Moving abroad4 min read
What Happens to Your 401(k) When You Move Abroad?
Moving overseas with an old 401(k)? Learn what to check about your plan, account access, fees and tax questions before deciding what to do next.
Read articleU.S. retirement accounts. Life abroad.
Left a 401(k) behind when you moved abroad?
An old employer. A different country. A retirement account you haven't checked in years. If you have forgotten about a U.S. 401(k), lost touch with your provider or struggled to access it from overseas, start here.
Practical information for Americans abroad and former U.S. workers to help you find your starting point, ask better questions and understand your options.
Free 12-page PDF with a practical checklist.
Education and advisor introductions. We do not manage your money or provide investment, tax or legal advice.
Your life moved on. Your account may not have.
Finding an account, restoring access and deciding what to do next are separate steps. You do not need to have decided on a rollover to get started.
I cannot find my old account.
You remember the employer but not the provider. The guide explains how to build a search trail using your work history, old records and official resources.
I know where it is, but access is difficult.
Your login may depend on an old U.S. phone number, or you may be unsure how your provider handles overseas residents. Start with the guide's overseas access check.
I have an old account I haven't reviewed.
You can access your 401(k), but you are unsure how it fits your life abroad. Organize your questions about fees, services and the available choices before making a decision.
Start with the section that matches your situation.
Free download
Forgotten 401(k)s: A Guide for People Living Abroad
A practical starting point for Americans abroad and former U.S. workers with retirement savings left in the United States.
What's inside
- Steps for tracing an old employer's retirement plan.
- Official search resources and access limitations.
- Questions about foreign addresses, login recovery and provider restrictions.
- An overview of keeping the plan, eligible rollovers and withdrawals.
- Cross-border questions to discuss before moving money.
- A working checklist and questions for an advisor conversation.
12-page PDF • Free
An educational guide from American Expat Advisors, available through My401k.International.
Start with the question on your mind.
A rollover is one option. Understand the alternatives.
Review your existing plan
Understand what you currently have, what it costs and whether it still meets your needs.
Read: What Happens to Your 401(k) When You Move Abroad?Compare an eligible IRA rollover
Explore the receiving account, available services, costs and cross-border considerations before deciding.
Read: Should You Roll Over Your 401(k) If You’re Living Overseas?Understand withdrawals
Learn which tax, withholding and timing questions to resolve before taking money out.
Read: Cashing Out a 401(k) While Living Abroad: Taxes and Questions to AskAnother eligible employer plan may also be an option where one is available and accepts rollovers. Withdrawals can carry tax, withholding and possible additional early-distribution tax, and an IRA does not automatically cost less than your current plan.
Turn "I should look into it" into a clear next step.
Use the online checklist to organize what you know, identify missing information and prepare questions for your provider. The downloadable guide also includes a worksheet you can keep privately.
How an introduction works
- Step 1
Learn about your options.
- Step 2
Share your situation if you would like help.
- Step 3
Explore whether an independent advisor can assist.
Availability depends on where you live, your circumstances and each advisor's permitted scope. An introduction is not guaranteed. More about how it works
Clear answers for your next decision.
All resourcesRollover decision3 min read
Should You Roll Over Your 401(k) If You’re Living Overseas?
Keep your old 401(k) or consider an IRA rollover? Compare costs, services, access and cross-border questions before making a decision abroad.
Read articleRollover process4 min read
How a Direct 401(k) Rollover Works When You Live Abroad
Learn how a direct 401(k) rollover works, what paperwork to confirm and which account and tax questions to resolve before starting from overseas.
Read articleWithdrawals4 min read
Cashing Out a 401(k) While Living Abroad: Taxes and Questions to Ask
Thinking of cashing out a 401(k) overseas? Understand the difference between tax, withholding and early-distribution rules before requesting money.
Read articleAccount access4 min read
Can You Keep a 401(k) or IRA With a Foreign Address?
Living abroad with a U.S. retirement account? Learn what to ask about foreign addresses, provider restrictions, account access and proposed rollovers.
Read articleAccount review4 min read
How Expats Can Avoid Costly Mistakes With Their 401(k)
Use this practical expat 401(k) checklist to review fees, records, access and proposed changes before an old account becomes an expensive oversight.
Read articleBring the questions. Keep control of the decision.
If you would like professional help understanding your old U.S. retirement account, tell us where you live and what you need help with. We can explore an introduction to an independent advisor, depending on your circumstances and the advisor's permitted scope.