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THE CITIZENSHIP DESK

Options for United States Nationals

US citizens benefit from one of the world's strongest passports but face uniquely burdensome worldwide taxation obligations under FATCA and FBAR regardless of where they live. Careful tax planning, including understanding the FEIE and exit tax provisions, is essential before any international relocation or renunciation.

Your Passport

Passport Rank

#7

Visa-Free

186

destinations

Dual Citizenship

allowed

Taxation Basis

citizenship based

Key Considerations for United States Nationals

  • 01FATCA requires foreign financial institutions to report US person account details to the IRS, complicating overseas banking.
  • 02The US taxes citizens on worldwide income regardless of residency, with the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) capped at approximately $120,000.
  • 03FBAR filing is required for US persons with aggregate foreign financial accounts exceeding $10,000 at any point during the year.
  • 04State-level residency ties—particularly California and New York—can create ongoing state tax obligations even after physical departure.
  • 05An exit tax applies to long-term residents and citizens who renounce, treating unrealized gains as if sold on the day before expatriation.
  • 06Social Security and Medicare taxes continue to apply to self-employment income regardless of country of residence.

Program Restrictions

Tax Obligations

The United States imposes citizenship-based taxation, meaning US citizens and green-card holders owe US income tax on their worldwide income regardless of where they live or work. This makes the US one of only two countries (alongside Eritrea) to tax based on citizenship rather than residence. Every year abroad, a US person must file a federal return (Form 1040) reporting all global income. The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE, Form 2555) allows qualifying individuals to exclude up to approximately $130,000 of foreign earned income in 2025, but it does not cover passive income, capital gains, or self-employment tax. The Foreign Tax Credit (Form 1116) can offset double taxation dollar-for-dollar in many cases. FBAR (FinCEN 114) must be filed electronically by April 15 (extended to October 15) for any US person with aggregate foreign financial account balances exceeding $10,000 at any point during the year; penalties for wilful non-compliance can reach $100,000 or 50% of account balance per violation. FATCA Form 8938 imposes an additional layer of reporting for specified foreign financial assets above $50,000 (higher thresholds for those living abroad). Foreign mutual funds and ETFs held outside a US-registered account are treated as Passive Foreign Investment Companies (PFICs), subject to punitive taxation under IRC §1291 unless a QEF or mark-to-market election is made. State-level obligations persist even after physical departure for residents of California, New Jersey, Virginia, and a handful of other states that require affirmative proof of domicile change; California in particular aggressively asserts continued residency based on economic ties. Social Security and Medicare self-employment taxes continue to apply to net self-employment income worldwide unless a totalization agreement exempts the individual.

Renouncing This Nationality

Available
Yes
Exit Tax
Yes
Fee
$2,350
Processing
~6 months
Net-Worth Threshold
$2,000,000
Avg Income Threshold
$201,000

The US charges $2,350 — the highest renunciation fee of any country in the world. Renunciation must be performed in person at a US embassy or consulate abroad. Covered expatriates (net worth >$2M, 5-year average net income tax >$201,000 for 2024, or failure to certify 5-year tax compliance) are subject to the IRC §877A mark-to-market exit tax, treating all property as sold at fair market value on the day before expatriation. Deferred compensation, specified tax-deferred accounts, and interests in non-grantor trusts receive special treatment. Form 8854 must be filed in the year of expatriation and, if applicable, for the following year. The expatriation is not effective until it is reported to the State Department and the DS-4083 certificate is issued; the IRS does not recognise it until Form 8854 is filed.

Military Service Obligation

Applies
Yes
Age Range
18–25 (male)
Alternative Service
Not available

Banking Restrictions

Financial-compliance issues this nationality commonly faces globally.

FATCA (FOREIGN ACCOUNT TAX COMPLIANCE ACT) REQUIRES FOREIGN FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS TO IDENTIFY US PERSONS AND REPORT ACCOUNT DETAILS TO THE IRS OR FACE A 30% WITHHOLDING PENALTY. MANY BANKS IN EUROPE, ASIA, AND THE MIDDLE EAST OUTRIGHT REFUSE US-PERSON CLIENTS TO AVOID THIS COMPLIANCE BURDEN.

Affects: fatca

US PERSONS MUST REPORT ALL FOREIGN FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS ON FBAR (FINCEN 114) ANNUALLY IF AGGREGATE BALANCES EXCEED $10,000, AND ON FATCA FORM 8938 IF SPECIFIED FOREIGN ASSETS EXCEED APPLICABLE THRESHOLDS. FAILURE TO REPORT CARRIES SEVERE CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES.

Affects: fbar, fatca-8938

FOREIGN MUTUAL FUNDS, ETFS, AND COLLECTIVE INVESTMENT VEHICLES HELD OUTSIDE US-REGISTERED ACCOUNTS ARE CLASSIFIED AS PFICS (PASSIVE FOREIGN INVESTMENT COMPANIES) UNDER IRC §1291. WITHOUT A QEF OR MARK-TO-MARKET ELECTION, GAINS ARE TAXED AT THE HIGHEST ORDINARY INCOME RATE PLUS AN INTEREST CHARGE, MAKING MOST FOREIGN INVESTMENT FUNDS EXTREMELY TAX-INEFFICIENT FOR US HOLDERS.

Affects: pfic

Best Second-Passport Options

Ranked by practical fit — not endorsements. Verify eligibility and current rules before acting.

  1. $235,000–$270,000

    Grenada is the only Caribbean CBI passport that qualifies holders for the US E-2 Investor Treaty visa, giving Americans a legal back-door to US business residency after renunciation. Processing takes 3–6 months.

  2. $750,000–$1,200,000

    Malta's MEIN (Malta Exceptional Investor Naturalisation) delivers full EU citizenship with visa-free access to 187+ countries. Grants Schengen residency and the right to live and work across 27 EU member states.

  3. $500–$5,000

    Irish citizenship by Foreign Birth Registration (FBR) is free or very low cost for those with an Irish grandparent. Provides full EU rights and a top-6 passport. Processing times have improved to 12–18 months.

  4. $2,000–$15,000

    Portuguese citizenship by descent is available to grandchildren of Portuguese nationals and, under a special law, to descendants of Sephardic Jewish families (subject to ongoing legal review). EU passport with 188+ visa-free destinations.

  5. $240,000–$260,000

    St Lucia CBI is among the fastest Caribbean options (45–90 days) with competitive minimum investment. Provides a viable plan-B travel document while a longer-term EU strategy is being pursued.

Common Descent Pathways

  • italyup to 4 generations back
  • irelandup to 2 generations back
  • germanyup to 3 generations back
  • polandup to 2 generations back

Visa-Free Gain from Upgrading

Additional visa-free destinations gained by acquiring each citizenship on top of the current one.

Additional visa-free destinations gained by acquiring each second citizenship
Second Citizenship+ Destinations
ireland+5
malta+4
grenada+0

Related Guides

Visa Programs Available to You

115 programs

Portugal D7 Passive Income Visa

Portugal PRT

Passive Income

Processing

2mo

Min. Income

$820/mo

Citizenship

5y

Verified 2026-04-20

Portugal D8 Digital Nomad Visa

Portugal PRT

Digital Nomad

Processing

2mo

Min. Income

$3,280/mo

Citizenship

5y

Verified 2026-04-20

Portugal Golden Visa (ARI)

Portugal PRT

Investment

Processing

6mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

5y

Verified 2026-04-20

Spain Non-Lucrative Visa

Spain ESP

Passive Income

Processing

3mo

Min. Income

$2,800/mo

Citizenship

10y

Verified 2026-04-20

Spain Digital Nomad Visa

Spain ESP

Digital Nomad

Processing

3mo

Min. Income

$2,800/mo

Citizenship

10y

Verified 2026-04-20

Italy Elective Residence Visa

Italy ITA

Passive Income

Processing

3mo

Min. Income

$2,750/mo

Citizenship

10y

Verified 2026-04-20

Greece Golden Visa

Greece GRC

Investment

Processing

4mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

7y

Verified 2026-04-20

Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP)

Malta MLT

Investment

Processing

6mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

No

Verified 2026-04-20

Thailand Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa

Thailand THA

Passive Income

Processing

1mo

Min. Income

$3,330/mo

Citizenship

No

Verified 2026-04-20

Thailand Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)

Thailand THA

Digital Nomad

Processing

1mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

No

Verified 2026-04-20

Malaysia DE Rantau Digital Nomad Pass

Malaysia MYS

Digital Nomad

Processing

1mo

Min. Income

$2,000/mo

Citizenship

No

Verified 2026-04-20

Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H)

Malaysia MYS

Retirement

Processing

3mo

Min. Income

$9,100/mo

Citizenship

No

Verified 2026-04-20

UAE Golden Visa

United Arab Emirates ARE

Investment

Processing

1mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

No

Verified 2026-04-20

UAE Virtual Working Programme (Remote Work Visa)

United Arab Emirates ARE

Digital Nomad

Processing

1mo

Min. Income

$5,000/mo

Citizenship

No

Verified 2026-04-20

Dubai Freelance Visa (TECOM / Free Zone Permit)

United Arab Emirates ARE

Entrepreneur

Processing

1mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

No

Verified 2026-04-20

Georgia Remotely from Georgia Programme

Georgia GEO

Digital Nomad

Processing

1mo

Min. Income

$2,000/mo

Citizenship

No

Verified 2026-04-20

Estonia Digital Nomad Visa

Estonia EST

Digital Nomad

Processing

1mo

Min. Income

$4,500/mo

Citizenship

No

Verified 2026-04-20

Costa Rica Rentista Visa

Costa Rica CRI

Passive Income

Processing

3mo

Min. Income

$2,500/mo

Citizenship

7y

Verified 2026-04-20

Mexico Temporary Resident Visa

Mexico MEX

Passive Income

Processing

1mo

Min. Income

$1,620/mo

Citizenship

5y

Verified 2026-04-20

Panama Friendly Nations Visa

Panama PAN

Passive Income

Processing

3mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

5y

Verified 2026-04-20

UK Skilled Worker Visa

United Kingdom GBR

Skilled Worker

Processing

2mo

Min. Income

$2,750/mo

Citizenship

6y

Verified 2026-04-20

UK Global Talent Visa

United Kingdom GBR

Skilled Worker

Processing

2mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

6y

Verified 2026-04-20

UK Innovator Founder Visa

United Kingdom GBR

Entrepreneur

Processing

2mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

6y

Verified 2026-04-20

Germany Freelancer Visa (Freiberufler)

Germany DEU

Entrepreneur

Processing

2mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

8y

Verified 2026-04-20

Germany EU Blue Card

Germany DEU

Skilled Worker

Processing

2mo

Min. Income

$4,170/mo

Citizenship

8y

Verified 2026-04-20

Germany Job Seeker Visa

Germany DEU

Skilled Worker

Processing

2mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

No

Verified 2026-04-20

France Talent Passport (Passeport Talent)

France FRA

Skilled Worker

Processing

3mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

5y

Verified 2026-04-20

France Long-Stay Visitor Visa (VLS-TS Visiteur)

France FRA

Passive Income

Processing

3mo

Min. Income

$1,640/mo

Citizenship

5y

Verified 2026-04-20

Netherlands DAFT Visa (Dutch-American Friendship Treaty)

Netherlands NLD

Entrepreneur

Processing

3mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

5y

Verified 2026-04-20

Netherlands Highly Skilled Migrant (Kennismigrant)

Netherlands NLD

Skilled Worker

Processing

1mo

Min. Income

$4,000/mo

Citizenship

5y

Verified 2026-04-20

Ireland Critical Skills Employment Permit

Ireland IRL

Skilled Worker

Processing

3mo

Min. Income

$3,500/mo

Citizenship

5y

Verified 2026-04-20

Ireland Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP)

Ireland IRL

Investment

Processing

6mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

5y

Verified 2026-04-20

Turkey Short-Term Residence Permit

Turkey TUR

Passive Income

Processing

2mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

5y

Verified 2026-04-20

Turkey Work Permit

Turkey TUR

Skilled Worker

Processing

2mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

5y

Verified 2026-04-20

EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa

United States USA

Investment

Processing

30mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

5y

Verified 2026-04-20

E-2 Treaty Investor Visa

United States USA

Investment

Processing

3mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

No

Verified 2026-04-20

O-1 Extraordinary Ability Visa

United States USA

Skilled Worker

Processing

2mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

No

Verified 2026-04-20

Canada Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker)

Canada CAN

Skilled Worker

Processing

7mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

3y

Verified 2026-04-20

Canada Start-Up Visa

Canada CAN

Entrepreneur

Processing

14mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

3y

Verified 2026-04-20

Canada Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Canada CAN

Skilled Worker

Processing

15mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

3y

Verified 2026-04-20

Australia Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

Australia AUS

Skilled Worker

Processing

9mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

4y

Verified 2026-04-20

Australia Global Talent Visa (Subclass 858)

Australia AUS

Skilled Worker

Processing

2mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

4y

Verified 2026-04-20

Australia Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 188)

Australia AUS

Entrepreneur

Processing

18mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

9y

Verified 2026-04-20

New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa

New Zealand NZL

Skilled Worker

Processing

9mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

5y

Verified 2026-04-20

New Zealand Investor 2 Visa

New Zealand NZL

Investment

Processing

9mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

5y

Verified 2026-04-20

Brazil Digital Nomad Visa (VITEM XIV)

Brazil BRA

Digital Nomad

Processing

1mo

Min. Income

$1,500/mo

Citizenship

No

Verified 2026-04-20

Colombia Digital Nomad Visa (Nómada Digital)

Colombia COL

Digital Nomad

Processing

1mo

Min. Income

$900/mo

Citizenship

No

Verified 2026-04-20

Argentina Rentista Residency Visa

Argentina ARG

Passive Income

Processing

3mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

2y

Verified 2026-04-20

Japan Highly Skilled Professional Visa

Japan JPN

Skilled Worker

Processing

2mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

10y

Verified 2026-04-20

Japan Business Manager Visa

Japan JPN

Entrepreneur

Processing

2mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

10y

Verified 2026-04-20

Japan Digital Nomad Visa

Japan JPN

Digital Nomad

Processing

1mo

Min. Income

$5,670/mo

Citizenship

No

Verified 2026-04-20

Singapore EntrePass

Singapore SGP

Entrepreneur

Processing

2mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

8y

Verified 2026-04-20

Singapore Employment Pass

Singapore SGP

Skilled Worker

Processing

1mo

Min. Income

$3,700/mo

Citizenship

8y

Verified 2026-04-20

Singapore ONE Pass (Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass)

Singapore SGP

Skilled Worker

Processing

1mo

Min. Income

$22,000/mo

Citizenship

8y

Verified 2026-04-20

South Korea D-8 Investor Visa

South Korea KOR

Investment

Processing

2mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

5y

Verified 2026-04-20

South Korea Digital Nomad Visa (Workcation Visa)

South Korea KOR

Digital Nomad

Processing

1mo

Min. Income

$7,080/mo

Citizenship

No

Verified 2026-04-20

India Business Visa

India IND

Entrepreneur

Processing

1mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

No

Verified 2026-04-20

India Employment Visa

India IND

Skilled Worker

Processing

1mo

Min. Income

$2,080/mo

Citizenship

No

Verified 2026-04-20

South Africa Critical Skills Work Visa

South Africa ZAF

Skilled Worker

Processing

6mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

10y

Verified 2026-04-20

South Africa Retired Persons Visa

South Africa ZAF

Retirement

Processing

6mo

Min. Income

$2,000/mo

Citizenship

10y

Verified 2026-04-20

Hungary Guest Investor Programme

Hungary HUN

Investment

Processing

3mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

8y

Verified 2026-04-20

Poland Temporary Residence Permit

Poland POL

Skilled Worker

Processing

2mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

10y

Verified 2026-04-20

Lithuania Startup Visa

Lithuania LTU

Entrepreneur

Processing

2mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

10y

Verified 2026-04-20

Thailand Non-Immigrant O-A (Retirement) Visa

Thailand THA

Retirement

Processing

2mo

Min. Income

$1,800/mo

Citizenship

No

Verified 2026-04-20

Panama Pensionado Visa

Panama PAN

Retirement

Processing

3mo

Min. Income

$1,000/mo

Citizenship

5y

Verified 2026-04-20

Mexico Temporary Resident Visa (Retirement)

Mexico MEX

Retirement

Processing

2mo

Min. Income

$2,800/mo

Citizenship

5y

Verified 2026-04-20

Greece Financial Independence Visa (Type D)

Greece GRC

Retirement

Processing

3mo

Min. Income

$2,200/mo

Citizenship

7y

Verified 2026-04-20

Costa Rica Pensionado Visa

Costa Rica CRI

Retirement

Processing

5mo

Min. Income

$1,000/mo

Citizenship

7y

Verified 2026-04-20

Thailand Privilege (Elite) Visa

Thailand THA

Investment

Processing

1mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

No

Verified 2026-04-20

Italy Digital Nomad Visa

Italy ITA

Digital Nomad

Processing

2mo

Min. Income

$2,500/mo

Citizenship

10y

Verified 2026-04-20

Italy Investor Visa (Visto per Investitori)

Italy ITA

Investment

Processing

3mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

10y

Verified 2026-04-20

Indonesia Golden Visa

Indonesia IDN

Investment

Processing

2mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

No

Verified 2026-04-20

Australia Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417)

Australia AUS

Skilled Worker

Processing

1mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

No

Verified 2026-04-20

Canada IEC Working Holiday

Canada CAN

Skilled Worker

Processing

2mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

No

Verified 2026-04-20

Japan Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Visa

Japan JPN

Skilled Worker

Processing

2mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

10y

Verified 2026-04-20

Malaysia Premium Visa Programme (PVIP)

Malaysia MYS

Investment

Processing

3mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

No

Verified 2026-04-20

Colombia Pensionado / Retirement Visa (M-10)

Colombia COL

Retirement

Processing

2mo

Min. Income

$900/mo

Citizenship

5y

Verified 2026-04-20

Brazil Retirement / Passive Income Visa (VIPER)

Brazil BRA

Retirement

Processing

3mo

Min. Income

$2,000/mo

Citizenship

4y

Verified 2026-04-20

Georgia Small Business / Individual Entrepreneur Visa

Georgia GEO

Entrepreneur

Processing

1mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

10y

Verified 2026-04-20

Estonia Startup Visa

Estonia EST

Entrepreneur

Processing

2mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

8y

Verified 2026-04-20

Philippines Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV)

Philippines PHL

Retirement

Processing

2mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

No

Verified 2026-04-20

Philippines Special Investor's Resident Visa (SIRV)

Philippines PHL

Investment

Processing

3mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

No

Verified 2026-04-20

France Talent Passport — Salaried Employee (Salarié Qualifié)

France FRA

Skilled Worker

Processing

2mo

Min. Income

$4,400/mo

Citizenship

5y

Verified 2026-04-26

France Talent Passport — Innovative Startup Founder (Création d'Entreprise)

France FRA

Entrepreneur

Processing

2mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

5y

Verified 2026-04-26

France Talent Passport — Researcher (Chercheur)

France FRA

Skilled Worker

Processing

2mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

2y

Verified 2026-04-26

UK Ancestry Visa

United Kingdom GBR

Family

Processing

1mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

6y

Verified 2026-04-26

Israel Aliyah (Law of Return)

Israel ISR

Family

Processing

6mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

0y

Verified 2026-04-26

Croatia Digital Nomad Visa

Croatia HRV

Digital Nomad

Processing

1mo

Min. Income

$3,140/mo

Citizenship

No

Verified 2026-04-26

Romania Digital Nomad Visa

Romania ROU

Digital Nomad

Processing

2mo

Min. Income

$4,030/mo

Citizenship

8y

Verified 2026-04-26

Mauritius Premium Travel Visa

Mauritius MUS

Digital Nomad

Processing

1mo

Min. Income

$1,500/mo

Citizenship

No

Verified 2026-04-26

Mauritius Permanent Residency (Property Purchase)

Mauritius MUS

Investment

Processing

4mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

5y

Verified 2026-04-26

Indonesia Second Home Visa (B211B)

Indonesia IDN

Retirement

Processing

2mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

10y

Verified 2026-04-26

Saudi Arabia Premium Residency (Iqama Mumayazah)

Saudi Arabia SAU

Investment

Processing

2mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

No

Verified 2026-04-26

US H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa

United States USA

Skilled Worker

Processing

6mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

11y

Verified 2026-05-05

US L-1 Intracompany Transferee Visa

United States USA

Skilled Worker

Processing

4mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

10y

Verified 2026-05-05

US F-1 Student Visa

United States USA

Student

Processing

2mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

No

Verified 2026-05-05

US J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa

United States USA

Student

Processing

2mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

No

Verified 2026-05-05

Switzerland B Residence Permit (Employment)

Switzerland CHE

Skilled Worker

Processing

4mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

10y

Verified 2026-05-05

Switzerland Self-Employment Permit

Switzerland CHE

Entrepreneur

Processing

6mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

10y

Verified 2026-05-05

Austria Red-White-Red Card

Austria AUT

Skilled Worker

Processing

3mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

10y

Verified 2026-05-05

Czech Employment Card

Czech Republic CZE

Skilled Worker

Processing

3mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

10y

Verified 2026-05-05

Czech Long-Term Residence — Investment / Business

Czech Republic CZE

Investment

Processing

4mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

10y

Verified 2026-05-05

Czech Digital Nomad Visa

Czech Republic CZE

Digital Nomad

Processing

2mo

Min. Income

$2,300/mo

Citizenship

10y

Verified 2026-05-05

Belgium Single Permit

Belgium BEL

Skilled Worker

Processing

4mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

5y

Verified 2026-05-05

Belgium Self-Employed Professional Card

Belgium BEL

Entrepreneur

Processing

6mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

5y

Verified 2026-05-05

Luxembourg Salaried Worker Permit

Luxembourg LUX

Skilled Worker

Processing

3mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

5y

Verified 2026-05-05

Italy Self-Employment Visa

Italy ITA

Entrepreneur

Processing

9mo

Min. Income

$9,500/mo

Citizenship

10y

Verified 2026-05-09

Germany Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte)

Germany DEU

Skilled Worker

Processing

4mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

5y

Verified 2026-05-09

Portugal HQA Visa (Highly Qualified Activity)

Portugal PRT

Skilled Worker

Processing

5mo

Min. Income

$26,000/mo

Citizenship

5y

Verified 2026-05-09

Greece Skilled Worker Visa (Type D)

Greece GRC

Skilled Worker

Processing

6mo

Min. Income

$30,000/mo

Citizenship

7y

Verified 2026-05-09

Sweden EU Blue Card

Sweden SWE

Skilled Worker

Processing

4mo

Min. Income

$5,800/mo

Citizenship

5y

Verified 2026-05-13

Sweden Self-Employment Permit

Sweden SWE

Entrepreneur

Processing

4mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

5y

Verified 2026-05-13

Sweden Job Seeker Visa

Sweden SWE

Skilled Worker

Processing

3mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

No

Verified 2026-05-13

NZ Active Investor Plus Visa

New Zealand NZL

Processing

9mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

5y

Verified 2026-05-13

Thailand O-X Long-Stay Visa

Thailand THA

Retirement

Processing

3mo

Min. Income

Citizenship

No

Verified 2026-05-13

Ancestry / Descent Options

Based on common ancestry patterns for United States nationals.

Banking That Accepts Your Passport

15 options

Company Formation Jurisdictions

23 jurisdictions

UK Private Limited Company (Ltd)

Setup: $50

25% (19% for profits under GBP 50,000; marginal relief between GBP 50,000–250,000)

Banking: moderate

US Delaware LLC

Setup: $200

0% at state level (no Delaware state income tax on out-of-state activity); federal tax depends on election (pass-through by default or C-Corp election)

Banking: moderate

US Wyoming LLC

Setup: $100

0% at state level (no Wyoming state income tax); federal tax depends on entity election

Banking: moderate

Estonia OÜ (Private Limited Company)

Setup: $265

0% on retained earnings; 20% on distributed profits (unique deferred distribution tax model)

Banking: difficult

Dubai DMCC Free Zone Company

Setup: $8,500

9% UAE Corporate Tax (effective June 2023) on taxable profits over AED 375,000; 0% for Qualifying Free Zone Persons meeting substance requirements

Banking: moderate

Dubai IFZA Free Zone Company

Setup: $5,500

9% UAE Corporate Tax on profits over AED 375,000; 0% for Qualifying Free Zone Persons on qualifying income

Banking: moderate

Singapore Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd)

Setup: $400

17% headline rate; effective rate often 8–10% due to startup tax exemptions (75% exemption on first SGD 100,000 for first 3 years)

Banking: moderate

Hong Kong Private Limited Company

Setup: $500

16.5% standard; 8.25% on first HKD 2 million of assessable profits (two-tiered regime)

Banking: difficult

BVI Business Company (BC)

Setup: $2,000

0% (no corporate income tax, capital gains tax, or withholding tax)

Banking: difficult

Cayman Islands LLC

Setup: $3,500

0% (no corporate tax, income tax, capital gains tax, or withholding tax; 20-year tax exemption certificate available)

Banking: difficult

Portugal Lda (Sociedade por Quotas)

Setup: $1,200

21% standard IRC; 17% on first EUR 25,000 for SMEs; municipal surcharge up to 1.5%; RFAI and other incentives available

Banking: moderate

Georgia Individual Entrepreneur (IE) with Virtual Zone

Setup: $50

1% on turnover up to GEL 500,000/year (Small Business Status); 0% on IT/software exports for Virtual Zone Person status; standard rate 15% corporate + 5% dividend withholding

Banking: easy

Ireland Limited Company (Ltd)

Setup: $350

12.5%

Banking: moderate

Netherlands BV

Setup: $1,500

19-25.8%

Banking: moderate

Cyprus Limited Company

Setup: $2,000

12.5%

Banking: moderate

Malta Limited Company

Setup: $2,500

5% effective (via refund system)

Banking: moderate

Seychelles IBC (International Business Company)

Setup: $700

0% (offshore income)

Banking: difficult

Switzerland Aktiengesellschaft (AG)

Setup: $8,000

11.85% to 21.0% effective combined federal + cantonal + communal (cantonal variation extreme — Zug 11.85%, Geneva 14%, Zürich 19.7%)

Banking: high

Luxembourg Société à Responsabilité Limitée (SARL)

Setup: $4,500

24.94% combined CIT + municipal business tax + solidarity surtax (Luxembourg City). Lower in some communes.

Banking: high

New Zealand Limited Company

Setup: $80

28% flat

Banking: moderate

Australia Proprietary Limited Company (Pty Ltd)

Setup: $380

25% for base rate entities (turnover < AUD 50M); 30% for larger companies

Banking: moderate

Canada Federal Corporation

Setup: $200

15% federal + 8-16% provincial = ~23-31% combined depending on province (Ontario 26.5%, Alberta 23%, Quebec 26.5%)

Banking: moderate

Bulgaria EOOD (Single-Member LLC)

Setup: $700

10% flat (one of EU's lowest)

Banking: moderate

Citizenship by Investment

10 programs

Popular Destinations for United States Nationals