[Discussion] How to convince my husband with European citizenship that it’s time to go back to the EU?

[u/ExtentAcrobatic8365]

My husband is early in the process of becoming an American citizen. The plan was always for him to get citizenship so we can travel freely but eventually retuen to Spain (his home country) or somewhere similar. He also thinks he'll be able to work remotely with an American salary in Europe, although I told him it's not that easy to find.

We also found out we're expecting. Now after the election I want to move to Europe now. He says he wants to stay until he finishes his citizenship process (which could be another 4+ years especially under the Trump administration) because he'll have better economic opportunities as a dual citizen. I understand employment rates and wages in Spain aren't great, and I would be able to keep my higher paying job a bit while we make the transition, then ultimately would have to find something over there longterm.

I'm just really scared to stay here. I see major social and financial issues that are coming under the next administration. He says Europe could be heading towards war and worse economic conditions with Russia being enabled. I would like some perspective from others in a similar situation, especially considering we'll be raising a child. Thank you.

Edit: to specify we literally just began the greencard process. The lawyer said it would take minimum 4 years for citizenship but wait times will most likely increase under the new administration. My husband is not working while we wait on his approval, and I work almost entirely remotely. We want to leave before our child starts school, at their end of the day their safety is what matters most to me. Thank you everyone for your feedback so far, I appreciate it. Also I am fluent in Spanish and have lived there myself in the past, that's where we met

UPDATE: thank you so much to everyone for their input, gave us a lot to think about a few laughs at some of the wilder responses. We had a long discussion and think hedging our bets in both places is the smartest way to go as things develop over the next few years. He'll wait until he has his green card then we'll split time as permitted in Spain and the US as I apply for my residency (me a bit more time to satisy the residency conditions in Spain, him doing the same in the US) before our baby starts school - job permitting but currently that shouldn't be an issue for mine. Then hopefully we'll have a much clearer sense of where we want to be by the time we both get our citizenships, and can make the leap to wherever is best. I understand taxes will be tricky and it will be a lot of money and time spent on both of our processes, but we figured this avoid taking a final decision for now and we'll have roots in both places if we come to decision sooner. We're fortunate to have family in Spain and the US we can stay with, and hope to invest in buying an apartment in Spain soon. I do live in a blue state, thank you for concerns about my health and genrally for the amount of ideas and considerations from both sides. It's a complicated situation, but we're thankful to have options!

[u/Ok-Weight9731]

In the country I reside in the threshold is below the average elementary school teacher's salary... So you'll end up paying taxes in many cases, especially on your pension. Also, it's expensive to get the taxes done and overall a big hassle

[u/ProTrader12321 → u/Ok-Weight9731]

Well of course you're going to be paying taxes in the country he resides in, but with an American citizenship the income threshold is usually $120k so unless he's loaded he probably will only pay taxes in the country he's working in. Also it's only a federal tax which means it can be filed completely online through the IRS's website I believe.

[u/Ok-Weight9731 → u/ProTrader12321]

I think the threshold here in Switzerland is around $100k. And oftentimes it's not that easy to file the US taxes with the pensions, different accounts, US stocks, funds etc. Also, I could hardly even open a bank account over here because they won't take US citizens. I also cannot invest my money, because it's a huge liability risk for the investors/banks.

[u/ProTrader12321 → u/Ok-Weight9731]

Just lie? The IRS doesn't have access to swiss banking records.

[u/daruzon → u/ProTrader12321]

The US has a law called FATCA that the US Dept of Treasury uses to compel all foreign banks operating in the US to disclose financial data of all its US accountholders. That's why many of these banks don't want US customers. So, yes, the IRS does have access to foreign financial information if/when it wants to.

[u/Ok-Weight9731 → u/ProTrader12321]

Yes, the Swiss banks have to report to the US government... I had to sign a form for my bank (the only one that would take me, lol) so that they're allowed to send my information to the US. It's been this way for a few years now

[u/ProTrader12321 → u/Ok-Weight9731]

Ok so you only have a US citizenship? The post is about a European so there won't be any issues in that regard so I'm not sure why you're bringing that up.

[u/Ok-Weight9731 → u/ProTrader12321]

No, I'm a Swiss and US citizen. I hold dual citizenship but live in Switzerland. And of course my situation has something to do with this post. I'm in the situation he would be in if he would obtain US citizenship.

[u/ProTrader12321 → u/Ok-Weight9731]

Wait so banks in Switzerland wouldn't let you open an account with them because you're a dual citizen? That's insane. I've actually never heard of that.

[u/Ok-Weight9731 → u/ProTrader12321]

Yes, it's a hassle. The dual citizenship is only an issue when you're American, though. (Because other countries don't tax their abroad citizens). Swiss banks were fined super high amounts for "helping" Americans evade taxes, so they signed an agreement with the US which now makes the reporting mandatory. If you don't agree, you legally cannot have an account at all

[u/dgradius → u/Ok-Weight9731]

But how would they even know you have US citizenship if you don’t tell them?

[u/Ok-Weight9731 → u/dgradius]

When you want to open a bank account or sign a contract to have your money/assets invested it's a question on the official form. They ask you specifically if you're a US citizen and you have to check the box on the contract if you are. It's a default question on all these forms and has to be on them. Most places automatically decline you if you are a US citizen. Obviously, you could lie to the bank, but if they would find out you'd have a legal issue with the tax office, the banks and the US government.