European looking at Florida for a longer stay

[GG_Capital 0]

Good afternoon everyone!

Quick intro; I'm a 24year old independent stocktrader from Belgium Europe, have been a (successful) trader for about 5 years. I have a trading account in Europe and another one in the Cook Islands.

Have been visiting Florida for about 8-9years. My parents have a holiday house in Southwest Florida, but since they will be moving to Sri Lanka next year (mom is a European embassy official) they will be renting it out as they won't visit FL as often.

I can make $ basically anywhere in the world, and don't have to pay taxes on trading gains (Belgian and offshore trading accounts) (Belgium has no taxes on trading gains, and offshore account, well speaks for itself) --

but Florida is where I belong.

So my question is, would it be possible living in the US for a year, maybe more? Renting my parents FL house. Or live on my sailboat I have docked in Fort Myers FL.

My bank account is pretty sizeable and have a more or less consistent paycheck every month, if that makes any diff.

I would greatly appreciate ideas, opinions, experiences, recommendations, etc! Looking forward to hearing from you all soon! TIA!

[Boiler 45,956]

Why would you want to pay taxes in the US?

[milimelo 4,544]

Stick to VWP time limits for visiting.

[aaron2020 11,651]

No, it's not possible for you to live in the US for a year. While the law does not allow you to "live" here, you can visit for awhile.

You can visit for 3 months on the VWP.

You can obtain an B1/B2 visitor visa which could get you 6 months in the US. Be careful, if the visa is denied, you will not be able to use the VWP.

On the B1/B2, you can request a 6 month extension. However, you better have a good reason.

Also, look up the Substantial Presence Test on the IRS's website. Your presence in the US of more than 183 days will make you a US taxpayer. You will be taxed on worldwide earnings. The US does not like people using tax havens.

Edited February 1, 2015 by aaron2020

[GG_Capital 0]

Thanks for the info!

I was thinking about starting up a hedgefund in the States. This would give me other options as to visa's and timeframes correct?

A 250K company start-up should give a foreigner more options I'm thinking. Will contact some folks tomorrow.

[GG_Capital 0]

No, it's not possible for you to live in the US for a year. While the law does not allow you to "live" here, you can visit for awhile.

You can visit for 3 months on the VWP.

You can obtain an B1/B2 visitor visa which could get you 6 months in the US. Be careful, if the visa is denied, you will not be able to use the VWP.

On the B1/B2, you can request a 6 month extension. However, you better have a good reason.

Also, look up the Substantial Presence Test on the IRS's website. Your presence in the US of more than 183 days will make you a US taxpayer. You will be taxed on worldwide earnings. The US does not like people using tax havens.

I'm not really using tax havens because of the taxes, but because they offer more options. Thanks for the info though. My previous reply was meant towards you too. Thanks for the substantial presence tip. Appreciate all info

[GG_Capital 0]

No, it's not possible for you to live in the US for a year. While the law does not allow you to "live" here, you can visit for awhile.

You can visit for 3 months on the VWP.

You can obtain an B1/B2 visitor visa which could get you 6 months in the US. Be careful, if the visa is denied, you will not be able to use the VWP.

On the B1/B2, you can request a 6 month extension. However, you better have a good reason.

Also, look up the Substantial Presence Test on the IRS's website. Your presence in the US of more than 183 days will make you a US taxpayer. You will be taxed on worldwide earnings. The US does not like people using tax havens.

Is it possible to stay 2-3months in the States on a B1/2 visitor visa, then stay 1-2months in Europe, and do it all over again for a few times? My guess is no, but maybe?

[Mollie09 1,543]

Is it possible to stay 2-3months in the States on a B1/2 visitor visa, then stay 1-2months in Europe, and do it all over again for a few times? My guess is no, but maybe?

You can try, but at some point you'll get stopped and questioned as to why you're spending more time in the US than anywhere else because it will look like you live here.