Moving to Papua New Guinea: taxes, residence and life
How to become tax resident in Papua New Guinea: personal, dividend and corporate tax, 3 residence programmes, days needed, climate, safety and economy — compared with 194 countries.
Taxes
In Papua New Guinea the top income tax rate is 42%, dividends are taxed at up to 17% and companies pay 30% corporate tax.
How to move and become tax resident
You can become tax resident in Papua New Guinea from arrival once you take up residence (Resides or domiciled in PNG (unless permanent abode abroad), or 183 days). The typical route is None realistic: No residence route for a self-funded foreign family There are 3 open residence programmes in Papua New Guinea — see the list below.
Living there
Port Moresby has a tropical savanna (wet/dry) climate with winter highs around 29.5 °C and summer highs around 32.5 °C. The economy grew +4% in 2025; the IMF forecasts 4% for 2026. Its passport opens about 73 countries without a visa in advance. Security: Deadly tribal fighting in Highlands; high crime.
Key facts
| Top income tax | 42% |
|---|---|
| Dividend tax | 17% |
| Corporate tax | 30% |
| Residência fiscal | desde a chegada — Resides or domiciled in PNG (unless permanent abode abroad), or 183 days |
| Via de residência típica | None realistic — No residence route for a self-funded foreign family |
| Passaporte | sem visto ou com visto à chegada para 73 países |
| Economic growth | +4% (2025), forecast 4% (2026) |
| Tipo de clima | tropical savanna (wet/dry) · 29.5° / 32.5° (Port Moresby) |
| Guerra e conflitos | unrest — Deadly tribal fighting in Highlands; high crime |
| Todos os riscos naturais | 7.3/10 |
| Solidez bancária | 2/10 · B- |
| Proteção da propriedade | 2/10 |
| Casas quentes no inverno | 9.5/10 |
Residence programmes in Papua New Guinea
- Working Resident Entry Permit (work permit incl. own company) — employment · open · 2026-10
- Permanent Residence – Investor class — Investimento CHF 392'000 · open · 2026-10
- Dependant entry permit — family · open · 2026-10
Plan your residence route
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need to spend in Papua New Guinea to become tax resident?
desde a chegada. Resides or domiciled in PNG (unless permanent abode abroad), or 183 days Worldwide income
How much tax will I pay in Papua New Guinea?
In Papua New Guinea the top income tax rate is 42%, dividends are taxed at up to 17% and companies pay 30% corporate tax.
Which residence programmes does Papua New Guinea offer?
Working Resident Entry Permit (work permit incl. own company); Permanent Residence – Investor class (CHF 392'000); Dependant entry permit
What is the usual way to move to Papua New Guinea?
None realistic. No residence route for a self-funded foreign family
Compare with nearby countries
Afghanistan · Armenia · Australia · Azerbaijan · Bangladesh · Bhutan · Cambodia · China · Fiji · Georgia · Hong Kong · India
General information only — not tax, legal, immigration, investment or financial advice, and no client relationship. Figures are simplified, indicative and may be out of date. Always verify with the official authority and a licensed professional in the country concerned before acting. Partner links, if any, are marked and may earn us a fee.