Most countries use a progressive taxation system, where taxes increase with income. However, there are special regimes for wealthy people in the world with a fixed tax amount regardless of real income. Learn more about the countries that offer such tax conditions for wealthy residents

In classical tax systems, there is a simple principle: the higher the income, the higher the tax. For people with million- and multi-million-dollar incomes, this means losing a significant portion of their capital every year. That is why some countries have introduced alternative taxation regimes, such as fixed or lump-sum tax payments.

Under such programs, the amount of tax does not depend on the actual level of income abroad. Whether a person earns 500 thousand euros or tens of millions, the tax bill remains the same. This makes tax planning predictable and much more profitable for wealthy migrants.

Currently, several countries in Europe and the Caribbean offer similar tax regimes along with the possibility of obtaining tax residency or a residence permit. Below, we will analyze the key options, their conditions, figures and restrictions.

In the previous article, we provided a ranking of the richest countries in the world in 2026 by GDP.

Doing business is always associated with risks: taxes, contracts, inspections, conflicts with partners or government agencies. A personal business lawyer will help you avoid critical mistakes and protect the interests of the company at every stage of its development.

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Switzerland: forfait fiscal - taxation based on expenses

Switzerland was the first country to introduce a special fixed taxation regime for wealthy foreigners. This system, known as forfait fiscal, provides for the calculation of tax not on real income, but on the estimated costs of living in the country. That is why real income abroad does not affect the amount of tax liability.

Unlike the classic “fixed amount”, in Switzerland the tax base is determined by a formula. It is equal to the highest of the following indicators:

- Seven times the annual rent;

- Three times the amount of hotel accommodation costs (if the accommodation is rented);

- The minimum federal base is CHF 434,700 as of 2025.

In practice, this means that the minimum annual tax payments for program participants range from approximately CHF 250,000 to CHF 1,000,000, depending on the canton chosen.

The choice of region plays a key role. Most of the program participants live in Geneva - about a quarter of all residents with forfait fiscal. Valais (approximately 12%), Ticino (11%), and Vaud (9%) are next in popularity. The canton of Aubaldin offers the lowest entry threshold - about 250,000 francs per year, while in Zug the minimum tax payment reaches 1,000,000 francs.

At the same time, not all cantons support this model. Zurich abandoned the forfait fiscal in 2010 after a referendum, and Basel in 2012. A small number of residents in these regions have retained the old “grandfathered” conditions, but new applications are no longer accepted there.

Only foreigners moving to Switzerland for the first time or returning after at least ten years of residence abroad can take advantage of the regime. An important condition is the absence of any labor or business activity in the country. This format is primarily suitable for those who receive passive income or manage assets outside of Switzerland.

According to the official data of the Swiss migration authorities, as of March 2025, 496 non-EU citizens had a residence permit under the forfait fiscal, which is 22% more than a year earlier. Most of them are citizens of Russia (about 20%), China and the United Kingdom (about 10% each), and the United States (about 8%).

To learn more about minimum wages in different European countries, please follow the link.

Italy: flat tax of €300,000 for high-net-worth individuals

Italy introduced a special flat tax regime for high-net-worth individuals in 2017. Unlike the Swiss model, it has a classic flat tax rate: regardless of the amount of income abroad, the same annual amount is paid.

Initially, the amount of the flat tax was €100,000 per year, but over time, the conditions have become stricter. In August 2024, the rate was raised to €200,000, and after the adoption of the 2026 budget on December 30, 2025, it was increased again - to €300,000 per year. Thus, for new participants in the program, this amount of payment will be applicable from 2026.

Family members can join the program. A separate fixed tax amount is provided for them - €50,000 per person per year (previously €25,000). Importantly, the new increased rates apply only to those who applied after January 1, 2026. For those who became Italian tax residents earlier, the principle of maintaining the old conditions for the entire 15-year program period applies:

- Moving before August 2024 - €100,000 per year;

- Moving from August 2024 to December 2025 - €200,000 per year.

To benefit from the regime, a person must not have been a tax resident of Italy for at least 9 of the previous 10 years. People of any nationality can apply, including Italian citizens returning after a long life abroad. The flat tax applies to all foreign income, including dividends, interest, capital gains, rental income, and pensions received outside Italy.

In addition to income tax simplification, the regime provides additional tax benefits. Participants are exempt from wealth tax on foreign real estate and financial assets abroad, are not required to declare such assets, and do not pay inheritance or gift tax on property located outside Italy. For families planning intergenerational capital transfers, these benefits may be even more important than the flat tax itself.

At the same time, income earned directly in Italy is not subject to a fixed regime and is taxed on a standard progressive scale of up to 43%. Therefore, the program is most beneficial for those whose main income comes from abroad.

From a financial point of view, a flat tax of €300,000 per year makes sense mainly for individuals or families with foreign income of about €1 million per year or more. For lower incomes, the standard taxation system in Italy may be cheaper.

Earlier, we described the quotas for work visas in Italy for 2026-2028 and the application procedure.

Greece: tiered tax regimes for investors and pensioners

Greece offers several special tax regimes for wealthy foreigners who are ready to transfer their tax residence to the country. The most popular option is aimed at investors and combines a fixed tax with the requirement to invest in the Greek economy.

To participate in the program, you need to invest at least €500,000 in Greek assets. Such investments may include real estate, shares in businesses, securities or shares in Greek companies. In return, the participant pays a flat tax of €100,000 per year on all income received from foreign sources, regardless of their actual amount. This regime is valid for 15 years.

Family members can also join the program. For each adult relative, there is an additional fixed payment of €20,000 per year. Persons included in the family regime receive the same tax benefits as the main applicant, including exemption from inheritance and gift taxes on foreign assets.

The requirements for tax residency in Greece are similar to other European programs. The applicant must not have been a tax resident of the country for 7 out of 8 years prior to the move. It is also necessary to confirm the transfer of tax residency from a jurisdiction that has a double taxation treaty or administrative tax cooperation with Greece.

Earlier, we told you that Greece is launching a Startup Golden Visa for obtaining a residence permit through investment.

Anguilla: a Caribbean version of a flat tax with a minimum presence

Anguilla offers one of the simplest flat tax options outside of Europe. The program for high-income residents provides for an annual payment of USD 75,000 regardless of actual global income. Subject to compliance with the requirements, this amount fully covers tax liabilities to the jurisdiction.

In addition to the fixed payment, the participant must fulfill an investment condition - invest at least USD 400,000 in real estate in Anguilla. It is also necessary to spend at least 45 days a year on the island, which makes the program convenient for those who do not plan to live in one place permanently.

A separate requirement is the restriction on tax residency in other countries. A program participant cannot spend more than 183 days a year in any other single jurisdiction. This rule was introduced in order to avoid situations where a person formally enjoys the preferential regime of Anguilla, but is actually a tax resident of another country.

If all conditions are met, no personal income tax, corporate tax, capital gains tax or inheritance tax is levied in Anguilla. The only regular tax payment is an annual fixed contribution of $75,000.

How to choose the right fixed tax program?

Fixed-fee tax regimes are not “once and for all” fixed conditions. Governments can change the rules, raise rates, or cancel such programs altogether. This has already happened in several jurisdictions in recent years, and these changes have directly affected thousands of wealthy residents.

For example, Italy has raised the flat tax rate for new entrants twice in just two years. In Switzerland, some cantons abandoned the forfait fiscal after public referendums. And in April 2025, the United Kingdom completely abolished its multi-year non-dom regime for wealthy foreigners and replaced it with a limited four-year model for new migrants.

These examples show that choosing a country for tax residency is a strategic decision that should be made taking into account not only current conditions but also the long-term risks of changes in legislation. The same program can be beneficial for a person with large foreign income and completely unprofitable for those whose main income is generated within the country of residence.

Before changing tax residency, it is important to evaluate the sources of income, asset structure, physical presence requirements, and possible consequences in the country you are leaving.

 In many cases, a mistake in jurisdiction or an incorrectly chosen regime can lead not to savings, but to additional tax costs and legal risks.

Investments, opening a company in another country, remote launch of a representative office or team relocation require a clear legal strategy. A personal business lawyer accompanies the entire process: from choosing a jurisdiction and tax model to visa processing and asset protection.

Engage a personal business lawyer and ensure safe relocation and development of your company abroad!

We remind you! Are you planning to invest in real estate under the Golden Visa program? We have already told you which programs in 2025 have become the most profitable for investors. The article compares the UAE, Greece, Turkey, Latvia and Asian countries, the real return on real estate and key risks that should be considered before investing.

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