Remote Work Taxes: Which Countries Let You Keep More of Your Tech Salary?

Remote work has changed how people think about careers, borders, and even taxes. If your job happens entirely online, why not base yourself somewhere that lets you keep more of your income? That’s exactly what many digital nomads are doing, moving to destinations that not only offer sunshine and good Wi-Fi, but also tax systems that make remote life financially smarter.

Over the past few years, countries across Europe, the Middle East, and beyond have introduced new visa schemes and tax incentives to attract remote workers. These policies aim to draw global talent while stimulating local economies, and for tech professionals earning in stronger currencies, it’s often a win-win.

Here are some of the best destinations where your tech salary goes further.

Countries That Let You Keep More of Your Tech Salary

Portugal

Portugal has long been a digital nomad hotspot, and not just for its beaches, safety, and great food. The real appeal lies in its Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime. Under this policy, foreign residents can benefit from a flat 20% income tax on qualifying local income and exemptions on most foreign income for up to ten years.

If you’re a remote tech worker from outside the EU, Portugal’s D7 Visa makes relocation relatively easy. You’ll need a stable passive or remote income to qualify, but once approved, you can live in the country long-term while taking advantage of lower taxes and an affordable lifestyle. For many developers and digital creatives, it’s the perfect setup, modern living without the Silicon Valley tax bill.

United Arab Emirates

The UAE is one of the few places in the world where individuals pay 0% income tax, regardless of how much they earn. For remote workers, that’s a major draw, especially in cities like Dubai, where digital nomad infrastructure is growing fast.

The country’s Remote Work Visa allows you to live there while working for a foreign employer, as long as you earn at least $5,000 per month and can show proof through recent salary slips or contracts.

Combine that with world-class amenities, safety, and strong internet, and you’ve got a serious financial advantage, especially if your salary is paid in USD or euros.

Malta

Malta has become a hidden gem for tech professionals looking to relocate. Its Nomad Residence Permit gives non-EU remote workers the right to live and work in Malta while paying taxes only on local income. In other words, you’re exempt from paying tax on global earnings, a huge benefit if your clients or employer are abroad.

The permit is valid for one year and renewable for up to three. On top of that, entrepreneurs who set up a company in Malta can access corporate tax refunds that effectively reduce tax rates to around 5%, one of the lowest in Europe.

Add mild weather, English as an official language, and easy EU access, and Malta offers a blend of comfort and savings few countries can match.

Greece

Greece is actively courting digital nomads, and the tax incentives are substantial. Under Law 4825/2021, newcomers working remotely can enjoy a 50% reduction in income tax for up to seven years. That means you keep half of what you’d normally pay in taxes, giving you more freedom to enjoy the country’s affordable cost of living.

Greece’s Digital Nomad Visa also makes it straightforward for non-EU citizens to stay legally while working online. Athens, Thessaloniki, and several Greek islands now have growing expat and tech nomad communities, blending professional opportunity with Mediterranean ease.

Cyprus

Cyprus has quietly become one of Europe’s most tax-efficient countries for remote professionals. Its Digital Nomad Visa, launched in 2022, allows non-EU citizens to live there while working for companies abroad.

The standout feature is the non-domiciled tax residency policy, which exempts residents from the Special Defence Contribution (SDC) tax for up to 17 years. This means no tax on dividend, interest, or rental income, a massive advantage if you’re investing or freelancing internationally. The island also offers a favourable 12.5% corporate tax rate for those running remote tech consultancies.

Conclusion

As remote work matures, taxes are becoming a major factor in where professionals choose to live. Countries like Portugal, the UAE, and Malta are rewriting the rules, offering competitive advantages to attract skilled, mobile workers.

For tech professionals earning globally, this shift means one thing: you can now choose not just where you live, but how much of your hard-earned salary you actually keep.

Source – https://www.techloy.com/remote-work-taxes-which-countries-let-you-keep-more-of-your-tech-salary/