Hi All,

I've found many "Returning to Nepal" posts in Sajha going back a decade ago and found them to be quite interesting as I weigh in pros and cons for my specific situation. I want to get insight from people who have been in a similar situation or thinking about the same thing.

Usually I found three salient details from people who discuss this topic in Sajha.

a) Going back for good - I love my country, I'm patriotic, I want to live as first class citizen, I can't find happiness here, I miss my family etc.
b) Not going back at all - Not returning because I can't deal with instability, infrastructure (or lack thereof) and poor work culture and opportunities so on and so forth.
c) Undecided - Play it by the year type or deferred decision until some conditions are met.

While these are general themes some people who moved back found happiness while others regretted the decision.

So back to my situation. I've been living in the states for 15+ years. Over the years I've made some investments which provide predictable regular income which can cover my regular expenses in Nepalese standard (I don't have an expensive taste). In other words, I'd be making decent money where the need to find a job or do business for regular expenses in Nepal is not necessary. I also have no desire to live in Kathmandu due to pollution and congestion so I won't be spending a fortune to buy a property there once I return.

So with my financial aspect taken care of, here are some of my specific questions that can help me or anyone in the same situation make a better decision.

1. Do you have to renounce US citizenship if you want to live in Nepal for good. I read in some blog that you can still be US citizen but a permanent Nepalese resident by paying $200 registration fee and $100/year thereafter. I'd still like to keep my US citizenship as I would like the option to travel seamlessly back to states without any visas.
2. Is there a provision for dual citizenship? I heard it's in the Nepalese constitution but haven't been able to find any info at all about the implementation details or timing around the web.
3. I know the interest rate on cash deposit fluctuates but has it ever gone to lower, say 5%? How is interest income taxed in Nepal?
4. I'm aware you have to file US taxes every year even if you live abroad. There is no taxes if you make below 95K/year on earned income based on IRS website, this excludes interest, rental, dividend income etc. Has anyone been in this situation where they file US taxes every year living in Nepal?
5. How does social security and medicare play into effect if living outside US once you age over 67?
6. What are the properties law in Nepal? Can a foreign citizen own properties and or have bunch of cash in Nepalese bank and earn interest? Is there a limit?
7.Anything else I should be aware of that I'm overlooking? Anyone else living here in a similar situation? If so can you share you're experience?

In case you're wondering why I'm planning to go back. It's not for any patriotic or nation building cause nor have I not found happiness or success here. It's simply wanting to spend time with my family as they have gotten older. Sure I won't have the same type of opportunities or income that I currently have in Nepal but I can focus on my hobbies and ideas which I never seem to find time here.

Finally, if you were in a similar situation (perhaps you're motivation was different than mine) where your finances are no longer an issue, would you return back?

Thanks for reading and I look forward to your comments and feedback.

Cheers!
OnToTheNextOne