We use essential storage to run the site (your saved programmes and email preference stay in your browser). Accept optional analytics (Google Analytics) to help us understand usage, or reject to keep analytics off. No ads. Privacy policy.
The US taxes citizens on worldwide income regardless of where they live — one of only two countries (with Eritrea) that does this.
The US has a covered expatriate exit tax (IRC §877A). If your net worth exceeds $2M or average net income tax exceeds ~$190k/5yr, you pay mark-to-market capital gains on worldwide assets on the date of renunciation. Renunciation fee: $2,350.
Americans may qualify for citizenship in these countries through ancestry — often free or near-free:
D7 passive income visa, NHR 2.0 tax regime, EU access, warm climate
Friendly Nations Visa, territorial tax, USD economy, no FATCA pressure
0% income tax, Golden Visa, world-class infrastructure
Proximity, low cost, temp resident visa easy to obtain, Ibero-American treaty for fast citizenship
EU citizenship path, English-speaking, Global Residence Programme
Pensionado visa, affordable healthcare, stable democracy
The unique US worldwide taxation system means Americans can never fully escape US tax obligations without renouncing citizenship. However, the FEIE + Foreign Tax Credit can reduce the effective rate significantly. Territorial tax countries (Panama, Paraguay, UAE) are popular because foreign-source income is untaxed locally.
Americans moving abroad typically prioritize English-speaking countries, proximity to US time zones, and quality healthcare. Portugal, Mexico, and Costa Rica dominate.
Americans seeking a second passport typically pursue Caribbean CBI ($100-200k), EU ancestry routes (free), or long-term naturalisation. A second passport provides travel optionality but does NOT remove US tax obligations.
Americans can use the FEIE while working remotely abroad on digital nomad visas. Popular combos: Portugal D8 + FEIE, or Thailand LTR + no local tax on foreign income.
Social Security is payable in most countries via Totalization Agreements. Popular retirement destinations: Portugal (D7), Mexico (temp resident), Costa Rica (Pensionado), Panama (Pensionado).
Renouncing US citizenship requires being tax compliant, attending an embassy appointment, paying $2,350, and potentially the exit tax. It's irreversible — you cannot regain US citizenship after renunciation.
Renunciation note: Wait times for renunciation appointments are 12-24 months at most embassies. You must file 5 years of back taxes and be tax compliant.