They see the state as a threat to freedom and taxes as theft: A new ranking shows where libertarian emigrants can go.
The paradise for libertarian emigrants is on an island off the coast of Honduras. On Roatán, the Central American state has established a special economic zone called Próspera, which translates to “prosperity.” The private city is a project by American Erick Brimen, who aims to attract investors with extremely low tax rates and minimal government intervention. And according to the new “Freedom Ranking” by the “Staatenlos” blog of entrepreneur and emigration advisor Christoph Heuermann, Próspera is the top destination for people who want to turn their backs on Germany and other traditional nation-states.
For the ranking, Heuermann, who calls himself a “Perpetual Traveler” and has been traveling the world continuously for a decade, examined territories worldwide based on various “libertarian” criteria – from tax legislation and the influence of central banks to how regulated the economy is and whether military or school attendance is compulsory. Points are awarded, for example, for allowing Bitcoin as an official means of payment (which is the case in El Salvador alongside Prospéra), for waiving income tax (as demonstrated by the Cayman Islands, the British Virgin Islands, and the Bahamas), or for foregoing environmental regulations for construction projects (as in large parts of the US state of Texas).
Heuermann, like many other advisors in this scene, caters to a growing group of wealthy individuals who see their freedom and, above all, their money in danger. Fear of expropriation and other dangers is fueled; at the consultancy “Perspektive Ausland,” which offers seminars on emigration, the talk is of “economic decline,” a “demographic time bomb,” “growing danger of war,” and the establishment of a “surveillance and control state.” The claim of Heuermann’s blog is unmistakable: “Taxes are robbery. Get out of here with us!”
Libertarian Emigrants: No Minimum Wage, No Environmental Regulations
In Europe, the financial center of Liechtenstein is particularly benefiting from the growing interest, presenting itself not only as a tax haven but also as a “security paradise.” In the “Staatenlos” ranking, Liechtenstein still ranks ninth. Among the top performers are also the Central American countries El Salvador, Paraguay, and Panama, as well as the principality of Monaco. Georgia (12th place) is praised for the fact that a company can be founded in 24 hours and for sole proprietors, only one percent tax is levied on turnover up to $150,000. It is even more economically advantageous to operate in the private city of Prospéra: here, “there is no Ministry of Labor dictating minimum wages or termination protection laws to you.” And if you want to start a medical technology start-up, you don’t have to wait years for official approval here – the principle of “permission-free innovation” applies.
Heuermann, who last year was among the guests at US President Donald Trump’s controversial crypto dinner, wants the ranking to be understood not only as a decision-making aid for emigrants but also as a “blueprint and a warning for every government.” He calls for autonomous special economic zones, the abolition of central banks, and the legalization of homeschooling.
However, Dubai (with its free trade zones in 20th place on the list) has recently experienced how transient the image of a safe haven can be. The war with Iran and its impact on the entire Gulf region have lastingly shaken the business model of attracting a global elite and their money. Nevertheless: at 13th place on the list is the special zone RAK DAO in the emirate of Ra’s al-Chaima, located north of Dubai. It is aimed at founders in the Web3 and blockchain sector and also attracts with the absence of income tax. Manager Luc Froehlich notes: “You don’t necessarily have to spend all your time in RAK.”
Ranking
- Próspera
- El Salvador
- Paraguay
- Cayman Islands
- Panama
- Monaco
- British Virgin Islands
- Bahamas
- Liechtenstein
- USA: Texas
