๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฆ Panama vs ๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต Japan

Complete Tax Residency Comparison for Digital Nomads & Entrepreneurs

Quick Comparison

Factor๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฆ Panama๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต Japan
Tax SystemTerritorialNon-Permanent Resident
Income Tax (Foreign)0% (foreign income)5-45%
Capital Gains Tax0-10%0% (foreign, NPR)
Corporate Tax25%23-30%
Residency RequirementFriendly Nations Visa ($5,000)Various visas
Minimum StayNone requiredNPR status first 5 years
Cost of LivingModerate ($1,500-2,500/mo)High ($2,500-4,500/mo)

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฆ Panama

Highlights

  • โœ…Dollar-based economy
  • โœ…Strong banking sector
  • โœ…No forex controls
  • โœ…Good infrastructure
  • โœ…English widely spoken

Considerations

  • โš ๏ธHigher cost of living than Paraguay
  • โš ๏ธMore bureaucracy
  • โš ๏ธCRS reporting to some countries

Best For

  • ๐Ÿ‘คEntrepreneurs
  • ๐Ÿ‘คInternational traders
  • ๐Ÿ‘คBanking needs

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต Japan

Highlights

  • โœ…NPR regime excludes foreign gains
  • โœ…Amazing culture
  • โœ…Safe country
  • โœ…Great infrastructure
  • โœ…Digital nomad visa coming

Considerations

  • โš ๏ธHigh taxes after NPR ends
  • โš ๏ธLanguage barrier
  • โš ๏ธComplex bureaucracy

Best For

  • ๐Ÿ‘คCulture enthusiasts
  • ๐Ÿ‘คFirst 5 years tax planning

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Panama if: You prioritize dollar-based economy and strong banking sector. Ideal for entrepreneurs, international traders, banking needs.

Choose Japan if: You prioritize npr regime excludes foreign gains and amazing culture. Ideal for culture enthusiasts, first 5 years tax planning.

Not Sure Which is Right for You?

Take our free eligibility assessment to see which tax residency program fits your situation.