Moving to US Virgin Islands: taxes, residence and life
How to become tax resident in US Virgin Islands: personal, dividend and corporate tax, 6 residence programmes, days needed, climate, safety and economy — compared with 194 countries.
Taxes
In US Virgin Islands the top income tax rate is 37%, dividends are taxed at up to — and companies pay 21% corporate tax. Newcomers may use a special regime (3.7%): Mirror US code paid to USVI; EDC beneficiaries get 90% income-tax reduction.
How to move and become tax resident
To become tax resident in US Virgin Islands you need at least 183 days a year (Bona fide residence: presence test (183 days or alternatives) + USVI tax home + closer connection). The typical route is US immigration status required (EB-5/E-2) + USVI EDC benefits: Need US green card/visa first; EDC incentives only for local businesses with jobs/investment There are 6 open residence programmes in US Virgin Islands — see the list below.
Living there
Charlotte Amalie has a tropical savanna (wet/dry) climate with winter highs around 29 °C and summer highs around 32 °C. The economy grew +1.5% in 2025; the IMF forecasts 1.5% for 2026. Its passport opens about 159 countries without a visa in advance. Security: No conflict exposure (US territory).
Key facts
| Top income tax | 37% |
|---|---|
| Dividend tax | — |
| Corporate tax | 21% |
| Special regime for newcomers | 3.7% — Mirror US code paid to USVI; EDC beneficiaries get 90% income-tax reduction. |
| 稅務居所 | 183 天后 — Bona fide residence: presence test (183 days or alternatives) + USVI tax home + closer connection |
| 您的路徑 | US immigration status required (EB-5/E-2) + USVI EDC benefits — Need US green card/visa first; EDC incentives only for local businesses with jobs/investment |
| 護照 | 可免籤或落地籤前往 159 個國家 |
| Economic growth | +1.5% (2025), forecast 1.5% (2026) |
| 氣候型別 | tropical savanna (wet/dry) · 29° / 32° (Charlotte Amalie) |
| 戰爭與衝突 | none — No conflict exposure (US territory) |
| 所有自然災害 | 5/10 |
| 銀行穩健度 | 6.5/10 · NR |
| 財產保護 | 7.5/10 |
| 冬季住宅溫暖度 | 8.5/10 |
Residence programmes in US Virgin Islands
- EB-5 Immigrant Investor (US green card) — 投資 CHF 640'000 · open · 2026-10
- Gold Card (US$1m gift) — 投資 CHF 800'000 · changing · 2026-10
- E-2 Treaty Investor Visa — 投資 CHF 80'000 · open · 2026-10
- USVI Economic Development Commission benefits — 投資 CHF 80'000 · open · 2026-10
- US Work Visas (H-1B, L-1, O-1) — employment · open · 2026-10
- Family-based Immigration — 收入 / 年 CHF 21'200 · open · 2026-10
Plan your residence route
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need to spend in US Virgin Islands to become tax resident?
183 天后. Bona fide residence: presence test (183 days or alternatives) + USVI tax home + closer connection Mirror US code; EDC incentives for local businesses
How much tax will I pay in US Virgin Islands?
In US Virgin Islands the top income tax rate is 37%, dividends are taxed at up to — and companies pay 21% corporate tax.
Which residence programmes does US Virgin Islands offer?
EB-5 Immigrant Investor (US green card) (CHF 640'000); Gold Card (US$1m gift) (CHF 800'000); E-2 Treaty Investor Visa (CHF 80'000); USVI Economic Development Commission benefits (CHF 80'000); US Work Visas (H-1B, L-1, O-1)
What is the usual way to move to US Virgin Islands?
US immigration status required (EB-5/E-2) + USVI EDC benefits. Need US green card/visa first; EDC incentives only for local businesses with jobs/investment
Compare with nearby countries
Anguilla · Antigua & Barbuda · Aruba · Bahamas · Barbados · Bermuda · British Virgin Islands · Cayman Islands · Curaçao · Dominica · Grenada · Montserrat
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.