Plain‑English guidance on what a tax haven is, how to use one legally, and how residency, economic substance, banking, crypto, and digital‑nomad rules really work. Built for founders, freelancers, investors, and creators who want clarity—without the myths.
A tax haven is a country or territory that offers low or zero tax on certain income, simple rules for residents and companies, and predictable administration to attract people and capital.
A magic escape hatch. Legal planning in a tax haven assumes full transparency and documentation—and that you follow the rules in every country that can tax you (residency, source, or citizenship‑based rules, where applicable).
Day counts matter, but so does your center of vital interests (home, family, economic ties). To move your tax base to a tax haven, you typically need to establish residency where you’re going and, if applicable, cease residency where you’re leaving.
Paper entities are out. Expect local directors, decision‑making, staff, and an office where your company claims residence—especially if you seek tax haven benefits. Keep minutes, TP files, and a compliance calendar.
Build a bank pack: notarized ID, address, company docs, source‑of‑funds, contracts. Use a local bank (presence), a reputable international bank (savings), and a PSP for collections/FX. Assume information exchange to your tax‑residency country.
Relocate before realization events if that’s your plan—subject to any exit rules at home. Clarify taxable events (sales, swaps, staking, airdrops, DeFi). Choose crypto‑aware banks and keep serialized records.
“Under 183 days everywhere” can still create tax problems. Anchor in a home base, use appropriate visas, and avoid accidental permanent establishments as you travel.
Zero tax in a tax haven means little if cross‑border payments leak via withholding tax. Evaluate treaty coverage and practical partner acceptance.
Illustrative overview only—verify current law and rates with professional advisors.
| Category | Who benefits | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Zero‑tax (personal) | Investors, creators, some crypto holders | Immigration path, cost of living, healthcare, banking acceptance |
| Territorial (personal) | Freelancers/consultants with foreign clients | Definition of “source”, remittance rules, professional services performed locally |
| Remittance‑basis | Portfolio investors with offshore income | Domicile tests, time limits, minimum charges, remittance definitions |
| Classic corporate hubs | Holdings/IP/funds with real presence | Substance rules, banking, partner acceptance, reputation |
| Mid‑shore/onshore with incentives | SaaS, agencies, ecommerce | Treaties, R&D/participation exemptions, payroll costs, TP admin |
| Special zones/free zones | Logistics, fintech, professional services | Eligibility, physical presence, sector restrictions, real‑estate commitments |
For orientation only; not legal advice.
Score 1–5, multiply by weight, total to 100.
| Category | Weight | Your score |
|---|---|---|
| Personal tax fit | 20 | |
| Corporate regime | 15 | |
| Residency & immigration | 10 | |
| Banking & payments | 10 | |
| Treaties & withholding | 10 | |
| Regulatory stability | 10 | |
| Lifestyle & cost | 10 | |
| Reputation & partners | 10 | |
| Crypto friendliness | 5 | |
| Language & advisors | 5 |
TaxHaven.vip exists to make tax haven planning understandable, ethical, and practical. We explain complex topics in plain English, highlight risks and red flags, and emphasize documentation and transparency.
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