Ted Baumann

Ted Baumann is International Living’s Chief Global Diversification Expert. He's traveled to nearly 90 countries and is a dual citizen of the United States and South Africa. Born in Washington DC, he grew up on Maryland's Eastern Shore.

As a young man he moved to Cape Town, where he attended university, earning postgraduate degrees in economics and history. For the next 20 years he worked in the global non-profit sector, specializing in urban development. From 2008 to 2013, he served as Director of International Programs for Habitat for Humanity International. After that he switched gears, writing financial and wealth protection newsletters for affiliates of Agora Publishing.

Ted has been published in international research journals, as well as media outlets such as Barrons, Forbes and Cheddar. He co-authored Where to Stash Your Cash (Legally) with his father and former U.S. Congressman, Robert Bauman.

I Have Hungarian Grandparents—How Can I Get Hungarian Citizenship?

IL Mailbag

By Ted Baumann

Rob P. Says: My great grandparents were Hungarian and Austrian-Hungarian. What advice can you give me about obtaining Hungarian citizenship? Global Diversification Expert Ted Baumann Says: Hi Rob, Unlike other European countries with ancestral citizenship, like Italy and Ireland, Hungary tends to treat applicants on a more flexible basis. Parents and grandparents are clearly recognized Read more...: I Have Hungarian Grandparents—How Can I Get Hungarian Citizenship?

Can You Explain Spain’s Wealth Tax on Global Net Assets?

IL Mailbag

By Ted Baumann

Donald K. Says: We understand that Spain has a wealth tax on worldwide assets. Is US real estate held in an LLC required to report to the Spain tax authorities? What are the penalties for failing to disclose all assets? Global Diversification Expert Ted Baumann Says: Hi Donald, Assuming you are a Spanish tax resident, Read more...: Can You Explain Spain’s Wealth Tax on Global Net Assets?

I Have an Italian Grandparent—How do I Become an Italian Citizen?

IL Mailbag

By Ted Baumann

Charles F. Says: How do I go about becoming an Italian citizen? I have a grandparent that was from Italy. Global Diversification Expert Ted Baumann Says: Hi Charles, Italy has the friendliest ancestral citizenship law in Europe. Unlike other countries, it doesn’t specify the number of generations eligible for an ancestral citizenship. It’s all about Read more...: I Have an Italian Grandparent—How do I Become an Italian Citizen?

Can you Explain Greece’s Financially Independent Persons Program?

IL Mailbag

By Ted Baumann

Greta S. Says: Can you explain Greece’s Financially Independent Persons program and how it affects people from the US? Global Diversification Expert Ted Baumann Says: Hi Greta, I wrote about the Greek Financially Independent Persons (FIP) program in my most recent Global Citizen service report. Here’s a recap. The FIP is designed for—you guessed it—people Read more...: Can you Explain Greece’s Financially Independent Persons Program?

I’m from the US, but Have One English Parent—Can I Get a British Passport?

IL Mailbag

By Ted Baumann

Joel K. Says: I’m American, born and bred, but one of my parents is English. Does that mean I can get a British passport? Global Diversification Expert Ted Baumann Says: Hi Joel, Like a surprising number of countries, the United Kingdom’s approach to ancestral citizenship is complicated by numerous legal changes over the years. The Read more...: I’m from the US, but Have One English Parent—Can I Get a British Passport?

Which Countries are the Easiest to get Citizenship In?

IL Mailbag

By Ted Baumann

Mark F. Says: I have lived overseas in Grand Cayman for five years. However, I don’t think I can acquire citizenship there. Would you point me to any countries that may have easier entry requirements? Global Diversification Expert Ted Baumann Says: Hi Mark, You are correct. The Cayman Islands is a British Overseas Territory. Although Read more...: Which Countries are the Easiest to get Citizenship In?

How do I Prove my Grandparents Were From Another Country?

IL Mailbag

By Ted Baumann

Sally N. Says: What proof do you need to show grandparents were from another country? And who do you submit it to for a second passport? Global Diversification Expert Ted Baumann Says: Hi Sally, Every country has its own rules about ancestral citizenship. Most countries grant citizenship to children born to one or more of Read more...: How do I Prove my Grandparents Were From Another Country?

How are US Taxes Applied on Social Security if Living Abroad Six Months a Year?

IL Mailbag

By Ted Baumann

Rocky C. Says: How are US taxes addressed on Social Security and IRA investments if living abroad say 6 months of the year, in Costa Rica? Global Diversification Expert Ted Baumann Says: Hi Rocky, Let’s start with the general issue of taxes on your retirement income. The US is effectively the only country in the Read more...: How are US Taxes Applied on Social Security if Living Abroad Six Months a Year?

Do you Need to Spend Six Months in Portugal a Year to get Residency?

IL Mailbag

By Ted Baumann

William C. Says: My wife and I, both in our 60s and retired, are going to try to get residency and then citizenship in Portugal. Is it true we will have to spend six months out of the year there to do so? Do we have to leave and come back? Global Diversification Expert Ted Read more...: Do you Need to Spend Six Months in Portugal a Year to get Residency?

I’m a Canadian Looking to Move to Portugal—What are the Tax Implications?

IL Mailbag

By Ted Baumann

Lynn H. Says: I am a retired Canadian, single with a middle-class income. I am seriously considering moving to Portugal. Can you tell me what my tax implications will be? Global Diversification Expert Ted Baumann Says: Hi Lynn, Like Americans, Canadians are taxed on their global income, regardless of where it is earned. But unlike Read more...: I’m a Canadian Looking to Move to Portugal—What are the Tax Implications?