Afghanistan
Profiled in Kabul · Central Asia
A country of extraordinary landscape and history, from the Band-e-Amir lakes to the Bamiyan cliffs, closed to ordinary relocation since the 2021 Taliban takeover.
Cost of living
What a month costs
Nominal costs are low, but security arrangements dominate any foreign presence, and the banking system remains largely cut off from international transfers.
The scores
How it rates for a moving family
See and do
Top 10 in Kabul
- Band-e-Amir National ParkDeep blue lakes dammed by natural travertine walls.
- Bamiyan Buddha nichesEmpty cliff alcoves, a UNESCO site since the statues' destruction.
- Blue MosqueThe Shrine of Ali in Mazar-i-Sharif.
- Herat CitadelRestored fortress on foundations attributed to Alexander.
- Minaret of JamTwelfth-century brick minaret, a remote UNESCO site.
- Babur's GardensTerraced Mughal garden and tomb in Kabul.
- Darul Aman PalaceRestored 1920s palace on Kabul's southern edge.
- Wakhan CorridorHigh Pamir valley reaching towards China.
Where to go
Weekend escapes
- BamiyanValley of the destroyed Buddha niches and Band-e-Amir.
- Band-e-AmirAfghanistan's first national park, six travertine-dammed lakes.
- Panjshir ValleySteep river valley north of Kabul.
- Mazar-i-SharifNorthern city of the Blue Mosque.
- HeratWestern city with the Musalla minarets and citadel.
Residency
There is no residence or investor route available to foreigners in practice. International sanctions, banking restrictions and security conditions make relocation impossible for ordinary purposes.
Tax
Nominal rates place personal tax at up to 20% and corporate tax at 20%, with a business receipts tax of 2% to 10% in place of VAT. Administration has been severely disrupted since 2021.
Nearby