How Long Can a U.S. Citizen Stay Out of the Country in 2022?

The status of U.S. citizenship is an intriguing subject, particularly for those who consider living abroad. The short answer is that a U.S. citizen can stay out of the country for as long as they wish without becoming a non-resident. However, this comes with several important considerations.

Continuous Citizenship

U.S. citizenship is not tied to residence within the United States—a U.S. citizen can live abroad indefinitely without losing their citizenship. There are no strict residency requirements for maintaining U.S. citizenship. This means that a U.S. citizen born or naturalized in other countries can live their entire life outside the U.S. without any legal repercussions.

Tax Obligations and Financial Reporting

Despite the freedom to live abroad, a U.S. citizen still has significant financial obligations. These include the requirement to file a U.S. tax return annually and report worldwide income. Additionally, they must renew their U.S. passport every 10 years, which can be done through the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Returning to the United States

Upon re-entering the U.S. after a prolonged absence, a U.S. citizen may face rigorous questioning. Customs officials might inquire about their activities and connections to the U.S. during the periods they were outside the country. This is done to ensure that the citizen has not become a non-resident or citizen of another country.

Reports and Documentations

Expatriates living abroad must still comply with certain reporting requirements. Specifically, citizens must file an annual FBAR (Foreign Bank Account Report) if their foreign accounts exceed a certain threshold. They should also report income from foreign sources in their regular U.S. tax returns. These obligations ensure that the U.S. government remains informed of an individual's financial status.

Benefits and Protections

While living abroad does not entitle a U.S. citizen to certain domestic benefits like access to U.S. roads, schools, or law enforcement, they still maintain various protections under the U.S. Constitution and international laws. As residents of other countries, expatriates can access healthcare, legal protections, and social services provided by their new home countries.

However, it's worth noting that the lack of a physical presence in the United States may limit access to specific benefits and protections that are exclusive to U.S. residents. For instance, veterans’ benefits, Social Security benefits, and state-level services are not available to non-resident citizens. Such individuals may need to rely on the legal and social frameworks of their new country to meet their needs.

Conclusion

U.S. citizens have the liberty to live abroad for as long as they choose. However, this choice comes with a series of ongoing obligations, including financial reporting and renewals. It's essential for expatriates to understand and comply with these requirements to maintain their status and avoid potential legal issues.