Palau
Pacific micro-state with world-famous diving and no income tax
63/100 FutureLife Score #110 FutureLife Index 2026
63/100
FutureLife Score
#110
FutureLife Index 2026
Save to board
$1,600
Comfortable/mo
8/10
Safety
5.8/10
Healthcare
#65
Happiness rank
Key Scores
63/100
Higher = better
Future Life Score
8/10
Safety Index
5.8/10
Healthcare
#65
Lower = happier
Happiness Rank
Why people move to Palau
+World's top-rated dive destination
+Jellyfish Lake - swim with non-stinging jellyfish
+No income tax
+Uses the US dollar
+Extraordinarily low crime rate
DivingNo Income TaxPacific Island
Culture & context
Tiny Micronesian archipelago - diving paradise, marine sanctuary, English-speaking, US-affiliated.
People, religion & languages
Population
~18K
81% urban
Languages
Palauan and English (both official)
Also: Japanese (historical)
Day-to-day English
High in business and tourism.
Religion
Christian majority with traditional spirituality.
Catholic
45%
Protestant
35%
Modekngei (indigenous)
6%
Other
14%
Culture & etiquette
What locals value and what to watch for
Family/clanConservationDiving cultureRespect for elders
Do
- Reef-safe sunscreen (mandatory)
- Take Palau pledge on arrival
Avoid
- Coral touching (illegal)
Pace of life
Slow.
Expat-friendliness
Welcoming; tourism + diving expat presence.
Holidays & food culture
Seafood-led with Japanese influence.
TinolaDemok soupFish curryTaro
Mealtimes
Lunch 12:30–14:00, dinner 19:00–20:30.
Dietary norms
Seafood-led.
Major holidays
October 1
Independence Day
July 9
Constitution Day
December 25
Christmas
Work culture & business norms
Working weekMonday–Friday
Hours08:00–17:00.
HierarchyModerate (clan structure).
PunctualityFlexible.
Meeting stylePersonal, polite.
Business attireSmart casual.
Monthly cost snapshot
Comfortable lifestyle$1,600/mo
Semi-Luxury lifestyle$2,900/mo
Luxury lifestyle$5,700/mo
Single person, before income tax
AI affordability check
At $4,000/month remote income you'd have $2,400 surplus after budget-tier costs - saving 60% of your income.
Quick facts
LanguagePalauan / English
CurrencyUSD
Internet15 Mbps avg
EnglishHigh
Future Life Score63/100
Future Life Rank#110
PR pathModerate
CitizenshipNo clear path
Passport rank#80
Visa-free80 countries
Income tax30% top rate
VAT20%
CapitalNgerulmud
Best airportsROR (Koror)
Coastline1,519 km Pacific
Population~18K
Avg temp28°C / 82°F
Visa options
Tourist VisaEasy
Employment VisaModerate
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