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THE CITIZENSHIP DESK

Options for Lebanon Nationals

Lebanese citizens face one of the highest second-passport demand profiles globally — a weak primary passport (visa-free access to ~41 destinations), severe international banking restrictions, and a multi-year domestic financial crisis that has frozen most domestic savings. Common second-passport routes include CBI (Caribbean and Turkey), descent-based claims through grandparents who emigrated to Brazil/Argentina/US (Italian, Spanish, Brazilian routes are common for Lebanese-Brazilian/Argentinian families), or Gulf golden-visa routes (UAE in particular).

Your Passport

Passport Rank

#99

Visa-Free

41

destinations

Dual Citizenship

allowed

Taxation Basis

territorial

Key Considerations for Lebanon Nationals

  • 01Lebanese passport is one of the world's weakest by visa-free destination count, making a second passport materially valuable for Lebanese diaspora professionals.
  • 02Lebanese citizenship is held by an estimated 4.5 million Lebanese in Lebanon plus a global diaspora of 8-15 million — particularly in Brazil, Argentina, the US, France, Australia, Canada, and West Africa — making this one of the largest unbanked diasporas globally.
  • 03Lebanese law restricts passing citizenship to children born to a Lebanese mother and foreign father (mother-line transmission limited unless the father is unknown or stateless), creating second-generation gaps for Lebanese-descended children abroad.
  • 04Most Lebanese citizens face severe banking restrictions internationally due to AML/CTF profiles, the 2019-2024 banking crisis, and the Banque du Liban capital controls that effectively froze most LBP and USD deposits.
  • 05Lebanon's territorial tax basis means Lebanese-source income only is taxed; foreign-source income earned by Lebanese citizens abroad is generally not subject to Lebanese tax.
  • 06Renunciation requires Council of Ministers approval and is rarely sought given Lebanon's territorial tax regime.

Program Restrictions

Sanctions Notice

Lebanon is FATF grey-listed (October 2023). Hezbollah and certain affiliated entities/individuals are designated under US OFAC and EU sanctions. The Lebanese state itself is not under comprehensive sanctions, but enhanced due diligence applies broadly to Lebanese-citizen banking and corporate onboarding worldwide.

Tax Obligations

Lebanon operates a territorial tax system. Lebanese tax residents are taxed only on Lebanese-source income; foreign-source income earned and retained abroad is not taxed in Lebanon. Income tax rates are progressive up to 25%; corporate tax is 17%. The 2024 tax reform raised certain rates but maintained the territorial scope. Lebanon does NOT impose worldwide taxation on its citizens, distinguishing it from US/Eritrean models. However, Lebanon is on the FATF grey list (Oct 2023 onwards) and Lebanese banks have been subject to enhanced compliance scrutiny worldwide. The 2019-2024 domestic financial crisis effectively eliminated trust in the Lebanese banking system; most Lebanese with means transfer wealth abroad and rely on Lebanese banking only for daily transactions in LBP.

Renouncing This Nationality

Available
Yes
Exit Tax
No
Fee
$200
Processing
~18 months

Renunciation requires application to the Ministry of Interior and Council of Ministers approval — it is not a clerical process. Approval is generally granted but timelines are unpredictable. Renunciation is rarely sought given Lebanon's territorial tax regime; most Lebanese with second citizenships retain both.

Military Service Obligation

Applies
No (voluntary)
Alternative Service
Not available

Banking Restrictions

Financial-compliance issues this nationality commonly faces globally.

LEBANON'S FATF GREY-LISTING (OCTOBER 2023) IMPOSES ENHANCED DUE DILIGENCE ON LEBANESE-CITIZEN ACCOUNTS AT MOST INTERNATIONAL BANKS. ACCOUNT OPENING TIMES FOR LEBANESE APPLICANTS TYPICALLY EXTEND 2-3X NORMAL PROCESSING.

Affects: fatf-grey-list

OFAC SANCTIONS ON HEZBOLLAH-AFFILIATED LEBANESE BANKS AND NETWORKS (2020 ONWARDS) LEAD SOME US AND EU CORRESPONDENT BANKS TO DECLINE ALL LEBANESE-CITIZEN ONBOARDING REGARDLESS OF INDIVIDUAL PROFILE.

Affects: us-correspondent-banking, ofac-screening

DOMESTIC LEBANESE BANKS REMAIN EFFECTIVELY FROZEN FOR USD-DENOMINATED ACCOUNTS UNDER BANQUE DU LIBAN CIRCULAR 158 AND SUCCESSOR MEASURES. WITHDRAWALS OF PRE-2019 USD DEPOSITS REMAIN CAPPED AT SMALL FRACTIONS OF NOMINAL BALANCE.

Affects: banque-du-liban-controls

Best Second-Passport Options

Ranked by practical fit — not endorsements. Verify eligibility and current rules before acting.

  1. $5,000–$25,000

    Many Lebanese-Brazilian and Lebanese-Argentinian families have Italian-emigrant ancestors (Italians who emigrated to Lebanon then onward to South America in the 19th-20th centuries). Italian descent claim via jure sanguinis where documented. Full EU passport.

  2. $400,000–$500,000

    Turkey CBI (USD 400,000 real estate) is geographically close, culturally accessible to Levantine Arabs, and qualifies for US E-2 treaty visa eligibility post-Turkish citizenship.

  3. $250,000–$320,000

    St Kitts CBI accepts Lebanese applicants subject to enhanced due diligence; remains the fastest Caribbean route at 4-6 months.

Common Descent Pathways

  • italy
  • spain
  • brazilup to 3 generations back

Visa-Free Gain from Upgrading

Additional visa-free destinations gained by acquiring each citizenship on top of the current one.

Additional visa-free destinations gained by acquiring each second citizenship
Second Citizenship+ Destinations
italy+145
saint kitts and nevis+110
turkey+70

Related Guides

Visa Programs Available to You

115 programs

Portugal D7 Passive Income Visa

Portugal PRT

Passive Income

Processing

2mo

Min. Income

$820/mo

Citizenship

5y

Verified 2026-04-20

Portugal D8 Digital Nomad Visa

Portugal PRT

Digital Nomad

Processing

2mo

Min. Income

$3,280/mo

Citizenship

5y

Verified 2026-04-20

Portugal Golden Visa (ARI)

Portugal PRT

Investment

Processing

6mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

5y

Verified 2026-04-20

Spain Non-Lucrative Visa

Spain ESP

Passive Income

Processing

3mo

Min. Income

$2,800/mo

Citizenship

10y

Verified 2026-04-20

Spain Digital Nomad Visa

Spain ESP

Digital Nomad

Processing

3mo

Min. Income

$2,800/mo

Citizenship

10y

Verified 2026-04-20

Italy Elective Residence Visa

Italy ITA

Passive Income

Processing

3mo

Min. Income

$2,750/mo

Citizenship

10y

Verified 2026-04-20

Greece Golden Visa

Greece GRC

Investment

Processing

4mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

7y

Verified 2026-04-20

Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP)

Malta MLT

Investment

Processing

6mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

No

Verified 2026-04-20

Thailand Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa

Thailand THA

Passive Income

Processing

1mo

Min. Income

$3,330/mo

Citizenship

No

Verified 2026-04-20

Thailand Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)

Thailand THA

Digital Nomad

Processing

1mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

No

Verified 2026-04-20

Malaysia DE Rantau Digital Nomad Pass

Malaysia MYS

Digital Nomad

Processing

1mo

Min. Income

$2,000/mo

Citizenship

No

Verified 2026-04-20

Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H)

Malaysia MYS

Retirement

Processing

3mo

Min. Income

$9,100/mo

Citizenship

No

Verified 2026-04-20

UAE Golden Visa

United Arab Emirates ARE

Investment

Processing

1mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

No

Verified 2026-04-20

UAE Virtual Working Programme (Remote Work Visa)

United Arab Emirates ARE

Digital Nomad

Processing

1mo

Min. Income

$5,000/mo

Citizenship

No

Verified 2026-04-20

Dubai Freelance Visa (TECOM / Free Zone Permit)

United Arab Emirates ARE

Entrepreneur

Processing

1mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

No

Verified 2026-04-20

Georgia Remotely from Georgia Programme

Georgia GEO

Digital Nomad

Processing

1mo

Min. Income

$2,000/mo

Citizenship

No

Verified 2026-04-20

Estonia Digital Nomad Visa

Estonia EST

Digital Nomad

Processing

1mo

Min. Income

$4,500/mo

Citizenship

No

Verified 2026-04-20

Costa Rica Rentista Visa

Costa Rica CRI

Passive Income

Processing

3mo

Min. Income

$2,500/mo

Citizenship

7y

Verified 2026-04-20

Mexico Temporary Resident Visa

Mexico MEX

Passive Income

Processing

1mo

Min. Income

$1,620/mo

Citizenship

5y

Verified 2026-04-20

Panama Friendly Nations Visa

Panama PAN

Passive Income

Processing

3mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

5y

Verified 2026-04-20

UK Skilled Worker Visa

United Kingdom GBR

Skilled Worker

Processing

2mo

Min. Income

$2,750/mo

Citizenship

6y

Verified 2026-04-20

UK Global Talent Visa

United Kingdom GBR

Skilled Worker

Processing

2mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

6y

Verified 2026-04-20

UK Innovator Founder Visa

United Kingdom GBR

Entrepreneur

Processing

2mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

6y

Verified 2026-04-20

Germany Freelancer Visa (Freiberufler)

Germany DEU

Entrepreneur

Processing

2mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

8y

Verified 2026-04-20

Germany EU Blue Card

Germany DEU

Skilled Worker

Processing

2mo

Min. Income

$4,170/mo

Citizenship

8y

Verified 2026-04-20

Germany Job Seeker Visa

Germany DEU

Skilled Worker

Processing

2mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

No

Verified 2026-04-20

France Talent Passport (Passeport Talent)

France FRA

Skilled Worker

Processing

3mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

5y

Verified 2026-04-20

France Long-Stay Visitor Visa (VLS-TS Visiteur)

France FRA

Passive Income

Processing

3mo

Min. Income

$1,640/mo

Citizenship

5y

Verified 2026-04-20

Netherlands DAFT Visa (Dutch-American Friendship Treaty)

Netherlands NLD

Entrepreneur

Processing

3mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

5y

Verified 2026-04-20

Netherlands Highly Skilled Migrant (Kennismigrant)

Netherlands NLD

Skilled Worker

Processing

1mo

Min. Income

$4,000/mo

Citizenship

5y

Verified 2026-04-20

Ireland Critical Skills Employment Permit

Ireland IRL

Skilled Worker

Processing

3mo

Min. Income

$3,500/mo

Citizenship

5y

Verified 2026-04-20

Ireland Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP)

Ireland IRL

Investment

Processing

6mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

5y

Verified 2026-04-20

Turkey Short-Term Residence Permit

Turkey TUR

Passive Income

Processing

2mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

5y

Verified 2026-04-20

Turkey Work Permit

Turkey TUR

Skilled Worker

Processing

2mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

5y

Verified 2026-04-20

EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa

United States USA

Investment

Processing

30mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

5y

Verified 2026-04-20

E-2 Treaty Investor Visa

United States USA

Investment

Processing

3mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

No

Verified 2026-04-20

O-1 Extraordinary Ability Visa

United States USA

Skilled Worker

Processing

2mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

No

Verified 2026-04-20

Canada Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker)

Canada CAN

Skilled Worker

Processing

7mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

3y

Verified 2026-04-20

Canada Start-Up Visa

Canada CAN

Entrepreneur

Processing

14mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

3y

Verified 2026-04-20

Canada Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Canada CAN

Skilled Worker

Processing

15mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

3y

Verified 2026-04-20

Australia Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

Australia AUS

Skilled Worker

Processing

9mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

4y

Verified 2026-04-20

Australia Global Talent Visa (Subclass 858)

Australia AUS

Skilled Worker

Processing

2mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

4y

Verified 2026-04-20

Australia Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 188)

Australia AUS

Entrepreneur

Processing

18mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

9y

Verified 2026-04-20

New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa

New Zealand NZL

Skilled Worker

Processing

9mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

5y

Verified 2026-04-20

New Zealand Investor 2 Visa

New Zealand NZL

Investment

Processing

9mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

5y

Verified 2026-04-20

Brazil Digital Nomad Visa (VITEM XIV)

Brazil BRA

Digital Nomad

Processing

1mo

Min. Income

$1,500/mo

Citizenship

No

Verified 2026-04-20

Colombia Digital Nomad Visa (Nómada Digital)

Colombia COL

Digital Nomad

Processing

1mo

Min. Income

$900/mo

Citizenship

No

Verified 2026-04-20

Argentina Rentista Residency Visa

Argentina ARG

Passive Income

Processing

3mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

2y

Verified 2026-04-20

Japan Highly Skilled Professional Visa

Japan JPN

Skilled Worker

Processing

2mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

10y

Verified 2026-04-20

Japan Business Manager Visa

Japan JPN

Entrepreneur

Processing

2mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

10y

Verified 2026-04-20

Japan Digital Nomad Visa

Japan JPN

Digital Nomad

Processing

1mo

Min. Income

$5,670/mo

Citizenship

No

Verified 2026-04-20

Singapore EntrePass

Singapore SGP

Entrepreneur

Processing

2mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

8y

Verified 2026-04-20

Singapore Employment Pass

Singapore SGP

Skilled Worker

Processing

1mo

Min. Income

$3,700/mo

Citizenship

8y

Verified 2026-04-20

Singapore ONE Pass (Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass)

Singapore SGP

Skilled Worker

Processing

1mo

Min. Income

$22,000/mo

Citizenship

8y

Verified 2026-04-20

South Korea D-8 Investor Visa

South Korea KOR

Investment

Processing

2mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

5y

Verified 2026-04-20

South Korea Digital Nomad Visa (Workcation Visa)

South Korea KOR

Digital Nomad

Processing

1mo

Min. Income

$7,080/mo

Citizenship

No

Verified 2026-04-20

India Business Visa

India IND

Entrepreneur

Processing

1mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

No

Verified 2026-04-20

India Employment Visa

India IND

Skilled Worker

Processing

1mo

Min. Income

$2,080/mo

Citizenship

No

Verified 2026-04-20

South Africa Critical Skills Work Visa

South Africa ZAF

Skilled Worker

Processing

6mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

10y

Verified 2026-04-20

South Africa Retired Persons Visa

South Africa ZAF

Retirement

Processing

6mo

Min. Income

$2,000/mo

Citizenship

10y

Verified 2026-04-20

Hungary Guest Investor Programme

Hungary HUN

Investment

Processing

3mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

8y

Verified 2026-04-20

Poland Temporary Residence Permit

Poland POL

Skilled Worker

Processing

2mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

10y

Verified 2026-04-20

Lithuania Startup Visa

Lithuania LTU

Entrepreneur

Processing

2mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

10y

Verified 2026-04-20

Thailand Non-Immigrant O-A (Retirement) Visa

Thailand THA

Retirement

Processing

2mo

Min. Income

$1,800/mo

Citizenship

No

Verified 2026-04-20

Panama Pensionado Visa

Panama PAN

Retirement

Processing

3mo

Min. Income

$1,000/mo

Citizenship

5y

Verified 2026-04-20

Mexico Temporary Resident Visa (Retirement)

Mexico MEX

Retirement

Processing

2mo

Min. Income

$2,800/mo

Citizenship

5y

Verified 2026-04-20

Greece Financial Independence Visa (Type D)

Greece GRC

Retirement

Processing

3mo

Min. Income

$2,200/mo

Citizenship

7y

Verified 2026-04-20

Costa Rica Pensionado Visa

Costa Rica CRI

Retirement

Processing

5mo

Min. Income

$1,000/mo

Citizenship

7y

Verified 2026-04-20

Thailand Privilege (Elite) Visa

Thailand THA

Investment

Processing

1mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

No

Verified 2026-04-20

Italy Digital Nomad Visa

Italy ITA

Digital Nomad

Processing

2mo

Min. Income

$2,500/mo

Citizenship

10y

Verified 2026-04-20

Italy Investor Visa (Visto per Investitori)

Italy ITA

Investment

Processing

3mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

10y

Verified 2026-04-20

Indonesia Golden Visa

Indonesia IDN

Investment

Processing

2mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

No

Verified 2026-04-20

Australia Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417)

Australia AUS

Skilled Worker

Processing

1mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

No

Verified 2026-04-20

Canada IEC Working Holiday

Canada CAN

Skilled Worker

Processing

2mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

No

Verified 2026-04-20

Japan Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Visa

Japan JPN

Skilled Worker

Processing

2mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

10y

Verified 2026-04-20

Malaysia Premium Visa Programme (PVIP)

Malaysia MYS

Investment

Processing

3mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

No

Verified 2026-04-20

Colombia Pensionado / Retirement Visa (M-10)

Colombia COL

Retirement

Processing

2mo

Min. Income

$900/mo

Citizenship

5y

Verified 2026-04-20

Brazil Retirement / Passive Income Visa (VIPER)

Brazil BRA

Retirement

Processing

3mo

Min. Income

$2,000/mo

Citizenship

4y

Verified 2026-04-20

Georgia Small Business / Individual Entrepreneur Visa

Georgia GEO

Entrepreneur

Processing

1mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

10y

Verified 2026-04-20

Estonia Startup Visa

Estonia EST

Entrepreneur

Processing

2mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

8y

Verified 2026-04-20

Philippines Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV)

Philippines PHL

Retirement

Processing

2mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

No

Verified 2026-04-20

Philippines Special Investor's Resident Visa (SIRV)

Philippines PHL

Investment

Processing

3mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

No

Verified 2026-04-20

France Talent Passport — Salaried Employee (Salarié Qualifié)

France FRA

Skilled Worker

Processing

2mo

Min. Income

$4,400/mo

Citizenship

5y

Verified 2026-04-26

France Talent Passport — Innovative Startup Founder (Création d'Entreprise)

France FRA

Entrepreneur

Processing

2mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

5y

Verified 2026-04-26

France Talent Passport — Researcher (Chercheur)

France FRA

Skilled Worker

Processing

2mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

2y

Verified 2026-04-26

UK Ancestry Visa

United Kingdom GBR

Family

Processing

1mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

6y

Verified 2026-04-26

Israel Aliyah (Law of Return)

Israel ISR

Family

Processing

6mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

0y

Verified 2026-04-26

Croatia Digital Nomad Visa

Croatia HRV

Digital Nomad

Processing

1mo

Min. Income

$3,140/mo

Citizenship

No

Verified 2026-04-26

Romania Digital Nomad Visa

Romania ROU

Digital Nomad

Processing

2mo

Min. Income

$4,030/mo

Citizenship

8y

Verified 2026-04-26

Mauritius Premium Travel Visa

Mauritius MUS

Digital Nomad

Processing

1mo

Min. Income

$1,500/mo

Citizenship

No

Verified 2026-04-26

Mauritius Permanent Residency (Property Purchase)

Mauritius MUS

Investment

Processing

4mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

5y

Verified 2026-04-26

Indonesia Second Home Visa (B211B)

Indonesia IDN

Retirement

Processing

2mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

10y

Verified 2026-04-26

Saudi Arabia Premium Residency (Iqama Mumayazah)

Saudi Arabia SAU

Investment

Processing

2mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

No

Verified 2026-04-26

US H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa

United States USA

Skilled Worker

Processing

6mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

11y

Verified 2026-05-05

US L-1 Intracompany Transferee Visa

United States USA

Skilled Worker

Processing

4mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

10y

Verified 2026-05-05

US F-1 Student Visa

United States USA

Student

Processing

2mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

No

Verified 2026-05-05

US J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa

United States USA

Student

Processing

2mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

No

Verified 2026-05-05

Switzerland B Residence Permit (Employment)

Switzerland CHE

Skilled Worker

Processing

4mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

10y

Verified 2026-05-05

Switzerland Self-Employment Permit

Switzerland CHE

Entrepreneur

Processing

6mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

10y

Verified 2026-05-05

Austria Red-White-Red Card

Austria AUT

Skilled Worker

Processing

3mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

10y

Verified 2026-05-05

Czech Employment Card

Czech Republic CZE

Skilled Worker

Processing

3mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

10y

Verified 2026-05-05

Czech Long-Term Residence — Investment / Business

Czech Republic CZE

Investment

Processing

4mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

10y

Verified 2026-05-05

Czech Digital Nomad Visa

Czech Republic CZE

Digital Nomad

Processing

2mo

Min. Income

$2,300/mo

Citizenship

10y

Verified 2026-05-05

Belgium Single Permit

Belgium BEL

Skilled Worker

Processing

4mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

5y

Verified 2026-05-05

Belgium Self-Employed Professional Card

Belgium BEL

Entrepreneur

Processing

6mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

5y

Verified 2026-05-05

Luxembourg Salaried Worker Permit

Luxembourg LUX

Skilled Worker

Processing

3mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

5y

Verified 2026-05-05

Italy Self-Employment Visa

Italy ITA

Entrepreneur

Processing

9mo

Min. Income

$9,500/mo

Citizenship

10y

Verified 2026-05-09

Germany Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte)

Germany DEU

Skilled Worker

Processing

4mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

5y

Verified 2026-05-09

Portugal HQA Visa (Highly Qualified Activity)

Portugal PRT

Skilled Worker

Processing

5mo

Min. Income

$26,000/mo

Citizenship

5y

Verified 2026-05-09

Greece Skilled Worker Visa (Type D)

Greece GRC

Skilled Worker

Processing

6mo

Min. Income

$30,000/mo

Citizenship

7y

Verified 2026-05-09

Sweden EU Blue Card

Sweden SWE

Skilled Worker

Processing

4mo

Min. Income

$5,800/mo

Citizenship

5y

Verified 2026-05-13

Sweden Self-Employment Permit

Sweden SWE

Entrepreneur

Processing

4mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

5y

Verified 2026-05-13

Sweden Job Seeker Visa

Sweden SWE

Skilled Worker

Processing

3mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

No

Verified 2026-05-13

NZ Active Investor Plus Visa

New Zealand NZL

Processing

9mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

5y

Verified 2026-05-13

Thailand O-X Long-Stay Visa

Thailand THA

Retirement

Processing

3mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

No

Verified 2026-05-13

Banking That Accepts Your Passport

20 options

Company Formation Jurisdictions

23 jurisdictions

UK Private Limited Company (Ltd)

Setup: $50

25% (19% for profits under GBP 50,000; marginal relief between GBP 50,000–250,000)

Banking: moderate

US Delaware LLC

Setup: $200

0% at state level (no Delaware state income tax on out-of-state activity); federal tax depends on election (pass-through by default or C-Corp election)

Banking: moderate

US Wyoming LLC

Setup: $100

0% at state level (no Wyoming state income tax); federal tax depends on entity election

Banking: moderate

Estonia OÜ (Private Limited Company)

Setup: $265

0% on retained earnings; 20% on distributed profits (unique deferred distribution tax model)

Banking: difficult

Dubai DMCC Free Zone Company

Setup: $8,500

9% UAE Corporate Tax (effective June 2023) on taxable profits over AED 375,000; 0% for Qualifying Free Zone Persons meeting substance requirements

Banking: moderate

Dubai IFZA Free Zone Company

Setup: $5,500

9% UAE Corporate Tax on profits over AED 375,000; 0% for Qualifying Free Zone Persons on qualifying income

Banking: moderate

Singapore Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd)

Setup: $400

17% headline rate; effective rate often 8–10% due to startup tax exemptions (75% exemption on first SGD 100,000 for first 3 years)

Banking: moderate

Hong Kong Private Limited Company

Setup: $500

16.5% standard; 8.25% on first HKD 2 million of assessable profits (two-tiered regime)

Banking: difficult

BVI Business Company (BC)

Setup: $2,000

0% (no corporate income tax, capital gains tax, or withholding tax)

Banking: difficult

Cayman Islands LLC

Setup: $3,500

0% (no corporate tax, income tax, capital gains tax, or withholding tax; 20-year tax exemption certificate available)

Banking: difficult

Portugal Lda (Sociedade por Quotas)

Setup: $1,200

21% standard IRC; 17% on first EUR 25,000 for SMEs; municipal surcharge up to 1.5%; RFAI and other incentives available

Banking: moderate

Georgia Individual Entrepreneur (IE) with Virtual Zone

Setup: $50

1% on turnover up to GEL 500,000/year (Small Business Status); 0% on IT/software exports for Virtual Zone Person status; standard rate 15% corporate + 5% dividend withholding

Banking: easy

Ireland Limited Company (Ltd)

Setup: $350

12.5%

Banking: moderate

Netherlands BV

Setup: $1,500

19-25.8%

Banking: moderate

Cyprus Limited Company

Setup: $2,000

12.5%

Banking: moderate

Malta Limited Company

Setup: $2,500

5% effective (via refund system)

Banking: moderate

Seychelles IBC (International Business Company)

Setup: $700

0% (offshore income)

Banking: difficult

Switzerland Aktiengesellschaft (AG)

Setup: $8,000

11.85% to 21.0% effective combined federal + cantonal + communal (cantonal variation extreme — Zug 11.85%, Geneva 14%, Zürich 19.7%)

Banking: high

Luxembourg Société à Responsabilité Limitée (SARL)

Setup: $4,500

24.94% combined CIT + municipal business tax + solidarity surtax (Luxembourg City). Lower in some communes.

Banking: high

New Zealand Limited Company

Setup: $80

28% flat

Banking: moderate

Australia Proprietary Limited Company (Pty Ltd)

Setup: $380

25% for base rate entities (turnover < AUD 50M); 30% for larger companies

Banking: moderate

Canada Federal Corporation

Setup: $200

15% federal + 8-16% provincial = ~23-31% combined depending on province (Ontario 26.5%, Alberta 23%, Quebec 26.5%)

Banking: moderate

Bulgaria EOOD (Single-Member LLC)

Setup: $700

10% flat (one of EU's lowest)

Banking: moderate

Citizenship by Investment

10 programs

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