Post-Citizenship: How Long Must a Naturalized Citizen Reside in the United States?
After becoming a naturalized US citizen, the question often arises: how long does one have to reside in the United States? The answer is both straightforward and complex.
Understanding Post-Citizenship Residency Requirements
Indefinite Residency: There is no legal requirement that a naturalized US citizen must reside in the United States indefinitely. Once granted citizenship, a naturalized citizen can remain in the country indefinitely with no further formalities.
Post-citizenship, a US naturalized citizen enjoys the same rights and privileges as any other US citizen. They can live abroad, return to the US, and even reside continually outside the country. However, these actions may have implications for tax obligations and other practical considerations.
Returning to the United States
A naturalized US citizen can leave the country immediately and return with no further formalities, aside from obtaining a US passport. This passport application process can take a few months due to current backlogs at the US Department of State, making it a practical rather than legal hurdle.
Practically, it may take days or weeks to obtain a passport. However, once a US citizen has a valid passport, they can leave the country at any time and choose not to return, provided they meet their tax obligations and other legal duties.
Tax Obligations for US Expatriates
One key consideration for naturalized citizens who choose to live abroad is their tax obligations. US citizens, including naturalized citizens, are required to pay federal income tax on their worldwide income, regardless of their place of residence. This applies irrespective of how long a person has lived outside the US.
In addition to income tax, other tax-related obligations include reporting foreign bank and financial accounts, and potentially paying estate and gift taxes. It is essential for naturalized citizens who plan to live abroad to understand these tax laws and comply with them to avoid penalties and other complications.
Practical Considerations
While naturalized citizens have the freedom to leave the USA and never return, it's worth noting that they retain certain responsibilities. For example, they must pay federal income tax on their worldwide income, which can be complicated given the differences in foreign tax laws and the US Foreign Tax Credit.
Additionally, naturalized citizens may need to explicitly renounce their citizenship if they choose to permanently move abroad and no longer meet the criteria for residency. This process can be complex and may involve legal and governmental procedures.
Conclusion
Once a person becomes a naturalized US citizen, they can live in the United States indefinitely and, if desired, return to live abroad. There is no legal requirement for a naturalized citizen to reside in the country. However, they should be aware of their tax obligations and other legal duties to maintain their US citizenship.
Given the current backlog in passport processing, it's important for naturalized citizens to plan their travel needs carefully and allow ample time to obtain a new passport. This practical step ensures they can return to the United States at any time.