Cash‑friendly jurisdictions are those where cash transactions remain common, the local currency is widely accepted, and government policies do not aggressively push digital‑only payments such as central‑bank digital currencies (CBDCs). Below is a concise overview of countries that still allow extensive cash use while offering relatively easy residency or investment pathways.
Europe
Country
Cash usage
Residency / citizenship pathways
Tax highlights
Bulgaria
> 70 % of daily transactions are in cash.
Permanent residency can be obtained by starting a business and investing in the country; the usual requirement to hire 10 employees can be waived with sufficient investment.
Part of the Schengen Area; corporate tax is low (10 %).
Romania
Similar cash‑heavy usage as Bulgaria.
Permanent residency through a business that hires at least one Romanian employee.
Corporate tax on revenue up to €1 million is 1 % (≈ €10 000 tax on €1 million revenue).
Greece
Cash still common despite EU membership.
Residency programs are available; cash payments accepted widely.
Standard EU tax regime applies.
Czech Republic
Cash accepted in most retail settings; euros also used in some places.
Residency options exist; cash payments are routine for everyday purchases.
Corporate tax rate 19 %.
North America
Country
Cash usage
Residency / citizenship pathways
Remarks
Mexico
Cash accepted everywhere—from taxis to real‑estate transactions.
Various temporary and permanent residency visas; pathways to naturalization after several years.
While crime and corruption are concerns, the cash‑friendly environment makes it attractive for those avoiding digital tracking.
Asia (Southeast & South‑East)
Country
Cash usage
Residency / investment options
Notable points
Thailand
Large unbanked population; cash remains dominant.
Long‑term visas are available, though tax and visa rules are tightening.
No current plan for a full‑scale CBDC.
Indonesia (Bali)
Cash widely used, especially in tourism hubs.
Long‑term visa obtainable by depositing US $130,000 in an Indonesian bank.
Popular among expatriates for lifestyle and investment in land.
Various business and investor visas; no CBDC rollout planned.
Malaysia
Cash still prevalent in many sectors.
Multiple visa categories for investors and retirees.
Philippines
Cash accepted broadly; attractive for retirees.
Residency options exist, though bureaucracy is reported as inefficient.
South America
Country
Cash usage
Residency / investment routes
Tax / other notes
Paraguay
Cash widely accepted; growing real‑estate market.
Easy residency through investment; popular among Europeans seeking more freedom.
Property values rising quickly.
Brazil
Cash still used, especially in smaller transactions.
Citizenship by birth for children born in Brazil; can lead to a second passport.
Tax rates vary by income bracket.
Colombia
Cash remains common despite digital payment growth.
Residency programs for investors and retirees.
No CBDC implementation reported.
Ecuador
Attempted CBDC rollout failed; cash still dominant.
Residency options available, though security concerns due to gang activity.
Eastern Europe & Central Asia
Country
Cash usage
Residency / citizenship options
Key features
Serbia
Cash widely accepted; local currency used for most purchases.
Easy residency; low‑tax environment; potential pathway to citizenship.
English‑speaking workforce is readily available.
Kazakhstan
Cash transactions common; limited digital payment push.
Investor visa program (details vary).
Low tax rates for businesses.
Egypt
Cash still used, though digital payments are growing.
Citizenship by investment program (not a top‑tier passport but useful regionally).
Political stability and bureaucracy can be challenging.
Practical considerations for cash‑friendly relocation
Residency requirements: Most programs require either a business investment, a bank deposit, or proof of income. Verify the minimum amount (e.g., Indonesia’s US $130,000 deposit).
Tax implications: Low corporate tax rates (e.g., Romania’s 1 % on revenue up to €1 million) can be advantageous, but personal income tax and social contributions may differ.
Currency risk: Using local cash avoids conversion fees but exposes you to exchange‑rate fluctuations; consider hedging strategies if you hold significant foreign assets.
Legal compliance: Even cash‑friendly nations may have anti‑money‑laundering (AML) reporting obligations for large cash transactions, especially in real‑estate purchases.
Safety and infrastructure: Some cash‑heavy economies (e.g., Mexico, Ecuador) have higher crime rates or bureaucratic inefficiencies; weigh these factors against the desire for financial privacy.
By focusing on jurisdictions where cash remains a primary payment method and where residency or investment pathways are relatively straightforward, individuals can reduce exposure to centralized digital payment systems while maintaining access to stable legal and tax frameworks.
Latest video briefings
Recent video briefings on residence, citizenship, tax, migration, passports, and international living.
