Tax Residency Solutions

Combining lifestyle
and tax efficiency

Tax Residency Solutions

Are you or your business looking to re-locate abroad?

Does the idea of a more permanent Mediterranean lifestyle beyond the confines of your holiday home sound appealing?

The ideal solution is to be able to combine the lifestyle you have always aspired to, in terms of climate, culture, social activities and leisure with all the ultimate financial benefits of a superior, well-structured residency solution. Abacus has great experience to ensure you a smooth transition.

Our selection of tax residency programmes

Click below to select your preferred destination. We will help determine whether this will be the right residency solution for you. We will also guide you through the residency process. We provide a set of services that aim make this procedure as simple and fast as possible for you.

“Life is not a problem to be solved but a reality to be experienced”

Soren Kierkegaard - Existentialist Philosopher

Category 2 Status
HEPSS

non-Habitual Residency

Gibraltar
Portugal
cyprus

Gibraltar

Tax Residency Programmes

Gibraltar is a stunning location to call home. As a vibrant, multi-cultural, politically stable and economically prosperous place, it is highly attractive to entrepreneurs and their families.  It is a tax friendly jurisdiction, extremely well connected by land, air and sea. This makes it a perfect base for the frequent business traveller looking to relocate and enjoy the benefits of tax efficient planning combined with a unique Mediterranean lifestyle.

The Gibraltar programmes offer attractive tax and estate planning opportunities for high net worth individuals seeking to optimise the tax efficiency of their arrangements and/or protect their assets from foreign taxation.

Category 2 Status

This is a special tax status awarded to eligible individuals upon successful application. It is governed by the Gibraltar Ministry of Finance under the Qualifying (Category 2) Individual Rules.

Benefits of the Cat.2 Status

Favourable income tax treatment
Tax is only paid on income remitted into Gibraltar
Income tax is capped and only calculated on the first £80,000 of assessable income.
Minimum annual income tax liability of £22,000, maximum of £29,800
A flat rate of 2.5% applies to pension income from a QROPS or QNUPS
Gibraltar residency is easily obtained once Category 2 application is approved
No inheritance tax, capital gains tax, VAT or wealth tax in Gibraltar
Children are eligible to attend local schools that follow the UK national curriculum
No minimum number of days that must be spent in Gibraltar each year of assessment

Requirements

Applicants must be able to evidence net assets of at least £2M to demonstrate self-sufficiency
The purchase or rental of approved residential property in Gibraltar that must be available for the exclusive use of the applicant and the applicant’s family throughout the year. The property must be of a certain standard appropriate for a wealthy individual and proportionate to the needs of the family.
Generally, the applicant may not engage in any business activities, trade or employment in Gibraltar. Some business activities are permissible but must be disclosed for pre-approval prior to the application being submitted to the Finance Centre.
Applicant should not have been a Gibraltar resident for the 5 years preceding the application.
No minimum number of days that must be spent in Gibraltar each year of assessment
Private medical insurance.

HEPSS

The HEPSS status is available to those who wish to relocate to Gibraltar and participate in business activities. It is a special employment tax status for senior executives. 

Benefits of HEPSS

Favourable income tax treatment
Tax is only payable on the first £120,000 of income per annum under the Gross Income Based (GIB) tax system
A flat rate of 2.5% applies to pension income from a QROPS or QNUPS
Gibraltar residency is easily obtained once the HEPSS application is approved.
No inheritance tax, capital gains tax, VAT or wealth tax in Gibraltar.
Children are eligible to attend local schools that follow the UK national curriculum
No minimum number of days that must be spent in Gibraltar each year of assessment

Requirements

The individual must possess specialist skills that are not readily available in Gibraltar
These skills must promote and sustain economic activity in Gibraltar
The individual must not have been a Gibraltar resident for the 3 years preceding the application
The purchase or rental of approved residential property in Gibraltar that must be available for the exclusive use of the applicant and the applicant’s family throughout the year. The property must be of a certain standard appropriate for a wealthy individual and proportionate to the needs of the family
The applicant must be the individual’s employer, and the HEPSS status is dependant on the employment of that individual within that same company. If employment ceases, the HEPSS status is immediately withdrawn

Requirements

Applicants must be able to evidence net assets of at least £2M to demonstrate self-sufficiency.

The purchase or rental of approved residential property in Gibraltar that must be available for the exclusive use of the applicant and the applicant’s family throughout the year. The property must be of a certain standard appropriate for a wealthy individual and proportionate to the needs of the family.

Generally, the applicant may not engage in any business activities, trade or employment in Gibraltar. Some business activities are permissible but must be disclosed for pre-approval prior to the application being submitted to the Finance Centre.

Applicant should not have been a Gibraltar resident for the 5 years preceding the application.

Private medical insurance.

Gibraltar

How can we help?

Our highly experienced local team can assist you throughout the entire process, step by step. This starts with an initial consultation to discuss your circumstances, plans and aspirations, right through to the submission of your application for either programme until your certificate is granted.

During application, we will provide guidance on matters such as:

Completion and submission of all relevant application forms to the Finance Centre Director
Obtaining a Gibraltar Identification Card and driving licence (if required)
Finding a suitable property to rent or purchase that meets the eligibility criteria
Introductions to local and international banks and professional tax advisers
Guidance on the structuring of your worldwide assets, if applicable
Assistance with your relocation to Gibraltar

Personalised Service

We provide a highly personalised service, conducted with absolute discretion, speed and professionalism.

We do not provide legal; tax or financial advice and we strongly recommend you obtain professional tax advice prior to application. We work in partnership with leading tax professionals and can help you procure this upon your request.

Contact Us For guidance

Portugal

Non Habitual Residency

Are you and your family approaching that stage in life where you are considering retirement or simply have earned the freedom to make lifestyle choices regarding your future residency?

If you are fortunate enough to qualify for NHR, this exclusive regime may enhance your lifestyle and provide you with substantial tax savings. Portugal has a multitude of offerings, such as a stable political and social environment, an English-speaking labour force and a high quality of life. This, combined with its membership of the European Union makes it a safe and lucrative area for investment.

The NHR regime, valid for a ten-year period, aims to attract highly skilled professionals, high net worth individuals and investors or retirees from any nationality who may benefit from a favourable taxation of foreign income, with tax exemptions in Portugal and a possible double exemption both in Portugal and in the country where the income is obtained, if a Double Taxation Agreement is in place.

Benefits

Favourable tax treatment for 10 years
Flat 20% tax rate on Portuguese sourced income from eligible occupations
Tax on foreign pensions capped at 10%
No Portuguese IHT for direct family members
Crypto currencies not yet taxed in Portugal
Double Taxation Agreements with 79 countries
Portugal is considered one of the safest places in the world to live in
Well established health-care system and excellent education system
Rated one of the Worlds’ top destinations for property investments

Requirements

Not have been a Portuguese tax residence in the 5 years prior to applying for NHR status.
The legal right to reside in Portugal, obtained via a residence permit or Golden Visa
Obtain a Portuguese tax number (NIF)
Fiscal address in Portugal and reside in Portugal for at least 183 days per fiscal year
Rent or purchase of a suitable property in Portugal that is available to occupy as a residential home
Portugal

Let us guide you through the process

We provide a set of services that aim to make this procedure as simple and fast as possible for you, such as:

The analysis of possible tax benefits that may result from your change of residence to Portugal
Preparation and submission of the formal request of the non-habitual residence tax regime before the Portuguese Tax Authorities
Legal assistance within the scope of real estate purchase or the execution of the Rental Agreement
Administrative Pack (opening utilities contracts, i.e. water, electricity, telecommunications)
Legal assistance with the legalisation of a vehicle

We can help you determine whether this is the right residence solution for you and guide you through the process. Based in our Algarve office, our experienced Portuguese and English-speaking manager, Anne, offers you the benefit of her local expertise and network of strong professional partners in Portugal.

Contact Us For Guidance

Your next steps...

Download our free
Portugal brochure

Cyprus

Citizenship and Residency

The Cyprus government has implemented various incentives so as to encourage foreign investment into the country. One of the most popular is the Citizenship through Investment Program whereby an  applicant can acquire Cypriot citizenship and receive a Cyprus (EU) passport through naturalisation if they make a €2mln investment in real estate and meet certain other criteria.

For more information download our fact sheet

Download fact sheet

Non-Domicile Regime

In an effort to enhance the competitiveness, fairness and simplicity of the Cyprus Tax system and make it more attractive to foreign investors, the Cyprus Government passed on the 16th of July 2015 among others the introduction of “Domicile” concept. The introduction of the non-domicile rules aims to attract high-earners relocate to Cyprus and use Cyprus as a business centre, by transferring the headquarters of their business and creating real substance.

Download fact sheet

Benefits

No wealth Tax

No capital gains tax

No Inheritance Tax

Attractive pensions schemes

Rental income from a foreign source is not taxable in Gibraltar

and much more …

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Contact Us For Guidance
Cyprus

Category 2 Status
HEPSS

non-Habitual Residency

Gibraltar

Gibraltar

Tax Residency Programmes

Gibraltar is a stunning location to call home. As a vibrant, multi-cultural, politically stable and economically prosperous place, it is highly attractive to entrepreneurs and their families.  It is a tax friendly jurisdiction, extremely well connected by land, air and sea. This makes it a perfect base for the frequent business traveller looking to relocate and enjoy the benefits of tax efficient planning combined with a unique Mediterranean lifestyle.

The Gibraltar programmes offer attractive tax and estate planning opportunities for high net worth individuals seeking to optimise the tax efficiency of their arrangements and/or protect their assets from foreign taxation.

Category 2 Status

This is a special tax status awarded to eligible individuals upon successful application. It is governed by the Gibraltar Ministry of Finance under the Qualifying (Category 2) Individual Rules.

Benefits of the Cat.2 Status

Favourable income tax treatment
Tax is only paid on income remitted into Gibraltar
Income tax is capped and only calculated on the first £80,000 of assessable income.
Minimum annual income tax liability of £22,000, maximum of £29,800
A flat rate of 2.5% applies to pension income from a QROPS or QNUPS
Gibraltar residency is easily obtained once Category 2 application is approved
No inheritance tax, capital gains tax, VAT or wealth tax in Gibraltar
Children are eligible to attend local schools that follow the UK national curriculum
No minimum number of days that must be spent in Gibraltar each year of assessment

Requirements

Applicants must be able to evidence net assets of at least £2M to demonstrate self-sufficiency
The purchase or rental of approved residential property in Gibraltar that must be available for the exclusive use of the applicant and the applicant’s family throughout the year. The property must be of a certain standard appropriate for a wealthy individual and proportionate to the needs of the family.
Generally, the applicant may not engage in any business activities, trade or employment in Gibraltar. Some business activities are permissible but must be disclosed for pre-approval prior to the application being submitted to the Finance Centre.
Applicant should not have been a Gibraltar resident for the 5 years preceding the application.
No minimum number of days that must be spent in Gibraltar each year of assessment
Private medical insurance.

HEPSS

The HEPSS status is available to those who wish to relocate to Gibraltar and participate in business activities. It is a special employment tax status for senior executives. 

Benefits of HEPSS

Favourable income tax treatment
Tax is only payable on the first £120,000 of income per annum under the Gross Income Based (GIB) tax system
A flat rate of 2.5% applies to pension income from a QROPS or QNUPS
Gibraltar residency is easily obtained once the HEPSS application is approved.
No inheritance tax, capital gains tax, VAT or wealth tax in Gibraltar.
Children are eligible to attend local schools that follow the UK national curriculum
No minimum number of days that must be spent in Gibraltar each year of assessment

Requirements

The individual must possess specialist skills that are not readily available in Gibraltar
These skills must promote and sustain economic activity in Gibraltar
The individual must not have been a Gibraltar resident for the 3 years preceding the application
The purchase or rental of approved residential property in Gibraltar that must be available for the exclusive use of the applicant and the applicant’s family throughout the year. The property must be of a certain standard appropriate for a wealthy individual and proportionate to the needs of the family
The applicant must be the individual’s employer, and the HEPSS status is dependant on the employment of that individual within that same company. If employment ceases, the HEPSS status is immediately withdrawn

Requirements

Applicants must be able to evidence net assets of at least £2M to demonstrate self-sufficiency.

The purchase or rental of approved residential property in Gibraltar that must be available for the exclusive use of the applicant and the applicant’s family throughout the year. The property must be of a certain standard appropriate for a wealthy individual and proportionate to the needs of the family.

Generally, the applicant may not engage in any business activities, trade or employment in Gibraltar. Some business activities are permissible but must be disclosed for pre-approval prior to the application being submitted to the Finance Centre.

Applicant should not have been a Gibraltar resident for the 5 years preceding the application.

Private medical insurance.

Gibraltar

How can we help?

Our highly experienced local team can assist you throughout the entire process, step by step. This starts with an initial consultation to discuss your circumstances, plans and aspirations, right through to the submission of your application for either programme until your certificate is granted.

During application, we will provide guidance on matters such as:

Completion and submission of all relevant application
forms to the Finance Centre Director
Obtaining a Gibraltar Identification Card and driving licence
(if required)
Finding a suitable property to rent or purchase that
meets the eligibility criteria
Introductions to local and international banks and professional tax advisers
Guidance on the structuring of your worldwide assets, if applicable
Assistance with your relocation to Gibraltar

Personalised Service

We provide a highly personalised service, conducted with absolute discretion, speed and professionalism.

We do not provide legal; tax or financial advice and we strongly recommend you obtain professional tax advice prior to application. We work in partnership with leading tax professionals and can help you procure this upon your request.

Get in touch with
our experts

For those of you who would like to get personal advice, please fill in below.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
PoRTUGAL

Portugal

Non Habitual Residency

Are you and your family approaching that stage in life where you are considering retirement or simply have earned the freedom to make lifestyle choices regarding your future residency?

If you are fortunate enough to qualify for NHR, this exclusive regime may enhance your lifestyle and provide you with substantial tax savings. Portugal has a multitude of offerings, such as a stable political and social environment, an English-speaking labour force and a high quality of life. This, combined with its membership of the European Union makes it a safe and lucrative area for investment.

The NHR regime, valid for a ten-year period, aims to attract highly skilled professionals, high net worth individuals and investors or retirees from any nationality who may benefit from a favourable taxation of foreign income, with tax exemptions in Portugal and a possible double exemption both in Portugal and in the country where the income is obtained, if a Double Taxation Agreement is in place.

Benefits NHR

Favourable tax treatment for 10 years
Flat 20% tax rate on Portuguese sourced income from eligible occupations
Tax on foreign pensions capped at 10%
No Portuguese IHT for direct family members
Crypto currencies not yet taxed in Portugal
Double Taxation Agreements with 79 countries
Portugal is considered one of the safest places in the world to live in
Well established health-care system and excellent education system
Rated one of the Worlds’ top destinations for property investments

Requirements

Not have been a Portuguese tax residence in the 5 years prior to applying for NHR status.
The legal right to reside in Portugal, obtained via a residence permit or Golden Visa
Obtain a Portuguese tax number (NIF)
Fiscal address in Portugal and reside in Portugal for at least 183 days per fiscal year
Rent or purchase of a suitable property in Portugal that is available to occupy as a residential home
Portugal

Let us guide you through the process

We can help you determine whether this is the right residence solution for you and guide you through the process. Based in our Algarve office, our experienced Portuguese and English-speaking manager, Anne, offers you the benefit of her local expertise and network of strong professional partners in Portugal.

We provide a set of services that aim to make this procedure as simple and fast as possible for you, such as:

The analysis of possible tax benefits that may result from your
change of residence to Portugal
Preparation and submission of the formal request of the non-habitual residence tax regime before the Portuguese Tax Authorities
Legal assistance within the scope of real estate purchase or the execution of the Rental Agreement
Administrative Pack (opening utilities contracts, i.e. water, electricity, telecommunications)
Legal assistance with the legalisation of a vehicle

Get in touch with
our experts

For those of you who would like to get personal advice, please fill in below.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Gibraltar

Tax Residency Programmes

Gibraltar is a stunning location to call home. As a vibrant, multi-cultural, politically stable and economically prosperous place, it is highly attractive to entrepreneurs and their families.  It is a tax friendly jurisdiction, extremely well connected by land, air and sea. This makes it a perfect base for the frequent business traveller looking to relocate and enjoy the benefits of tax efficient planning combined with a unique Mediterranean lifestyle.

The Gibraltar programmes offer attractive tax and estate planning opportunities for high net worth individuals seeking to optimise the tax efficiency of their arrangements and/or protect their assets from foreign taxation.

Category 2 Status

This is a special tax status awarded to eligible individuals upon successful application. It is governed by the Gibraltar Ministry of Finance under the Qualifying (Category 2) Individual Rules.

Benefits of the Cat.2 Status

Favourable income tax treatment
Tax is only paid on income remitted into Gibraltar
Income tax is capped and only calculated on the first £80,000 of assessable income.
Minimum annual income tax liability of £22,000, maximum of £29,800
A flat rate of 2.5% applies to pension income from a QROPS or QNUPS
Gibraltar residency is easily obtained once Category 2 application is approved
No inheritance tax, capital gains tax, VAT or wealth tax in Gibraltar
Children are eligible to attend local schools that follow the UK national curriculum
No minimum number of days that must be spent in Gibraltar each year of assessment

Requirements

Applicants must be able to evidence net assets of at least £2M to demonstrate self-sufficiency
The purchase or rental of approved residential property in Gibraltar that must be available for the exclusive use of the applicant and the applicant’s family throughout the year. The property must be of a certain standard appropriate for a wealthy individual and proportionate to the needs of the family.
Generally, the applicant may not engage in any business activities, trade or employment in Gibraltar. Some business activities are permissible but must be disclosed for pre-approval prior to the application being submitted to the Finance Centre.
Applicant should not have been a Gibraltar resident for the 5 years preceding the application.
No minimum number of days that must be spent in Gibraltar each year of assessment
Private medical insurance.

HEPSS

The HEPSS status is available to those who wish to relocate to Gibraltar and participate in business activities. It is a special employment tax status for senior executives. 

Benefits of HEPSS

Favourable income tax treatment
Tax is only payable on the first £120,000 of income per annum under the Gross Income Based (GIB) tax system
A flat rate of 2.5% applies to pension income from a QROPS or QNUPS
Gibraltar residency is easily obtained once the HEPSS application is approved.
No inheritance tax, capital gains tax, VAT or wealth tax in Gibraltar.
Children are eligible to attend local schools that follow the UK national curriculum
No minimum number of days that must be spent in Gibraltar each year of assessment

Requirements

The individual must possess specialist skills that are not readily available in Gibraltar
These skills must promote and sustain economic activity in Gibraltar
The individual must not have been a Gibraltar resident for the 3 years preceding the application
The purchase or rental of approved residential property in Gibraltar that must be available for the exclusive use of the applicant and the applicant’s family throughout the year. The property must be of a certain standard appropriate for a wealthy individual and proportionate to the needs of the family
The applicant must be the individual’s employer, and the HEPSS status is dependant on the employment of that individual within that same company. If employment ceases, the HEPSS status is immediately withdrawn

Requirements

Applicants must be able to evidence net assets of at least £2M to demonstrate self-sufficiency.

The purchase or rental of approved residential property in Gibraltar that must be available for the exclusive use of the applicant and the applicant’s family throughout the year. The property must be of a certain standard appropriate for a wealthy individual and proportionate to the needs of the family.

Generally, the applicant may not engage in any business activities, trade or employment in Gibraltar. Some business activities are permissible but must be disclosed for pre-approval prior to the application being submitted to the Finance Centre.

Applicant should not have been a Gibraltar resident for the 5 years preceding the application.

Private medical insurance.

Gibraltar

How can we help?

Our highly experienced local team can assist you throughout the entire process, step by step. This starts with an initial consultation to discuss your circumstances, plans and aspirations, right through to the submission of your application for either programme until your certificate is granted.

During application, we will provide guidance on matters such as:

Completion and submission of all relevant application
forms to the Finance Centre Director
Obtaining a Gibraltar Identification Card and driving licence
(if required)
Finding a suitable property to rent or purchase that
meets the eligibility criteria
Introductions to local and international banks and professional tax advisers
Guidance on the structuring of your worldwide assets, if applicable
Assistance with your relocation to Gibraltar

Personalised Service

We provide a highly personalised service, conducted with absolute discretion, speed and professionalism.

We do not provide legal; tax or financial advice and we strongly recommend you obtain professional tax advice prior to application. We work in partnership with leading tax professionals and can help you procure this upon your request.

Get in touch with
our experts

For those of you who would like to get personal advice, please fill in below.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Portugal

Non Habitual Residency

Are you and your family approaching that stage in life where you are considering retirement or simply have earned the freedom to make lifestyle choices regarding your future residency?

If you are fortunate enough to qualify for NHR, this exclusive regime may enhance your lifestyle and provide you with substantial tax savings. Portugal has a multitude of offerings, such as a stable political and social environment, an English-speaking labour force and a high quality of life. This, combined with its membership of the European Union makes it a safe and lucrative area for investment.

The NHR regime, valid for a ten-year period, aims to attract highly skilled professionals, high net worth individuals and investors or retirees from any nationality who may benefit from a favourable taxation of foreign income, with tax exemptions in Portugal and a possible double exemption both in Portugal and in the country where the income is obtained, if a Double Taxation Agreement is in place.

Benefits NHR

Favourable tax treatment for 10 years
Flat 20% tax rate on Portuguese sourced income from eligible occupations
Tax on foreign pensions capped at 10%
No Portuguese IHT for direct family members
Crypto currencies not yet taxed in Portugal
Double Taxation Agreements with 79 countries
Portugal is considered one of the safest places in the world to live in
Well established health-care system and excellent education system
Rated one of the Worlds’ top destinations for property investments

Requirements

Not have been a Portuguese tax residence in the 5 years prior to applying for NHR status.
The legal right to reside in Portugal, obtained via a residence permit or Golden Visa
Obtain a Portuguese tax number (NIF)
Fiscal address in Portugal and reside in Portugal for at least 183 days per fiscal year
Rent or purchase of a suitable property in Portugal that is available to occupy as a residential home
Portugal

Let us guide you through the process

We can help you determine whether this is the right residence solution for you and guide you through the process. Based in our Algarve office, our experienced Portuguese and English-speaking manager, Anne, offers you the benefit of her local expertise and network of strong professional partners in Portugal.

We provide a set of services that aim to make this procedure as simple and fast as possible for you, such as:

The analysis of possible tax benefits that may result from your
change of residence to Portugal
Preparation and submission of the formal request of the non-habitual residence tax regime before the Portuguese Tax Authorities
Legal assistance within the scope of real estate purchase or the execution of the Rental Agreement
Administrative Pack (opening utilities contracts, i.e. water, electricity, telecommunications)
Legal assistance with the legalisation of a vehicle

Get in touch with
our experts

For those of you who would like to get personal advice, please fill in below.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Latest topics

A warm Abacus welcome to Philip joining our accounts team!

In March 2019 Spain and the UK, acting on behalf of Gibraltar, agreed the text of a tax treaty (‘the Treaty’) to resolve issues regarding the tax residence of both individuals and companies and to improve cooperation and exchange of information between Spain and Gibraltar on matters of taxation.