andrew henderson menu

Andrew Henderson

Founder of Nomad Capitalist and the world’s most sought-after expert on global citizenship.

ABOUT THE COMPANY

What we’re all about

MEET OUR TEAM

Meet our 60+ global team

CONTACT US

We’re here to serve you

FAQS

Your questions answered

TESTIMONIALS

Read our testimonials

NEWSLETTER

Get free email updates

NC-image-menu

ACTION PLAN

Our flagship service for entrepreneurs and investors

ACTION PLAN ELITE

Create your Action Plan directly with the Mr. Henderson himself

CITIZENSHIP BY DESCENT

Claim a second passport based on familial connections

ALL SERVICES

Click here to see all our products and services

PASSPORT INDEX

Discover the world’s best passports to have in an ever-changing world

CITIZENSHIP MAP

Explore the citizenship options using our interactive citizenship map

TAX MAP

Explore the tax details for countries using our interactive tax map

ALL RESEARCH

Click here to see all of our research and interactive tools

THE WORLD’S #1 OFFSHORE EVENT

Learn from our R&D playbook and meet like-minded people at our annual event.

NOMAD CAPITALIST THE BOOK

Andrew Henderson wrote the #1 best-selling book that redefines life as a diversified,
global citizen in the 21st century… and how you can join the movement.

Expat

The five best island countries with no income tax

Fallback Image

Last updated June 10, 2021

Looking for total tax freedom and a taste of island life to go with it? These island nations not only provide gorgeous scenery; they’re perfectly happy to let you earn all the money you want without dipping their hand into the pot.

The tax policy is as laid back as the lifestyle. We’ve selected the most livable locales — territories and sovereign countries alike — for expats looking to lower their tax burden while sipping margaritas in a beachfront hammock.

For a more encompassed look into the best islands, you can check out our Nomad Beach Index. Not looking for an island country? Check out our list of the most livable countries with no income taxes.

Bermuda is one of the island countries with no income tax
Despite its high cost of living, Bermuda is still one of the best island countries with no income tax.

5. Bermuda

A British Overseas Territory, Bermuda is one of the richest places in the world. A tiny enclave due east of the Carolinas, Bermuda isn’t as tropical as the other islands on this list, but its proximity to the US and Canada makes it a comfortable place for many expats.

However, the cost of living here is high — seriously high. Groceries, as an example, go for extortionist prices.

While there is no income tax, there is a small inheritance tax, as well as a stamp tax as high as 7% on real estate purchases.

Bermuda tends to be more suitable for working professionals, and if that’s you, you’ll also be subject to a 6% withholding tax on your salary. It’s a payroll tax for those working in local jobs, but Nomad Capitalists who are self-employed by foreign companies wouldn’t have to pay it.

St. Barts is one of the island countries with no income tax
The island of St. Barts is one of the best countries to offer the freedom of no income tax.

4. Saint Barthélemy

Better known as St. Barts, this tiny volcanic island is a French Overseas Collective with a storied tax history. Before it became a luxurious retreat for tourists, the place was dirt poor and an afterthought to the French who couldn’t be bothered to shake anyone down.

Once the money started flowing in, however, the French wanted their cut.

A change in the island’s status gave it more power and responsibilities for its own governance, allowing it the ability to fend off the mainland’s tax push.

Today, there are no personal or corporate income taxes or value-added tax (VAT). French citizens moving there after 2007, however, must pay mainland income tax for five years. If you’re French, it may be wise to go elsewhere for an easy tax escape hatch.

For others, it could be a good fit as it’s right in the middle of the West Indies with all the region has to offer. The prices range from reasonable to quite pricey, depending on how diligent you are.

Cayman Islands is one among several countries with no income tax
Cayman Islands has one of the largest and most sophisticated offshore sectors, thanks to being a no income tax country.

3. The Cayman Islands

Like Bermuda, the Cayman Islands is a British Overseas Territory, a class of largely self-governing territories with their own passport, but with British oversight. One of the world’s largest offshore financial centers,  Cayman is a wealthy country famous for its abundance of sea turtles as documented by Christopher Columbus.

The Cayman Islands attracts plenty of wealthy vacationers and expats, so services on the island tend to cater to those communities. You’ll find both essentials like high-quality private hospitals and legal services and extras like excellent local shopping and dining options.

They’re also famous for having more offshore corporations than people, catching the ire of Barack Obama. Life in the Cayman Islands isn’t cheap, but the beautiful scenery, first-rate infrastructure, stability, along with no income tax make it well worth it. It received first place in our Nomad Beach Index

If you’re a 7- or 8-figure entrepreneur it can be a great place to apply for a second residency. If you’re thinking of moving there you will need to spend over $1 million for a renewable temporary permit (that lasts 25 years) or over $2 million for a permanent residence permit that can lead to citizenship.

They’ve never levied any income, capital gains, or wealth tax. While the currency is pegged to the US dollar, the banking authority is more seriously managed than many of its neighboring counterparts. However, due to its location, the Cayman Islands are the island group most hit by hurricanes.

British Virgin Islands is one of the countries with no income tax
The British Virgin Islands is a country with no income taxes.

2. British Virgin Islands

A simpler, somewhat more natural destination than Cayman or Bermuda, BVI is known for its simplistic tax code. You could print the whole thing on just 200 pages.

Thanks to having no corporate tax, no capital gains tax, no gift or inheritance tax, and no sales tax, BVI has become a tax haven, not only for individuals but also for offshore corporations that take advantage of the country’s modern financial infrastructure.

As a British Overseas Territory, the Virgin Islands are overseen by Britain, but well managed on their own. That self-governance has allowed them to keep their income tax rates at zero percent, however, they did introduce a payroll tax in 2004. Again, this will only affect you if you’re working in a local job. 

Stamp duties — including on property transfers — are one of the few taxes you’ll encounter as a nomad capitalist. And, although the government has created new rules to force some companies to hire locals, it’s a small price to pay for what this island offers.

BVI offers a pretty straightforward approach to gaining residency, plus there is some reasonably priced real estate here— even right on the beach.

Bahamas is the first on the list of countries with no income tax
The Bahamas is one of the best countries with no income tax.

1. The Bahamas

Not only is The Bahamas one of the most recognized island destinations in the world, it’s one of the most advanced Caribbean nations. It is also one of the easiest for expats and retirees to relocate to.

There is no personal or corporate income tax, no capital gains tax, no sales tax, no withholding tax, no gift tax or inheritance tax, and no probate fees. An annual resident permit may be purchased from the government for $1,000 — next to nothing.

Unlike your home government, the Bahamas gives preferential treatment the more you invest. The Bahamas comes out on top because it’s also a sovereign nation unto itself, not a territory of some bankrupt country. It’s also amazingly close to the US, and with more than 700 islets and cays, you’re sure to find your own slice of paradise.

If you are ready to make the move to greater financial freedom, you can contact the Nomad Capitalist team here and start the process today.

GET ACTIONABLE TIPS FOR REDUCING TAXES AND BUILDING FREEDOM OVERSEAS

Sign up for our Weekly Rundown packed with hand-picked insights on global citizenship, offshore tax planning, and new places to diversify.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

Get an Insurance Policy Against Your Government

Have options so that no one government controls you or your wealth. From strategic citizenship planning to real estate overseas, Nomad Capitalist has helped 1,500+ high-net-worth clients double their personal and financial freedom.

What do you want to accomplish?

Let us know your goal and we will tell you how we can help you based on your details.

$

We handle your data according to our Privacy Policy. By entering your email address you grant us permission to send you the report and follow up emails later.