Build a Life In…

For company owners and high earners

The lowest-tax countries for mobile income

Where a founder or remote earner can lawfully keep the most, judged on the tax on mobile income and the day count that triggers residence.

Ranked on the tax treatment of mobile income (territorial systems, flat regimes and zero-tax bases score highest), then cost of living. This is directional, not a league table, and turns on your own structure.

  1. 1
    United Arab Emirates

    Tax residence typically after 90 days. Higher cost.

    Tax residency →
    0% personal income tax
  2. 2
    Georgia

    Tax residence typically after 183 days. Low cost.

    Tax residency →
    Territorial lean; ~1% small-business regime
  3. 3
    Malaysia

    Tax residence typically after 182 days. Low cost.

    Tax residency →
    Territorial on foreign income (through 2026)
  4. 4
    Costa Rica

    Tax residence typically after 183 days. Mid cost.

    Tax residency →
    Territorial; foreign income untaxed
  5. 5
    Panama

    Tax residence typically after 183 days. Mid cost.

    Tax residency →
    Territorial; foreign-source income generally untaxed
  6. 6
    Uruguay

    Tax residence typically after 183 days. Mid cost.

    Tax residency →
    Territorial lean; new-resident holidays on foreign income
  7. 7
    Portugal

    Tax residence typically after 183 days. Mid cost.

    Tax residency →
    Up to ~48%, but NHR / IFICI regimes can slash it
  8. 8
    Spain

    Tax residence typically after 183 days. Mid cost.

    Tax residency →
    Up to ~47%, or 24% flat under the Beckham regime
  9. 9
    Italy

    Tax residence typically after 183 days. Mid cost.

    Tax residency →
    Up to ~43%, with flat-tax regimes for new arrivals
  10. 10
    Cyprus

    Tax residence typically after 60 days. Mid cost.

    Tax residency →
    Up to ~35%, with broad non-dom exemptions
Design this around you →A ranking is a starting point. Your passport, income and family decide the real answer.

Rankings are directional and researched from public sources, not expert-reviewed and not legal or tax advice. Rules change; check each country’s dated detail before you act.