We dug through tax codes, spoke with attorneys, and analyzed dozens of case studies.
Our result?
The exact forms, exact savings, and how you can use them.
Portugal’s NHR Tax Form (Save $12,500 in 10 Years)
Form: Modelo RFI 5074
Discount: 50% off annual property tax
How It Works:
File before purchasing to qualify for Portugal’s Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) program.
Cuts IMI tax from 0.5% to 0.25% of home value.
Real Savings:
$500,000 property — $2,500/year tax — $1,250/year with NHR
— $12,500 saved over a decade
Who Should Use It:
- Expats staying 183+ days/year
- Golden Visa investors
Also Applies To:
- Cyprus – Similar NHR benefits for foreign retirees and investors
- Greece – Income tax breaks + reduced ENFIA property tax via Greece’s NHR scheme.
Malaysia’s MM2H Tax Waiver (Save $160,000 Instantly)
Form: PTMS 1
Discount: Waives 30% foreign buyer premium
How It Works:
Qualify for Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) visa and buy property over $212,000.
Real Savings:
$530,000 condo normally costs foreigners $689,000 (+30%)
With PTMS 1, pay $530,000 — Save $159,000 instantly
Also Applies To:
- Philippines – The SRRV visa waives various fees on long-term ownership
- Indonesia – “Second Home Visa” offers tax breaks and property perks for high-net-worth buyers
File the MM2H Tax waiver and target luxury listings similar to Zyon Grand, where these savings truly matter.
Italy’s VAT Refund Form (Get $22,000 Back)
Form: VAT 65
Discount: 22% refund on renovation costs
How It Works:
Non-EU buyers can reclaim VAT on restoration projects by filing within 3 months of completion.
Real Savings:
$100,000 renovation — $22,000 refund
Best For:
- Sicily’s €1 home program buyers
- Tuscany farmhouse investors
Also Applies To:
- France – VAT refunds possible for energy-efficient upgrades on rental properties
- Germany – Similar refunds offered for restoring buildings in protected zones
Thailand’s Leasehold Discount (Save $205,000 Over 30 Years)
Form: Sor Kor 1
Discount: 50% off leasehold premiums
How It Works:
Foreigners can’t own land outright, but this form secures 30-year leases at half-price.
Real Savings:
$275,000 villa lease = $13,750/year — $6,875/year with Sor Kor 1
— $205,000 saved over 30 years
Also Applies To:
- Vietnam – Foreigners can lease 50 years with upfront discounts via government filings
- Cambodia – Long-term land-use permits offer similar benefits when structured via local nominee.
Colombia’s Free-Trade Zone Exemption ($24,000 Tax Break)
Forms: RUT + Free Zone Application
Discount: 0% property tax for 10 years
How It Works:
Buy in Free Zones like Medellín, Bogotá, or Cartagena and file with DIAN.
Real Savings:
$200,000 apartment = $2,400/year tax — $0/year for 10 years
— $24,000 saved
Also Applies To:
- Uruguay – Tax-free zones in Montevideo and Punta del Este for approved developments
- Panama – Free trade zone incentives in Colón and Panama City for residential + business use
Spain’s Double Taxation Form (Save $30,000 on Sale)
Forms: Modelo 210 + IRS Form 6166 (for Americans)
Discount: Cuts capital gains tax from 24% to 19%
How It Works:
Prove tax residency via IRS and Spain’s Modelo 210. Avoid being double-taxed on profits.
Real Savings:
Sell a $340,000 home — $81,600 tax — $64,600 with treaty
— $17,000 saved
Also Applies To:
- Mexico – U.S. citizens can file with SAT to avoid double taxation
- Turkey – EU and U.S. treaty partners qualify for reduced CGT with certificate filings
Bonus Tip:
Want to see how these savings stack up? Look at developments like Zyon Grand Showflat, it’s free and rewarding.
How to Use These Forms (3 Rules That Save Thousands)
- File early.
Forms like Portugal’s NHR must be submitted before you buy. Miss the deadline? No discount.
- Hire a local accountant.
Yes, it'll cost $200–$500. But when you're saving $22K on VAT or $160K on Malaysian fees, it's pocket change.
- Stack strategies.
Buying in Malaysia? Combine MM2H + PTMS 1. Investing in Italy? Use VAT 65 + a local eco-incentive.
Bottom Line:
Just reading this far has put you way ahead of the crowd, but by using these tax forms right, you’re buying cheaper, faster, and with leverage on your side.
Bonus Section:
How to Max Your Savings
Here’s how to make the most of the tax breaks and supercharge your investment:
- Stack Your Savings
Portugal + Spain:
Use Portugal’s NHR and Spain’s Double Taxation Agreement to cut taxes on both property purchase and future sales.
Italy’s VAT Refund + Eco-Incentives:
Combine VAT 65 for renovation refunds with local green incentives for bigger savings on property restorations.
- Invest in the Right Locations
Free Trade Zones:
Colombia and Panama offer tax-free zones where you can save thousands on property tax.
Malaysia: Use the MM2H program along with the PTMS 1 Waiver to cut your property price by 30%.
- Work With Local Experts
Hire a local accountant or real estate agent who understands the forms and can help you file on time and maximize savings. It’s worth the investment!
FAQ
How much of a difference does a form like the MM2H make for property prices?
Huge difference. The MM2H waiver in Malaysia, for example, slashes 30% off foreign buyer premiums. That’s $159,000 in savings on a $530,000 property.
Are these forms only for high-net-worth individuals? Can everyday investors take advantage of them too?
Great news: these forms aren’t just for the rich. Sure, they’re beneficial for big investors, but everyday investors can make huge savings too.
What if I’m already in the process of purchasing property? Can I still use these forms?
Some forms, like Portugal’s NHR, require you to file before making the purchase. Others can be used after you’ve bought the property, such as Italy’s VAT refund on renovations.