Living abroad comes with unique responsibilities and rights for U.S. citizens, especially when it comes to voting, taxation, and citizenship documentation. To support Americans living in Berlin and around the world, we have gathered reliable resources that help you stay informed, understand your obligations, and exercise your rights from overseas.

Whether you are registering to vote from abroad, filing your U.S. tax return, or managing passports and citizenship documents for yourself or your family, these resources are a helpful starting point for U.S. citizens living overseas.

U.S. citizens living outside the United States can vote in federal elections from abroad. These resources explain how to register, request an absentee ballot, and return your ballot correctly and on time as an overseas voter.

Helpful links:

• Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) – Overseas Voters
• Voting from Abroad – U.S. Department of State
• U.S. Vote Foundation – Overseas and U.S. Voters
• League of Women Voters – National Site

Americans living overseas are still required to file annual U.S. income tax returns, even when they pay tax in another country. These resources explain how U.S. tax rules apply to foreign income, which forms you may need, and where to get help if you run into problems.

Helpful links:

• IRS – International Taxpayers
• IRS Publication 54 – Tax Guide for U.S. Citizens and Resident Aliens Abroad 

• Taxpayer Advocate Service – International

For passports, consular reports of birth abroad, dual nationality questions, and other citizenship matters, these official resources provide guidance and forms for U.S. citizens living outside the United States.

Helpful links:

• Apply for a U.S. Passport Outside the United States – U.S. Department of State 

• Americans Traveling Abroad – U.S. Department of State 

• USCIS Citizenship Resource Center

AWC Berlin is here to help members stay informed and connected. If you have questions about these topics, our community includes many international women who have navigated these processes and are happy to share their experience.