The Roth individual retirement account (IRA) is the most versatile retirement tool. Contributions can be taken out at any time without penalties if you find yourself in deep financial trouble. The money grows tax-free and can be withdrawn tax-free in retirement. You can still contribute to a Roth IRA if you’re living or working abroad, as long as you meet certain criteria.

What Is a Roth IRA?

A Roth IRA is a type of retirement savings account that has tax advantages. Unlike the traditional IRA. the money paid into a Roth account is taxable as income for the year in which it is deposited. The money grows tax-free over the years and owes no additional taxes when it is withdrawn after the accountholder is age 59 1/2.

Because the income taxes have already been paid, contributions to the account (but not the gains on those contributions) can be withdrawn at any time tax-free, and rollover contributions can be withdrawn tax-free after five years.

Roth IRAs can also be tax-free for an heir, which can make your contributions a form of life insurance for your family.

Roth and traditional IRA contribution limits for 2022 are $6,000 for individuals under age 50. Individuals ages 50 and older can contribute an additional $1,000. For 2023, the limit rises to $6,500 and the $1,000 extra for older savers stays at $1,000.

You cannot contribute to a Roth IRA for 2022 if you earn more than the individual income limit of $144,000 or. for a couple filing jointly. an income over $214,000. Those ceilings rise for 2023 to $153,000 for individuals and $228,000.

Can You Contribute to a Roth IRA If You Live or Work Abroad?

If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident living or working abroad, you can contribute to a Roth or traditional IRA as long as you meet certain requirements. There are income caps on eligibility for a Roth IRA.

Earned Income

You must have earned income to contribute to a Roth or traditional IRA. To determine if you have enough earned income to contribute to a Roth IRA, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will look at your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI).

Expats who have income from working in the U.S., whether from a job before they left, business trips to the U.S., or compensation from the U.S. government, usually have earnings that are close to their MAGI. 

For MAGI purposes, many expats or citizens living abroad will take the foreign housing and foreign earned income exclusions. These exclusions usually reduce MAGI significantly and could make some ineligible to contribute to a Roth IRA.

For 2022, the foreign earned income exclusion is on the first $112,000 earned in a foreign country. This increases to $120,000 for 2023. Consult with your tax preparer to see if taking a partial exclusion would be possible or advisable in your situation.

The Bottom Line

You can contribute to a Roth IRA if you’re a U.S. citizen or permanent resident living or working abroad as long as you have enough earned income after any tax exemptions and you don’t earn more than the earned income limit. 

Roth IRAs are a powerful tool to save for retirement and for emergencies in a worst-case scenario. If you don’t yet have one, you may want to strongly consider opening one if you’re eligible.