Which destination fits your situation?

Portugal's IFICI regime offers a 20% flat rate for 10 years (replacing NHR since 2025), but is restricted to highly qualified professionals in tech, science, healthcare, and green energy. Italy's Impatriati regime (D.Lgs. 209/2023) provides 50% exemption on Italian income for 5 years (60% with a minor child), capped at €600,000 per year, requires high qualification and 4 years of tax residence afterwards. At gross income of €120,000, an IFICI beneficiary in Portugal pays around 20% (€24,000); under Impatriati Italy, progressive tax on 50% of €120,000 = €60,000 (effectively ~30-35% on that half). IFICI is more favourable at high incomes; Impatriati offers a longer path to Italian citizenship.

Cyprus's 60-day rule (since 2017, reformed in 2026) requires 60 days of presence, no 183+ days in another country, a Cyprus business (director or owner), a permanent home, and no employer outside Cyprus. Non-Dom status exempts dividends and interest, valid for 17 years. Malta's Non-Dom uses the British remittance system: only Malta-sourced income + income remitted to Malta is taxed (effectively 15% for employees). Cyprus has lower thresholds and no remittance complications; Malta has an English-language legal system. For a holding structure with dividend distributions, Cyprus typically has lower effective tax.

Spain's Beckham Law (Régimen Especial de Impatriados, art. 93 LIRPF) gives a 24% flat rate on Spanish-sourced income up to €600,000 for 6 years (arrival year + 5). Foreign income remains outside Spanish taxation. For a remote worker with Spanish source: 24% on €100,000 = €24,000. Under IFICI Portugal: 20% × €100,000 = €20,000, plus no exit-tax issues. Portugal scores 4 percentage points better, but Beckham Law covers foreign income for free, favourable with mixed income streams. Spain offers faster residency (183 days); Portugal requires active professional activity within IFICI categories.

The United Arab Emirates levies 0% personal income tax on all individuals (Cabinet Decision 85/2022). Tax residency: 183 days, or 90 days + residence visa + permanent home/work. Monaco also levies 0% income tax on residents (French nationals excepted) and offers EU Schengen access. Monaco requires higher setup costs (rents in top arrondissements €15,000+/month) but gives full Schengen mobility and a banking ecosystem. Dubai has 9% corporate tax above AED 375,000, more relevant than personal tax for entrepreneurs. Monaco for whom EU reach is priority; Dubai for warmer climate + 0% structure.

Bulgaria levies 10% flat on all income, 5% on dividends, among the lowest in the EU (source: Bulgarian Ministry of Finance). Bulgaria is an EU member; freedom of establishment under TFEU article 49. Andorra has progressive up to 10% on income, no inheritance tax, no wealth tax; not an EU member but has a Schengen association agreement. Andorra requires a passive residency deposit (€50,000+) or investment (€600,000+); Bulgaria has no wealth threshold but a 6-month presence test for tax residency. Bulgaria for minimal setup; Andorra for those prioritising privacy and banking secrecy. Both currently outside the eurozone (BG expected to adopt euro 2026/2027).