my head is spinning with this topic too, to a Point I almost feel sick. I guess we will never truly know unless we actually give it a go. I WAs just home for 2 months , currently living in NZ, although I found it nice back home , I WAs not working so it WAs not reality. I've been thinking of going home for a few years now. I don't feel like NZ is somewhere I will settle down, it's a beautiful country but just lacks that punch of excitement. The outdoors lifestyle is amazing and I have had a great time here. But feels like I'm going against the grain now. It ...

Hi Sarah, This is a great topic, thank you for asking the question. Speaking from my own Point of view I can tell you that each time I moved back home (twice), I couldn't say that I knew it WAs the right decision. We really just had a desire to do so, and said let's just do it. Worst case it doesn't work out, and we go back. Which also happened, twice! I get asked this a lot via email and over the phone too. People are so apprehensive. They've built up a great life abroad, have stability in their day to day life, but long for home. It's a very common theme ...

... for going back to the US at some Point are not as stringent, but something you should research ahead of time also. 3. Buyer representation isn't very prevalent in the Irish property scene, however a number of realtors, or buyers agents as they appear to be referred to in Ireland, are popping up. I'd recommend getting in touch with a few, looking for references, finding out if they operate in your desired area etc. Typically they charge a percentage of the home purchase price, so plan accordingly. 4. where to buy is primarily a personal decision. Are you l ...

Hello, dear compatriots. I have my dual Irish citizenship and passport so don’t have to concern myself with visas and the like. I will be relocating in the coming months from the US. I don't expect, but not certain, that I will end up permanently residing in Ireland. I have a budget that is better suited for less economically robust countries. However I know there are official/legal issues I must work out prior to living elsewhere in the EU. For instance, banking and financial representation. Also, medical health affiliations and associated documents and cards (I depend on a medication after having my thyroid removed). Must I have established residence prior to gaining access to these services? Anything I can accomplish before I set out abroad? Anything any one could contribute to answering would be greatly appreciated. Or Point me in the right direction? I plan on a month (is that sufficient?) in Dublin (or is another city ok for getting things done?) before setting out to explore other EU options. If I feel at home in Eire perhaps I’ll stay put! I’m an artist and perhaps ‘The Dole’ would be an enticement. Thanks

Hi Frank First off I WAnt to thank you so much for the hugely insightful and personal first-hand information that you offered here. Your advice will be a benefit to so many people, thank you! I find it is such a shame that the US has such a cumbersome and costly process in place that is forces people like you to renounce citizenship. Americans, probably like most other nationalities, have immense pride in their country and it is unfortunate that people feel the need to part WAys with their birthright for the sake of some cash. I can totally see where y ...

... works, in that you transfer the money to them, and they send it onto your Irish bank account. But all the signups and transfers happen through an app on my iphone. I am even able to login to my bank via the app so the transfer from my bank's Point of view is that I am sending a payment online. The transfer rate is about 3-4% better than what the bank gives me, and the fee is $10 rather than $35 from my bank. I'm happy with it. Convenient, cheap, secure. If you WAnt to try it out, if you use this link, you will get a discount, and if enough of you use it, I ...

Yeah, at some Point I'll probably spring for US citizenship too. I just never really get around to it. In your case I can see the attraction though. It takes a while, so if you're certain, then it's best to get moving on it. Happy to answer your questions as they come up. Sorry for the delay in this one though. Had family in town for a week, so I took a break form the site 🙂

Hi Ingrid, When I moved back to Ireland from the US, I did have to continue to file US taxes (fed & CA) as a US green card holder. I don't know how that would have changed as years progressed, but I imagine at some Point I would no longer be required to file (I have since moved back to the US). Your husband MUST continue to file regardless. All US citizens are obliged to. The issue of double taxation starts to apply at certain income levels. Most people will not be double-taxed, however a tax accountant can best advise you on the details. There are plenty of options out there, but the service I used 2 years running, and am happy to refer people to, are Taxes For Expats. (that is an affiliate link, but if you'd rather go directly to their website, feel free to do so. However if you do go through that link, be sure to use code IMC50 for a $50 discount). Tax pro's, including Taxes for Expats, often have blogposts on this topic. The issue of applying for citizenship is quite personal though. I'm not sure how to advise you there. If you are unsure how your future will turn out back in Ireland, then of course having dual nationality is a huge bonus. Welcome to the site 🙂 Liam

... I am considering becoming a US citizen so that if we should ever think about returning to live here in the US - say to retire or things dont work out - we have that option without having to go through the hoops of Greencard application again - that and who knows what WAy the administration could change things for non -citizens. But I'm wondering what the implications of that are - taxation specifically. My husband will always WAnt to keep his US passport so does that mean we'll have to file despite living in Ireland? Does that mean we'll get taxed on our ...

Hi Liam, I have to tell you finding this site WAs both a fluke and a godsend. Here is our situation quickly, my wife immigrated to Canada with her parents in the 70's. My family is Canadian from 1750's. We met, were married almost 29 yrs ago, her parents moved back to Ireland post wedding by about 2 wks. Since that time we have raised our children, put them through university and now with degrees in hand, our time has come. We travel over or back in my wife's case, every 2 yrs to visit my wife's family. The thought of my wife being with her family has been a ...