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THIS WEEK ABROAD
From Moldova’s new nomad visa to the secrets of the “183-day rule,” this week we’re covering how to live affordably abroad and escape heavy U.S. state taxes.
Let’s dive in 👇
Residency Radar
✈️ MOLDOVA TO LAUNCH NEW DIGITAL NOMAD VISA
According to a report from Fragomen, Moldova plans to roll out a brand-new Digital Nomad Visa, giving U.S. citizens and other remote workers a path to live and work from one of Eastern Europe’s most budget-friendly destinations.
Who qualifies:
Foreign nationals with clients or an employer outside Moldova.
What you’ll need:
✅ Proof of income
✅ Travel health insurance
✅ Proof of accommodation in Moldova
Visas will last up to 2 years with the possibility of renewal. Note that Moldova is not a member of the European Union, so visa holders will not receive total freedom of movement around the bloc.
Tax perks: Moldova features a flat 12% tax on worldwide income.
📅Applications are set to open on September 20.
Video of the Week
THE TRUTH ABOUT THE 183-DAY RULE
If you’ve ever looked into moving your residency to Florida, you’ve likely encountered endless talk about the “183-day rule.” It’s a confusing number thrown around by high-tax states eager to keep you on their tax rolls, but here’s the catch: Florida itself doesn’t care how many days you spend in the state.
In fact, Florida has no minimum day requirement to become a legal resident. From day one, you can establish Florida as your domicile — your permanent home base — even if your actual time spent there is minimal.
The key isn’t counting your Florida days; it’s making sure you don’t accidentally spend 183 days or more in any other state that might still consider you a resident for tax purposes.
➡️Read More: See Savvy Nomad’s full article on the 183-day rule.
Money & Tax Corner
AVOIDING A CALIFORNIA OR NEW YORK STATE TAX AUDIT IN 2026
Thinking of moving your tax residency out of a high-tax state like California or New York for 2026? If so, you should probably start that process soon.
Here, we’ll briefly review how to orchestrate the move to protect yourself from a tax audit.
Ditching NY/CA Tax Residency
With income tax rates topping out at 10.9% and 13.3% respectively, New York and California impose the heaviest tax burdens of any U.S. state. Unsurprisingly, legions of U.S. expats, nomads, and remote workers seek to terminate their tax residency once they begin their location-independent lifestyle.
Of course, New York and California don’t want you to leave, and they’ll do whatever in takes to keep you on the hook for taxes — including hitting you with a stressful tax audit. In 2022, New York’s tax authorities sent out over 770,000 audit letters with the help of AI.
Ending your tax residency isn’t as simple as packing up your stuff and renting a U-Haul. It following a carefully-choreographed set of steps, including these essentials:
Pick a new home state, ideally one with no income tax (e.g. Florida, Texas).
Move your stuff. Belongings and even pets can be used as evidence of ties to the state.
Limit days in your old state. Follow the 183-day rule and keep a travel log.
Switch IDs. Transfer your driver’s license, car registration, and voter registration to your new state.
Update records. Notify banks, employers, and the IRS of your new address.
Cut ties. Sell or rent out unused property, change doctors, and enroll children in new local schools.
Document everything. Leases, bills, and travel records are your best defense.
Why Start Now?
Beginning your new tax residency on January 1 is a big red flag. For state auditors, the timing looks too perfect — almost like you’re planning taxes on paper rather than making a genuine life change. Auditors may assume you chose that date solely to avoid a full year of New York or California tax liability, especially if your income spikes that year (e.g., bonuses, stock sales).
Bottom line: if you want to make the move official for tax year 2026, it’s better to make the move sooner rather than later.
