Key Facts to Know (2026)

• Interactive Brokers: most nomad-friendly major broker; multi-currency

• Charles Schwab International: available in many jurisdictions

• Saxo Bank: European-oriented; various jurisdictions

• Home country brokerages after non-residence: varies — some close accounts, some restrict, some allow

• Robinhood, most fintech brokerages: typically US-resident only

• UK ISA for non-residents: existing accounts continue but no new contributions

• Canadian RRSP for non-residents: retained; contributions restricted; withdrawal withholding

• Australian super for non-residents: contributions restricted; access rules

• US IRA for non-residents: retained; contributions restricted

The Non-Resident Account Problem

When you become non-resident for tax & financial purposes, your home-country broker may:   

• Close your account entirely   

• Restrict trading to “sell only”   

• Freeze new deposits   

• Change tax treatment (withholding)   

• Require ongoing communication which is nomad-hostile

Different brokers have different policies. Some countries (UK, US) more restrictive. Others (Australia) somewhat more flexible.

What Actually Works

• Interactive Brokers. The default nomad broker. Accepts residents from most countries. Multi-currency native. Access to global markets. Some jurisdictional restrictions but broad availability.

• Saxo Bank. European-oriented but serves many jurisdictions. Strong platform.

• Charles Schwab International. Available in many jurisdictions. US market focus.

• Local broker in residency jurisdiction. UAE resident → UAE broker option. Panama resident → Panama broker. FTR has a network of trusted brokers we introduce to our clients in all of the major jurisdictions.

Retirement Account Handling

• US IRA/Roth IRA/401(k) as US citizen abroad: retained. New contributions require earned income above FEIE exclusion (which most nomads don’t have). Withdrawals subject to normal rules.

• UK SIPP as former UK resident: retained. New contributions from UK earnings only. Withdrawal rules follow age criteria.

• Canadian RRSP as non-resident: retained. Contributions typically restricted (no Canadian earned income). Withdrawals subject to 25% Canadian withholding (or treaty rate).

• Australian super as non-resident: retained. Contribution rules complex. Access rules based on age + conditions of release.

General Investment Strategy for Nomads

• Simple index approach usually wins. Complexity in your life = keep investment strategy simple. VTI, VXUS, BND (US-based); VWRA, IWDA (European-based). Global equity + bond allocation.

• Currency diversification. Don’t hold all assets in one currency. If earnings are USD but you may retire in EUR, some EUR-denominated holdings hedge.

• Tax-drag awareness. Different jurisdictions tax dividends and capital gains differently. Optimizing for the tax jurisdiction you’re actually in.

• PFIC awareness (for US citizens). Non-US ETFs can trigger PFIC rules with punitive US tax. Stick to US-listed ETFs if US citizen.

• FATCA/CRS compliance. All investment accounts report to your tax residency. No hiding.

The Long-Term Play

Nomad life is expensive if not paired with investment discipline. The “digital nomad who traveled and worked for 15 years and has nothing to show for it financially” is a common story.

Sustainable nomad life includes:   

• Setting aside 20-30% of income for investments (minimum - many of our clients living between low-cost countries aim for 50-80% of income invested after we’ve helped them to tax plan, structure, and budget properly)   

• Diversified low-cost portfolio   

• Real retirement account use where possible   

• Diversified currency exposure   

• Regular rebalancing   

• Long-term tax residency planning that supports investment strategy