🇨🇷 Costa Rica vs 🇨🇭 Switzerland
Complete Tax Residency Comparison for Digital Nomads & Entrepreneurs
Quick Comparison
| Factor | 🇨🇷 Costa Rica | 🇨🇭 Switzerland |
|---|---|---|
| Tax System | Territorial | Lump-Sum Taxation |
| Income Tax (Foreign) | 0% (foreign income) | 0% (lump-sum option) |
| Capital Gains Tax | 0% (foreign) | 0% (private) |
| Corporate Tax | 30% | 11-24% |
| Residency Requirement | Rentista ($2,500/mo income) | Lump-sum agreement |
| Minimum Stay | None required | Permanent residence |
| Cost of Living | Moderate ($1,800-3,000/mo) | Very High ($5,000-8,000/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
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Highlights
- ✅Lump-sum taxation option
- ✅Political stability
- ✅Banking privacy
- ✅High quality of life
- ✅Central Europe access
Considerations
- ⚠️Very expensive
- ⚠️Lump-sum has min thresholds
- ⚠️Strict immigration
Best For
- 👤Ultra-wealthy
- 👤Privacy seekers
- 👤Stability focus
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Costa Rica if: You prioritize stable democracy and no army, peaceful. Ideal for retirees, nature lovers, families.
Choose Switzerland if: You prioritize lump-sum taxation option and political stability. Ideal for ultra-wealthy, privacy seekers, stability focus.
Not Sure Which is Right for You?
Take our free eligibility assessment to see which tax residency program fits your situation.