If you live abroad, you can often invest in ETFs, but the process and options depend on your residency, citizenship, and the regulations of both your home and host countries.
Many global brokerages allow cross-border investments, but there may be restrictions, tax considerations, and compliance requirements to consider.
In this article, our discussion will include:
- Can I invest in foreign ETFs?
- Global ETF vs international ETF
- Should I buy an international ETF or a global ETF?
- What is the best international ETF?
- Which is the best global ETF?
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Some facts might change from the time of writing. Nothing written here is financial, legal, tax, or any kind of individual advice, nor is it a solicitation to invest or a recommendation of any specific product or service.
Can I invest in foreign ETFs?
Most expatriates and international residents can invest in foreign ETFs, but access depends on several factors:
- Your country of residence and its financial regulations
- Your citizenship, especially if you are a US citizen due to FATCA and IRS rules
- The brokerage platform you use and its international availability
For example, US citizens living abroad may face restrictions from US-based brokers, but many global platforms and local brokers in your country of residence offer access to foreign ETFs.
Non-US citizens may have fewer restrictions but should still check local laws and tax treaties.
What is the difference between a global ETF and an international ETF?
Global ETF
A global ETF invests in companies from around the world, including the investor’s home country. For example, a US-based global ETF may hold both US and international stocks.
International ETF:
An international ETF invests only in companies outside the investor’s home country. For a US investor, an international ETF would exclude US companies and focus solely on foreign markets.
Should I buy an international ETF or a global ETF?
Choosing between an international ETF and a global ETF depends on your investment goals and current portfolio exposure.
- If you already have significant exposure to your home market, an international ETF can help diversify away from home-country risk.
- If you want a single fund with broad diversification, a global ETF is more convenient, as it includes both domestic and international holdings.
- Consider your risk tolerance, investment horizon, and any tax implications based on your residency.
What is the best international ETF?
There is no single “best” international ETF, as the right choice depends on your goals, risk profile, and investment strategy.
However, some of the most popular international ETFs include:
- Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA): Focuses on developed markets outside the US and Canada.
- iShares MSCI EAFE ETF (EFA): Tracks large- and mid-cap stocks in Europe, Australasia, and the Far East.
- Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US ETF (VEU): Covers both developed and emerging markets outside the US.
When choosing, consider factors such as cost (expense ratio), liquidity, tracking error, and the underlying index.
Which is the best global ETF?
Top global ETFs are designed to offer exposure to both domestic and international stocks. Popular options include:
- iShares MSCI ACWI ETF (ACWI): Tracks the MSCI All Country World Index, including both developed and emerging markets worldwide.
- Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (VT): Offers broad exposure to global equity markets, including the US.
- SPDR MSCI ACWI IMI ETF: Includes small-cap stocks for even broader diversification.
Again, the best choice depends on your investment needs, fees, and the specific markets you want to access.
Pros and Cons of ETFs
Pros of Investing in ETFs as an Expat
- Access to global markets and diversification
- Generally lower fees than mutual funds
- High liquidity and transparency
- Flexibility to trade throughout the day
Cons of Investing in ETFs as an Expat
- Regulatory restrictions depending on residency and citizenship
- Potential tax complexities, including double taxation
- Currency risk when investing outside your home currency
- Some brokers may restrict access or require higher minimums
FAQs
Can I invest in Vanguard if I live abroad?
Vanguard has restrictions for non-resident investors.
US citizens living abroad may not be able to open new accounts or buy new shares in existing accounts due to regulatory and tax compliance issues.
However, some international platforms offer access to Vanguard ETFs listed on US or European exchanges.
Always check with Vanguard and local regulations before investing.
Can US expats invest in ETFs?
US expats can invest in ETFs, but options may be limited by both US and foreign regulations.
Many US-based brokers restrict services to non-residents, while foreign brokers may not accept US citizens due to FATCA.
Some expats use international brokerages or maintain US addresses, but this can have legal and tax implications. Always seek professional advice.
Is ETF a good investment?
ETFs are generally considered a good investment for most investors due to their diversification, low fees, and flexibility.
They are suitable for both beginners and experienced investors seeking broad market exposure.
However, as with any investment, there are risks, and past performance does not guarantee future results.
Is there a downside to investing in ETFs?
Potential downsides include:
- Market risk, as ETFs can lose value during downturns
- Tracking error, where the ETF does not perfectly mirror its index
- Possible tax complications for cross-border investors
- Limited access to certain ETFs depending on residency
Key Takeaways
- Most expats can invest in ETFs, but access depends on residency, citizenship, and brokerage availability.
- Global ETFs include home and foreign markets, while international ETFs exclude your home country.
- Choose the type of ETF based on your existing portfolio and diversification needs.
- Top international and global ETFs include offerings from Vanguard, iShares, and SPDR.
- Be mindful of regulatory, tax, and currency risks when investing abroad.
- Seek professional advice to ensure compliance and optimal investment outcomes.
Investing in ETFs while living abroad is possible, but it requires careful planning around regulations, tax implications, and brokerage access.
Always work with reputable platforms and consult professionals experienced in cross-border investing.
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Adam is an internationally recognised author on financial matters with over 830million answer views on Quora, a widely sold book on Amazon, and a contributor on Forbes.
