What is Non Domicile? | Benefits and Requirements

More investors, entrepreneurs, and globally mobile people are discovering the benefits of non-domiciled (non-domiciled) status. But what is non dom? To simplify, it refers to an individual who has a permanent home outside their country of residence or investment, thereby establishing potential taxation and residency benefits, as well as financial flexibility.

Whether you have heard the term what is non domicile and considered it within a tax planning paradigm, or you are asking about the non dom status available for your planned investment in Greece, understanding this could be the best opportunity for you to make a smarter and more strategic approach to your future.

At iLand, we've been helping clients since 2014 to navigate property investment, construction, and residency in Greece, especially in the luxury southern Athens market. Our expertise means we can guide you through the opportunities linked to residency and tax planning, including how non dom rules may work in your favour.

Continue reading to discover how non dom status works, who can benefit, and how iLand can help you turn this concept into a real opportunity in Greece.

What is a Non-Dom?

A non-dom, or non-domiciled individual, is someone who resides in a country but is not legally "domiciled" there for tax reasons. In practical terms, this means living or investing in some country like Greece but maintaining your permanent home or "domicile" elsewhere. This can leave you with significant tax advantages, especially for income that's generated outside the country of domicile.

It is important for individuals who are considering international investment or moving abroad to understand what a non-dom status is. Foreign income, capital gains, and even inheritances can be treated differently for the non-doms depending on the local jurisdictions in most cases. For investors and individuals relocating to Greece, especially through property or residence schemes such as the Golden Visa, understanding non—domicile status can help you better organize your activities both legally and financially.

What is Non-Dom Tax Status?

Non-dom tax status is a special tax status that allows individuals who are residents but not domiciled in a country to limit their tax obligations, especially regarding foreign income. In countries like Greece, if you are a non-domiciled resident, you will not be taxed on income or assets held outside Greece, as long as you meet certain criteria. Examples of foreign income that may be exempt from taxation include, but are not limited to, foreign rental income, dividends, or capital gains that are retained abroad. 

The rationale behind a non-dom tax regime is to attract foreign-serving investors, retirees, and high net worth individuals with more lenient and attractive tax treatment. For example, Greece's non-dom tax regime treats those eligible for non-dom tax status under a flat annual tax on your global income, regardless of the amount, instead of parsing you into tax brackets on which you would typically be taxed. If you are looking to invest in Greece, managing your global financial exposure in a taxation-efficient manner is appealing.

Benefits of Non-Dom tax

The non-dom tax status can provide enormous advantages for all those who qualify, particularly for individuals moving or investing in Greece whether you are a high-net-worth individual, a retiree with sources of income from around the world or just looking for a long-term place to settle in Europe, the non-dom regime allows for efficient tax planning, long-term financial benefits and lifestyle flexibility.
Here are some of the main advantages of non-domicile tax status in Greece:

At iLand, we help you determine your eligibility for non-dom tax status, guide you through the legal requirements, and design a residency or investment strategy that aligns with your financial goals. Our experience in working with international clients ensures a smooth and compliant process whether you're relocating, investing, or simply seeking a smarter tax structure in Greece.

Property Tax in Greece is a crucial subject to understand. For more information, click the link to read our other article.

Requirements for Getting Non-Dom Status

To qualify for non-domicile (non-dom) tax status in Greece, you must meet legal and financial requirements. The legal and financial requirements will differ for each program, or tax law, but the following are the specific steps that you typically must take:

• Not a Greek Tax Resident Previously
  You must not have been a tax resident in Greece for 7 out of the last 8 years before the application.

• Relocate Tax Residency to Greece 
  You will have to relocate your tax residency to Greece, which will be accomplished by spending 183 days a year in Greece or passing the centre-of-interests test.

• Invest in Greece
  You must make a qualifying investment in Greece, for example, by purchasing real estate, meaningful participation in a business, or by qualifying for another ancillary investment. Under existing laws and tax obligations, the amount would need to be a minimum investment of €500,000 (or an amount determined by the relevant law or program).

• Pay Flat Annual Tax (if electing) 
  If you elect for Greece's special regime (typically a non-dom or non-resident tax), then you are not allowed to tax more than a flat fee of €100,000 for limited foreign income.

• Application and Approval from tax authorities
  You must file a proper application with the Greek tax authorities and obtain approval from them before being accepted as a non-dom.

How to get a Residence Permit in Greece? Greece is an ideal country for obtaining residency. If you're interested in learning how to do so, contact us today.

Countries Offering Non-Dom Status

Countries have introduced non-dom or similar tax regimes for attracting investors, high-net individuals, and retirees. Typically these will beneficially tax foreign income, while ultimately fostering residency and investment; here are some examples: 

• Greece

Greece has a very competitive non-dom regime whereby if you are eligible, based on foreign income, you would pay €100,000 flat, regardless of the amount. In addition, Greece also has residency structures to facilitate proper residency status, such as the Golden Visa. Greece will appeal to investors looking for lifestyle and tax incentives. (For more information on Greece Golden Visa Conditions, please contact us or visit our dedicated page.)

• United Kingdom

The UK offers a long-established non-dom regime whereby residents who are not domiciled will only pay UK tax on the income they earn in the UK. Any foreign income will only be taxed if, and when it is brought into the UK (remitted) with an applicable remittance basis charge applying after some years of residency.

• Italy

Italy has a non-dom regime that allows individuals to pay €100,000 flat tax on total foreign income for up to 15 years, and this scheme is attractive to wealthy individuals who want to be predictable with tax planning while enjoying the Italian lifestyle.

• Portugal

Portugal offers a Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) program, which offers reduced rates of tax or exemptions on foreign income for 10 years. It is particularly attractive for pensioners or remote workers whose source of income is foreign.

• Malta

Malta also offers a residence program where qualifying individuals will only be taxed on a remittance basis (i.e., foreign source income is only taxed if you bring it to Malta). It also offers a great network of double taxation treaties.

• Cyprus

Cyprus offers a remarkable opportunity for non-domiciled residents, providing exemptions from tax on dividends and interest for 17 years, which is particularly attractive to business owners and investors relocating to the Mediterranean.

• Ireland

Ireland's non-dom system taxes residents on Irish source income, and only taxes foreign source income if it is remitted to Ireland. It is particularly relevant for those with significant offshore assets and income sources.

Conclusion

The non-dom tax status is more than just a legal classification—it's a strategic tool for investors, entrepreneurs, and internationally minded individuals seeking to optimise their tax obligations while enjoying the benefits of living in attractive destinations like Greece. From reduced taxation on foreign income to flexible residency options, the advantages are clear for those who qualify.

At iLand, we have been guiding clients since 2014 through every step of the journey—from selecting the right investment property in southern Athens to structuring your residency and tax strategy for maximum benefit. Whether your goal is to secure a Golden Visa, explore financial independence residency, or leverage the non-domicile regime, our local expertise ensures a smooth, compliant, and profitable transition.

Contact our team today to discover how you can turn the concept of non-dom into a real opportunity in Greece.