🇵🇹vs🇦🇩vs🇨🇾

Portugal vs Andorra vs Cyprus: Tax Comparison for Entrepreneurs (2026)

Which pays less tax in 2026? We compare Portugal, Andorra, and Cyprus Non-Dom status — which achieves a ~5% effective rate for entrepreneurs.

Last updated: 2026-03-29

Quick Comparison: Portugal vs Andorra vs Cyprus Non-Dom

🇵🇹 Portugal🇦🇩 Andorra🇨🇾 Cyprus
Corporate tax21%10%15%
Income taxUp to 48%Up to 10%0% (dividends)
Effective rate~25-30%~10%~5%
Dividend tax28%0%0% income tax, 2.65% GHS only
Cost of livingMediumHighMedium
EU memberYesNoYes

Interactive Tax Calculator

Countries compared

🇵🇹

Portugal

Effective rate

28%

Est. tax: €28,000

🇦🇩

Andorra

Effective rate

10%

Est. tax: €10,000

Our recommendation

Best option
🇨🇾

Cyprus (Non-Dom)

At ~5% effective rate, Cyprus saves you more than either country.

Effective rate

5%

Est. tax: €5,000

Annual savings vs Portugal

€23,000

Estimates based on effective rates. Consult a tax advisor for your specific situation.

Portugal vs Andorra: Detailed Analysis

With Portugal ending its NHR regime, many Spanish and Portuguese speakers are looking at Andorra as an alternative. Andorra offers a flat 10% tax on both personal income and corporate profits, with 0% on dividends. Portugal now charges up to 48% income tax and 28% on dividends. However, Andorra is not an EU member, has a tiny economy, and requires a EUR 400K deposit for residency. Portugal offers EU membership, a diverse economy, and a world-class lifestyle. The choice often comes down to: how much do you value EU access versus saving 30%+ on taxes?

Pros and Cons

🇵🇹 Portugal

Pros

  • +EU membership and Schengen access
  • +Golden Visa program (reformed 2023)
  • +High quality of life, mild climate
  • +Growing tech and startup ecosystem

Cons

  • -NHR regime ended for new applicants (2024)
  • -Standard income tax rates up to 48%
  • -High social security contributions (~34%)
  • -Dividend withholding tax at 28%

🇦🇩 Andorra

Pros

  • +Low flat tax rate (10% max)
  • +No dividend tax
  • +Close to Spain and France
  • +Safe, high quality of life

Cons

  • -Not EU member, limited market access
  • -Very small economy and market
  • -Requires €400K deposit for residency
  • -Limited international banking

Our Verdict

Andorra wins on taxes (10% flat), but lacks EU membership. Portugal has better lifestyle but much higher taxes since NHR ended.

But there is a third option...

The Alternative Most People Miss: Cyprus

You do not have to choose between EU membership and low taxes. Cyprus gives you both: EU membership with Schengen access, AND a ~5% effective tax rate through Non-Dom status. That is half what you would pay in Andorra (10%), with none of the limitations of a micro-state. The 60-day rule makes it even more flexible than Andorra, where you need 183 days of presence.

🇨🇾

Cyprus Non-Dom: ~5% effective tax

The option most people overlook

  • EU member with full Schengen access
  • Non-Dom status: 0% tax on dividends (only 2.65% GHS)
  • ~5% effective tax rate for entrepreneurs
  • 60-day rule: tax residency with minimal presence
  • Mediterranean lifestyle, 340 days of sun
  • English widely spoken

Detailed Cyprus comparisons:

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Andorra or Portugal better for taxes?+
Andorra is significantly better for taxes with its 10% flat rate, compared to Portugal standard rates of up to 48% since NHR ended. However, Cyprus Non-Dom at ~5% effective beats both.
Can I keep EU residency if I move to Andorra?+
No. Andorra is not an EU member. Moving there means losing EU residency benefits unless you maintain residency in an EU country. This is a key disadvantage compared to Cyprus, which is a full EU member.
How much does Andorra residency cost?+
Andorra requires a EUR 400,000 deposit with the national financial authority (AFA), plus setting up a company or making a qualifying investment. Total setup costs typically run EUR 450,000-500,000.
What about the Cyprus alternative?+
Cyprus Non-Dom status offers ~5% effective tax, EU membership, Schengen access, and only requires 60 days of annual presence. No large deposit is required like Andorra.
Is Portugal NHR still available in 2026?+
No. Portugal ended the NHR regime for new applicants in 2024. Current standard income tax rates range from 14.5% to 48%, making it one of the higher-taxed countries in Western Europe.
Which country is best for Spanish speakers wanting low taxes?+
While Andorra is popular with Spanish speakers due to proximity and shared language, Cyprus offers lower taxes (~5% vs 10%), EU membership, and English as a widely spoken language. Many Spanish expats are discovering Cyprus as the better option.

Sources and References

Tax data: PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries, KPMG Tax Guides (2025/2026), Big Four country guides. Effective rates are approximations for entrepreneur structures (company + low salary + dividends). Consult a tax advisor before making decisions.

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Find Out If Cyprus Is Right for You

Our team helps you evaluate whether Cyprus Non-Dom status fits your situation. No commitment required.

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Does this apply to your situation?

Tell us your situation and we'll connect you with our specialist expat advisory firm in Cyprus. They have years of experience managing relocations like yours.

Free, no commitment

Does this apply to your situation?

Tell us your situation and we'll connect you with our specialist expat advisory firm in Cyprus. They have years of experience managing relocations like yours.