia, Zero Taxation
0% Personal Tax: Estonia's e-residency program allows digital nomads and remote workers to operate businesses with zero personal tax on retained profits.
Program Base Cost: Incorporation of an Estonian company with a minimum share capital of €2,500 (~$2,745 USD).
Qualifying Requirements: No age limitations; no minimum days of presence required; business operation must be maintained.
Investor Visa Program
Country: Panama, Territorial Taxation
0% Personal Tax: Panama offers a territorial tax system, exempting foreign-source income from taxation, including capital gains and dividends.
Program Base Cost: A minimum investment of $300,000 USD in Panamanian real estate or a fixed-term deposit qualifies for residency.
Qualifying Requirements: No age limitations; no minimum days of presence required; investment must be maintained.
These programs offer enticing opportunities for individuals seeking residency or citizenship in countries with favorable tax regimes. However, it's essential to carefully review the specific requirements and consult with our legal and financial professionals before making any investment decisions.
If you want more information about Investment Abroad and its opportunities to develop business, contact us today! Below this article, you will find a link to set up a free ten-minute consultation with us to discuss your options further.
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