Tax Havens Are Good For Health As Well As Wealth

While it might be true today as it was a few hundred years ago that Benjamin Franklin observed that there were two certainties in life - death and taxes - there are today tax havens to dramatically cut the amount of tax paid.

As for death, a recent report might suggest that tax havens aren't just good for a bank balance, but also for how long you can enjoy the money you have.

CNN reported recently on reserach published in the CIA World Factbook that the country with the highest life expectancy is Monaco. Well known as a tax haven and for the Grand Prix, Monaco is the second smallest country in the world, and to live there requires you need a few million credit in the bank.

Other countries and territorities in the top ten globally include the Channel Island of Guernsey and Andorra, meaning that with Monaco top three of the top ten places for longetivity are tax havens, and in fact make up half of the top six - a disproportionate number, and perhaps an indication that low taxes can be good not just for your wealth, but health too.

For those who like the idea of a few more years than might otherwise have been expected, there are requirements for tax havens that make it prohibitive for many. For Monaco for example a police cerificate of good conduct from the applicant for residency's home country is required, along with a deposit in one of the banks in Monaco of at least 300,000 Euros.

The other requirement is to have somewhere to live. Monaco is well known for the Grand Prix and casino, but unfortunately for those who would like to live there it also has the most expensive property in the world, and Princess Grace Avenue in Monte Carlo is the most expensive street in the world.

The alternative is Andorra. Situated between France and Spain in the Pyrenees, Andorra's longetivity has been recognised before - many assumed due to the clean mountain air but the recent report will have that assessed again to see whether it is a mix of the mountains and low taxes makes a happy combination which allows those who have residency in Andorra to live longer than many other countries populations.

Andorra is well known in Europe among the ski community as a first class ski area, but the weather the rest of the year is mild and the summer's see temperatures in the 70's and 80's farenheit, not unlike the UK in many respects. The country's infrastructure is good, and the closest airports are Toulouse and Barcelona, a couple of hours drive away.

The advantage for those looking for a tax haven is the price of Andorra properties for sale
property. Compared to Monaco where a one bedroom apartment will start at around 1,500,000 Euros Andorra property is a real bargain with good two bedroom apartments starting at around 300,000 Euros.

Houses are available too, while in Monaco it is nearly all apartments that are for sale. A three bedroom house starts from around 750,000 Euros, four bedrooms 900,000 Euros, and there is overall a good choice of property for sale in Andorra for those who want to move there.

Both Monaco and Andorra have first class hospitals, among the very best that Europe offers. Another help towards a long and healthy life when healthcare is as good as it gets in both locations.

Money it seems can not only get you the best out of life, but extra years to enjoy it as well!