overview
Palau: "Palau, an island nation in the Pacific Ocean, is known for its pristine marine environment and biodiversity. Tourism, particularly ecotourism, plays a key role in its economy. Palau’s commitment to conservation makes it a unique and sought-after destination.",
overview
National Anthem
Belau rekid
Independence Day
October 1, 1994
Haiko
Jellyfish Lake floats / Rock Islands rise from blue depths / Dugongs graze seagrass
Interesting Tradition
Holds Mechesil Belau a women's conference to discuss important national issues
Weirdest Local Superstition
Don't point at rainbows
Strangest Law Still on the Books
Illegal to import hamsters
overview
Come for the oceans, stay for the opportunity: Palau pioneers environmental preservation while crafting unique Pacific possibilities. Life moves between morning dives in pristine waters and developing sustainable business ventures, while evenings are spent in traditional village gatherings. Recent economic initiatives and residence programs are transforming this island nation into an innovative hub for eco-conscious professionals.
overview
Discover where preservation isn't just policy, but paradise in practice. Your story ripples across pristine waters.
overview
Known for its pristine marine life Palau is a diver's paradise where the ocean is your playground
Palau isn't just a country—it's an underwater paradise. Here, time moves with the tides, and even a simple snorkel becomes an encounter with ancient marine wisdom. This is a land where conservation and tradition create a sustainable harmony.
From the jellyfish lakes of Eil Malk to the Rock Islands' hidden coves, Palau offers wonder for every ocean lover. Whether you're drawn to the World War II relics, the traditional bai meeting houses, or the pristine diving spots, you'll find a nation that guards its natural treasures with passionate dedication.
.jpg)
Statistics
Eat
pichi pichi (cassava balls) - fruit bat soup (traditional soup)
Drink
young coconut juice (fresh coconut water) - aiyu jelly drink (fig jelly beverage)
overview
Beer
Annual consumption (liters per capita)
Wine
Annual consumption (liters per capita)
Coffee
Annual consumption (liters per capita)
Tea
Annual consumption (liters per capita)
overview
overview
Representative Novel
The Palau Bali by Pauline Loh (Children's book about Palauan culture)
National Animal
National Pasttime
Baseball
National Souvenir
Storyboard carving
National Dish
Bat soup
Famous Festival
Olechotel Belau Fair
Famous Dance
Delal a Kar
Famous Music
Aikat
overview
This lake is home to millions of golden jellyfish, and you can swim among them without fear, as they have lost their stinging ability due to the lake's isolated environment.
Palau is famous for its world-class diving spots, some of which have been preserved for thousands of years, offering divers a glimpse into ancient marine ecosystems.
In 2009, Palau created the world's first shark sanctuary, protecting 600,000 square kilometers of ocean, which is about the size of France.
overview
April 2014
Earliest human settlements in Palau
July 2014
Spanish explorers reach Palau
February 2015
UN trusteeship granted to Palau
March 2015
Independence from the UN trusteeship
October 2016
Joins the UN as a sovereign nation
MOBILITY
NO. OF Mobility Assets
MOBILITY
.svg)
.svg)
MOBILITY
Visa Free Countries
102
Performance Class
Global Contender
Passport Grade
B
Rank
64
Score
134.5
This visa grants access to:
MOBILITY
MOBILITY
MOBILITY
Healthcare
Median Age
37.8
years
Life Expectancy
72.5
years
Obesity Rate
45.60%
Tobacco Use
35.00%
Sources
Health Expenditure
16.38%
of GDP
.svg){kind=icon}
Hospital Beds
4.3
per 1000 people
Doctors
1.778
per 1000 people
Out-of-pocket
14.98%
of total expenditure
Sources
Healthcare
Palau offers a public healthcare system funded through taxation, providing residents with basic medical services.
Private healthcare in Palau offers faster access to services and specialized care for those who can afford it.
Expatriates in Palau have access to both the public and private healthcare systems, though private insurance is often recommended.
For advanced care, Palau offers medical evacuations to nearby countries like the Philippines.
Pharmaceuticals are available in Palau, though residents sometimes rely on imports for specialized drugs.
Healthcare
Healthcare
cost of living
Cost of Gasoline
$1.78
per liter
Cost of Meal
$12.00
(Inexpensive Restaurant)
Monthly Rent
$900.00
(1 bedroom, City Center)
Monthly Utilities
$87.54
(85m² Apartment)
Domestic Beer
$1.50
(0.5 liter draught)
VAT Rate
0%
cost of living
cost of living
cost of living
Taxation
Understanding Palau's tax system is essential before moving there.+Palau taxes both residents and non-residents on Palau-source income. There's a wage and salary tax with rates ranging from 6% to 12%. Gross Revenue Tax applies to businesses. There's no VAT or sales tax, but property tax is applicable. A Tax Identification Number is required for tax purposes.+Palau does not have a double taxation treaty with the United States.
Tax Residency Requirement
Based on source of income rather than residency time
Worldwide Income Taxation
Yes
.svg){kind=icon}
Higher Rates for Foreign Assets
No
US Double Taxation Treaty
No
Personal Income
Progressive tax rate based on income levels
Personal Capital Gains
Flat rate on investment gains
Inheritance
Based on inherited amount and relationship
Corporate Income
Standard corporate tax rate applied to business profits
Corporate Capital Gains
Tax rate applied to capital gains from corporate investments
Dividends
Withholding tax rate applied to dividend distributions
Interest
Withholding rate interest payment to non-residens
Royalties
Withholding tax rate for royalty payments
Work Assignment
Palau does not have a specific tax residency criterion based on the number of days spent in the country. Instead, Palau's tax system distinguishes between residents and non-residents primarily based on their source of income.
Overall Ranking
Global position in PWC’c Ease of Paying Taxes ranking
Ease of Paying Taxes Score
Overall score based on multiple factors
Total Tax and Cotribution Rate
TTCR percentage including all mandatory contributtions
Time to Comply
Annual hours required to comply with tax regulations
Number of Payments
Total number of tax payments required annually
Post-filing Index
Score measuring the ease of processes after filing taxes
taxation
taxation
CLIMATE
Average Temperature
27.90 °C
Humidity
82
%
Average Annual Precipitation
3535
mm
Rainless Days per Year
178
Best Time to Travel
December-March
Questions?
Find answers to common questions about GlobalPassport™ and our tools guiding you towards residency or citizenship in Palau.
What Mobility Assets are available to me in Palau?
Do I need to speak Palauan to apply for residency or citizenship in Palau?
Can my family members apply for residency or citizenship in Palau with me?
How will the GlobalPassport™ help me move to Palau?
Can I keep my own citizenship?
overview
Need help?
get started
.svg){kind=icon}
.svg){kind=icon}
.svg){kind=icon}
.svg){kind=icon}
.svg){kind=icon}
.svg){kind=icon}
