๐งพ Global Tax for Nomads
Become a tax resident โ then what?
One question, answered for the earner: if this country becomes your tax home, how badly does it hit your wallet? 70 countries rated โ green is tax-friendly (territorial, remittance-based, or just low), red taxes your worldwide income hard. 21 countries currently rate green. Start with the map, then tap any country for the plain-English breakdown.
โ friendly ยท โ ๏ธ moderate ยท ๐จ heavy โ each chip reads Topic: Finding. The System chip says whether foreign income is in scope (Territorial/None: no ยท Remittance: only if brought in ยท Worldwide: yes); the US-treaty chip matters because no treaty = 30% US withholding and no double-tax relief.
Data last updated ยท Source: Curated cross-border tax research
How this dashboard works
For each of the 70 countries, the research answers the questions that decide your tax bill as a foreign resident: what triggers tax residency (usually, but not always, 183 days), whether the system taxes worldwide income or only local-source income (territorial), the top personal rate, any special regime for newcomers or remote workers (Spain's Beckham Law, Italy's flat tax, Greece's 50% exemption), capital-gains treatment, whether a US tax treaty exists, and any wealth or exit taxes.
The single green/yellow/red rating answers one question: if this country becomes your tax home, how hard does it hit a US remote earner? Territorial and zero-tax systems rate green; high-rate worldwide systems rate red. The one rule that never changes: US citizens file with the IRS on worldwide income no matter where they live โ a friendly country lowers your local tax, never your US obligation.
Do US citizens pay taxes if they live abroad?
Yes โ the US taxes citizens and green-card holders on worldwide income regardless of residence. Tools like the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (~$130k/yr) and foreign tax credits usually eliminate double taxation, but the filing obligation never goes away. This dashboard rates the LOCAL tax hit, which stacks on top of US rules.
What is the difference between territorial and worldwide taxation?
A territorial system (Panama, Paraguay, Georgia in most cases) taxes only income earned inside the country โ foreign remote income is often untaxed. A worldwide system (Spain, Germany, Australia) taxes residents on everything they earn globally. This single distinction moves more money than any rate difference.
What triggers tax residency?
Most countries use 183 days of physical presence per year, but many add "center of vital interests" tests โ a home, spouse, or main economic ties can make you resident sooner. Each country's popup lists its specific trigger.
Which countries have zero or very low income tax?
The Gulf states (UAE and neighbors) levy no personal income tax; several countries offer territorial systems or special flat-tax regimes for foreigners. Filter by green rating to see the current list โ and remember local tax is only half your picture as a US filer.
Is this tax advice?
No. It's a research comparison with a confidence level per country, compiled from official and reputable sources. Cross-border tax depends heavily on your specifics โ verify with a qualified professional before making residency decisions.