# Country Desire: full country data
> Cost of living, income tax, jobs and residency data for 40 countries, compiled by Country Desire (https://countrydesire.com) from the OECD, World Bank, PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries, Numbeo and official government sources. Editorial guides last reviewed 2026-09-30. Figures are estimates for planning, not tax, legal or immigration advice; check the official sources listed for each country before acting. When citing a figure, link the country's source page.
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## United States
Source page: https://countrydesire.com/country/united-states
Capital: Washington, D.C. Continent: North America. Currency: USD. Official languages: English.
The US offers the world’s largest job market and the highest salaries in many professions, but it is one of the hardest countries to move to without an employer or family sponsor. Costs vary enormously by state: rent in rural Ohio can be a third of rent in San Francisco, and nine states levy no state income tax at all.
Best for: Professionals with a job offer or rare skills, founders, and people with US family ties.
Pros: Highest salaries in tech, medicine and finance; Huge regional choice in climate, cost and lifestyle; Deep startup and venture capital ecosystem.
Cons: Few visa routes without a sponsor; H-1B is capped and chosen by lottery; Healthcare is expensive and mostly tied to employment; US citizens are taxed on worldwide income even after moving abroad.
Cost of living (monthly, USD): index 100 (New York = 100); 1-bedroom rent $1,500; 3-bedroom rent $2,800; groceries $400; transport $100; utilities $150; internet $60.
Taxes: income tax brackets (USD equivalent) 10% from $0 to $11,000; 12% from $11,001 to $44,725; 22% from $44,726 to $95,375; 24% from $95,376 to $182,100; 32% from $182,101 to $231,250; 35% from $231,251 to $578,125; 37% from $578,126. VAT 0%. Corporate tax 21%. Capital gains 20%. Employee social security 7.65%.
Jobs: average salary $63,795 a year; unemployment 3.7%; finding work is moderate for foreigners; work permit required for most non-residents. Top industries: Technology, Finance, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Energy.
Residency routes: H-1B specialty occupation visa (Employer-sponsored work visa for degree-level jobs; annual cap filled by lottery.) L-1 intracompany transfer (For employees moving to a US office of the same company after a year abroad.) O-1 extraordinary ability (For people with documented top-level achievement in their field.) E-2 treaty investor (For citizens of treaty countries investing substantially in a US business.)
Healthcare: There is no universal public system for working-age adults. Most people get private insurance through an employer or the ACA marketplace; budget for premiums, deductibles and co-pays.
Official sources: USCIS — U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services ; IRS — Internal Revenue Service ; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics ; PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries — individual income tax ; Numbeo — cost of living (crowdsourced prices) ; World Bank Open Data — economic and population indicators .
## United Kingdom
Source page: https://countrydesire.com/country/united-kingdom
Capital: London. Continent: Europe. Currency: GBP. Official languages: English.
The UK combines a global financial centre in London with far cheaper cities like Manchester, Leeds and Glasgow. Its points-based system favours sponsored skilled workers, and newcomers on most visas pay an annual Immigration Health Surcharge that gives access to the NHS.
Best for: Skilled workers with a sponsoring employer, graduates of UK universities and English-speaking professionals.
Pros: English-speaking, with easy travel to Europe; World-class universities and a strong finance, tech and creative sector; Free-at-point-of-use NHS care once you pay the health surcharge.
Cons: London rents are among the highest in Europe; Visa fees and the health surcharge add up quickly for families; No dedicated digital nomad visa.
Cost of living (monthly, USD): index 75 (New York = 100); 1-bedroom rent $1,200; 3-bedroom rent $2,200; groceries $350; transport $90; utilities $180; internet $35.
Taxes: income tax brackets (USD equivalent) 0% from $0 to $12,570; 20% from $12,571 to $50,270; 40% from $50,271 to $125,140; 45% from $125,141. VAT 20%. Corporate tax 25%. Capital gains 20%. Employee social security 8%.
Jobs: average salary $42,000 a year; unemployment 4%; finding work is moderate for foreigners; work permit required for most non-residents. Top industries: Finance, Technology, Creative Industries, Pharmaceuticals, Education.
Residency routes: Skilled Worker visa (Requires a job offer from a licensed sponsor that meets salary and skill thresholds.) Global Talent visa (For leaders or potential leaders in academia, research, arts and digital technology; no job offer needed.) Graduate visa (Lets graduates of UK universities stay and work for a limited period after their degree.) Innovator Founder visa (For founders with an innovative business idea endorsed by an approved body.)
Healthcare: The NHS provides most care free at the point of use. Most visa applicants pay the Immigration Health Surcharge up front; dental and prescriptions in England carry charges.
Official sources: GOV.UK — Visas and immigration ; HM Revenue & Customs ; Office for National Statistics ; PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries — individual income tax ; Numbeo — cost of living (crowdsourced prices) ; World Bank Open Data — economic and population indicators .
## Germany
Source page: https://countrydesire.com/country/germany
Capital: Berlin. Continent: Europe. Currency: EUR. Official languages: German.
Germany is Europe’s largest economy and actively recruits skilled workers, especially in engineering, IT and healthcare. Salaries are solid but taxes and social contributions are high, and everyday life — from renting a flat to registering your address — runs on paperwork and, often, German.
Best for: Engineers, IT specialists, nurses and other skilled workers, especially those willing to learn German.
Pros: Several visa routes built for skilled non-EU workers; Strong worker protections and generous paid leave; Excellent public transport and central location in Europe.
Cons: High combined tax and social security burden on salaries; Tight rental markets in Berlin, Munich and Hamburg; Bureaucracy and German language needed outside big-city tech jobs.
Cost of living (monthly, USD): index 65 (New York = 100); 1-bedroom rent $900; 3-bedroom rent $1,700; groceries $300; transport $80; utilities $220; internet $35.
Taxes: income tax brackets (USD equivalent) 0% from $0 to $10,908; 14% from $10,909 to $62,809; 42% from $62,810 to $277,825; 45% from $277,826. VAT 19%. Corporate tax 30%. Capital gains 26.4%. Employee social security 20.5%.
Jobs: average salary $53,000 a year; unemployment 3%; finding work is moderate for foreigners; work permit required for most non-residents. Top industries: Automotive, Engineering, Technology, Pharmaceuticals, Renewable Energy.
Residency routes: EU Blue Card (For university graduates with a job offer above a salary threshold; faster path to permanent residence.) Skilled worker residence permit (For people with recognised vocational or academic qualifications and a job offer.) Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) (Points-based permit to come to Germany and look for work for up to a year.) Freelance residence permit (For self-employed professionals who can show German clients and sufficient income.)
Healthcare: Health insurance is mandatory. Most employees join the public statutory system through payroll; higher earners and some self-employed people can choose private insurance.
Official sources: Make it in Germany (federal government portal) ; Federal Foreign Office — Visa services ; Destatis — Federal Statistical Office ; PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries — individual income tax ; Numbeo — cost of living (crowdsourced prices) ; World Bank Open Data — economic and population indicators .
## Japan
Source page: https://countrydesire.com/country/japan
Capital: Tokyo. Continent: Asia. Currency: JPY. Official languages: Japanese.
Japan is safe, spotless and efficient, and a weak yen has made it cheaper for foreigners than it has been in decades. Work culture can be demanding and Japanese language skills matter for most careers, but visa options for professionals and remote workers have widened.
Best for: Professionals with a Japanese employer, English teachers, and high-earning remote workers on short stays.
Pros: Among the safest countries in the world; Outstanding public transport and healthcare; Rent in Tokyo is moderate compared with other global capitals.
Cons: Japanese is needed for most jobs and daily admin; Long working hours in traditional companies; Some landlords are reluctant to rent to foreigners.
Cost of living (monthly, USD): index 70 (New York = 100); 1-bedroom rent $700; 3-bedroom rent $1,500; groceries $350; transport $80; utilities $130; internet $40.
Taxes: income tax brackets (USD equivalent) 5% from $0 to $1,950,000; 10% from $1,950,001 to $3,300,000; 20% from $3,300,001 to $6,950,000; 23% from $6,950,001 to $9,000,000; 33% from $9,000,001 to $18,000,000; 40% from $18,000,001 to $40,000,000; 45% from $40,000,001. VAT 10%. Corporate tax 23.2%. Capital gains 20.3%. Employee social security 15%.
Jobs: average salary $40,000 a year; unemployment 2.6%; finding work is difficult for foreigners; work permit required for most non-residents. Top industries: Automotive, Electronics, Robotics, Gaming, Manufacturing.
Residency routes: Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services (The most common work visa, sponsored by a Japanese employer.) Highly Skilled Professional (Points-based status with faster permanent residency for qualified professionals.) Digital nomad visa (A six-month stay for remote workers with high annual income from outside Japan.) Specified Skilled Worker (For workers in designated industries who pass skills and Japanese tests.)
Healthcare: Residents join National Health Insurance or an employer scheme, which typically covers 70% of costs. Care is high quality and waiting times are short.
Official sources: Immigration Services Agency of Japan ; National Tax Agency ; Statistics Bureau of Japan ; PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries — individual income tax ; Numbeo — cost of living (crowdsourced prices) ; World Bank Open Data — economic and population indicators .
## Australia
Source page: https://countrydesire.com/country/australia
Capital: Canberra. Continent: Oceania. Currency: AUD. Official languages: English.
Australia pairs high wages and an outdoor lifestyle with one of the most structured skilled-migration systems in the world. Housing in Sydney and Melbourne is expensive, but demand for trades, healthcare and engineering workers keeps sponsorship routes open.
Best for: Skilled workers in occupations on the skills lists, young people on working holidays, and families seeking a relaxed lifestyle.
Pros: High minimum wage and strong employment protections; Transparent points-based migration; Excellent climate and outdoor lifestyle.
Cons: Sydney and Melbourne housing is very expensive; Distance from Europe, the Americas and family; Visa application fees are among the world’s highest.
Cost of living (monthly, USD): index 80 (New York = 100); 1-bedroom rent $1,400; 3-bedroom rent $2,500; groceries $380; transport $100; utilities $160; internet $55.
Taxes: income tax brackets (USD equivalent) 0% from $0 to $18,200; 19% from $18,201 to $45,000; 32.5% from $45,001 to $120,000; 37% from $120,001 to $180,000; 45% from $180,001. VAT 10%. Corporate tax 30%. Capital gains 23.5%. Employee social security 11%.
Jobs: average salary $55,000 a year; unemployment 3.5%; finding work is moderate for foreigners; work permit required for most non-residents. Top industries: Mining, Finance, Technology, Healthcare, Education.
Residency routes: Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) (Employer-sponsored temporary work visa, the successor to the Temporary Skill Shortage visa.) Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) (Points-tested permanent visa that does not need a sponsor.) Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) (Permanent residence sponsored by an Australian employer.) Working Holiday Maker (417/462) (For young people from eligible countries to work and travel for up to a year or more.)
Healthcare: Medicare covers citizens and permanent residents. Most temporary visa holders must hold private health insurance.
Official sources: Department of Home Affairs — Immigration and citizenship ; Australian Taxation Office ; Australian Bureau of Statistics ; PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries — individual income tax ; Numbeo — cost of living (crowdsourced prices) ; World Bank Open Data — economic and population indicators .
## Canada
Source page: https://countrydesire.com/country/canada
Capital: Ottawa. Continent: North America. Currency: CAD. Official languages: English, French.
Canada has long been one of the most immigration-friendly rich countries, with a points-based Express Entry system and provincial programmes. It has recently lowered some immigration targets and faces a housing shortage, so costs in Toronto and Vancouver are high.
Best for: Skilled workers with good English or French, graduates, and families planning long-term settlement.
Pros: Clear points-based routes to permanent residence; Public healthcare for residents; Multicultural cities and high quality of life.
Cons: Toronto and Vancouver housing is very expensive; Long, cold winters in most of the country; Immigration targets and rules have tightened recently.
Cost of living (monthly, USD): index 72 (New York = 100); 1-bedroom rent $1,300; 3-bedroom rent $2,400; groceries $350; transport $90; utilities $140; internet $60.
Taxes: income tax brackets (USD equivalent) 15% from $0 to $55,867; 20.5% from $55,868 to $111,733; 26% from $111,734 to $154,906; 29% from $154,907 to $220,000; 33% from $220,001. VAT 5%. Corporate tax 26.5%. Capital gains 26.8%. Employee social security 5.95%.
Jobs: average salary $48,000 a year; unemployment 5.4%; finding work is moderate for foreigners; work permit required for most non-residents. Top industries: Technology, Natural Resources, Finance, Healthcare, Aerospace.
Residency routes: Express Entry (Points-based system for skilled workers that leads directly to permanent residence.) Provincial Nominee Programs (Each province nominates immigrants to fill local labour needs.) Employer-specific work permit (Usually requires a Labour Market Impact Assessment by the employer.) International Experience Canada (Working holiday permits for young people from partner countries.)
Healthcare: Provinces run public health insurance for residents; some provinces have a waiting period for newcomers. Prescription drugs and dental care are often not covered.
Official sources: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada ; Canada Revenue Agency ; Statistics Canada ; PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries — individual income tax ; Numbeo — cost of living (crowdsourced prices) ; World Bank Open Data — economic and population indicators .
## France
Source page: https://countrydesire.com/country/france
Capital: Paris. Continent: Europe. Currency: EUR. Official languages: French.
France offers excellent public services, generous holidays and a food culture that shapes daily life, from Paris to small towns where living costs fall sharply. Taxes and social charges are high, and French is essential for work and admin outside international firms.
Best for: Professionals with French-speaking skills, retirees with stable income, and families who value public services.
Pros: Strong public healthcare and schools; Five weeks of paid leave and a 35-hour legal work week; Affordable living outside Paris and the Côte d’Azur.
Cons: High social charges on salaries and self-employment; Bureaucracy can be slow and paper-heavy; Paris rents and apartment sizes are challenging.
Cost of living (monthly, USD): index 74 (New York = 100); 1-bedroom rent $1,000; 3-bedroom rent $2,000; groceries $350; transport $75; utilities $160; internet $30.
Taxes: income tax brackets (USD equivalent) 0% from $0 to $10,777; 11% from $10,778 to $27,478; 30% from $27,479 to $78,570; 41% from $78,571 to $168,994; 45% from $168,995. VAT 20%. Corporate tax 25%. Capital gains 30%. Employee social security 22%.
Jobs: average salary $44,000 a year; unemployment 7.1%; finding work is moderate for foreigners; work permit required for most non-residents. Top industries: Aerospace, Luxury Goods, Tourism, Agriculture, Technology.
Residency routes: Talent Passport (Passeport Talent) (Multi-year permit for skilled employees, researchers, founders and investors.) Long-stay visitor visa (For people who can support themselves without working in France, often used by retirees.) Salaried employee visa (Requires a job offer and employer authorisation.)
Healthcare: After three months of residence you can join PUMa, the public system, which reimburses most costs; many people add a top-up “mutuelle” policy.
Official sources: France-Visas (official visa website) ; impots.gouv.fr — French tax administration ; INSEE — National statistics ; PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries — individual income tax ; Numbeo — cost of living (crowdsourced prices) ; World Bank Open Data — economic and population indicators .
## Brazil
Source page: https://countrydesire.com/country/brazil
Capital: Brasilia. Continent: South America. Currency: BRL. Official languages: Portuguese.
Brazil offers warm weather, vibrant cities and a low cost of living for people earning in foreign currency. It was an early adopter of a digital nomad visa, but safety varies by neighbourhood, bureaucracy is heavy and Portuguese is essential.
Best for: Remote workers and retirees with foreign income who speak or will learn Portuguese.
Pros: Low cost of living outside São Paulo and Rio; Dedicated digital nomad and retiree visas; Warm climate and rich cultural life.
Cons: High crime in parts of big cities; Complex tax and banking bureaucracy; Local salaries are low for foreigners working locally.
Cost of living (monthly, USD): index 35 (New York = 100); 1-bedroom rent $350; 3-bedroom rent $700; groceries $200; transport $45; utilities $70; internet $25.
Taxes: income tax brackets (USD equivalent) 0% from $0 to $22,847; 7.5% from $22,848 to $33,919; 15% from $33,920 to $45,012; 22.5% from $45,013 to $55,976; 27.5% from $55,977. VAT 17%. Corporate tax 34%. Capital gains 15%. Employee social security 11%.
Jobs: average salary $12,000 a year; unemployment 8%; finding work is moderate for foreigners; work permit required for most non-residents. Top industries: Agriculture, Mining, Manufacturing, Oil & Gas, Technology.
Residency routes: Digital nomad visa (For remote workers employed by or contracting with foreign companies who meet an income requirement.) Retiree visa (For people with a stable pension above a monthly minimum.) Work visa (Requires a Brazilian employer and authorisation from the Ministry of Justice.)
Healthcare: The public SUS system is free for everyone including foreign residents, but waits can be long; most expats use private health plans.
Official sources: Federal Police — Immigration (Polícia Federal) ; Receita Federal — Federal Revenue ; IBGE — Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics ; PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries — individual income tax ; Numbeo — cost of living (crowdsourced prices) ; World Bank Open Data — economic and population indicators .
## United Arab Emirates
Source page: https://countrydesire.com/country/united-arab-emirates
Capital: Abu Dhabi. Continent: Middle East. Currency: AED. Official languages: Arabic.
The UAE, led by Dubai and Abu Dhabi, attracts professionals with no personal income tax, modern infrastructure and flexible long-term visas. Residency is usually tied to a job, business or investment, and rents in popular areas of Dubai have risen sharply.
Best for: High earners, entrepreneurs and remote workers who want tax efficiency and a global travel hub.
Pros: No personal income tax on salaries; Very safe, with world-class airports and infrastructure; Long-term Golden Visa and remote work options.
Cons: Rents in Dubai have risen sharply; Extreme summer heat from June to September; Residency usually depends on keeping your job or business.
Cost of living (monthly, USD): index 65 (New York = 100); 1-bedroom rent $1,500; 3-bedroom rent $3,000; groceries $350; transport $80; utilities $130; internet $80.
Taxes: income tax brackets (USD equivalent) 0% from $0. VAT 5%. Corporate tax 9%. Capital gains 0%. Employee social security 5%.
Jobs: average salary $45,000 a year; unemployment 2.9%; finding work is moderate for foreigners; work permit required for most non-residents. Top industries: Oil & Gas, Finance, Real Estate, Tourism, Technology.
Residency routes: Employment residence visa (Sponsored by your employer; the most common route.) Golden Visa (Ten-year renewable residence for investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals and exceptional talents.) Remote work visa (One-year residence for people employed by companies outside the UAE who meet an income threshold.) Green Visa (Five-year self-sponsored residence for freelancers and skilled employees.)
Healthcare: Health insurance is mandatory for residents in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, usually provided by employers. Private hospitals are modern but expensive without cover.
Official sources: ICP — Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security ; Federal Tax Authority ; The Official Portal of the UAE Government ; PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries — individual income tax ; Numbeo — cost of living (crowdsourced prices) ; World Bank Open Data — economic and population indicators .
## South Africa
Source page: https://countrydesire.com/country/south-africa
Capital: Pretoria. Continent: Africa. Currency: ZAR. Official languages: Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans, English, Northern Sotho, Tswana, Sotho, Tsonga, Swazi, Venda, Ndebele.
South Africa offers dramatic landscapes, a mild climate and a low cost of living for foreign earners, with Cape Town especially popular with remote workers. Crime, electricity supply problems and unemployment are real challenges, and safety varies greatly by area.
Best for: Remote workers, retirees with foreign income and professionals in critical-skills occupations.
Pros: Low cost of living for foreign-currency earners; World-class nature, wine regions and coastline; English widely used in business.
Cons: High crime rates in parts of major cities; Periodic electricity load-shedding in recent years; High unemployment limits local job options.
Cost of living (monthly, USD): index 30 (New York = 100); 1-bedroom rent $400; 3-bedroom rent $800; groceries $180; transport $40; utilities $70; internet $35.
Taxes: income tax brackets (USD equivalent) 18% from $0 to $226,000; 26% from $226,001 to $353,100; 31% from $353,101 to $488,700; 36% from $488,701 to $641,400; 39% from $641,401 to $817,600; 41% from $817,601 to $1,731,600; 45% from $1,731,601. VAT 15%. Corporate tax 27%. Capital gains 18%. Employee social security 1%.
Jobs: average salary $15,000 a year; unemployment 32.9%; finding work is difficult for foreigners; work permit required for most non-residents. Top industries: Mining, Finance, Manufacturing, Tourism, Agriculture.
Residency routes: Critical Skills Work Visa (For professionals in occupations on the government’s critical skills list.) General Work Visa (Requires a job offer and proof no suitable local candidate was found.) Retired Person’s Visa (For people with a qualifying monthly pension or income.) Remote work visa (For people employed by foreign companies who meet an annual income threshold.)
Healthcare: Public hospitals are under strain; most expats and middle-income South Africans use private medical schemes, which are high quality.
Official sources: Department of Home Affairs ; SARS — South African Revenue Service ; Statistics South Africa ; PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries — individual income tax ; Numbeo — cost of living (crowdsourced prices) ; World Bank Open Data — economic and population indicators .
## Mexico
Source page: https://countrydesire.com/country/mexico
Capital: Mexico City. Continent: North America. Currency: MXN. Official languages: Spanish.
Mexico is one of the most popular destinations for North American retirees and remote workers, thanks to a shared time zone, low costs outside tourist hot spots and a straightforward temporary residency process based on income or savings. Safety varies considerably by state.
Best for: Retirees and remote workers from the US and Canada, and anyone who wants a lower cost of living nearby.
Pros: Temporary residency based on proven income or savings; Low cost of living in cities like Mérida and Querétaro; Same time zones as much of the US.
Cons: Security varies widely; check travel advisories by state; Rising rents in Mexico City neighbourhoods popular with foreigners; Residency applications start at a Mexican consulate abroad.
Cost of living (monthly, USD): index 30 (New York = 100); 1-bedroom rent $450; 3-bedroom rent $900; groceries $200; transport $30; utilities $40; internet $25.
Taxes: income tax brackets (USD equivalent) 1.92% from $0 to $8,952; 6.4% from $8,953 to $75,984; 10.88% from $75,985 to $133,536; 16% from $133,537 to $155,232; 17.92% from $155,233 to $185,832; 21.36% from $185,833 to $374,832; 23.52% from $374,833 to $590,832; 30% from $590,833 to $1,127,952; 35% from $1,127,953. VAT 16%. Corporate tax 30%. Capital gains 10%. Employee social security 6.5%.
Jobs: average salary $10,000 a year; unemployment 3.3%; finding work is moderate for foreigners; work permit required for most non-residents. Top industries: Automotive, Oil & Gas, Tourism, Agriculture, Manufacturing.
Residency routes: Temporary resident visa (Up to four years for people who meet income or savings requirements; common for remote workers.) Permanent resident visa (For retirees with qualifying pension income, or after four years of temporary residency.) Work visa (Requires a job offer from a registered Mexican employer.)
Healthcare: Private care is affordable and good in major cities; residents can also apply to the public IMSS system for a yearly fee.
Official sources: INM — National Migration Institute ; SAT — Tax Administration Service ; INEGI — National statistics ; PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries — individual income tax ; Numbeo — cost of living (crowdsourced prices) ; World Bank Open Data — economic and population indicators .
## Italy
Source page: https://countrydesire.com/country/italy
Capital: Rome. Continent: Europe. Currency: EUR. Official languages: Italian.
Italy offers extraordinary culture, food and scenery, with living costs in the south and in small towns well below the EU’s big capitals. Salaries are modest and bureaucracy is slow, so it suits people bringing their own income more than local job seekers.
Best for: Retirees, remote workers and people with passive income who value lifestyle over salary.
Pros: Low costs in southern regions and smaller towns; Dedicated digital nomad and elective residence visas; World-famous food, culture and landscapes.
Cons: Low local salaries and slow career progression; Slow, complex bureaucracy; Work visas depend on annual quotas.
Cost of living (monthly, USD): index 58 (New York = 100); 1-bedroom rent $700; 3-bedroom rent $1,300; groceries $300; transport $45; utilities $130; internet $30.
Taxes: income tax brackets (USD equivalent) 23% from $0 to $28,000; 35% from $28,001 to $50,000; 43% from $50,001. VAT 22%. Corporate tax 24%. Capital gains 26%. Employee social security 9.19%.
Jobs: average salary $35,000 a year; unemployment 7.7%; finding work is difficult for foreigners; work permit required for most non-residents. Top industries: Fashion, Automotive, Tourism, Food & Wine, Engineering.
Residency routes: Digital nomad / remote worker visa (For highly qualified remote workers with income above a set threshold.) Elective residence visa (For people with substantial passive income who will not work in Italy.) EU Blue Card and work visas (Employer-sponsored routes; many work visas are subject to annual quotas.)
Healthcare: Residents can register with the national health service (SSN); some visa holders pay an annual voluntary contribution or need private cover.
Official sources: Visa for Italy — Ministry of Foreign Affairs ; Agenzia delle Entrate — Revenue Agency ; ISTAT — National statistics ; PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries — individual income tax ; Numbeo — cost of living (crowdsourced prices) ; World Bank Open Data — economic and population indicators .
## South Korea
Source page: https://countrydesire.com/country/south-korea
Capital: Seoul. Continent: Asia. Currency: KRW. Official languages: Korean.
South Korea combines ultra-fast internet, efficient cities and a booming cultural scene with a competitive, hierarchical work culture. Seoul is expensive for housing deposits but cheap for transport and eating out, and Korea has introduced a workation visa for remote workers.
Best for: Tech professionals, English teachers, and remote workers who want a modern Asian base.
Pros: Excellent public transport and digital infrastructure; Very safe cities; Affordable eating out and healthcare.
Cons: Large key-money deposits for rentals; Long hours and hierarchy in traditional workplaces; Korean language needed for most jobs.
Cost of living (monthly, USD): index 62 (New York = 100); 1-bedroom rent $600; 3-bedroom rent $1,400; groceries $350; transport $55; utilities $100; internet $20.
Taxes: income tax brackets (USD equivalent) 6% from $0 to $14,000; 15% from $14,001 to $50,000; 24% from $50,001 to $88,000; 35% from $88,001 to $150,000; 38% from $150,001 to $300,000; 40% from $300,001 to $500,000; 45% from $500,001. VAT 10%. Corporate tax 24%. Capital gains 22%. Employee social security 9%.
Jobs: average salary $38,000 a year; unemployment 2.7%; finding work is moderate for foreigners; work permit required for most non-residents. Top industries: Electronics, Automotive, K-Pop & Entertainment, Shipbuilding, Technology.
Residency routes: E-7 professional employment visa (For foreign professionals sponsored by a Korean employer.) Workation visa (F-1-D) (For remote workers employed abroad who meet a high income requirement.) D-10 job seeker visa (Lets qualified foreigners stay while looking for professional work.) F-2-7 points-based residence (Long-term residence for qualified professionals who score enough points.)
Healthcare: Foreign residents staying six months or more must join the National Health Insurance Service, which is inexpensive and covers most treatment.
Official sources: HiKorea — Immigration portal ; National Tax Service ; Statistics Korea ; PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries — individual income tax ; Numbeo — cost of living (crowdsourced prices) ; World Bank Open Data — economic and population indicators .
## Spain
Source page: https://countrydesire.com/country/spain
Capital: Madrid. Continent: Europe. Currency: EUR. Official languages: Spanish.
Spain is one of Europe’s most popular destinations for remote workers and retirees, with sunshine, a relaxed pace and costs well below northern Europe outside Madrid and Barcelona. Its digital nomad visa is well established, while the property-based golden visa has been abolished.
Best for: Remote workers, retirees and families who prioritise lifestyle and climate.
Pros: Well-established digital nomad visa; Mild climate and outdoor lifestyle; Good public healthcare and transport.
Cons: High unemployment and modest local salaries; Rising rents in Madrid, Barcelona, Málaga and the islands; Slow appointment systems for residency paperwork.
Cost of living (monthly, USD): index 50 (New York = 100); 1-bedroom rent $650; 3-bedroom rent $1,200; groceries $250; transport $45; utilities $110; internet $35.
Taxes: income tax brackets (USD equivalent) 19% from $0 to $12,450; 24% from $12,451 to $20,200; 30% from $20,201 to $35,200; 37% from $35,201 to $60,000; 45% from $60,001 to $300,000; 47% from $300,001. VAT 21%. Corporate tax 25%. Capital gains 23%. Employee social security 6.35%.
Jobs: average salary $30,000 a year; unemployment 11.7%; finding work is moderate for foreigners; work permit required for most non-residents. Top industries: Tourism, Automotive, Agriculture, Renewable Energy, Technology.
Residency routes: Digital nomad visa (For remote workers and freelancers mainly working for clients outside Spain, with an income threshold.) Non-lucrative visa (For people with enough passive income or savings who will not work in Spain.) Highly qualified professional / EU Blue Card (Employer-based routes for skilled workers.)
Healthcare: Residents who work or pay into social security use the public system; non-lucrative visa holders need private insurance, and a paid public scheme exists in some regions.
Official sources: Ministry of Foreign Affairs — Visas ; Agencia Tributaria — Tax Agency ; INE — National Statistics Institute ; PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries — individual income tax ; Numbeo — cost of living (crowdsourced prices) ; World Bank Open Data — economic and population indicators .
## India
Source page: https://countrydesire.com/country/india
Capital: New Delhi. Continent: Asia. Currency: INR. Official languages: Hindi, English.
India offers a very low cost of living, a vast tech sector in Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Pune, and enormous cultural diversity. For foreigners, residence is mostly tied to employment or Indian heritage, and quality of life depends heavily on city and budget.
Best for: Professionals transferred by multinational employers and people of Indian origin with OCI status.
Pros: Very low cost of living, especially for domestic services; Huge tech and outsourcing sector; OCI status gives people of Indian origin lifelong visa-free entry.
Cons: Air pollution in many northern cities; Traffic and infrastructure gaps; Employment visas have minimum salary requirements.
Cost of living (monthly, USD): index 22 (New York = 100); 1-bedroom rent $200; 3-bedroom rent $500; groceries $100; transport $15; utilities $30; internet $10.
Taxes: income tax brackets (USD equivalent) 0% from $0 to $3,600; 5% from $3,601 to $7,200; 10% from $7,201 to $12,000; 15% from $12,001 to $18,000; 20% from $18,001 to $24,000; 30% from $24,001. VAT 18%. Corporate tax 25%. Capital gains 15%. Employee social security 12%.
Jobs: average salary $7,000 a year; unemployment 7.5%; finding work is moderate for foreigners; work permit required for most non-residents. Top industries: Information Technology, Pharmaceuticals, Textiles, Agriculture, Automotive.
Residency routes: Employment visa (For foreigners employed by an Indian company, subject to a minimum salary.) Business visa (For business visits and setting up ventures, not ordinary employment.) Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) (For people of Indian origin and spouses; allows living and working in India.)
Healthcare: Private hospitals in big cities are high quality and affordable by Western standards; public hospitals are overcrowded. Expats usually buy private insurance.
Official sources: Indian Visa Online (official) ; Income Tax Department ; Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation ; PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries — individual income tax ; Numbeo — cost of living (crowdsourced prices) ; World Bank Open Data — economic and population indicators .
## Netherlands
Source page: https://countrydesire.com/country/netherlands
Capital: Amsterdam. Continent: Europe. Currency: EUR. Official languages: Dutch.
The Netherlands is one of Europe’s easiest countries to work in using only English, with an efficient visa route for sponsored skilled migrants and a tax break for recruited expats. The catch is a severe housing shortage, especially in Amsterdam, Utrecht and The Hague.
Best for: Skilled professionals with an employer sponsor, and US entrepreneurs using the DAFT treaty.
Pros: English is widely spoken at work; Fast highly skilled migrant permit through recognised sponsors; Cycling-friendly cities and a strong work–life balance.
Cons: Severe housing shortage and high rents; High income tax on higher earnings; Wet, grey weather much of the year.
Cost of living (monthly, USD): index 68 (New York = 100); 1-bedroom rent $1,100; 3-bedroom rent $1,800; groceries $300; transport $90; utilities $180; internet $40.
Taxes: income tax brackets (USD equivalent) 36.93% from $0 to $73,031; 49.5% from $73,032. VAT 21%. Corporate tax 25.8%. Capital gains 36%. Employee social security 27.65%.
Jobs: average salary $52,000 a year; unemployment 3.5%; finding work is easy for foreigners; work permit required for most non-residents. Top industries: Technology, Agriculture, Finance, Logistics, Energy.
Residency routes: Highly skilled migrant (kennismigrant) (Employer-sponsored permit with salary thresholds; employers must be IND-recognised sponsors.) Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) (Self-employment residence for US citizens with a modest business investment.) Orientation year (zoekjaar) (For recent graduates of Dutch or top-ranked foreign universities to find work.)
Healthcare: Basic private health insurance is compulsory for residents and is regulated by the government; premiums are modest and there is an annual deductible.
Official sources: IND — Immigration and Naturalisation Service ; Belastingdienst — Tax and Customs Administration ; CBS — Statistics Netherlands ; PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries — individual income tax ; Numbeo — cost of living (crowdsourced prices) ; World Bank Open Data — economic and population indicators .
## Thailand
Source page: https://countrydesire.com/country/thailand
Capital: Bangkok. Continent: Asia. Currency: THB. Official languages: Thai.
Thailand is one of the world’s most popular bases for digital nomads and retirees, with low living costs, good private hospitals and a warm climate. It has introduced long-stay visas aimed at remote workers and wealthy residents, but working for Thai clients still requires a work permit.
Best for: Digital nomads, retirees over 50 and remote workers with foreign income.
Pros: Low cost of living outside central Bangkok and resort areas; Long-stay options such as the Destination Thailand Visa; Excellent, affordable private hospitals.
Cons: Seasonal air pollution in the north; Working for Thai companies requires a work permit; Visa rules and reporting requirements change often.
Cost of living (monthly, USD): index 32 (New York = 100); 1-bedroom rent $350; 3-bedroom rent $750; groceries $150; transport $30; utilities $50; internet $15.
Taxes: income tax brackets (USD equivalent) 0% from $0 to $4,300; 5% from $4,301 to $8,600; 10% from $8,601 to $14,300; 15% from $14,301 to $17,200; 20% from $17,201 to $28,600; 25% from $28,601 to $57,200; 30% from $57,201 to $143,000; 35% from $143,001. VAT 7%. Corporate tax 20%. Capital gains 15%. Employee social security 5%.
Jobs: average salary $12,000 a year; unemployment 1.1%; finding work is moderate for foreigners; work permit required for most non-residents. Top industries: Tourism, Electronics, Agriculture, Automotive, Food Processing.
Residency routes: Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) (Multi-year, multiple-entry visa for remote workers and people taking part in approved activities.) Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa (Ten-year visa for wealthy individuals, retirees, remote workers and highly skilled professionals meeting income criteria.) Retirement visa (Non-Immigrant O / O-A) (For people aged 50+ with savings or pension income.) Non-Immigrant B visa with work permit (For people employed by a Thai company.)
Healthcare: Private hospitals in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket are among the best in Southeast Asia. Expats usually need private insurance; some visas require it.
Official sources: Thai e-Visa (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) ; Long-Term Resident visa (Board of Investment) ; Revenue Department ; PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries — individual income tax ; Numbeo — cost of living (crowdsourced prices) ; World Bank Open Data — economic and population indicators .
## Portugal
Source page: https://countrydesire.com/country/portugal
Capital: Lisbon. Continent: Europe. Currency: EUR. Official languages: Portuguese.
Portugal combines mild weather, safety and a friendly, English-speaking expat scene with some of the most accessible visas in Europe for remote workers and people with passive income. Lisbon and Porto rents have risen quickly, and the old NHR tax regime has been replaced by a narrower scheme.
Best for: Remote workers, retirees and people with passive income looking for an EU base.
Pros: Accessible D7 passive-income and D8 digital nomad visas; Among the safest countries in Europe; Lower costs outside Lisbon and the Algarve.
Cons: Rapidly rising rents in Lisbon and Porto; Low local salaries; Residency appointments can face long backlogs.
Cost of living (monthly, USD): index 42 (New York = 100); 1-bedroom rent $650; 3-bedroom rent $1,100; groceries $220; transport $40; utilities $100; internet $30.
Taxes: income tax brackets (USD equivalent) 14.5% from $0 to $7,703; 23% from $7,704 to $11,623; 26.5% from $11,624 to $16,472; 28.5% from $16,473 to $21,321; 35% from $21,322 to $27,146; 37% from $27,147 to $39,791; 43.5% from $39,792 to $51,997; 45% from $51,998 to $81,199; 48% from $81,200. VAT 23%. Corporate tax 21%. Capital gains 28%. Employee social security 11%.
Jobs: average salary $22,000 a year; unemployment 6.5%; finding work is moderate for foreigners; work permit required for most non-residents. Top industries: Tourism, Technology, Cork & Wine, Textiles, Renewable Energy.
Residency routes: D7 passive income visa (For retirees and people with regular passive income such as pensions, rent or dividends.) D8 digital nomad visa (For remote workers earning at least four times the Portuguese minimum wage.) Highly qualified activity / Tech visa (For skilled professionals with a Portuguese job offer.)
Healthcare: Legal residents can register with the national health service (SNS); many expats also buy affordable private insurance for faster access.
Official sources: AIMA — Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum ; Portuguese visas portal (MNE) ; Portal das Finanças — Tax Authority ; PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries — individual income tax ; Numbeo — cost of living (crowdsourced prices) ; World Bank Open Data — economic and population indicators .
## Singapore
Source page: https://countrydesire.com/country/singapore
Capital: Singapore. Continent: Asia. Currency: SGD. Official languages: English, Mandarin, Malay, Tamil.
Singapore is Asia’s leading business hub: safe, efficient, English-speaking and lightly taxed, with top salaries in finance and tech. It is also one of the most expensive cities in the world for housing and cars, and work passes are tied to salary and points thresholds.
Best for: Well-paid professionals, executives and founders relocating with a company.
Pros: Low personal income tax rates; Very safe, clean and efficient; English is the language of business.
Cons: Very high rents and car ownership costs; Work passes depend on salary thresholds and points; Hot and humid all year.
Cost of living (monthly, USD): index 85 (New York = 100); 1-bedroom rent $2,000; 3-bedroom rent $3,800; groceries $350; transport $80; utilities $120; internet $35.
Taxes: income tax brackets (USD equivalent) 0% from $0 to $20,000; 2% from $20,001 to $30,000; 3.5% from $30,001 to $40,000; 7% from $40,001 to $80,000; 11.5% from $80,001 to $120,000; 15% from $120,001 to $160,000; 18% from $160,001 to $200,000; 19% from $200,001 to $240,000; 19.5% from $240,001 to $280,000; 20% from $280,001 to $320,000; 22% from $320,001. VAT 9%. Corporate tax 17%. Capital gains 0%. Employee social security 20%.
Jobs: average salary $55,000 a year; unemployment 2%; finding work is moderate for foreigners; work permit required for most non-residents. Top industries: Finance, Technology, Biomedical, Logistics, Oil & Gas.
Residency routes: Employment Pass (For professionals, managers and executives; assessed with salary criteria and the COMPASS points framework.) S Pass (For mid-skilled workers, subject to employer quotas.) ONE Pass (Five-year pass for top talent in business, arts, sports, science and research.) EntrePass (For founders starting a venture-backed or innovative business.)
Healthcare: Healthcare is excellent but costly for foreigners, who are not covered by the national MediSave system; employers usually provide insurance.
Official sources: Ministry of Manpower — Work passes ; IRAS — Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore ; Singapore Department of Statistics ; PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries — individual income tax ; Numbeo — cost of living (crowdsourced prices) ; World Bank Open Data — economic and population indicators .
## Colombia
Source page: https://countrydesire.com/country/colombia
Capital: Bogotá. Continent: South America. Currency: COP. Official languages: Spanish.
Colombia has become a favourite for digital nomads, with spring-like weather in Medellín, a low cost of living and a dedicated remote-work visa. Safety has improved greatly but still varies by city and neighbourhood, and Spanish makes daily life far easier.
Best for: Digital nomads, retirees with pensions and Spanish learners.
Pros: Dedicated digital nomad visa; Low cost of living and mild climate in Medellín; Friendly culture and good domestic flights.
Cons: Petty crime and scams targeting foreigners; Spanish needed outside tourist areas; Local salaries are low.
Cost of living (monthly, USD): index 26 (New York = 100); 1-bedroom rent $350; 3-bedroom rent $700; groceries $150; transport $25; utilities $40; internet $20.
Taxes: income tax brackets (USD equivalent) 0% from $0 to $10,200; 19% from $10,201 to $16,000; 28% from $16,001 to $37,200; 33% from $37,201 to $69,500; 35% from $69,501 to $150,000; 39% from $150,001. VAT 19%. Corporate tax 35%. Capital gains 15%. Employee social security 8%.
Jobs: average salary $8,000 a year; unemployment 10.5%; finding work is moderate for foreigners; work permit required for most non-residents. Top industries: Oil & Gas, Coffee & Agriculture, Tourism, Technology, Mining.
Residency routes: Digital nomad visa (V type) (For remote workers employed abroad who meet a monthly income requirement.) Migrant visa (M type) (Covers retirees with pensions, workers with local contracts, investors and spouses of Colombians.) Resident visa (R type) (Permanent residence after several years on qualifying M visas, or via investment.)
Healthcare: Residents can join the EPS health system; private care in Bogotá and Medellín is good and affordable.
Official sources: Cancillería — Visas ; Migración Colombia ; DIAN — Tax and Customs Authority ; PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries — individual income tax ; Numbeo — cost of living (crowdsourced prices) ; World Bank Open Data — economic and population indicators .
## Sweden
Source page: https://countrydesire.com/country/sweden
Capital: Stockholm. Continent: Europe. Currency: SEK. Official languages: Swedish.
Sweden offers high trust, excellent work–life balance and generous parental leave, and many tech and engineering companies work in English. Taxes are high and housing queues in Stockholm can take years, so most newcomers start with sublets.
Best for: Tech and engineering professionals, and families who value parental benefits and public services.
Pros: Outstanding parental leave and childcare; English widely used in tech workplaces; High trust, safety and gender equality.
Cons: High income taxes on middle and upper earnings; Long queues for first-hand rental contracts; Dark winters, especially in the north.
Cost of living (monthly, USD): index 72 (New York = 100); 1-bedroom rent $900; 3-bedroom rent $1,500; groceries $300; transport $80; utilities $70; internet $30.
Taxes: income tax brackets (USD equivalent) 32% from $0 to $54,000; 52% from $54,001 to $78,000; 57% from $78,001. VAT 25%. Corporate tax 20.6%. Capital gains 30%. Employee social security 7%.
Jobs: average salary $48,000 a year; unemployment 7.5%; finding work is moderate for foreigners; work permit required for most non-residents. Top industries: Technology, Automotive, Pharmaceuticals, Forestry, Gaming.
Residency routes: Work permit (Requires a job offer meeting a minimum salary threshold and Swedish collective-agreement terms.) EU Blue Card (For highly qualified workers with a high salary offer.) Self-employment permit (For people starting or buying a business in Sweden.)
Healthcare: Residents registered in Sweden use the regional public system with low patient fees; private options are limited but growing.
Official sources: Migrationsverket — Swedish Migration Agency ; Skatteverket — Swedish Tax Agency ; Statistics Sweden (SCB) ; PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries — individual income tax ; Numbeo — cost of living (crowdsourced prices) ; World Bank Open Data — economic and population indicators .
## New Zealand
Source page: https://countrydesire.com/country/new-zealand
Capital: Wellington. Continent: Oceania. Currency: NZD. Official languages: English, Māori.
New Zealand offers spectacular nature, a relaxed pace and a clear skilled-migration system, but wages are lower and housing costs higher than many newcomers expect. Distance is the biggest trade-off: flights to Europe take a full day.
Best for: Skilled workers in shortage occupations, young working holidaymakers and nature lovers.
Pros: Points-based skilled migrant residence; Outstanding outdoor lifestyle; Low corruption and high safety.
Cons: Lower salaries than Australia for many jobs; High housing costs in Auckland; Geographic isolation and expensive flights.
Cost of living (monthly, USD): index 68 (New York = 100); 1-bedroom rent $1,100; 3-bedroom rent $1,900; groceries $350; transport $80; utilities $120; internet $55.
Taxes: income tax brackets (USD equivalent) 10.5% from $0 to $14,000; 17.5% from $14,001 to $48,000; 30% from $48,001 to $70,000; 33% from $70,001 to $180,000; 39% from $180,001. VAT 15%. Corporate tax 28%. Capital gains 0%. Employee social security 0%.
Jobs: average salary $42,000 a year; unemployment 3.4%; finding work is moderate for foreigners; work permit required for most non-residents. Top industries: Agriculture, Tourism, Film Production, Technology, Wine.
Residency routes: Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) (Work visa sponsored by an accredited New Zealand employer.) Skilled Migrant Category resident visa (Points-based residence for skilled workers with a qualifying job.) Working Holiday visa (For young people from partner countries to travel and work.)
Healthcare: Residents and those on work visas of two years or more usually qualify for public healthcare; many people add private insurance to skip elective surgery waits.
Official sources: Immigration New Zealand ; Inland Revenue (IRD) ; Stats NZ ; PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries — individual income tax ; Numbeo — cost of living (crowdsourced prices) ; World Bank Open Data — economic and population indicators .
## Argentina
Source page: https://countrydesire.com/country/argentina
Capital: Buenos Aires. Continent: South America. Currency: ARS. Official languages: Spanish.
Argentina offers European-style cities, world-class food and wine, and prices that can feel very low to people earning in foreign currency. Inflation and currency rules have been extreme in recent years, so costs and exchange rates can change fast.
Best for: Remote workers, retirees with foreign income and people comfortable with economic volatility.
Pros: Digital nomad, rentista and retiree visas; Rich culture in Buenos Aires and wine regions; Low costs for foreign-currency earners in many periods.
Cons: High inflation and frequent economic policy changes; Local salaries are low and volatile; Slow bureaucracy.
Cost of living (monthly, USD): index 28 (New York = 100); 1-bedroom rent $300; 3-bedroom rent $600; groceries $150; transport $15; utilities $25; internet $20.
Taxes: income tax brackets (USD equivalent) 5% from $0 to $5,000; 9% from $5,001 to $10,000; 12% from $10,001 to $15,000; 15% from $15,001 to $30,000; 19% from $30,001 to $60,000; 23% from $60,001 to $90,000; 27% from $90,001 to $120,000; 35% from $120,001. VAT 21%. Corporate tax 35%. Capital gains 15%. Employee social security 17%.
Jobs: average salary $6,000 a year; unemployment 6.3%; finding work is difficult for foreigners; work permit required for most non-residents. Top industries: Agriculture, Automotive, Technology, Mining, Tourism.
Residency routes: Digital nomad visa (For remote workers employed by foreign companies.) Rentista visa (For people with stable passive income from abroad.) Pensionado visa (For retirees with a qualifying monthly pension.)
Healthcare: Public hospitals are free to all, including foreigners, but can be crowded; most expats use private “prepaga” plans.
Official sources: Dirección Nacional de Migraciones ; ARCA — Tax and customs agency (formerly AFIP) ; INDEC — National statistics ; PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries — individual income tax ; Numbeo — cost of living (crowdsourced prices) ; World Bank Open Data — economic and population indicators .
## Egypt
Source page: https://countrydesire.com/country/egypt
Capital: Cairo. Continent: Africa. Currency: EGP. Official languages: Arabic.
Egypt offers a very low cost of living, year-round sunshine and a strategic location between Africa, the Middle East and Europe. Most foreign residents live in Cairo’s expat districts or Red Sea towns like Hurghada, and residence is usually tied to work, study, marriage or property.
Best for: Remote workers and retirees with foreign income, and professionals posted by international employers.
Pros: Very low day-to-day costs; Rich history and Red Sea coast; Affordable domestic help and services.
Cons: Traffic, pollution and noise in Cairo; Currency volatility and import costs; Slow bureaucracy for residence permits.
Cost of living (monthly, USD): index 20 (New York = 100); 1-bedroom rent $150; 3-bedroom rent $350; groceries $80; transport $10; utilities $20; internet $10.
Taxes: income tax brackets (USD equivalent) 0% from $0 to $600; 10% from $601 to $1,800; 15% from $1,801 to $4,200; 20% from $4,201 to $12,000; 22.5% from $12,001 to $24,000; 25% from $24,001. VAT 14%. Corporate tax 22.5%. Capital gains 10%. Employee social security 11%.
Jobs: average salary $4,000 a year; unemployment 7.2%; finding work is difficult for foreigners; work permit required for most non-residents. Top industries: Tourism, Agriculture, Oil & Gas, Textiles, Construction.
Residency routes: Employment residence permit (Requires a work permit from an Egyptian employer.) Residence through property (Foreigners who buy qualifying property can apply for renewable residence.) Tourist residence (Longer non-working residence for people who can show sufficient means.)
Healthcare: Private hospitals in Cairo and Alexandria are the main option for expats; international health insurance is recommended.
Official sources: Egypt e-Visa portal ; Egyptian Tax Authority ; CAPMAS — Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics ; PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries — individual income tax ; Numbeo — cost of living (crowdsourced prices) ; World Bank Open Data — economic and population indicators .
## Turkey
Source page: https://countrydesire.com/country/turkey
Capital: Ankara. Continent: Middle East. Currency: TRY. Official languages: Turkish.
Türkiye bridges Europe and Asia, with Istanbul’s energy, Mediterranean coastal towns and a low cost of living for foreign earners. High inflation means local prices rise quickly, and residence permit rules for certain neighbourhoods and nationalities have tightened.
Best for: Remote workers, retirees and investors who want a low-cost base close to Europe.
Pros: Low costs for foreign-currency earners; Excellent food, culture and coastline; Istanbul is a major aviation hub.
Cons: High inflation and currency swings; Residence permit restrictions in some districts; Earthquake risk in many regions.
Cost of living (monthly, USD): index 28 (New York = 100); 1-bedroom rent $300; 3-bedroom rent $600; groceries $150; transport $20; utilities $40; internet $15.
Taxes: income tax brackets (USD equivalent) 15% from $0 to $4,500; 20% from $4,501 to $11,000; 27% from $11,001 to $20,000; 35% from $20,001 to $80,000; 40% from $80,001. VAT 20%. Corporate tax 25%. Capital gains 0%. Employee social security 14%.
Jobs: average salary $10,000 a year; unemployment 9.8%; finding work is moderate for foreigners; work permit required for most non-residents. Top industries: Tourism, Automotive, Textiles, Agriculture, Construction.
Residency routes: Short-term residence permit (Renewable permit for tourism, property ownership or other purposes, with health insurance required.) Work permit (Employer-sponsored; doubles as a residence permit.) Citizenship by investment (For foreigners making a large qualifying real estate or financial investment.)
Healthcare: Private hospitals are modern and widely used by expats; residence permit applicants must show valid health insurance.
Official sources: Presidency of Migration Management ; Revenue Administration (GİB) ; TÜİK — Turkish Statistical Institute ; PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries — individual income tax ; Numbeo — cost of living (crowdsourced prices) ; World Bank Open Data — economic and population indicators .
## Vietnam
Source page: https://countrydesire.com/country/vietnam
Capital: Hanoi. Continent: Asia. Currency: VND. Official languages: Vietnamese.
Vietnam offers one of Asia’s lowest costs of living, fast-growing cities and superb street food. There is no digital nomad visa, so long stays rely on e-visas or employer-sponsored work permits, and Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi have very different climates and characters.
Best for: English teachers, professionals with local employers and budget-conscious remote workers.
Pros: Very low cost of living; E-visas of up to 90 days for many nationalities; Fast-growing economy and dynamic cities.
Cons: No dedicated digital nomad visa; Traffic and air pollution in big cities; Work permits require degrees and paperwork.
Cost of living (monthly, USD): index 24 (New York = 100); 1-bedroom rent $300; 3-bedroom rent $650; groceries $120; transport $15; utilities $40; internet $10.
Taxes: income tax brackets (USD equivalent) 5% from $0 to $2,400; 10% from $2,401 to $4,800; 15% from $4,801 to $8,400; 20% from $8,401 to $14,400; 25% from $14,401 to $24,000; 30% from $24,001 to $38,400; 35% from $38,401. VAT 10%. Corporate tax 20%. Capital gains 20%. Employee social security 10.5%.
Jobs: average salary $5,000 a year; unemployment 2.3%; finding work is moderate for foreigners; work permit required for most non-residents. Top industries: Manufacturing, Technology, Agriculture, Tourism, Textiles.
Residency routes: Work permit and temporary residence card (For foreigners employed by a Vietnamese company; the residence card allows multi-year stays.) E-visa (Single or multiple entry for up to 90 days; not for employment.) Investor visa (For foreigners investing in Vietnamese businesses.)
Healthcare: International clinics in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City provide good care at moderate prices; expats generally rely on private insurance.
Official sources: Vietnam e-Visa (Immigration Department) ; General Statistics Office of Vietnam ; Ministry of Finance ; PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries — individual income tax ; Numbeo — cost of living (crowdsourced prices) ; World Bank Open Data — economic and population indicators .
## Poland
Source page: https://countrydesire.com/country/poland
Capital: Warsaw. Continent: Europe. Currency: PLN. Official languages: Polish.
Poland is one of the EU’s fastest-growing economies, with a large tech sector in Warsaw, Kraków and Wrocław and living costs well below Western Europe. Many foreign IT workers contract through a Polish sole proprietorship, which can be tax-efficient.
Best for: IT professionals, engineers and people wanting an affordable EU base.
Pros: Low cost of living by EU standards; Strong IT and business services job market; Safe cities with good public transport.
Cons: Residence permit processing can be slow; Polish needed outside international companies; Cold winters and winter air pollution in some cities.
Cost of living (monthly, USD): index 38 (New York = 100); 1-bedroom rent $500; 3-bedroom rent $900; groceries $200; transport $30; utilities $100; internet $15.
Taxes: income tax brackets (USD equivalent) 12% from $0 to $30,000; 32% from $30,001. VAT 23%. Corporate tax 19%. Capital gains 19%. Employee social security 13.71%.
Jobs: average salary $22,000 a year; unemployment 2.8%; finding work is moderate for foreigners; work permit required for most non-residents. Top industries: IT & Software, Automotive, Gaming, Food Processing, Finance.
Residency routes: Temporary residence and work permit (Combined permit for people employed by a Polish company.) EU Blue Card (For highly qualified workers with a qualifying salary.) Residence for business activity (For people running a business registered in Poland.)
Healthcare: Employees are enrolled in the public NFZ system through payroll; many employers also offer private medical packages.
Official sources: Office for Foreigners (UDSC) ; podatki.gov.pl — Ministry of Finance ; Statistics Poland (GUS) ; PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries — individual income tax ; Numbeo — cost of living (crowdsourced prices) ; World Bank Open Data — economic and population indicators .
## Costa Rica
Source page: https://countrydesire.com/country/costa-rica
Capital: San José. Continent: Central America & Caribbean. Currency: CRC. Official languages: Spanish.
Costa Rica is known for political stability, biodiversity and its “pura vida” lifestyle, and has long attracted North American retirees. It offers clear residency categories based on pension, passive income or remote work, but costs are higher than elsewhere in Central America.
Best for: Retirees, remote workers and nature lovers from North America.
Pros: Stable democracy with no army since 1949; Pensionado, rentista and digital nomad residency routes; Outstanding natural beauty.
Cons: Higher prices than neighbouring countries, especially imports; Slow bureaucracy and road infrastructure; Petty theft in tourist areas.
Cost of living (monthly, USD): index 40 (New York = 100); 1-bedroom rent $500; 3-bedroom rent $900; groceries $250; transport $40; utilities $50; internet $30.
Taxes: income tax brackets (USD equivalent) 0% from $0 to $10,200; 10% from $10,201 to $15,000; 15% from $15,001 to $25,000; 20% from $25,001 to $50,000; 25% from $50,001. VAT 13%. Corporate tax 30%. Capital gains 15%. Employee social security 10.67%.
Jobs: average salary $14,000 a year; unemployment 11.5%; finding work is moderate for foreigners; work permit required for most non-residents. Top industries: Tourism, Technology, Agriculture, Medical Devices, Renewable Energy.
Residency routes: Digital nomad visa (For remote workers with a qualifying monthly income from outside Costa Rica.) Pensionado residency (For retirees with a lifetime pension above a monthly minimum.) Rentista residency (For people with guaranteed monthly income or a qualifying deposit.) Inversionista residency (For people making a qualifying investment.)
Healthcare: Legal residents must join the public CCSS (Caja) system; private hospitals in San José are good and relatively affordable.
Official sources: Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería ; Ministerio de Hacienda ; INEC — National statistics ; PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries — individual income tax ; Numbeo — cost of living (crowdsourced prices) ; World Bank Open Data — economic and population indicators .
## Nigeria
Source page: https://countrydesire.com/country/nigeria
Capital: Abuja. Continent: Africa. Currency: NGN. Official languages: English.
Nigeria is Africa’s most populous country, with a fast-moving tech and entertainment scene centred on Lagos. Foreigners usually move for work with oil, finance, telecom or tech companies; security, infrastructure and currency swings are significant considerations.
Best for: Professionals posted by international employers and entrepreneurs targeting Africa’s largest market.
Pros: Huge, young consumer market; Dynamic tech, music and film industries; English is the official language.
Cons: Security risks in several regions; Unreliable power supply; generators are common; Currency volatility and high inflation.
Cost of living (monthly, USD): index 22 (New York = 100); 1-bedroom rent $150; 3-bedroom rent $400; groceries $100; transport $15; utilities $25; internet $15.
Taxes: income tax brackets (USD equivalent) 7% from $0 to $800; 11% from $801 to $1,600; 15% from $1,601 to $3,200; 19% from $3,201 to $4,800; 21% from $4,801 to $8,500; 24% from $8,501. VAT 7.5%. Corporate tax 30%. Capital gains 10%. Employee social security 8%.
Jobs: average salary $4,000 a year; unemployment 33.3%; finding work is difficult for foreigners; work permit required for most non-residents. Top industries: Oil & Gas, Technology, Finance, Agriculture, Entertainment (Nollywood).
Residency routes: Subject to Regularisation (STR) visa (Entry visa for foreigners taking up employment with an approved company.) CERPAC residence permit (Combined expatriate residence permit and aliens card issued after arrival.) Business visa (For short business trips; does not permit employment.)
Healthcare: Private hospitals in Lagos and Abuja are the main option for expats; comprehensive international insurance with evacuation cover is strongly advised.
Official sources: Nigeria Immigration Service ; Federal Inland Revenue Service ; National Bureau of Statistics ; PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries — individual income tax ; Numbeo — cost of living (crowdsourced prices) ; World Bank Open Data — economic and population indicators .
## Greece
Source page: https://countrydesire.com/country/greece
Capital: Athens. Continent: Europe. Currency: EUR. Official languages: Greek.
Greece combines island and coastal living, mild winters and a lower cost of living than most of Western Europe. It offers a digital nomad visa, a financially independent person visa and a property-based Golden Visa, although minimum investment amounts have risen in popular areas.
Best for: Remote workers, retirees and investors seeking a Mediterranean EU base.
Pros: Digital nomad and financially independent visas; Mediterranean climate and lifestyle; Lower costs than most of Western Europe.
Cons: Low local salaries; Heavy bureaucracy; Islands can be isolated and expensive in winter.
Cost of living (monthly, USD): index 45 (New York = 100); 1-bedroom rent $450; 3-bedroom rent $800; groceries $250; transport $35; utilities $120; internet $25.
Taxes: income tax brackets (USD equivalent) 9% from $0 to $10,000; 22% from $10,001 to $20,000; 28% from $20,001 to $30,000; 36% from $30,001 to $40,000; 44% from $40,001. VAT 24%. Corporate tax 22%. Capital gains 15%. Employee social security 13.87%.
Jobs: average salary $18,000 a year; unemployment 11.2%; finding work is difficult for foreigners; work permit required for most non-residents. Top industries: Tourism, Shipping, Agriculture, Food Processing, Technology.
Residency routes: Digital nomad visa (For remote workers employed abroad with a minimum monthly income.) Financially independent person visa (For people with enough passive income who will not work in Greece.) Golden Visa (Residence through qualifying real estate or other investment; minimums depend on location.)
Healthcare: Residents contributing to social security use the public ESY system; many expats add private insurance, which is affordable.
Official sources: Ministry of Migration and Asylum ; AADE — Independent Authority for Public Revenue ; ELSTAT — Hellenic Statistical Authority ; PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries — individual income tax ; Numbeo — cost of living (crowdsourced prices) ; World Bank Open Data — economic and population indicators .
## Switzerland
Source page: https://countrydesire.com/country/switzerland
Capital: Bern. Continent: Europe. Currency: CHF. Official languages: German, French, Italian, Romansh.
Switzerland pays some of the highest salaries in the world and is safe, clean and superbly run, but it is also one of the most expensive places to live. EU and EFTA citizens can move fairly easily under free movement; everyone else generally needs a highly qualified job offer that fits within strict annual permit quotas.
Best for: Highly skilled professionals with a job offer, EU citizens, and wealthy non-working residents.
Pros: Very high salaries and low unemployment; Excellent healthcare, schools and public transport; Moderate income tax compared with most of Western Europe.
Cons: Very high rents, food and childcare costs; Non-EU work permits are capped by quota; Mandatory private health insurance is paid by each person.
Cost of living (monthly, USD): index 110 (New York = 100); 1-bedroom rent $2,000; 3-bedroom rent $3,500; groceries $550; transport $100; utilities $250; internet $55.
Taxes: income tax brackets (USD equivalent) 0% from $0 to $18,000; 8% from $18,001 to $35,000; 15% from $35,001 to $75,000; 25% from $75,001 to $150,000; 33% from $150,001. VAT 8.1%. Corporate tax 14.6%. Capital gains 0%. Employee social security 6.4%.
Jobs: average salary $95,000 a year; unemployment 2.8%; finding work is difficult for foreigners; work permit required for most non-residents. Top industries: Banking & Finance, Pharmaceuticals, Precision Engineering, Watchmaking, Tourism.
Residency routes: EU/EFTA free movement (EU and EFTA citizens with a job or sufficient funds receive an L (short-term) or B (residence) permit.) Non-EU work permit (L or B) (For qualified specialists hired by a Swiss employer that shows no suitable Swiss or EU candidate was found; issued within annual federal quotas.) Non-working residence (For financially independent people, often older, with large assets; some cantons offer lump-sum (expenditure-based) taxation.) Family reunification (Spouses and children of permit holders and Swiss citizens can usually join them.)
Healthcare: Basic health insurance is compulsory and bought individually from private insurers within three months of arrival. Premiums average several hundred francs a month per adult, plus a yearly deductible; low-income residents can get cantonal subsidies.
Official sources: SEM — State Secretariat for Migration ; Swiss Federal Tax Administration ; Federal Statistical Office ; PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries — individual income tax ; Numbeo — cost of living (crowdsourced prices) ; World Bank Open Data — economic and population indicators .
## Ireland
Source page: https://countrydesire.com/country/ireland
Capital: Dublin. Continent: Europe. Currency: EUR. Official languages: Irish, English.
Ireland is an English-speaking EU country and the European base for many of the world’s biggest tech and pharmaceutical companies, so skilled jobs are plentiful. The catch is housing: rents in Dublin are among the highest in Europe and supply is very tight.
Best for: Tech, pharma and finance professionals, EU citizens, and English speakers who want an EU base.
Pros: English-speaking with full EU membership; Strong job market in tech, pharma and finance; Critical Skills permit leads quickly to long-term residence.
Cons: Severe housing shortage and very high Dublin rents; High marginal tax: 40% income tax plus USC and PRSI; Public healthcare has long waiting lists.
Cost of living (monthly, USD): index 78 (New York = 100); 1-bedroom rent $2,000; 3-bedroom rent $3,200; groceries $350; transport $120; utilities $230; internet $55.
Taxes: income tax brackets (USD equivalent) 20% from $0 to $44,000; 40% from $44,001. VAT 23%. Corporate tax 12.5%. Capital gains 33%. Employee social security 4.2%.
Jobs: average salary $55,000 a year; unemployment 4.5%; finding work is moderate for foreigners; work permit required for most non-residents. Top industries: Technology, Pharmaceuticals, Financial Services, Medical Devices, Agri-food.
Residency routes: Critical Skills Employment Permit (For job offers in shortage occupations or above a high salary threshold; family can join immediately and holders can move to Stamp 4 after two years.) General Employment Permit (For other jobs not on the ineligible list, subject to a labour market needs test.) Third Level Graduate Programme (Stamp 1G) (Lets non-EU graduates of Irish universities stay to look for work for one to two years.) EU free movement and Common Travel Area (EU, EEA and Swiss citizens can live and work freely; UK citizens have equivalent rights under the Common Travel Area.)
Healthcare: Public healthcare is run by the HSE. GP visits usually cost €50 to €70 unless you qualify for a medical or GP visit card, and many residents buy private health insurance to shorten waiting times.
Official sources: Irish Immigration Service ; Employment permits — Department of Enterprise ; Revenue — Irish Tax and Customs ; Central Statistics Office ; PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries — individual income tax ; Numbeo — cost of living (crowdsourced prices) ; World Bank Open Data — economic and population indicators .
## Czech Republic
Source page: https://countrydesire.com/country/czech-republic
Capital: Prague. Continent: Europe. Currency: CZK. Official languages: Czech.
The Czech Republic offers Central European life at a moderate cost, with Prague as a beautiful, safe and well-connected capital. Its freelance trade licence (živnostenský list) has long been one of Europe’s most accessible routes for self-employed foreigners, and Brno has a growing tech scene.
Best for: Freelancers, IT and engineering professionals, and EU citizens wanting an affordable Central European base.
Pros: Low unemployment and a strong industrial economy; Affordable outside central Prague; Excellent public transport and central location in Europe.
Cons: Prague rents have risen quickly; Bureaucracy is mostly in Czech; Salaries are lower than in Western Europe.
Cost of living (monthly, USD): index 45 (New York = 100); 1-bedroom rent $750; 3-bedroom rent $1,300; groceries $250; transport $25; utilities $230; internet $20.
Taxes: income tax brackets (USD equivalent) 15% from $0 to $69,000; 23% from $69,001. VAT 21%. Corporate tax 21%. Capital gains 15%. Employee social security 11.6%.
Jobs: average salary $25,000 a year; unemployment 2.8%; finding work is moderate for foreigners; work permit required for most non-residents. Top industries: Automotive, Engineering, IT & Shared Services, Tourism, Brewing.
Residency routes: Employee Card (Combined work and residence permit for a specific job with a Czech employer.) EU Blue Card (For university-educated workers with a job offer meeting the salary threshold.) Long-term visa for business (trade licence) (For self-employed people holding a Czech trade licence, with proof of accommodation and funds.) Digital Nomad Programme (Launched in 2025 for highly skilled remote workers from selected countries; check eligible nationalities and professions.)
Healthcare: Public health insurance is compulsory for employees and the self-employed and gives access to good-quality care. Most non-EU residents who are not employed must buy comprehensive private insurance from an approved insurer.
Official sources: Ministry of the Interior — Information for foreigners ; Financial Administration (tax) ; Czech Statistical Office ; PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries — individual income tax ; Numbeo — cost of living (crowdsourced prices) ; World Bank Open Data — economic and population indicators .
## Croatia
Source page: https://countrydesire.com/country/croatia
Capital: Zagreb. Continent: Europe. Currency: EUR. Official languages: Croatian.
Croatia offers Adriatic coastline, safe towns and a relaxed pace of life, and since 2023 it has used the euro and been part of the Schengen area. Its digital nomad permit exempts foreign-earned income from Croatian income tax, but local salaries are low and the coast empties out in winter.
Best for: Remote workers, retirees with EU rights, and people who want Mediterranean life at moderate cost.
Pros: Digital nomad permit with a tax exemption on foreign income; Very safe, with a superb coast and islands; Euro and Schengen membership.
Cons: Low local salaries and seasonal tourism economy; Summer rents spike on the coast; Paperwork can be slow and inconsistent.
Cost of living (monthly, USD): index 42 (New York = 100); 1-bedroom rent $650; 3-bedroom rent $1,100; groceries $250; transport $40; utilities $170; internet $30.
Taxes: income tax brackets (USD equivalent) 23% from $0 to $50,400; 33% from $50,401. VAT 25%. Corporate tax 18%. Capital gains 12%. Employee social security 20%.
Jobs: average salary $23,000 a year; unemployment 5%; finding work is moderate for foreigners; work permit required for most non-residents. Top industries: Tourism, Shipbuilding, Food Processing, IT, Pharmaceuticals.
Residency routes: Digital nomad temporary stay (For non-EU remote workers employed by or working for foreign companies; up to 18 months, with an income requirement.) Work and stay permit (For non-EU workers hired by a Croatian employer, usually after a labour market test.) EU free movement (EU and EEA citizens can live and work in Croatia and register their residence.) Family reunification (For spouses and close family of Croatian citizens and residents.)
Healthcare: Residents who pay contributions are covered by the HZZO public system; most also buy supplementary insurance (dopunsko) for a small monthly fee. Digital nomads must hold private health insurance.
Official sources: Ministry of the Interior — Aliens ; Tax Administration ; Croatian Bureau of Statistics ; PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries — individual income tax ; Numbeo — cost of living (crowdsourced prices) ; World Bank Open Data — economic and population indicators .
## Malaysia
Source page: https://countrydesire.com/country/malaysia
Capital: Kuala Lumpur. Continent: Asia. Currency: MYR. Official languages: Malay.
Malaysia offers modern cities, widespread English, excellent food and private healthcare at a fraction of Western prices. Kuala Lumpur and Penang are popular expat bases, and the DE Rantau Nomad Pass gives remote workers a simple legal route.
Best for: Remote workers, retirees with savings, and families seeking affordable international schools.
Pros: English widely spoken; Low cost of living and high-quality private healthcare; Digital nomad pass with a modest income requirement.
Cons: Hot and humid all year, with haze some seasons; MM2H long-stay visa now requires a large fixed deposit; Local jobs for foreigners are limited.
Cost of living (monthly, USD): index 30 (New York = 100); 1-bedroom rent $450; 3-bedroom rent $850; groceries $180; transport $30; utilities $60; internet $30.
Taxes: income tax brackets (USD equivalent) 0% from $0 to $4,500; 1% from $4,501 to $11,400; 6% from $11,401 to $16,000; 11% from $16,001 to $22,700; 19% from $22,701 to $91,000; 25% from $91,001 to $136,000; 26% from $136,001 to $455,000; 30% from $455,001. VAT 8%. Corporate tax 24%. Capital gains 0%. Employee social security 11%.
Jobs: average salary $11,000 a year; unemployment 3.1%; finding work is moderate for foreigners; work permit required for most non-residents. Top industries: Electronics & Semiconductors, Oil & Gas, Palm Oil, Tourism, Islamic Finance.
Residency routes: DE Rantau Nomad Pass (For remote workers earning at least about US$24,000 a year from abroad; valid 3 to 12 months and renewable.) Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) (Long-term residence in Silver, Gold or Platinum tiers, each requiring a fixed deposit and a property purchase.) Employment Pass (For foreigners hired by a Malaysian company in a professional role meeting the minimum salary.)
Healthcare: Private hospitals in Kuala Lumpur and Penang are modern and inexpensive, which makes Malaysia a medical tourism hub. Foreigners pay higher rates at public hospitals, so expats usually buy private insurance.
Official sources: Immigration Department of Malaysia ; MDEC — DE Rantau Nomad Pass ; Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) ; Department of Statistics Malaysia ; PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries — individual income tax ; Numbeo — cost of living (crowdsourced prices) ; World Bank Open Data — economic and population indicators .
## Indonesia
Source page: https://countrydesire.com/country/indonesia
Capital: Jakarta. Continent: Asia. Currency: IDR. Official languages: Indonesian.
Indonesia, and Bali in particular, is one of the world’s most popular bases for remote workers, with tropical scenery, low daily costs and a large international community. Rules have tightened: working on a tourist visa is enforced against, and remote workers should use the E33G permit.
Best for: Remote workers, surfers and wellness entrepreneurs, and retirees over 55.
Pros: Low cost of daily living outside premium Bali areas; Dedicated remote-worker and second-home visas; Enormous natural and cultural variety.
Cons: Bali traffic, overtourism and rising villa prices; Local employment is restricted for foreigners; Healthcare outside major cities is limited.
Cost of living (monthly, USD): index 25 (New York = 100); 1-bedroom rent $400; 3-bedroom rent $800; groceries $150; transport $25; utilities $70; internet $25.
Taxes: income tax brackets (USD equivalent) 5% from $0 to $3,750; 15% from $3,751 to $15,600; 25% from $15,601 to $31,250; 30% from $31,251 to $312,500; 35% from $312,501. VAT 12%. Corporate tax 22%. Capital gains 5%. Employee social security 4%.
Jobs: average salary $4,500 a year; unemployment 4.8%; finding work is difficult for foreigners; work permit required for most non-residents. Top industries: Mining, Manufacturing, Palm Oil, Tourism, Digital Economy.
Residency routes: E33G Remote Worker KITAS (One-year permit for people employed by companies outside Indonesia earning at least US$60,000 a year.) Second Home Visa (Five- or ten-year stay for people who can show substantial funds or a deposit in an Indonesian bank.) Retirement KITAS (For people aged 55 and over with a pension or income and private health insurance.) Work KITAS (For foreigners employed by an Indonesian company with an approved foreign worker plan.)
Healthcare: Expats rely on private hospitals in Jakarta, Bali and Surabaya and on international health insurance, which should include medical evacuation for serious cases.
Official sources: Directorate General of Immigration — e-Visa ; Directorate General of Taxes ; Statistics Indonesia (BPS) ; PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries — individual income tax ; Numbeo — cost of living (crowdsourced prices) ; World Bank Open Data — economic and population indicators .
## Philippines
Source page: https://countrydesire.com/country/philippines
Capital: Manila. Continent: Asia. Currency: PHP. Official languages: Filipino, English.
The Philippines is warm, welcoming, English-speaking and inexpensive, with thousands of islands to explore. It is especially popular with retirees through the SRRV retirement visa, though infrastructure, traffic in Manila and typhoon season are real trade-offs.
Best for: Retirees, people with Filipino family ties, and budget-conscious remote workers.
Pros: English is an official language; Low cost of living and household help; Accessible retirement visa from age 50.
Cons: Manila traffic and pollution; Typhoons and flooding in the rainy season; Few local jobs for foreigners; slow internet in rural areas.
Cost of living (monthly, USD): index 25 (New York = 100); 1-bedroom rent $350; 3-bedroom rent $800; groceries $170; transport $25; utilities $110; internet $30.
Taxes: income tax brackets (USD equivalent) 0% from $0 to $4,400; 15% from $4,401 to $7,000; 20% from $7,001 to $14,000; 25% from $14,001 to $35,000; 30% from $35,001 to $140,000; 35% from $140,001. VAT 12%. Corporate tax 25%. Capital gains 15%. Employee social security 9.5%.
Jobs: average salary $5,500 a year; unemployment 3.9%; finding work is difficult for foreigners; work permit required for most non-residents. Top industries: Business Process Outsourcing, Electronics, Tourism, Agriculture, Shipping & Seafaring.
Residency routes: Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) (Permanent multiple-entry residence for people aged 50+ who make a deposit with the Philippine Retirement Authority.) 9(g) pre-arranged employment visa (For foreigners with a Philippine employer, together with an Alien Employment Permit from the Department of Labor.) 13(a) non-quota immigrant visa (Permanent residence for spouses of Filipino citizens.) Digital nomad visa (Created by executive order in 2025; check the Department of Foreign Affairs for current availability and requirements.)
Healthcare: Private hospitals in Manila and Cebu offer good care at low cost, while rural facilities are basic. Expats generally use private insurance; SRRV holders can also join PhilHealth.
Official sources: Bureau of Immigration ; Philippine Retirement Authority (SRRV) ; Bureau of Internal Revenue ; Philippine Statistics Authority ; PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries — individual income tax ; Numbeo — cost of living (crowdsourced prices) ; World Bank Open Data — economic and population indicators .
## Panama
Source page: https://countrydesire.com/country/panama
Capital: Panama City. Continent: North America. Currency: USD. Official languages: Spanish.
Panama uses the US dollar, taxes only Panamanian-source income and offers one of the world’s best-known retirement visas. Panama City has a modern skyline and good private hospitals, while Boquete and the beaches offer a slower, cheaper life.
Best for: Retirees, Americans who want a dollar economy, and people with foreign income seeking territorial taxation.
Pros: Uses the US dollar; Territorial tax: foreign income is not taxed; Pensionado visa with generous discounts.
Cons: Many professions are reserved for Panamanian citizens; Panama City is hot, humid and car-dependent; Residency paperwork requires apostilles and a lawyer.
Cost of living (monthly, USD): index 45 (New York = 100); 1-bedroom rent $900; 3-bedroom rent $1,600; groceries $300; transport $35; utilities $110; internet $45.
Taxes: income tax brackets (USD equivalent) 0% from $0 to $11,000; 15% from $11,001 to $50,000; 25% from $50,001. VAT 7%. Corporate tax 25%. Capital gains 10%. Employee social security 11%.
Jobs: average salary $12,000 a year; unemployment 9.5%; finding work is difficult for foreigners; work permit required for most non-residents. Top industries: Logistics & the Canal, Banking, Tourism, Construction, Trade.
Residency routes: Pensionado (retiree) visa (For people with a lifetime pension of at least US$1,000 a month (less if buying property); no age minimum.) Friendly Nations visa (For citizens of listed countries with a Panamanian job offer or a qualifying real estate purchase.) Qualified Investor visa (Fast-track permanent residence for a large investment in real estate, securities or a bank deposit.) Short-stay remote worker visa (For remote workers earning at least US$36,000 a year from abroad; nine months, renewable once.)
Healthcare: Panama City has modern private hospitals affiliated with US institutions, and private insurance is relatively cheap. Public care through the CSS is mainly for contributors and varies in quality outside the capital.
Official sources: Servicio Nacional de Migración ; Dirección General de Ingresos (tax) ; INEC — National Institute of Statistics ; PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries — individual income tax ; Numbeo — cost of living (crowdsourced prices) ; World Bank Open Data — economic and population indicators .
## Chile
Source page: https://countrydesire.com/country/chile
Capital: Santiago. Continent: South America. Currency: CLP. Official languages: Spanish.
Chile is one of Latin America’s most stable and developed countries, with Santiago offering a modern metro, good private healthcare and the Andes on its doorstep. Under the 2021 migration law, most residence visas must be applied for online before arriving.
Best for: Professionals, retirees with steady income, and outdoor lovers drawn to wine country and Patagonia.
Pros: Stable economy and institutions; Huge natural variety, from desert to glaciers; Good private healthcare and infrastructure.
Cons: Higher prices than most of Latin America; Santiago smog in winter and rising crime concerns; Fast, slang-heavy Spanish and few English speakers.
Cost of living (monthly, USD): index 40 (New York = 100); 1-bedroom rent $550; 3-bedroom rent $950; groceries $250; transport $45; utilities $110; internet $30.
Taxes: income tax brackets (USD equivalent) 0% from $0 to $11,700; 4% from $11,701 to $26,000; 8% from $26,001 to $43,500; 13.5% from $43,501 to $61,000; 23% from $61,001 to $78,000; 30.4% from $78,001 to $104,000; 35% from $104,001 to $270,000; 40% from $270,001. VAT 19%. Corporate tax 27%. Capital gains 10%. Employee social security 18%.
Jobs: average salary $15,000 a year; unemployment 8.7%; finding work is moderate for foreigners; work permit required for most non-residents. Top industries: Copper Mining, Lithium, Agriculture & Wine, Salmon Farming, Financial Services.
Residency routes: Temporary residence for work (For people with a Chilean job offer or contract, applied for online from abroad.) Temporary residence for retirees and rentistas (For people with a stable pension or passive income from abroad.) Temporary residence for highly qualified professionals (For holders of postgraduate degrees and specialists in demand.) Family reunification (For spouses, partners and children of Chilean citizens and residents.)
Healthcare: Residents choose between the public FONASA system and private ISAPRE insurers, funded by a 7% salary contribution. Private clinics in Santiago are among the best in Latin America.
Official sources: Servicio Nacional de Migraciones ; SII — Internal Revenue Service ; INE — National Statistics Institute ; PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries — individual income tax ; Numbeo — cost of living (crowdsourced prices) ; World Bank Open Data — economic and population indicators .
## Morocco
Source page: https://countrydesire.com/country/morocco
Capital: Rabat. Continent: Africa. Currency: MAD. Official languages: Arabic, Amazigh.
Morocco is close to Europe, inexpensive and culturally rich, with year-round sun on the Atlantic coast. Many nationalities can stay 90 days visa-free; living there longer requires a residence card (carte de séjour), usually based on work, retirement income or family.
Best for: Retirees with foreign income, French and Arabic speakers, and people seeking a low-cost base near Europe.
Pros: Very low cost of living; Short flights to Europe; Mild coastal climate and rich culture.
Cons: High youth unemployment and low local salaries; Bureaucracy runs mostly in French and Arabic; Conservative social norms outside big cities.
Cost of living (monthly, USD): index 25 (New York = 100); 1-bedroom rent $350; 3-bedroom rent $650; groceries $150; transport $25; utilities $60; internet $25.
Taxes: income tax brackets (USD equivalent) 0% from $0 to $4,200; 10% from $4,201 to $6,300; 20% from $6,301 to $8,400; 30% from $8,401 to $10,500; 34% from $10,501 to $19,000; 37% from $19,001. VAT 20%. Corporate tax 20%. Capital gains 20%. Employee social security 6.7%.
Jobs: average salary $6,000 a year; unemployment 13.3%; finding work is difficult for foreigners; work permit required for most non-residents. Top industries: Automotive, Phosphates, Aerospace, Tourism, Agriculture.
Residency routes: Residence card for employment (Requires a work contract approved by the Ministry of Labour, usually after ANAPEC confirms no local candidate is available.) Residence card for retirees and people of independent means (For people with a regular foreign pension or income transferred to a Moroccan bank account.) Residence card for business owners (For founders or investors in a Moroccan company.) Family residence (For spouses and children of Moroccan citizens and residents.)
Healthcare: Private clinics in Casablanca, Rabat and Marrakech offer good care at low cost, while public hospitals are stretched. Expats should hold private or international health insurance.
Official sources: Ministry of Foreign Affairs — consular services ; Direction Générale des Impôts (tax) ; HCP — High Commission for Planning (statistics) ; PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries — individual income tax ; Numbeo — cost of living (crowdsourced prices) ; World Bank Open Data — economic and population indicators .