Several countries do not impose recurring annual property taxes on land or real estate, though other fees, such as transfer taxes or stamp duties, may apply at purchase or under specific conditions. Below is a list of places where you can buy land without ongoing property tax obligations, based on available information. Keep in mind that tax laws can change, and local regulations or other costs (like municipal fees) may still apply. Consulting a local expert before purchasing is advisable.
Countries with No Annual Property Taxes
Cayman Islands
No annual property taxes for residents or non-residents.
Foreigners can own land, but a stamp duty (typically 7.5%) applies at purchase.
Popular for its stable economy and luxury real estate market.
Monaco
No annual property tax for homeowners.
Foreigners can buy property, though the market is extremely expensive.
A transfer tax (around 4.5–7.5%) applies during purchase.
Malta
No recurring property tax on owned real estate.
Foreigners (including non-EU citizens) can buy property, with some restrictions on multiple properties.
Stamp duty (typically 5%) is payable at purchase.
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
No annual property taxes in emirates like Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Foreigners can own land in designated freehold areas.
A transfer fee (e.g., 4% in Dubai) and occasional municipal fees may apply.
Qatar
No annual property taxes.
Foreigners can buy in specific areas (e.g., The Pearl-Qatar).
Registration fees or lease-related costs may arise.
Bahrain
No property taxes on land or buildings.
Foreigners can own property in certain zones.
A 2% stamp duty applies, reducible if paid promptly.
Oman
No annual property taxes.
Foreigners can buy in integrated tourism complexes.[Expand Post]
A 3% transfer fee to the Housing Ministry applies.
Kuwait
No property taxes for residents or non-residents.
Foreign ownership is limited, often requiring a local partner.
Minimal registration fees may apply.
Saudi Arabia
No annual property taxes, but a 2.5% “white land tax” may apply to undeveloped urban land zoned for residential or commercial use.
Foreign ownership is restricted but allowed in certain cases (e.g., with government approval).
A 5% real estate transaction tax applies on sales.
Turks and Caicos Islands
No annual property taxes.
Foreigners face no restrictions on buying land.
A stamp duty (6.5–10%, depending on property value) is payable at purchase.
Dominica
No annual property taxes.
Foreigners can buy land freely.
Government fees or stamp duties apply during transactions.
Fiji
No property tax on freehold land (less than 10% of land is freehold).
Foreigners can buy freehold land or leasehold with approval.
Transfer fees or stamp duties may apply.
Cook Islands
No property taxes.
Foreign ownership is possible but often requires government consent.
Leasehold arrangements are common, with associated costs.
Liechtenstein
No annual property tax, though notional income from property may be included in income tax calculations.
Foreigners face significant restrictions on buying land unless tied to economic benefit (e.g., business investment).
Capital gains tax (0–24%) may apply on property sales.
Croatia
No annual property tax, except for owners of holiday homes, where a minimal “ceremonial” tax applies (5–15 kuna per square meter).
Foreigners (including non-EU citizens) can buy with approval.
A 3% real estate transfer tax applies.
Sri Lanka
No annual property taxes.
Foreigners can buy with restrictions (e.g., approval required, limits on agricultural land).
Stamp duties or notarial fees apply at purchase.
Vanuatu
No property taxes, income taxes, or capital gains taxes.
Foreigners can buy land, often leasehold.
Transaction fees or stamp duties may apply.
Faroe Islands
No annual property taxes.
Foreign ownership is possible but may require residency or special permission.
Minimal transfer or registration fees apply.
Notes and Considerations
Other Costs: Even in countries with no property taxes, one-time fees like stamp duties, transfer taxes, or registration costs are common. Some places may have municipal fees, rental income taxes, or taxes on undeveloped land (e.g., Saudi Arabia’s white land tax).
Foreign Ownership Restrictions: Many of these countries allow foreigners to buy land, but restrictions may apply (e.g., specific zones in the UAE, approval in Liechtenstein, or leasehold-only in Fiji). Always verify local laws.
Tax-Free Status Isn’t Absolute Ownership: Some argue that without property taxes, you “truly own” your land, but governments can still impose other obligations (e.g., eminent domain, usage regulations).
Verification: Tax policies can shift, and enforcement varies. For example, Cambodia has a negligible 0.01% property tax that’s rarely collected, but it’s not listed above as truly “tax-free.”
Sources: This information aligns with reports from sites like Nomad Capitalist, Global Citizen Solutions, and International Man, which discuss tax-free property ownership.
No U.S. States Qualify
In the United States, no state is entirely free of property taxes, as they fund local services like schools and infrastructure. Some areas in Alaska (e.g., certain municipalities) may not levy property taxes, and exemptions exist for seniors or disabled veterans, but these are exceptions, not the rule.
Recommendation
If you’re seeking to buy land without property taxes, consider your goals (e.g., investment, residency, lifestyle). The Cayman Islands, UAE, and Malta are accessible for foreigners with stable economies, while places like Fiji or Vanuatu suit those seeking remote, low-cost options. Always consult a local real estate lawyer or tax advisor to confirm current laws and total costs. Would you like me to dig deeper into any specific country or region?