Establishing Residency - What You Must Know Before Deciding Where to Retire

Establishing residency overseas is one thing. ToTemporary Resident
establish citizenship is another. You do not need to beTemporary visas vary. Usually renewable, they are
a citizen of a country to reside there. Residency onlysometimes issued for work or school and may require
means that you have a right to live in that country. Andproof of a minimum monthly deposit in a bank account.
sooner or later, you must decide whether to stick withPermanent Resident
a tourist visa or choose between applying forYou may be granted permanent residency by residing
temporary residency or permanent residency. Justlegally for a number of years as a temporary resident
make sure the decision you make is right for you.or upon marrying a citizen of that country. Some good
Citizenship issuesretirement spots such as Belize or Panama make it
Even if you establish residency overseas, you stillvery attractive to become a permanent resident by
continue to be a citizen of your own country. It onlyoffering tax breaks for retirees.
means you are no longer a resident. If you are originallyHow to Avoid Permanent Residency
from the United States and continue to file your taxIf you want to stay away from becoming a
returns every year, your citizenship is not affected.permanent resident of any country, avoid remaining
Therefore, establishing residency is not an issue formore than 5-6 months out of a year in one country.
receiving your social security check. Just be aware ofDivide your time between 3 or 4 places instead. That
issues regarding your tax obligation to your homeway, you can avoid any legal obligations.
country and local taxes when retiring abroad.What are your retirement plans? To hang out under a
Visapalm tree with a steady supply of Mimosas? To open
A visa is a sticker or stamp affixed to your passport. Ita sandwich shop in a South American beach town?
grants you the right to enter a country, either as aWhat is it that you really want to do?
one-time entry, multiple entries, or for a specific lengthFind out what your needs are regarding residency and
of time. Visas vary from country to country.citizenship before deciding on a move. You could
Tourist Visaalways become a permanent tourist and taste what
A tourist visa is required in some countries if your stayother shores have to offer. Then you could do away
is longer than 3 days. Normally you can remain up towith the hassles of establishing residency.
several months with this type of visa.