Best Cities Offering Safety and Prosperity for Women Investors

Women control almost US$100 trillion in global wealth but far too often, they’re operating in a system that still isn’t built to help them win.

Whether it’s outdated financial norms or high-tax, over-regulated economies, too many financial environments make it harder, not easier, for women to create, grow, protect, and control their wealth.

It shouldn’t surprise anyone that a recent World Economic Forum study found that only 23% of women felt confident about managing long-term investments.

That hints at a deeper truth: this isn’t about mindset – it’s about environment. Where you live and work has a direct and lasting impact on your financial freedom.

Some countries encourage and reward success, while others quietly chip away at it through taxation, bureaucracy and cultural barriers.

Anyone serious about investing on their own terms needs to find a base that offers low or no capital gains tax (CGT), personal safety, strong legal protection and a better quality of life – all minus the red tape.

When you find it, then you can start preparing to go where you’re treated best.

As a first step, take a look below at the in-depth guide the Nomad Capitalist team has put together, listing the best cities that offer both safety and prosperity for female investors – places where your wealth is respected, your rights are protected, and your life can flourish.

Considerations for Women Investors

Where you base yourself as an investor isn’t just about lifestyle. It’s about keeping more of what you earn, growing your wealth and feeling safe in the process.

Taxes are the first thing to consider. If you’re paying excessive income and capital gains taxes, that’s money you’ll never see again. 

The earlier you start optimising your tax situation, the more you can reinvest and build true financial independence. Tax-friendly regimes allow serious investors to scale up quickly.

Take Stockholm, for example, a city you’ll find on just about every list of safe havens for women. Sure, it’s one of the most gender-equal places in the world. But as an investor, you’ll be paying an income tax rate of 52% and a 30% tax on capital gains and dividends. 

We don’t think that qualifies as one of the best places to live.

A city can also be tax-friendly, but if you don’t feel secure walking home at night, it’s not the right place to be. The best cities offer both economic opportunity and a stable environment where you can live without worry.

Then there’s the question of opportunity.

Is this a place where you can start or scale a business? Can you invest in real estate, stocks or other assets without constant government interference? Will immigration policies allow you to stay long-term, or are you at risk of losing your status?

These are all important considerations in finding the best place to live as an investor.

Best Cities for Women Entrepreneurs and Investors

Considering the full picture of taxes, safety, equality and investment opportunities, these are the cities that you should have your sights on as a female investor.

Singapore

Singapore is a highly developed city-state that offers world-class infrastructure, an ultra-modern banking system and a government that actively supports wealth creation.

There’s no capital gains tax, no dividend tax and no wealth tax. If you structure things right, you can legally keep more of your money while benefiting from one of the world’s most advanced financial hubs. 

With a safety index score of 77.4, Singapore is also one of the most secure cities in the world. The rule of law is strong, and crime is rare.

While some tax rules have shifted recently, like the taxation of certain foreign-sourced gains, Singapore remains an elite destination for investors. 

If you’re looking for a place to grow and protect your wealth, few cities compare.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong has no capital gains tax, no dividend tax and no wealth tax. It remains one of the most attractive places to grow and protect wealth. 

The city-state operates a territorial tax system, so only local income is taxed, not your worldwide income. If your business or investments are structured properly, you can be a step closer to financial independence here. 

Hong Kong scores 78.6 on the current Safety Index, making it one of the safest major cities in the world. 

The city’s modern banking system, strong property market and access to China’s vast economy add to its appeal as a base for serious investors.

That said, Hong Kong’s political landscape has changed in recent years. While it still operates under ‘one country, two systems’, increased Chinese influence has led many investors to diversify their assets elsewhere. 

The smart move? Use Hong Kong as a key part of your financial strategy, but avoid putting all your eggs in one basket. A well-structured approach ensures you can reap the benefits while staying flexible for the future.

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is an underrated gem for investors looking for low taxes, modern infrastructure and an affordable, high-quality lifestyle. 

Malaysia does not impose capital gains tax on foreign investors, and there’s no dividend tax. If structured correctly, your investments can grow tax-free while you enjoy one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic cities.

Kuala Lumpur is not as secure as Singapore, but it’s still very much a safe city, especially in the upscale areas where most expats live. 

The city offers excellent healthcare, international schools and a strong expat community. English is widely spoken, so it’s easy to do business and integrate here.

The Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program is a good option for long-term residency with minimal physical presence requirements. Overall, Malaysia is a great base for those looking for options outside the West. 

Lisbon

Portugal ranks seventh on the Global Peace Index, making it one of the safest countries in the world. The capital is a vibrant hub for entrepreneurs, remote workers and investors looking to establish an EU base.

Taxes are high compared to offshore havens, but Portugal offers some attractive residence options that make up for it. 

Its Golden Visa program provides a path to residency through strategic investment, and citizenship is possible in just five years. This is one of the shortest timeframes in Europe.

For those who want a European base with strong legal protections and access to the EU, Lisbon is well worth considering. 

Tbilisi

Tbilisi is one of Eastern Europe’s most underrated cities for investors. 

Georgia has a territorial tax system, meaning only local income is taxed. Capital gains and dividends are taxed at just 5% for non-residents, and there’s no wealth tax.

Georgia ranks 21st on the Safety Perception Index, with low crime and a welcoming environment. 

Tbilisi itself is a beautiful blend of the old and new, with historic architecture, modern cafés and a growing expat community. The cost of living is low, and setting up a business is incredibly easy – Georgia ranks seventh in the world for ease of doing business.

For female investors, Tbilisi is a smart choice. It’s an affordable, business-friendly city with a great lifestyle on offer.

Brussels

Brussels may not be the first city that springs to mind for tax-friendly investing, but it has one major advantage – no capital gains tax on privately held assets. 

While Belgium is far from a low-tax country, this incentive makes it a viable option for investors looking to grow wealth tax-free.

That said, Belgium’s tax system is complex, and personal income tax rates are steep. While capital gains may be tax-free under the right circumstances, it’s essential to structure your affairs properly. 

Zurich

Switzerland’s largest city offers a thriving entrepreneurial scene, a strong banking sector and some of the highest living standards in the world. While Zug is the go-to for low taxes, Zurich has the opportunities that serious investors are after.

Switzerland’s tax system is unique. Residents are taxed on their worldwide income, but the country does not impose capital gains tax on individuals unless they qualify as professional traders. 

There are no Controlled Foreign Corporation (CFC) rules, and foreign rental income is not taxed. Wealth tax varies by canton, but overall, Switzerland remains one of the most investor-friendly Western nations for women.

Switzerland consistently ranks as one of the safest countries in the world, making Zurich a great base for women investors. The city offers top-tier healthcare, excellent schools and a high quality of life. 

While the cost of living is high, Zurich provides access to one of the most stable economies in the world.

For those seeking a European base with strong legal protections, political stability and a business-friendly environment, Zurich is a solid choice. Just be prepared to pay for the privilege of living in one of the world’s most desirable cities.

Best Cities for Female Investors: FAQs

Join Savvy Female Investors in These Cities

For women investors, the best destinations should offer freedom, financial security and real opportunity.

If you want to keep more of what you earn, live in a secure environment and grow your wealth without unnecessary government interference, the cities on this list are good places to start. 

It’s not just about where you live – it’s about where you thrive, which is where Nomad Capitalist comes in. 

We’ve helped 2,000+ high-net-worth individuals to ‘go where they’re treated best’, whether that’s by moving their business offshore, relocating to a tax-friendly country, or even pursuing a second citizenship.

Our clients are paired with experts in tax, investment strategy, asset protection and immigration to create and execute a holistic plan as unique as their goals. Get in touch to learn more about how we can help you.