Moving to Trinidad and Tobago: taxes, residence and life
How to become tax resident in Trinidad and Tobago: personal, dividend and corporate tax, 4 residence programmes, days needed, climate, safety and economy — compared with 194 countries.
Taxes
In Trinidad and Tobago the top income tax rate is 30%, dividends are taxed at up to 0% and companies pay 30% corporate tax.
How to move and become tax resident
To become tax resident in Trinidad and Tobago you need at least 183 days a year (More than 183 days in calendar year). The typical route is Work permit via own business (no investor/passive route): Work permit/residence through local company; no retiree or investor programme There are 4 open residence programmes in Trinidad and Tobago — see the list below.
Living there
Port of Spain has a tropical savanna (wet/dry) climate with winter highs around 31 °C and summer highs around 32.5 °C. The economy grew +1.4% in 2025; the IMF forecasts 1.5% for 2026. Its passport opens about 131 countries without a visa in advance. Security: Gang violence, states of emergency; near US anti-narco strike zone.
Key facts
| Top income tax | 30% |
|---|---|
| Dividend tax | 0% |
| Corporate tax | 30% |
| Tax residence | after 183 days — More than 183 days in calendar year |
| Typical residence route | Work permit via own business (no investor/passive route) — Work permit/residence through local company; no retiree or investor programme |
| Passport | visa-free or on arrival to 131 countries |
| Economic growth | +1.4% (2025), forecast 1.5% (2026) |
| Climate type | tropical savanna (wet/dry) · 31° / 32.5° (Port of Spain) |
| War & conflict | unrest — Gang violence, states of emergency; near US anti-narco strike zone |
| All natural hazards | 4.7/10 |
| Banking strength | 5.5/10 · BBB- |
| Property protection | 5/10 |
| Warm homes in winter | 8.5/10 |
Residence programmes in Trinidad and Tobago
- Work Permit — employment
- Residence Permit — other
- CARICOM Skills Certificate — freeMovement
- Family Residence (spouse/dependant) — family
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need to spend in Trinidad and Tobago to become tax resident?
after 183 days. More than 183 days in calendar year Remittance basis if not domiciled
How much tax will I pay in Trinidad and Tobago?
In Trinidad and Tobago the top income tax rate is 30%, dividends are taxed at up to 0% and companies pay 30% corporate tax.
Which residence programmes does Trinidad and Tobago offer?
Work Permit; Residence Permit; CARICOM Skills Certificate; Family Residence (spouse/dependant)
What is the usual way to move to Trinidad and Tobago?
Work permit via own business (no investor/passive route). Work permit/residence through local company; no retiree or investor programme
Compare with nearby countries
Argentina · Belize · Bolivia · Brazil · Canada · Chile · Colombia · Costa Rica · Cuba · Dominican Rep. · Ecuador · El Salvador
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