Wealth taxes levy a percentage on an individual’s net assets—total owned assets minus liabilities—once a defined threshold is exceeded. For example, with $3 million in assets and $500 k in debt, net wealth is $2.5 million; if the threshold is $1 million and the rate 5 %, the tax due would be $75 k. Currently only a handful of OECD countries impose such a levy (e.g., Colombia, France, Norway, Spain, Switzerland, with rates from 0.05 % to 4.45 %).
For high‑net‑worth individuals seeking jurisdictions that do not impose a wealth tax, the following countries offer clear pathways to residency or citizenship, often coupled with other tax advantages.
Antigua and Barbuda
- Tax environment: No personal income tax, wealth tax, or inheritance tax.
- Citizenship‑by‑investment (CBI): US $230 k for a family of four (applicant + up to two children).
- Residency requirement: Minimum five days per year, accumulated over a five‑year period.
- Travel freedom: Visa‑free or visa‑on‑arrival access to roughly 150 countries, including the UK, EU states, the United States, South Africa and Central America.
- Economic context: Tourism accounts for ~60 % of GDP; the program funds public development.
Saint Kitts and Nevis
- CBI program: Recognised as “Platinum standard” with a fast processing time of three to four months.
- Passport benefits: Visa‑free travel to over 150 destinations, covering the EU, UK, Ireland and Russia.
- Investment options: Typically a contribution to the Sustainable Growth Fund or a qualifying real‑estate purchase (exact amounts not specified in the source).
The Bahamas
- Tax environment: No income tax, capital‑gains tax, capital‑transfer tax, or estate tax.
- Residency via real estate:
- Minimum investment of US $500 k in qualifying property, held for at least 10 years.
- Must spend a minimum of 90 days per year in the country.
- Path to citizenship: After the 10‑year residency period, applicants and dependent family members may apply for citizenship.
- Alternative high‑value route: Direct permanent residence possible with real‑estate investments exceeding US $1.5 million.
Vanuatu (Pacific)
- CBI program: Only Pacific‑region CBI; offers the quickest citizenship timeline.
- Financial requirement: Non‑refundable donation of US $130 k (one‑time payment).
- Benefits: Citizenship is hereditary, allowing the passport to be passed to children.
Malta
- Tax environment: No net‑wealth tax.
- EU citizenship: Through the Individual Investor Programme, applicants obtain a Maltese passport, granting:
- Full EU citizenship (right to live, work, and study anywhere in the EU).
- Schengen‑area travel without visa checks.
- Visa‑free access to 183 countries.
- Investment component: Requires a combination of contribution, property purchase/lease, and government bond investment (specific amounts not detailed in the source).
Monaco
- Tax environment: No wealth tax; personal income tax is limited to French nationals.
- Living standards: High‑quality education, health care, security, and social stability for a population of ~30 000.
- Residency: Requires proof of sufficient financial resources and accommodation; no explicit investment threshold disclosed.
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Tax environment: No wealth tax and no personal income tax.
- Residency‑by‑investment options:
- Public investment of AED 10 million (≈ US $2.7 million).
- Real‑estate purchase of AED 1 million (≈ US $270 k).
- Establishing a business or being a specialized talent/outstanding student.
- Attractiveness: Frequently ranked among the most livable jurisdictions for high‑net‑worth expatriates.
Practical considerations
- Investment horizon: Many CBI programs require a minimum holding period (e.g., 10 years in the Bahamas) before citizenship can be applied for.
- Family inclusion: Most programs allow spouses and dependent children to obtain the same status, often at no additional cost beyond the primary applicant’s fee.
- Travel benefits: While visa‑free access is a major draw, the exact list of countries varies; verify the latest passport rankings before deciding.
- Regulatory risk: Wealth‑tax proposals can emerge in any jurisdiction; monitor legislative developments, especially in countries currently debating such taxes.
Choosing a jurisdiction without a wealth tax involves balancing tax policy, investment cost, residency requirements, and the broader quality of life. The seven countries outlined above provide a range of options—from Caribbean islands with low‑cost CBI to European Union members offering full EU mobility.
