In this month’s Q&A, we answer your questions on residency delays, citizenship options, banking issues, precious metals storage, EU border procedures, expat health insurance, and Mexico banking risk.
Inside, we cover:
Portugal’s residency backlog, and why the delays are becoming a feature of the system, not just a temporary glitch.
Suspicious “official” emails, and why even plausible-looking messages should be verified before clicking links, uploading documents, or sending money.
Mexican citizenship through grandparents, and when family history may, or may not, create a viable path.
US citizenship renunciation, including whether you need to notify your bank before renouncing.
Precious metals and allocated storage abroad, including the key reporting and control issues in the US.
The EU’s new Entry/Exit System, and what it means for non-EU nationals who hold EU residence permits.
International health insurance for expats in Costa Rica, including how to think about local private coverage, international plans, and CAJA.
Actinver in Mexico, including our view of its banking and brokerage operations, deposit insurance limits, and where clients should still be cautious.
As always, the goal is to cut through the brochure language and focus on what matters in practice: what still works, what is getting harder, and where the fine print changes the answer.
And if you have any questions for future monthly Q&As, send us an email at [email protected].
Portugal’s Residency Backlog Is Becoming the System One Total Access member recently shared a brutal example of Portugal’s immigration delays. He applied for residency in December 2020. From application to card-in-hand, it took 5 years and 3 months for him, and 5 years and 6 months for his family members. And he was not just…
