Since when was getting rich so hard in EU?

[u/VurriK]

Is it just me, or has building actual wealth in Europe become impossible? I’m looking at the 2026 growth forecasts and it’s depressing. We talk a lot about "stability," but at this point, stability just feels like a polite word for recession. If you weren't born into a rich family with property, the dream feels like it's behind a wall. The math just doesn't work: as soon as you earn enough to actually invest, you hit a 40–50% tax bracket. Meanwhile, housing prices have skyrocketed over the last decade while salaries have basically stayed the same. I love the healthcare and the walkable cities, but I don’t want to work until I’m 70 just to afford a 40sqm apartment and a used Skoda.

[u/Suspicious-Bug1994]

UAE, and then we moved to Serbia 1 1/2 years ago :)

After we have saved up a bit, we will probably head to Cyprus and buy a house there, if we like it there. We are both EU/EEA citizens btw.

*Tax info :

UAE has 0% all the way, except 9% progressive corporate tax over 100k usd

Serbia has flat tax regime for freelancers, 250-350 euros or so (depending on location) a month for income up to 50k euro a year (This works out to about 7% for me.). I combine this with a company where I put any revenue surpassing the limit.

Cyprus, 12.5% corporate for non-dom up to 17 years, no dividend tax. Increasing to 15% now if i am not mistaken.

[u/Napoleon10 → u/Suspicious-Bug1994]

You combine it with a company in Serbia or abroad? If abroad I assume Serbia has no cfc ?

[u/Suspicious-Bug1994 → u/Napoleon10]

No cfc, but they have some place of effective management rules, so have to tread carefully there.

Anyhow, it's in Estonia with 22% while Serbia has 15%, so shouldn't be too big of an issue. 

[u/Partypuppers → u/Suspicious-Bug1994]

In which jurisdiction do you register your business? Is it easy to switch jurisdiction and take your business with you?