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Europe may not be known for low taxes, but several countries offer favourable regimes for high-net-worth individuals. Portugal's IFICI regime (successor to NHR, which closed to new applicants at the end of 2023), Bulgaria's flat 10% income tax, and Malta's non-domiciled tax status combine tax efficiency with Europe's high quality of life, safety, and healthcare.
For actual tax figures, see the expat tax rates dataset.
Key facts
Ranked using persona-optimized weights across 7 dimensions. Scores reflect institutional public-domain datasets.
Southern Europe
Western Europe
Southern Europe
Central Europe
Western Europe
Southern Europe
Northern Europe
Northern Europe
Central Europe
Northern Europe
Western Europe
Northern Europe
Northern Europe
Western Europe
Western Europe
Southern Europe
Northern Europe
Central Europe
Northern Europe
Southern Europe
Southern Europe
Southern Europe
Eastern Europe
Central Europe
Southern Europe
Northern Europe
Eastern Europe
Western Europe
Northern Europe
Southeastern Europe
Southeastern Europe
Eastern Europe
Southeastern Europe
Southeastern Europe
Southeastern Europe
Eastern Europe
Southeastern Europe
The ranking above weights lifestyle, safety and healthcare — not tax rate. But a low-tax move usually turns on a special regime. Of the Europe countries above, 7 run a WhereNext-tracked expat tax regime — flat rates, foreign-income reliefs or territorial systems. Each has strict eligibility and time limits; confirm your own case with the expat tax calculator and a cross-border adviser before relying on it.
IFICI (NHR 2.0)
Flat 20% on qualifying Portuguese income
Eligibility: Highly qualified professionals in scientific research, innovation, or recognized start-ups. Not resident in Portugal in prior 5 years.
10 years · some foreign income relieved (conditions and exclusions apply)
30% Ruling
30% of salary tax-free through 2026; 27% from 1 Jan 2027 (legislated)
Eligibility: Skilled migrants recruited from 150km+ outside NL. Annual salary €46,107+ (2026); salary norms rise from 2027.
5 years
Forskerskat (Researcher Tax)
~32.84% effective (27% + 8% AM-bidrag)
Eligibility: Foreign employees recruited from abroad. Monthly salary minimum DKK 75,100. Not Danish tax resident in prior 10 years.
7 years
Beckham Law (Régimen Especial)
Flat 24% on Spanish income up to €600K
Eligibility: Inbound workers who haven't been Spanish tax resident in prior 5 years
6 years (year of arrival + 5) · some foreign income relieved (conditions and exclusions apply)
Impatriate Regime
50% reduction of taxable income (60% with a minor child), on income up to €600K
Eligibility: Workers transferring tax residency to Italy, not resident in Italy for the prior 3 years (longer if staying with the same employer group)
5 years; 4-year residency commitment with clawback if you leave early
Flat-Rate Regime (Forfettario)
5% for first 5 years, then 15%
Eligibility: Self-employed/freelancers with annual revenue under €85,000
Indefinite (while under €85K revenue)
5% Foreign-Pension Option
Flat 5% on foreign pension income above a €5,000 exempt slice
Eligibility: Cyprus tax residents receiving foreign pensions; elected per tax year.
Annual election (choose 5% flat or normal bands each year)
7% Flat Regime for Foreign Pensioners
Flat 7% on ALL foreign-source income
Eligibility: Foreign pensioners transferring tax residence; not Greek tax resident for 5 of the previous 6 years; previous residence state must have an administrative-cooperation agreement with Greece (the US qualifies). Application by 31 March of the tax year.
15 tax years total
Southern Europe
Malta excels in your top priority (lifestyle) with a score of 94, backed by strong safety.
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