Survey reveals nearly half of US expats are reconsidering their citizenship
Life abroad offers new adventures, cultures, and freedoms, but for many US citizens living overseas, the emotional and financial ties to home are becoming more complicated.
In Greenback Expat Tax Services’ 2025 Expat Trends Survey, over 1.100 Americans, including 719 current US expats, shared how they really feel about taxes, representation, citizenship and life outside the US. The findings offer more than just stats, they tell a story of change.
A rising tide of renunciation
One of the survey’s most striking revelations? Nearly 49 percent of US expats say they are planning to - or are seriously considering - renouncing their US citizenship. That number marks a 63 percent increase from just last year, when only 30 percent of expats reported similar intentions. What’s behind this dramatic shift?
According to the data, it’s not just about money. While US tax obligations for citizens living abroad remain a perennial frustration, a growing sense of political and cultural distance is also driving the decision. In fact, more than half of those eyeing renunciation cited dissatisfaction with the direction of the US government as a key reason.
“The numbers reflect a deeper shift in mindset,” said Mike Wallace, CEO of Greenback Expat Tax Services. “We’re seeing more expats question not just the cost of staying connected to the US, but also the value.” For many, that cost is more than symbolic.
Beyond the tax bill
The US is one of the few countries in the world that taxes its citizens no matter where they live. This creates complex filing requirements, often involving multiple tax systems, foreign bank account reporting, and costly compliance measures. For entrepreneurial expats or those married to non-US spouses, the burden can be even greater.
Interestingly, location strongly influenced attitudes toward citizenship. Expats living in India showed the highest level of interest in renunciation (93 percent), followed by the UK (53 percent), France (48 percent), Australia (47 percent), Canada (30 percent), and Germany (27 percent). While expats in Germany expressed relatively lower levels of interest compared to other nations, the sentiment still remains significant and rising.
A different kind of freedom
Despite the weight of this decision, many survey respondents say life abroad has offered a stronger sense of autonomy, both financially and politically. Giving up citizenship means severing formal ties to one’s country of birth, along with the privileges that come with it. But for a growing number of Americans abroad, the cost of staying tethered feels too high.
Whether or not renunciation feels like the right choice, Greenback’s dedicated team supports US expats in Germany through expert guidance and personalised tax solutions, reducing stress and clarifying decisions around citizenship and compliance.
A larger conversation
Greenback’s survey doesn’t just stop at the numbers - it spotlights how life changes once Americans leave the US. Many respondents say living abroad has helped them feel more financially independent and politically autonomous. Others expressed greater contentment with their quality of life overseas than they ever experienced at home.
The survey findings raise important questions: What does loyalty look like when borders become blurred? How can a country better support its citizens who choose to live globally?
From renunciation trends and tax filing struggles to political disenchantment and inflation-related decisions, this year’s US Expat survey uncovers what’s really driving today’s expat mindset. Whether you're already abroad or thinking about a future overseas, the results provide valuable insight into what life looks like beyond US borders, and what’s influencing expats to let go of citizenship entirely.
Greenback’s mission is to support US expats no matter where life takes them. With transparent pricing, real human expertise, and a deep focus on the expat experience, the team helps Americans abroad make informed choices, whether they stay connected to their citizenship or choose a different path forward.
To explore the full 2025 Expat Trends Survey results and access expat-specific tax tools, visit the Greenback Expat Tax Services website..
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