Nearly every country in the world has some form of taxes. Most countries charge a proportion of the worldwide income of every individual or corporation resident in their jurisdiction. The USA goes even further - charging their citizens and green card holders taxes even if they are not resident in the country.
Offshore, however, taxes can be lower or non-existent. Many countries have introduced special tax regimes to encourage foreign investment, while the lucky few such as Monaco, Sark and Andorra are simply accidents of history where taxes were never introduced.
Whilst European countries typically charge tax on worldwide income, there are many countries in Asia, the Caribbean and Latin America that only charge taxes on local income. This system, called territorial taxation, means you are free to live within their borders completely tax free if your money is earned offshore.
Specific taxes offshore (whether on profit, labor or capital) vary significantly depending on the jurisdiction of registration and where business is physically carried out. To choose the best tax optimization strategy, it is necessary to assess the risks and possibilities of using foreign companies, and at the same time to understand the nuances of legislation and tax policies of different states.
Below you will find interesting and useful materials on taxes abroad, offshore tax strategies and more. Please also feel free to browse the rest of the International Wealth portal where you can learn much more about offshore tax planning and offshore tax strategies.
Global minimum tax rules under OECD Pillar Two are changing how offshore structures are designed, but they are not eliminating offshore planning. The focus is shifting away from low-tax jurisdictions toward effective tax rate management, substance, and operational clarity. Offshore entities remain valuable for governance, asset protection, and cross-border coordination - just with different priorities. Structures that align legal design, banking reality, and real business activity are the ones most likely to remain resilient.
Offshore companies often pay no local tax on foreign income, but they still face annual reporting, accounting, and compliance duties. Owners must usually report income or ownership in their home country under CFC rules or worldwide taxation systems. CRS, FATCA, and beneficial ownership regulations also make offshore companies fully visible to authorities, even when no tax return is filed. With proper structuring and guidance, offshore companies remain a legal and effective tool, so long as compliance is handled correctly.
The G7 announced a Global Minimum Tax Rate of 15%. In this article, we argue that their goals are completely unrealistic, only invented for publicity and political considerations. The G7 and G20 have actually moved their focus away from offshore centres and are going instead after big, western multinationals because they see a bigger political and financial benefit. The offshore lifestyle remains intact!
Which countries have the lowest standard VAT rates in 2025? Explore the value-added tax rates across the world and look behind the figures. Low-rate VAT countries. Zero-rate VAT. Higher VAT rates by country in 2023. Benefits of low VAT rates vs benefits of high VAT rates.
St. Kitts and Nevis offers a highly favorable tax environment for investors and residents, featuring 0% personal income tax on global earnings, wealth, capital gains, and inheritance. To qualify as a tax resident, individuals must spend at least 183 days annually in the country, a status distinct from citizenship. While local companies are subject to a 33% corporate tax, Nevis IBCs and LLCs can qualify for full tax exemptions if they are properly structured and maintain economic substance outside the federation. Despite being a low-tax jurisdiction, the government generates revenue through indirect levies, including a standard 17% VAT, modest property taxes, and stamp duties, all while strictly adhering to international transparency standards like CRS and FATCA.
What country has no capital gains tax? Here is our list of the top 5 jurisdictions recommended to people on the move, investors, and entrepreneurs. For more information and advice on zero-rate and low capital gains tax countries, please book a free online consultation.
Taxation of residents and non-residents in Estonia: dividends, source of income location, royalties, and technical service fees. Residents of Estonia. How to save on taxes in Estonia as a non-resident? Tax deductions for non-residents in Estonia. Non-residents of EEA member states and third countries. Standard personal allowance and rental income deductions in Estonia. Double tax treaties for non-residents in Estonia: real-life examples. What advantages does tax residency in Estonia offer?
Buying property in North Cyprus is a great investment for those seeking a vacation home or long-term residence. This guide covers property taxes, annual fees, legal costs, and potential exemptions to help streamline your purchase.
Discover the unique opportunities and advantages of Comoros' taxation system for businesses. Find out details about corporate tax rates, VAT exemptions, free economic zones, and tax breaks designed to foster foreign investments and reduce financial burdens. The article explains why Comoros has become a favored destination for international companies seeking fiscal optimization and confidentiality and is becoming more and more popular. With simplified reporting and no capital gains or dividend taxes, explore how Comoros could be the key to unlocking your business potential.
Taxes are extremely low in the Marshall Islands. If a locally registered company makes an income abroad, the corporate tax rate is 0%. If it makes an income on the territory of the country, the tax rate is 10% only. The VAT is 2% to 4%. However, company registration fees need to be paid every year and there are economic substance requirements in the Marshall Islands too.
Are you looking for an attractive destination for starting a business abroad? We offer to consider Serbia, a country with one of the lowest business taxes in Europe and various tax incentives. Read details about the system of corporate and personal taxation in Serbia in your article.
Are you on the point of choosing a European country to relocate your family or your business? Or maybe you are looking for a jurisdiction to start a company? European countries traditionally have high taxes. However, there is one nuance: the taxes required by laws may be higher than the amount actually paid if you comply with certain requirements. In addition, European countries have different taxation systems, they are not uniform at all: the tax rate may vary from 9% to 35%! As you see, you need to have enough information to make the right choice, and we can help you get it. Read on to discover more.
Tax rates in the USA in 2023. Select states for doing business in the USA in 2023. Top 10 states in the USA for businesses in 2023. Corporate income tax by state in the USA: state-specific rates. What US states impose no income tax? Which states in the USA waive sales tax? Europe, USA, or offshore jurisdictions – where should you start a company for maximum tax efficiency?
Company registration in Cyprus in 2023: tax payment methods and deadlines. How high is the corporate income tax rate in Cyprus? Value added tax (VAT) in Cyprus. Property taxes in Cyprus. Tax payment deadlines in Cyprus in 2023. Dynamic changes in Cypriot taxation. Cyprus taxes for individuals in 2023. Tax penalties for failure to pay tax in Cyprus. Strategic tax planning in Cyprus for individuals and legal entities
There are some specific taxes applicable to yacht owners. Our experts can help you figure out a way to optimize taxation and save money when purchasing a yacht
Are you planning to acquire a residence permit in Portugal – or maybe you have one? Congratulations: this is a wise decision. However, you have to know the peculiarities of taxation for expats to comply with the local laws and avoid any penalties being imposed. If you permanently reside in Portugal (at least 183 days a year) or if you have a local address. You may be entitled to apply for an NHR (Non-Habitual Resident) status. It will help you to reduce the tax burden for at least 10 years. However, make sure not to use it for aggressive tax optimization or your application will be turned down.
Taxation system is the key to the country’s attractiveness for businesses and investors. It’s the ninth time in succession that Estonia comes first in the Tax Foundation’s International Tax Competitiveness Index as an OECD country with the best taxation system. Want to discover the secrets of its success? There are five factors that contribute to Estonia’s high score, and you can discover all of them in the article. Absence of corporate income tax, E-residency program, minimized red tape, simple taxation system and beneficial VAT arrangements keep the country’s ranking high.
Company or corporate tax in Serbia. Other corporate taxes in Serbia. What is the VAT in Serbia? Double taxation treaties and withholding tax. Personal income taxes in Serbia. What is the indirect tax in Serbia? More info on the subject. Official employment for foreign nationals in Serbia. Summary and recommendations.
Serbia is becoming an increasingly popular destination for foreigners to move. Low taxes and a relatively inexpensive but quality standard of living are the main reasons for this. Our experts will explain what taxes a private person should pay in Serbia and what tax incentives are available.
A foreign person or a foreign legal entity is entitled to establish a business company in the region and become a tax resident there. The tax regimes are highly beneficial in many Caribbean countries. Caribbean banks offer a wide range of services to individual and corporate customers. Besides, it is possible to acquire Caribbean citizenship by investment.
Both citizenship of the U.S.A. and legal foreign residents of the country are taxed on their domestic as well as their foreign income. There are some exceptions from the general rule. In particular, the following instruments of tax deduction are available to an American making an income in a foreign country: Foreign earned income exclusion; Foreign housing deduction or exclusion; and Foreign tax credit. The essential requirement is that the taxes should have been paid (or charged) in the foreign countries.
How to choose the best country for registering a foreign company? The low corporate tax rate, as well as other business taxes, is one of the critical factors. Our experts have prepared for you the ranking of countries with no corporate tax in 2023.
Is it possible not to pay tax on worldwide income? Yes, there are countries that do not charge such a tax, as well as other types of taxes, for example, on capital gains, or dividends. Our experts have prepared a complete list of tax-free countries with recommendations and comments.
