Nomad Capitalist: The Best Beaches to Live On In 2021

The Nomad Beach Index evaluates beach and island destinations for high‑net‑worth entrepreneurs and investors. Five criteria drive the rankings:

Using these factors, the latest edition lists the ten most attractive beach locations.

1. Cayman Islands

• Tax environment: No direct taxes; favorable for company formation.
• Immigration: Residency can be obtained by purchasing real estate; process is straightforward though relatively costly.
• Services & connectivity: Excellent international flights, high‑end restaurants, strong financial services sector.
• Safety: High level of public safety.
• Appeal: Close proximity to the U.S. (e.g., Miami) and Europe.

2. Antigua and Barbuda

• Citizenship by investment: Minimum $130,000 for a family of four.
• Tax policy: Low overall taxes, though corporate income tax applies.
• Immigration: Direct citizenship grants the right to reside.
• Services: Developed yachting and boating culture; decent amenities.
• Safety: Generally good, though not the highest rating.

3. The Bahamas

• Residency: Purchase of a residence permit; cost relatively low.
• Tax regime: No personal income tax; favorable for investors.
• Services: Numerous islands (e.g., Exumas) with high‑quality housing and tourism infrastructure.
• Immigration: Recently updated permanent‑residence program; still straightforward but becoming more expensive.
• Safety: Acceptable overall.

4. Saint Kitts and Nevis

• Citizenship by investment: Starts at $150,000.
• Taxes: No personal or corporate income taxes.
• Immigration: Passport can be obtained within months.
• Services: Growing flight connections; modest but improving amenities.
• Safety: Historically high murder rates have declined; safety now considered acceptable.

5. Montenegro (Budva, Kotor Bay)

• Residency: Property purchase grants residency; must be renewed annually if not a primary residence.
• Taxes: Personal tax rates as low as 9 %; business taxes are very favorable.
• Services: Decent infrastructure; limited direct flights (mainly via Belgrade or Moscow).
• Safety: High.
• Appeal: Adriatic coastline with a European vibe.

6. Algarve, Portugal

• Immigration: Golden Visa program (property investment) and the Non‑Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime.
• Taxes: NHR offers substantial tax exemptions for certain foreign income, appealing to crypto investors, pensioners, and business owners.
• Services: Extensive tourism infrastructure, numerous beaches, good flight connections.
• Safety: High.
• Cost: Immigration routes are effective but not the cheapest.

7. Vanuatu (South Pacific)

• Citizenship/Residency: Investment‑based citizenship or residence by bank deposit/property purchase.
• Taxes: Low overall tax burden.
• Services: Limited compared with Caribbean hubs; basic amenities.
• Safety: Generally safe; remote location offers isolation.
• Appeal: Over 70 islands with pristine beaches.

8. Crete, Greece

• Immigration: Golden Visa – €250,000 property purchase grants residency.
• Taxes: Historically high, but recent incentives for pensioners and businesses improve attractiveness.
• Services: Well‑developed tourism sector, good healthcare and transport.
• Safety: Generally good; some safety concerns noted but not dominant.

9. Mykonos, Greece

• Shares the same immigration and tax framework as Crete, with a stronger reputation for luxury tourism and nightlife.

10. Cozumel, Mexico

• Residency: Mexican permanent‑residence permits are accessible to many nationalities.
• Taxes: Mexican tax system is not low; higher scores were deducted for this factor.
• Services: Good flight connections from the U.S., solid tourism infrastructure, less crowded than Cancun or Playa del Carmen.
• Safety: Better than many parts of Mexico, contributing to a higher overall rating.

Practical considerations for prospective beach‑based residents

• Investment thresholds: Citizenship‑by‑investment programs range from $130 k (Antigua & Barbuda) to $150 k (Saint Kitts & Nevis).
• Tax implications: Jurisdictions with no personal or corporate income tax (e.g., Cayman Islands, Saint Kitts & Nevis) can dramatically reduce tax liabilities, but local corporate taxes may still apply.
• Immigration logistics: Some locations require property purchase for residency (Montenegro, Crete), while others offer direct citizenship pathways. Renewal requirements (e.g., Montenegro’s annual re‑application) should be factored into long‑term plans.
• Safety and services: High‑service hubs like the Cayman Islands and the Algarve provide robust healthcare, education, and transport, whereas more remote options (Vanuatu, certain parts of the Bahamas) may lack comparable amenities.

Choosing the optimal beach location hinges on balancing aesthetic appeal with tax efficiency, immigration ease, safety, and the level of services required for personal and business activities.