[jarv]

> I should also point out something else unfair. I am a dual US|EU (Croatian) citizen who works part-time remotely as a contractor for a US-based company in Croatia, while studying for her masters degree in electrical engineering full time. Because I am an EU citizen, I can work in 30+ countries remotely, outside of the United States, while essentially getting paid more (compared to the locals and most other European Union citizens) for just having US citizenship and related credentials.

For another perspective as a US citizen living in Europe, getting work remotely for US company really only works in tech from what I have seen (maybe in other professions, but they are not that common). What you need is the combination of being able to work on contract, and hopefully not have to shift your hours unless you are working part time. For companies that are large, established, and have remote workers you will likely be paid at market rate for where you live. The tax situation can get complicated depending on your income level, and tax rates in most European countries are much higher than the US. Your investment options outside the US are limited, many expats retain their US banks for this reason. You won't have the benefit of a 401k contribution either. The best situation for employment is being able to invoice a company directly and get paid on a contract, not every company is willing to do this. Otherwise, worst case you would be employed by a local PEO which means for tax purposes you are a full time employee and will likely be paying more taxes than you would in the US. I think Croatia might be in the sweet-spot of countries that hasn't a decent quality of life but also low taxes for independent contractors.

[soco]

This setup looks to me indeed not sustainable on the long run. I'm not giving recommendations, I'm just thinking that working for a local (or nearer) company and/or giving up US citizenship could be ways to achieve a simpler and cheaper living...

[disabled]

I’m the OP. I am not that sentimental about being American. However, the US discovered the very rare disease that I have in the early 2000s, and ultimately saved my life (and others) around the world. That is the only reason why I do not renounce my citizenship.

Because of this, I also have complex healthcare needs. So, the US always is a place to fall back on, as it has a lot of doctors treating obscure conditions.