What Is the Best Place to Live in the World if You Want Freedom?

Five parts of practical freedom

1. Property rights: titled land that you own outright, with a clear registry.
2. Taxes: a territorial system that taxes local-source income, not your whole income. See how Panama, Costa Rica and Nicaragua tax expats.
3. Independence: your own water, solar power and food, so that you do not depend on a utility for the basics.
4. Self-government: a say in how your community is run.
5. Financial freedom: the ability to buy and spend in the way you choose, including with Bitcoin.

Panama, Costa Rica and Nicaragua compared

• Panama: territorial taxation, an investor-visa path to residency (current rules) and the US dollar as everyday currency.
• Costa Rica: titled property open to foreign buyers, a stable and long-standing democracy and a public healthcare system (how it works for expats). See where to buy.
• Nicaragua: lower entry costs and territorial taxation for residents (residency options). Political and legal conditions differ greatly among the three countries, so review current travel advice and take independent legal advice.

Each of these countries is different, and the right one for you depends on your family, income, health and tolerance for risk. We do not rank them.

Why we build communities, not just houses

Laws can change, but daily life is shaped by the people around you. Veritas Villages is built around the F.I.R.S.T. philosophy (Freedom, Independence, Resilience, Self-Sustainability and Transparency): off-grid capable homes with solar power, community gardens and orchards, natural water sources, a community governed by its residents through transparent voting, and neighbors who share your values. Learn about our philosophy and our community features, then choose among Coronado and Chiriquí in Panama, Atenas in Costa Rica or Playa Pacífica in Nicaragua.