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Investing & Wealth Building

Build and protect wealth abroad while managing brokerage access, PFIC risk, retirement accounts, currency exposure, and reporting rules.

Investing abroad is less about finding exotic products and more about keeping compliant access to boring, durable assets while avoiding PFICs, account closures, and reporting mistakes.

Start with these guides

Open the strongest entry points before browsing the full archive.

Expat Investing PlaybookStart with brokerage access, PFIC rules, and account structure.Brokerage Account ClosureUnderstand why US platforms restrict expat accounts and what to use instead.Passive Income AnywhereCompare portable income streams with tax and operational tradeoffs.

Decision path

Use this order to turn the topic into a cleaner next move.

01
Keep compliant brokerage access before moving.
02
Avoid PFIC traps in foreign mutual funds and ETFs.
03
Document reporting obligations for every account.
04
Separate investment risk from currency and country risk.

Common questions

Can expats keep US brokerage accounts?

Sometimes, but platform policies differ. Many expats need a compliant backup before moving.

Why are PFICs dangerous?

Foreign pooled funds can create punitive US tax and reporting complexity for Americans.

Should expats invest locally?

Only after understanding US tax treatment, custody risk, currency risk, and exit rules.

Latest guides

16 guides in this topic.

Open resources

Sunlit modern apartment balcony with a coffee cup and notebook overlooking a lush city skyline

Investing & Wealth BuildingJuly 3, 2026

REITs for US Expats: Income, Tax Rules, and PFIC Traps

US expats can earn 4%+ REIT yields at a 29.6% effective rate with the permanent Section 199A deduction. Know which funds are PFICs and which are not.

Minimalist trading workspace with widescreen monitor and warm desk lamp in soft focus

Investing & Wealth BuildingJune 26, 2026

Options Trading for US Expats: Tax Rules and Traps

Section 1256 contracts cap US expat options traders at a 26.8% blended rate. Understand wash sales, NIIT traps, mark-to-market, and Form 6781 rules.

Minimalist desk with pen and documents representing a major financial legal decision

Investing & Wealth BuildingJune 24, 2026

W-8BEN: How Expats Cut US Withholding on Dividends

Nonresident aliens can halve 30% US dividend withholding with Form W-8BEN. See treaty rates by country, the portfolio interest exemption, and REIT

Calm home study with open estate documents folder on glass coffee table in soft warm evening light

Investing & Wealth BuildingJune 22, 2026

Inherited IRA Rules for US Expats and NRA Heirs

Inheriting a US IRA abroad triggers 30% withholding and a 10-year depletion window under SECURE Act 2.0. Learn what expat and NRA beneficiaries must

Elegant mahogany desk with leather portfolio and fountain pen for expatriate exit tax planning

Investing & Wealth BuildingJune 20, 2026

Treasury Bills for US Expats: State-Tax-Free Yield

Buy US T-bills through Schwab or IBKR from abroad — interest is fully state-exempt, no FBAR required, yields at 3.65% in June 2026. Better than

Wide formal investment firm lobby with tall windows and polished dark marble floor in afternoon light

Investing & Wealth BuildingJune 17, 2026

Interactive Brokers for US Expats: What You Need to Know

IBKR accepts US citizens in 200+ countries. Learn which entity to choose, FBAR rules, and which investments trigger PFIC penalties when living abroad.