Prepare Financially Before Moving Abroad From the US
Review tax, retirement accounts, investments, banking and long-term residency considerations before you leave the United States.
Decisions Made Before Moving Can Shape Your Financial Life Abroad
Moving overseas is not only a change of country. It is a major financial transition.
The timing of your departure can affect tax residency, retirement accounts, investment access, banking arrangements and the way future income is received.
US Exit Planning brings these areas together before the move, helping you identify what should be reviewed, retained, changed or documented while you still have the greatest flexibility.
What Should Be Reviewed Before Leaving the United States?
A coordinated plan considers more than tax alone.
Tax Planning
Understand ongoing US filing obligations, future tax residency and how US and local-country rules may interact after your move.
Explore US Expat Tax Planning →Retirement Accounts
Review 401(k)s, IRAs, Roth IRAs and other retirement accounts before provider access, rollovers or withdrawal options become more limited.
Explore US Retirement Accounts →Investments
Confirm whether existing brokerage arrangements support non-US residents and whether future investments remain suitable for a US taxpayer.
Explore Investment Management →Banking and Currency
Consider US bank access, international transfers, account addresses and the currency in which future spending and income will occur.
Estate Planning
Review wills, beneficiaries, powers of attorney and how US estate rules may interact with succession law in your destination country.
Residency and Documentation
Understand when local tax residency begins and retain clear records of travel dates, account values, income and key financial decisions.
Your US Exit Planning Checklist
These are the practical areas worth reviewing before your departure date.
Confirm Your Expected Tax Residency
Understand the likely residency position in both the US and your destination country.
Review Retirement and Brokerage Accounts
Confirm whether providers support overseas addresses and what options remain available.
Update Beneficiaries and Estate Documents
Ensure beneficiary nominations and legal documents reflect your current intentions.
Review Banking Access
Check account-address rules, authentication methods and access from overseas.
Plan Currency and International Transfers
Consider how capital, income and spending will move between currencies.
Gather Important Records
Retain account statements, cost basis, tax documents and evidence of travel dates.
Explore Guidance for Popular European Destinations
Local tax, retirement and investment rules vary significantly by country.
Moving to Portugal From the US
Explore financial, tax and retirement considerations before relocating to Portugal.
Explore Portugal →Moving to Spain From the US
Understand the wider financial planning issues for Americans relocating to Spain.
Explore Spain →Moving to France From the US
Explore retirement-account, tax and investment planning for Americans in France.
Explore France →The Complete Guide to Moving Abroad From the USA
A guide to key tax, investment, retirement and financial planning issues for Americans preparing to live overseas.
Complete the form to access the guide and continue exploring SJB Global's resources for US citizens and US-connected individuals abroad.
Download the Guide
Recent Articles for Americans Moving Abroad
Explore recent guidance on US retirement accounts, tax, investments and relocation planning.
Prepare Your Financial Life Before Leaving the United States
Our advisers can help you coordinate tax, retirement accounts, investments and destination planning before your move abroad.