🇨🇷 Costa Rica vs 🇲🇹 Malta
Complete Tax Residency Comparison for Digital Nomads & Entrepreneurs
Quick Comparison
| Factor | 🇨🇷 Costa Rica | 🇲🇹 Malta |
|---|---|---|
| Tax System | Territorial | Remittance-based |
| Income Tax (Foreign) | 0% (foreign income) | 0-15% (remitted income) |
| Capital Gains Tax | 0% (foreign) | 0% (if not remitted) |
| Corporate Tax | 30% | 35% (5% effective) |
| Residency Requirement | Rentista ($2,500/mo income) | Global Residence Programme |
| Minimum Stay | None required | 183 days in EU |
| Cost of Living | Moderate ($1,800-3,000/mo) | Moderate ($2,500-3,500/mo) |
🇨🇷 Costa Rica
Highlights
- ✅Stable democracy
- ✅No army, peaceful
- ✅Beautiful nature
- ✅Good healthcare
- ✅Large expat community
Considerations
- ⚠️Higher cost than neighbors
- ⚠️Bureaucratic processes
- ⚠️Some areas touristy
Best For
- 👤Retirees
- 👤Nature lovers
- 👤Families
🇲🇹 Malta
Highlights
- ✅EU membership
- ✅English-speaking
- ✅Strong iGaming sector
- ✅Mediterranean climate
- ✅Crypto-friendly
Considerations
- ⚠️Small island
- ⚠️Hot summers
- ⚠️Rising cost of living
Best For
- 👤Gaming industry
- 👤Crypto projects
- 👤EU base
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Costa Rica if: You prioritize stable democracy and no army, peaceful. Ideal for retirees, nature lovers, families.
Choose Malta if: You prioritize eu membership and english-speaking. Ideal for gaming industry, crypto projects, eu base.
Not Sure Which is Right for You?
Take our free eligibility assessment to see which tax residency program fits your situation.