Living longer doesn’t have to be tied to high‑tax jurisdictions. A recent report ranking the world’s highest life expectancies also highlights several tax‑friendly countries where residents can keep a larger share of their income while enjoying robust health‑care systems.
Asian jurisdictions with the highest life expectancy
| Country | Average life expectancy* | Women | Men | Tax‑friendly features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hong Kong | 84.7 years | 88 years | 82 years | Low personal tax rates; long‑standing public health system |
| Singapore | 83.8 years | 86 years | 82 years | Low corporate tax, minimal regulation, easy business set‑up, strong anti‑corruption record |
Both locations rank at the top of the global list and are noted for relatively low tax burdens for individuals and investors.
European jurisdictions offering long life expectancy and favorable tax regimes
| Country | Average life expectancy* | Women | Men | Residency / tax options |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Switzerland | 83.4 years | 85 years | 81 years | Lump‑sum tax agreements allowing high‑income foreigners to pay a fixed annual amount |
| Malta | 82.4 years | 84 years | 81 years | Citizenship‑by‑investment program (≈ 1 year); non‑resident foreigners face little or no Maltese tax |
| Ireland | 82.1 years | 84 years | 80 years | Residence‑by‑investment scheme; various tax exemptions for newcomers |
| Portugal | 82 years (women 85, men 79) | 85 years | 79 years | Ten‑year non‑habitual resident (NHR) regime; near‑zero tax on foreign income and crypto gains |
| Andorra | 81.8 years | — | — | Residency through property purchase or capital contribution; personal income tax often in single‑digit percentages |
*Life expectancy figures are averages reported in the source list; where gender‑specific numbers are provided, they are shown separately.
Practical considerations for relocating
- Residency requirements – Most of the listed jurisdictions require a minimum stay, property purchase, or a capital contribution to qualify for tax‑friendly status.
- Health‑care access – High life expectancy correlates with strong public health systems (e.g., Hong Kong’s long‑standing universal care). Verify eligibility for local health coverage before moving.
- Tax obligations – Even in low‑tax countries, residents may still owe taxes on worldwide income unless specific exemptions (e.g., Portugal’s NHR) apply. Consulting a tax professional is advisable to avoid unintended liabilities.
- Lifestyle factors – Climate, language, and cultural fit can influence well‑being. Many of the highlighted nations combine clean air, Mediterranean diets, or high‑quality public services, which may contribute to longevity.
Decision criteria
When evaluating a move for health and tax reasons, consider:
- Duration of stay – Some programs (e.g., Portugal’s NHR) grant benefits for a fixed period (10 years).
- Investment threshold – Residency by investment often entails a property purchase or a lump‑sum contribution; assess affordability.
- Tax scope – Determine whether the jurisdiction taxes worldwide income, only locally sourced income, or offers flat‑rate options.
- Healthcare eligibility – Confirm that residency confers access to the national health system and that it meets personal standards.
By aligning life‑expectancy data with tax‑friendly residency options, high‑net‑worth individuals can choose locations that support both financial efficiency and long, healthy lives.
