Tax Reality Dashboard
Understand the tax implications of retiring in each country. Compare treaty status, local income tax treatment, VAT, and residency paths across every destination we cover.
Important: US citizens must file US federal tax returns regardless of where they live (FBAR, FATCA requirements apply). This table shows local tax treatment only. Always consult a tax professional with expat expertise. Data last verified: March 2025.
Showing 24 of 24 countries
| Country | US Tax Treaty | How SS is Treated | Retirement Income Taxed | VAT Rate | Path to Residency | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Belize | No | Social Security taxed as regular foreign income (if any local income tax applies) | No | 12.5% | 1 year (QRP) | Full profile → |
 Chile | No | Social Security taxed as regular foreign income (if any local income tax applies) | Partial | 19% | 1 year | Full profile → |
 Colombia | No | Social Security taxed as regular foreign income (if any local income tax applies) | Partial | 19% | 5 years | Full profile → |
 Costa Rica | No | Social Security taxed as regular foreign income (if any local income tax applies) | No | 13% | 3 years | Full profile → |
 Ecuador | No | Social Security taxed as regular foreign income (if any local income tax applies) | No | 12% | 3 years | Full profile → |
 France | Yes | Treaty may reduce/eliminate local tax on US SS income | No | 20% | 5 years | Full profile → |
 Indonesia | Yes | Treaty may reduce/eliminate local tax on US SS income | No | 11% | Difficult (limited for foreigners) | Full profile → |
 Italy | Yes | Treaty may reduce/eliminate local tax on US SS income | Partial | 22% | 5 years | Full profile → |
 Japan | Yes | Treaty may reduce/eliminate local tax on US SS income | Yes | 10% | 10 years | Full profile → |
 Malaysia | No | Social Security taxed as regular foreign income (if any local income tax applies) | No | 8% | 10 years | Full profile → |
 Malta | Yes | Treaty may reduce/eliminate local tax on US SS income | Yes | 18% | 5 years | Full profile → |
 Mauritius | No | Social Security taxed as regular foreign income (if any local income tax applies) | No | 15% | 10 years (Retired Non-Citizen Permit) | Full profile → |
 Mexico | Yes | Treaty may reduce/eliminate local tax on US SS income | No | 16% | 4 years | Full profile → |
 Montenegro | No | Social Security taxed as regular foreign income (if any local income tax applies) | Yes | 21% | 5 years | Full profile → |
 Panama | No | Social Security taxed as regular foreign income (if any local income tax applies) | No | 7% | 2 years | Full profile → |
 Peru | No | Social Security taxed as regular foreign income (if any local income tax applies) | Yes | 18% | 1 year | Full profile → |
 Philippines | Yes | Treaty may reduce/eliminate local tax on US SS income | Partial | 12% | 5 years | Full profile → |
 Poland | Yes | Treaty may reduce/eliminate local tax on US SS income | Yes | 23% | 5 years | Full profile → |
 Portugal | Yes | Treaty may reduce/eliminate local tax on US SS income | Yes | 23% | 5 years | Full profile → |
 Slovenia | Yes | Treaty may reduce/eliminate local tax on US SS income | Yes | 22% | 5 years | Full profile → |
 Spain | Yes | Treaty may reduce/eliminate local tax on US SS income | Partial | 21% | 5 years | Full profile → |
 Thailand | Yes | Treaty may reduce/eliminate local tax on US SS income | Partial | 7% | 5 years | Full profile → |
 Uruguay | No | Social Security taxed as regular foreign income (if any local income tax applies) | Partial | 22% | 3 years | Full profile → |
 Vietnam | No | Social Security taxed as regular foreign income (if any local income tax applies) | Yes | 10% | 5 years | Full profile → |
Universal Rules for US Citizens Abroad
- You must file US taxes every year, no matter where you live
- FBAR required if foreign accounts exceed $10,000 at any point
- FATCA: foreign financial institutions may report your accounts to the IRS
- Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) can shelter ~$126k of earned income
- Foreign Tax Credit can offset taxes paid to foreign governments
Social Security Abroad
- SS benefits continue regardless of where you live
- Can be deposited to qualifying foreign bank accounts
- A few countries cannot receive direct SS deposits (North Korea, Cuba, etc.)
- US still withholds income tax on SS even for those living abroad (unless treaty)
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