Tax-Friendly Bases for US Nomads

US citizens and green-card holders weighing where to base themselves with the tax side in mind — places that, depending on your situation, may pair well with the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion or simply not add a second layer of local income tax on top of your US filing.

• The jurisdiction taxes personal income territorially, offers a dedicated nomad/remote-work visa regime, or levies 0% personal income tax on foreign-sourced income.
• There is a practical, documented path to legal residence or long-stay status for remote workers — not just a tourist stamp.
• It still works as a place to live: the connectivity, community, and day-to-day basics a remote worker needs are there.

1. 1

   Abu DhabiUAE

   UAE pairs a remote-friendly tax setup with a base you can actually live in.

   0% personal income tax like neighbouring Dubai, calmer and a touch cheaper, with strong infrastructure and a remote-work visa. Same summer heat and car-first sprawl.

2. 2

   DubaiUAE

   UAE pairs a remote-friendly tax setup with a base you can actually live in.

   0% personal income tax and a dedicated remote-work visa, with world-class internet and flights everywhere. High rents and brutal summer heat are the trade-offs.

3. 3

   FunchalPortugal

   Portugal pairs a remote-friendly tax setup with a base you can actually live in.

   Madeira's island base for the Portuguese D8 visa and IFICI tax regime — the original Nomad Village, mild year-round, with a tight community. Internet is solid for an island.

• 01
  Abu DhabiUAE
  Cost$4,000Rent$1,700Net165 MbpsView list →
• 02
  DubaiUAE
  Cost$4,500Rent$2,200Net180 MbpsView list →
• 03
  FunchalPortugal
  Cost$1,900Rent—Net110 MbpsView list →
• 04
  Kuala LumpurMalaysia
  Cost$1,500Rent$500Net90 MbpsView list →
• 05
  LisbonPortugal
  Cost$2,600Rent$1,400Net155 MbpsView list →
• 06
  MontevideoUruguay
  Cost$2,000Rent$800Net65 MbpsView list →
• 07
  Panama CityPanama
  Cost$1,800Rent$1,000Net60 MbpsView list →
• 08
  PenangMalaysia
  Cost$1,100Rent$350Net70 MbpsView list →
• 09
  PortoPortugal
  Cost$2,200Rent$1,000Net140 MbpsView list →
• 10
  San JoséCosta Rica
  Cost$1,800Rent$800Net70 MbpsView list →
• 11
  TbilisiGeorgia
  Cost$1,200Rent$600Net75 MbpsView list →

• This is general information, not tax or legal advice. Your outcome depends on residency, source of income, days present, treaties, and your specific facts.
• US citizens and green-card holders are taxed on worldwide income no matter where they live — moving abroad does not end your IRS filing obligation.
• Tax rules and visa programs change often. Verify everything against official government sources and a cross-border tax professional before you act.