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 ...

Hey Kim, Great to have you here 🙂 We don't have too many South Africans, so it's nice to hear from you. Looking forward to assisting as you come up against stumbling blocks. Also, if at some Point you have time to document some tips/info about the FBR process, I'd love to publish it here for others like you to benefit from. Best wishes, and welcome Liam

Hey Nikki! Welcome to the site. Definitely stay in touch as things come up. Happy to help and Point you the direction of info as you need it. Have you picked a moving company for your dog?

Hey Everyone, Liberty also insures drivers on an American License - it is expensive, but your options are limited. I WAnted to Point out that it is possible to get insured on an American license for a second year, as long as you have a Provisional Irish license. We are now entering our second year here in Ireland, and started the Irish License process about 5 months ago. Obviously, it is best to start this as soon as you possibly can, however with work and kids it can prove difficult to find the time for the lessons. I think it is assumed that you can o ...

... lose at this Point. But we'll see, right? Anyway, I currently live in the US with my wife, and my prospective employer is willing to sponsor a Stamp 4 visa for me. My main concern is about my wife's status. Obviously, I'm hoping she can stay with me in Ireland while I work there. Would she need to apply for a special visa to stay longer than 6 weeks if she is the spouse of someone with a work permit? Also, assuming she can stay with me, would she be able to work as well? Or would she also need to find an employer to sponsor her? I have some other question ...