Rafael Cintron, CEO and Co-founder of second residency and citizenship consultancy firm Wealthy Expat, recently shared his insights on the top 13 crypto-friendly countries for 2025. In his video, he provided a detailed analysis of each country based on various criteria, including tax rates, the ease of buying goods with cryptocurrency, bank friendliness, residency and citizenship options, crime levels, and overall quality of life.
Cintron began by debunking the common belief that Germany is the best country for crypto holders, pointing out that while Germany offers tax advantages for long-term holders, the tax burden is significant for short-term gains. Instead, he presented his list of 13 countries that offer more favorable conditions for crypto enthusiasts.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) topped his list due to its 0% investment tax and the availability of luxury goods purchasable with cryptocurrency. However, Cintron noted that the banking system in the UAE is not particularly crypto-friendly, requiring careful and slow cash-outs to avoid complications. Residency in the UAE is easily attainable, especially through property purchases or by starting a company, with the option to secure a 10-year Golden Visa. Despite the low crime rate and high standard of living, he rated the UAE’s quality of life at 4 out of 5, citing issues like air quality and harsh summer weather.
Switzerland was highlighted for its 0% capital gains tax and strong bank friendliness, making it easy to cash out cryptocurrency. However, Cintron pointed out that obtaining residency in Switzerland is difficult for non-EU citizens, often requiring significant financial contributions. Despite the increasing crime rate in some cities, he praised Switzerland’s overall quality of life, giving it a 5 out of 5.
El Salvador, known for adopting Bitcoin as a national currency, offers a 0% tax rate and a growing infrastructure for crypto payments. While the banking system is still improving, Cintron noted that residency is relatively easy to obtain, and citizenship can be fast-tracked with a significant donation. He gave El Salvador a quality of life rating of 3 to 4, acknowledging its current state of development but optimistic about its future potential.
Portugal offers a mixed bag with a 28% short-term capital gains tax but 0% for long-term holdings. The country has a moderate level of bank friendliness and offers various residency options, including a Golden Visa and a Digital Nomad Visa. Cintron expressed concerns about crime in urban areas like Lisbon and Porto and rated the country’s quality of life at 3.5 to 4.
Singapore, while offering 0% capital gains tax, is accessible primarily to the ultra-wealthy. Cintron mentioned that the banking system is moderately friendly towards crypto, but gaining access is difficult without significant financial resources. He rated Singapore’s quality of life at 5 but noted that it is not a feasible option for most people.
Malaysia’s territorial tax system allows for 0% tax on income earned outside the country, but its bank friendliness towards crypto is low. Cintron mentioned that the crime rate is moderate, and while the cost of living is lower than in many other countries, he personally did not find Malaysia appealing, giving it a quality of life rating of 4.
Malta offers 0% long-term capital gains tax but suffers from poor bank friendliness, which Cintron described as “absolute trash.” While residency and citizenship are attainable through significant financial investment, he rated Malta’s quality of life at 3, citing issues with safety and overall living conditions.
Barbados provides a tax-free environment with moderate bank friendliness and an improving infrastructure for crypto transactions. Residency is relatively easy to obtain, and Cintron rated the quality of life at 3, noting that while it’s not perfect, it offers a decent standard of living.
The Cayman Islands, known for its 0% tax rate and high bank friendliness, is an attractive option for the wealthy. Residency is easily obtainable through property investment, and Cintron praised the high quality of life, particularly for those seeking an island lifestyle, rating it at 4.5 to 5.
The Republic of Georgia was noted for its ease of cashing out cryptocurrency in cash but faced challenges with banking for crypto transactions. Cintron highlighted the simplicity of obtaining residency, though citizenship is more challenging. He rated Georgia’s quality of life at 3, acknowledging its underdevelopment compared to more advanced European nations.
Slovakia and Slovenia were grouped together due to their similar tax rates and moderate bank friendliness. Cintron found it relatively easy to cash out crypto in these countries and noted the difficulty of obtaining residency and citizenship. He rated Slovenia’s quality of life at 4, with Slovakia trailing slightly.
Poland was discussed for its 19% flat tax and ease of cashing out crypto into physical cash. Cintron mentioned that while Polish banks ask many questions about crypto transactions, residency is easy to obtain for those from certain countries. He rated Poland’s quality of life at 4, praising its development since its communist past.
Finally, Estonia was highlighted for its digital economy and moderate to high bank friendliness towards crypto. Despite a quota system that makes residency challenging for non-EU citizens, Cintron praised Estonia’s quality of life, rating it at 4 to 5, especially for those who appreciate a calm and quiet environment.
Featured Image via Pixabay
