As a U.S. expat living abroad, which brokerage is best for maintaining U.S.-based investments with minimal residency issues?

If your goal is to remain a U.S. citizen living abroad while keeping a U.S.-based investment portfolio with the fewest residency-related headaches, the two brokers I would investigate first are Charles Schwab International and Interactive Brokers (IBKR).

How they compare

| Charles Schwab International | Interactive Brokers --- | --- | --- Designed for U.S. expats | Yes | Yes U.S. stocks/ETFs | Excellent | Excellent Foreign-country flexibility | Good, but country-dependent | Excellent Multiple currencies | Good | Excellent Global exchanges | Good | Excellent Ease of use | Very good | More complex U.S.-based support | Yes | Yes Best suited to | U.S. portfolio + relatively simple expat life | Long-term/global expat

Schwab International is particularly attractive if you mainly want to hold U.S. stocks, ETFs, bonds, etc. while legitimately maintaining a foreign residence. Schwab explicitly markets its international brokerage service to U.S. expatriates and says its accounts provide U.S.-dollar-based investing and U.S. tax reporting.

Interactive Brokers is generally more flexible if you're likely to move between countries, need multiple currencies, or want access to non-U.S. exchanges. Current comparisons also identify IBKR as particularly strong for globally mobile investors.

What I'd avoid

I would be cautious about opening or relying on a conventional domestic brokerage such as Fidelity or Vanguard after establishing foreign residency. Their policies can become restrictive once your legal address is outside the U.S.; existing accounts may survive but with limitations on purchases or certain investments.

Also, don't maintain a fictitious U.S. address just to avoid residency restrictions. Brokerage compliance is based on your actual residence, and misrepresenting it can create bigger problems than moving to an expat-compatible account.

The important catch: your country matters

There isn't one brokerage that's universally best for every U.S. expat. Your country of residence can change what Schwab or IBKR will allow you to open and what securities you can buy. Schwab explicitly notes that international eligibility varies, and even Americans in different European countries can face different rules.

There's also a separate tax issue: as a U.S. citizen, buying foreign-domiciled mutual funds or ETFs can create the highly unfavorable U.S. PFIC tax regime. So "brokerage that accepts expats" and "investments that are tax-efficient for expats" are two different questions.

Bottom line:

• Mostly U.S. investments + want simplicity: Schwab International is worth investigating first.
• Highly mobile / multiple countries / currencies / global markets: IBKR is likely the more flexible structure.
• Already have Fidelity/Vanguard: don't automatically transfer—first determine exactly what your current account permits after reporting your foreign residence.

If you tell me which country you're living in (or considering) and whether you have $10k, $100k, $500k+ invested, I can compare Schwab vs. IBKR specifically for that situation, including account eligibility, fees, ETFs, IRA/Roth IRA handling, and U.S./foreign tax considerations.

Schwab International is particularly attractive if you mainly want to hold U.S. stocks, ETFs, bonds, etc. while legitimately maintaining a foreign residence. Schwab explicitly markets its international brokerage service to U.S. expatriates and says its accounts provide U.S.-dollar-based investing and U.S. tax reporting.

Interactive Brokers is generally more flexible if you're likely to move between countries, need multiple currencies, or want access to non-U.S. exchanges. Current comparisons also identify IBKR as particularly strong for globally mobile investors.

What I'd avoid

I would be cautious about opening or relying on a conventional domestic brokerage such as Fidelity or Vanguard after establishing foreign residency. Their policies can become restrictive once your legal address is outside the U.S.; existing accounts may survive but with limitations on purchases or certain investments.

Also, don't maintain a fictitious U.S. address just to avoid residency restrictions. Brokerage compliance is based on your actual residence, and misrepresenting it can create bigger problems than moving to an expat-compatible account.

The important catch: your country matters

There isn't one brokerage that's universally best for every U.S. expat. Your country of residence can change what Schwab or IBKR will allow you to open and what securities you can buy. Schwab explicitly notes that international eligibility varies, and even Americans in different European countries can face different rules.

For a U.S. expat maintaining U.S.-based investments, the two gold standards are Charles Schwab International and Interactive Brokers (IBKR) . Most standard domestic brokerages (like Vanguard or Fidelity) officially require a U.S. residential address and may freeze or close accounts if they discover you’ve permanently relocated abroad, largely due to varying international securities laws and local tax compliance.

The best options and how they handle residency include:

• Charles Schwab International : Widely considered the best overall choice for traditional U.S. expats. If you open an account while still in the U.S. (or transition an existing account properly), Schwab allows you to maintain your U.S. investing footprint. They have a dedicated international branch that officially supports U.S. citizens living abroad in dozens of countries. A major perk is their global debit card with unlimited ATM fee rebates , making it easy to access your cash overseas. Note: Eligibility depends heavily on your specific destination country due to local regulations.
• Interactive Brokers (IBKR) : The best choice for active traders, tech-forward investors, or those living in countries where Schwab International is unavailable. IBKR natively supports cross-border and international residency. They are accustomed to dealing with multi-jurisdictional compliance, meaning updating your foreign address won't automatically trigger a panic-induced account closure. However, their platform is more complex and geared toward advanced users.
• Fidelity (The "Silent" Approach Alternative) : While Fidelity officially states you should have a U.S. permanent address, many expats maintain a trusted family member's address (a mail-forwarding or permanent legal domicile address) in the U.S. to keep standard accounts active. Warning: If Fidelity flags your IP address as persistently foreign or detects a change of residency, they may restrict trading or ask you to liquidate/transfer assets. It works for some, but it carries a higher risk of unexpected disruption.

Crucial Expat Considerations:

• The State of Domicile Matters : Before leaving, try to maintain a "legal residence" or domicile state (like Texas, Florida, or South Dakota, which have no state income tax) using a mail-forwarding service or a relative's address if you use a domestic broker.
• Watch Out for PFICs and Mutual Funds : Avoid buying foreign mutual funds or local non-U.S. pooled investments, which trigger punishing IRS rules as Passive Foreign Investment Companies (PFICs). Stick to U.S.-domiciled ETFs or individual stocks.
• Update Before You Go : It is infinitely easier to set up or clean up your accounts while you are still physically in the U.S. with a valid U.S. utility bill and phone number than trying to fix residency mismatches from abroad.

If you'd like, let me know:

• Your destination country
• Whether you are looking for a passive buy-and-hold setup or active trading
• If you have a U.S. address/family member you can use for mail

I can narrow down which broker has the smoothest operational path for your specific situation.

If your goal is to keep U.S.-based investments while living abroad and minimize brokerage-related residency headaches, the strongest options are generally Charles Schwab International and Interactive Brokers (IBKR). Fidelity is considerably less attractive for a new expat account.

1. Charles Schwab International — probably the simplest fit

Charles Schwab explicitly offers brokerage services to U.S. expatriates. Its international account is designed for people who live outside the U.S., provides access to U.S. stocks, ETFs, bonds and other investments, and maintains the account in U.S. dollars. Schwab also provides U.S.-based support and tax reporting suitable for U.S. filing.

There are no account minimums for the Schwab One International account, and online listed U.S. equity trades are currently $0.

The important caveat is that your country of residence matters. Schwab maintains a restricted-country list, so eligibility and available products can differ depending on where you live.

2. Interactive Brokers — best for maximum international flexibility

Interactive Brokers accepts clients from citizens/residents of a very large number of countries, subject to sanctions and country-specific restrictions. It supports U.S. brokerage accounts, including IRAs for U.S. citizens living abroad.

One particularly useful feature for expats is its explicit handling of dual tax residency. IBKR states that a U.S. citizen living outside the U.S. is treated as a U.S. tax resident as well as a tax resident of the country where they live, for its reporting purposes.

I'd consider IBKR particularly attractive if you:

• Move between countries frequently.
• Need access to multiple currencies/markets.
• Want sophisticated trading capabilities.
• Have a substantial portfolio.
• Want to minimize dependence on a particular country's banking infrastructure.

3. Fidelity — good if you already have it, but problematic for new expats

Fidelity Investments explicitly says it does not open accounts for new customers residing outside the United States. Existing customers who move abroad can generally maintain their accounts, but restrictions kick in: they may be unable to purchase mutual funds or make certain contributions, and some services can be limited.

So if you're already a Fidelity customer, don't automatically move everything just because you've become an expat. But if you're choosing a brokerage now as someone already living abroad, Schwab or IBKR is generally more compatible with that situation.

My practical ranking

For a typical U.S. citizen living permanently abroad:

1. Charles Schwab International — best combination of simplicity, U.S. investments, expat support and straightforward administration.
2. Interactive Brokers — best if international mobility, currencies, markets or advanced investing are important.
3. Fidelity — attractive primarily if you already have an established account before moving abroad.
4. Vanguard — generally less compelling for an expat-focused setup.

One important distinction: a brokerage being willing to maintain your account does not mean your investments are tax-efficient in your country of residence. Your local country may impose tax on dividends/capital gains, have special rules for U.S. ETFs, or treat certain U.S. funds unfavorably. The brokerage solves the account-residency problem, not necessarily the cross-border tax problem.

If you tell me which country you live in (and whether you're a U.S. citizen, green-card holder, or dual citizen), I can compare Schwab vs. IBKR specifically for that jurisdiction, including ETF availability, IRA/Roth treatment, currency transfers, reporting, and residency restrictions.

The best overall brokerages for U.S. expats maintaining domestic investments with minimal residency issues are Interactive Brokers and Charles Schwab International.

Due to the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) and strict international regulations, many mainstream domestic custodians (like Vanguard or traditional Fidelity retail accounts) will restrict, freeze, or entirely close your account if they discover you are logging in from a foreign IP address or holding a foreign residential address.

📊 Top Brokerages for U.S. Expats

The two primary platforms openly accommodating international residents evaluate and structure their accounts differently:

🔎 Deep-Dive: The Best Options

➡️ Interactive Brokers (IBKR)

Interactive Brokers is widely considered the gold standard for global citizens because their compliance infrastructure is built around non-U.S. residency.

• Why it works : You can legally change your address to your foreign residence without fear of account closure. They allow you to hold multiple currencies and trade on international exchanges seamlessly.
• The Catch : The user interface is highly technical and geared toward active traders, though their basic "Impact" or simplified web views work well for long-term buy-and-hold investors.

➡️ Charles Schwab International

Schwab offers a specialized Schwab International Account meant specifically for expats.

• Why it works : If you have at least $25,000, you can move your existing U.S. Schwab account over to their international branch. It provides excellent customer service, a clean interface, and standard U.S. tax reporting (1099s).
• The Catch : Availability depends heavily on your country of residence (e.g., they may restrict new applications if you live in France).

➡️ Fidelity Investments (Conditional Alternative)

Fidelity is an honorable mention but acts as a middle ground.

• Why it works : Fidelity usually allows you to maintain an existing account after moving abroad with a foreign address, specifically for self-directed brokerage or retirement accounts (like IRAs).
• The Catch : They typically will not allow you to open a new account once you already reside abroad. Furthermore, if you live in the EU/UK, strict local laws may cause them to block you from purchasing new shares of ETFs or mutual funds, limiting you to a "liquidation-only" status.

⚠️ Critical Pitfalls to Avoid

• The "U.S. Address Ghosting" Risk : Many expats use a parent's address or a mail-forwarding service to pretend they still live in the U.S. This is highly risky. Brokerages use advanced fraud-detection software; if they catch constant foreign IP logins paired with a U.S. address, they can summarily freeze your account and force you to liquidate your assets within days. It can also accidentally trigger state income tax obligations.
• The EU/UK ETF Trap (PRIIPs) : If you move to the European Union or the United Kingdom, local laws require all funds to provide a "Key Information Document" (KID). Because U.S. ETFs (like VOO or VTI) do not publish these documents, U.S. brokers operating in Europe are legally blocked from letting you buy new shares of standard U.S. ETFs (though you can legally hold what you already own).
• The PFIC Tax Nightmare : Never buy foreign-domiciled mutual funds or ETFs through a local bank abroad. The IRS classifies these as Passive Foreign Investment Companies (PFICs) , which trigger punitive, incredibly complex tax reporting (Form 8621) and exorbitant tax rates. Stick strictly to individual U.S. equities or utilize an expat-specialist financial advisor who can legally clear U.S. ETFs for you.

To help give you more specific guidance, where are you currently residing (or planning to move), and do you already have existing U.S. brokerage accounts you are trying to transition?

For a U.S. citizen living abroad, the brokerage that generally creates the fewest residency-related headaches is Charles Schwab, particularly its Schwab One International offering. The important caveat is that eligibility and available features depend heavily on the country where you reside.

How the major choices compare

Charles Schwab: Schwab explicitly markets brokerage services to U.S. expatriates. Its international account lets eligible expats maintain U.S.-dollar investments, trade U.S. stocks/ETFs, and receive U.S. tax reporting such as 1099s. Schwab also says its international accounts have no minimum deposit and $0 online commissions for listed U.S. equities, subject to the stated exceptions.

Interactive Brokers: This is probably the strongest alternative if you want maximum international flexibility. IBKR accepts clients from many countries and supports U.S. citizens living abroad; it also offers both taxable and IRA accounts, although IRA availability is specifically limited to U.S. citizens living anywhere and U.S. resident aliens. Interactive Brokers Its particularly broad market access can make it attractive if you expect to move between countries.

Fidelity: This is where expats frequently run into problems. Fidelity says it doesn't open new accounts for people residing outside the U.S. Existing customers can generally retain their accounts after moving abroad, but they cannot buy mutual funds and may face restrictions on deposits, new securities purchases, options, margin, and other services depending on the country.

My practical ranking

If your objective is "keep my U.S. investments at a U.S. brokerage while minimizing problems caused by living overseas", I'd evaluate them in this order:

1. Charles Schwab International — particularly compelling for a relatively hands-off portfolio of U.S. stocks, ETFs, bonds, and cash.
2. Interactive Brokers — particularly compelling if you want broad international access, low trading costs, or expect to change countries.
3. Fidelity — reasonable if you already have a Fidelity account and primarily want to hold existing U.S. investments, but considerably less attractive if you need to keep buying.
4. Vanguard — worth investigating only after confirming your specific country/residency situation.

One important distinction: brokerage residency rules and tax residency rules are separate. As a U.S. citizen, you generally remain subject to U.S. tax reporting on worldwide income even while living abroad; your country of residence can impose its own taxes and reporting requirements as well. IBKR explicitly notes that a U.S. citizen living abroad can simultaneously be a U.S. and foreign-country tax resident.

Also, PFIC rules can make non-U.S. mutual funds/ETFs particularly problematic for U.S. citizens abroad, so the "best brokerage" question is only part of the equation.

If you tell me which country you live in, whether you're already a customer of any of these brokerages, and whether you're mainly holding ETFs or actively buying/selling, I can compare Schwab vs. IBKR specifically for your situation and identify the residency-related traps to watch for.

My practical ranking

For U.S. expats maintaining investments while living abroad, the gold standard comes down to two major choices: Charles Schwab and Interactive Brokers (IBKR) . Traditional favorites like Vanguard and Fidelity are notoriously restrictive, often freezing accounts or blocking new trades once you update your address to a foreign country.

The two best-suited brokerages for minimizing residency friction are compared below:

• Charles Schwab (International Account): Widely considered the most expat-friendly of the traditional U.S. brokerages. If you move abroad and update your residency, Schwab can transition your standard brokerage profile into a Schwab International Account (provided you live in a supported country). It allows you to trade U.S. stocks and ETFs with zero commission, and it pairs seamlessly with global banking features like unlimited ATM fee rebates.
  • Consideration: You generally cannot buy new U.S. mutual funds or CDs once converted to an international account due to cross-border registration rules, though you can hold existing positions.
• Interactive Brokers (IBKR): The ultimate "bridge" broker for international citizens. IBKR operates globally and officially supports residents in over 200 countries. If you move, they can cleanly transition your account to the appropriate local regulatory entity or manage your U.S. citizenship tax profile seamlessly. They offer unmatched access to global exchanges and pay competitive interest on uninvested cash.
  • Consideration: The platform is built for serious or technical traders, meaning it has a steeper learning curve than Schwab. Also, depending on your exact European or foreign residency, local retail rules (like MiFID II regulations in Europe) might restrict you from buying certain U.S.-domiciled ETFs unless you qualify as a professional investor.

To help narrow down the ideal choice, let me know:

• Which country are you moving to (or currently living in)?
• Do you plan to continue making active trades/contributions , or is this a "set-and-forget" buy-and-hold portfolio?

When managing U.S.-based investments as an expat, the gold standard comes down to two major platforms that explicitly support foreign residency and international compliance: Interactive Brokers and Charles Schwab International.

Major domestic heavyweights like Fidelity and Vanguard have significantly tightened their compliance policies, often freezing or closing accounts once a foreign address or overseas IP login is detected.

The two best brokerages for minimizing residency issues include:

• Interactive Brokers (IBKR) — Best for Global Reach & Multi-Currency. IBKR operates globally and accepts residents from over 200 countries. It is ideal for expats because it allows you to legally register your foreign address, offers robust multi-currency accounts, and has low fees. However, it features a steeper, more professional learning curve (Trader Workstation) compared to standard retail platforms.
• Charles Schwab International — Best for Traditional Retail & U.S. Familiarity. Schwab offers a dedicated international division explicitly built for Americans living abroad. If your country of residence is on their approved list, it provides a seamless transition, commission-free U.S. stock/ETF trading, and excellent customer service familiar with expat tax needs.

Critical Expat Considerations

• The EU PRIIPs Rule Catch: If you reside in the European Union, regulations prevent retail platforms from selling un-documented U.S.-domiciled ETFs (the Packaged Retail and Insurance-based Investment Products regulation). Even on IBKR or Schwab International, you may be restricted from buying new U.S. ETFs as a retail EU resident unless you qualify as an institutional/professional client or hold legacy shares.
• Avoid the "Fake U.S. Address" Trap: Some expats attempt to use a family member's address or a commercial mail-forwarding service while telling their domestic broker they are just "traveling." With aggressive modern Know-Your-Customer (KYC) and IP-tracking protocols, brokerages frequently catch these discrepancies, resulting in sudden account freezes or forced liquidations. Opening or converting to a legitimate international/expat account prevents this risk entirely.

If you'd like to narrow this down, let me know:

• What country are you currently living in (or moving to)?
• Are these taxable brokerage accounts or retirement accounts (IRAs/Roth IRAs)?

I can give you more specific guidance on local compliance or ETF restrictions for that region.

For a U.S. citizen living abroad, the “best” brokerage usually depends on whether you want a simple U.S.-market portfolio, global access, or to preserve an existing account. The main issue is not investment quality—it is residency compliance: many U.S. brokers restrict accounts once your legal address becomes foreign.

A practical comparison:

Common choice patterns

• “I just want to keep U.S. ETFs like VTI, VXUS, BND and file my U.S. taxes easily.”
  → Schwab International is often the simplest fit for eligible expats.

• “I may move from country to country and want the account to travel with me.”
  → Interactive Brokers is often considered because it is built around international clients and multiple jurisdictions.

• “I already have Fidelity/Vanguard.”
  → You may be able to keep the account, but check restrictions before changing your address or assuming you can continue buying the same funds.

Important expat tax considerations

• Avoid assuming that your local country’s investment products are tax-friendly. Many foreign mutual funds and ETFs can create difficult U.S. tax treatment under PFIC rules.
• Keep investments in U.S.-domiciled securities when appropriate.
• Check your brokerage rules before moving abroad or before updating your address.

If you share:

1. your country of residence,
2. whether you are a U.S. citizen only or dual citizen,
3. whether you mainly hold ETFs/stocks vs. mutual funds, and
4. whether you need retirement accounts (IRA/401(k)) maintained,

I can narrow the options considerably.

When living abroad as a U.S. citizen or green card holder, maintaining a domestic brokerage relationship requires balancing two distinct hurdles: U.S. brokerage compliance/residency policies and local foreign securities laws (such as EU PRIIPs regulations if you live in Europe).

The two undisputed gold standards for U.S. expats—allowing you to be fully transparent about living overseas without risking a sudden account freeze or forced liquidation—are Charles Schwab International and Interactive Brokers (IBKR).

Top Recommendations at a Glance

• Charles Schwab International : The premier choice for long-term expats who want a seamless interface, U.S. market access, and an optional high-utility checking/debit card with global ATM fee rebates.
• Interactive Brokers (IBKR) : The premier choice for global/multi-currency flexibility, active trading, or residency in countries where Schwab International is unavailable.

1. Charles Schwab International

• Best For : Traditional long-term buy-and-hold investors who want a reliable, U.S.-style brokerage experience with a physical-bank feel.
• How it works : If you update your address from a U.S. address to an eligible foreign country, Schwab will typically transition your domestic account to a Schwab International Account.
• Pros:
  • Outstanding customer service familiar with expat and cross-border needs.
  • If paired with a Schwab Investor Checking account, you get unlimited worldwide ATM fee rebates and no foreign transaction fees.
  • Allows you to legally hold and trade many U.S. equities and ETFs transparently under your actual foreign address (subject to country availability).
• Cons / Considerations:
  • You cannot open a new Schwab International account or maintain it from every country; Schwab has a strict compliance list of approved nations.
  • You generally lose the ability to buy new U.S. mutual funds (though existing holdings can usually be held or sold).
  • If you reside in the European Economic Area (EEA), EU PRIIPs regulations may restrict you from purchasing standard U.S.-domiciled ETFs unless you qualify as a professional/institutional investor.

2. Interactive Brokers (IBKR)

• Best For : Digital nomads, active traders, or expats living in complex/unsupported jurisdictions.
• How it works : IBKR operates localized international entities globally and natively handles cross-border compliance. You can hold an account with a true foreign residential address.
• Pros:
  • Unmatched global footprint—accepts residents from nearly 200 countries/territories.
  • Excellent multi-currency handling and low-cost currency conversion.
  • Superior margin rates and direct access to international exchanges alongside U.S. markets.
• Cons / Considerations:
  • The platform interface (Trader Workstation) has a steep learning curve and is built more for active or intermediate-to-advanced investors than a casual "set-and-forget" index fund buyer.
  • Like Schwab, if you live in Europe, local PRIIPs/KID rules still apply to your retail account, limiting retail purchases of U.S. ETFs unless workaround strategies (like selling/buying via options assignment or trading index futures) are utilized.

Critical Traps to Avoid

• The "U.S. Mail Forwarding" Deception : Some expats attempt to keep a domestic account open with Fidelity, Vanguard, or Schwab by using a relative's address or a commercial mail-forwarding service (e.g., in Florida or South Dakota). While thousands "get away with it," brokerages increasingly cross-reference IP addresses, secure messaging, and KYC/AML compliance checks. If discovered, it triggers a sudden account restriction or forced 30-day liquidation notice—creating unwanted capital gains realization.
• The PFIC Trap : Never attempt to bypass brokerage rules by purchasing local foreign mutual funds or foreign ETFs in your new country of residence. To the IRS, these are classified as PFICs (Passive Foreign Investment Companies) , which carry punitive, nightmare-inducing tax rates and complex reporting requirements (IRS Form 8621). Stick strictly to U.S.-domiciled assets.

To help narrow down the ideal fit, let me know:

• Which country will you be moving to (or residing in)?
• Are you looking for a buy-and-hold index fund strategy or active trading?

For a U.S. citizen living abroad, the two brokers that generally create the fewest residency-related headaches are Charles Schwab International and Interactive Brokers (IBKR). The right choice depends heavily on your country of residence.

Charles Schwab International

Charles Schwab has a dedicated Schwab One International account specifically for people living outside the U.S. Schwab says eligible non-U.S. residents can open the account with proof of foreign residence and a U.S. Social Security/Tax ID if they're U.S. citizens.

That makes Schwab particularly attractive if your priority is "I want a conventional U.S. brokerage and don't want my foreign address to be a problem."

The catch is that eligibility and available securities vary by country. So, for example, being eligible for Schwab International doesn't necessarily mean you'll be able to buy every U.S.-listed ETF from your particular country.

Interactive Brokers

Interactive Brokers is arguably the more geographically flexible option. IBKR says it accepts customers from citizens/residents of most countries and offers access to 170+ markets in 40 countries. It also specifically states that IRAs are available to U.S. citizens living anywhere and U.S. resident aliens.

That makes IBKR particularly useful if you're an expat who:

• may move between countries;
• wants multiple currencies;
• wants access to both U.S. and foreign markets;
• doesn't want to depend on maintaining a U.S. residential address.

Fidelity is less attractive for a new expat account

Fidelity Investments explicitly says it doesn't open new accounts for customers who reside outside the United States. Existing customers can sometimes retain their accounts after moving abroad, but restrictions apply, including no new mutual-fund purchases and country-specific limitations.

So I would distinguish between:

• Already have Fidelity and moving abroad: potentially worth keeping, depending on your destination.
• Already abroad and looking for a new brokerage: Fidelity is generally not the straightforward solution.

My neutral bottom line

If your objective is specifically minimal residency friction, I'd narrow the field to:

1. Schwab International — particularly attractive if you're settled in one country and primarily want U.S. stocks, ETFs, bonds and a relatively straightforward U.S.-broker experience.

2. IBKR — particularly attractive if you're internationally mobile, need multiple currencies/markets, or want the broadest geographic flexibility.

The important caveat is that your country matters enormously. A U.S. citizen resident in Germany, Mexico, Singapore, Canada, or Thailand can face very different securities restrictions even with the same broker. Also, the broker cannot make your foreign tax obligations disappear; IBKR, for example, requires customers to provide their primary tax residency and reports/withholds according to applicable jurisdictions.

If you tell me which country you're living in (and whether you want a taxable account, IRA/Roth IRA, or both), I can compare Schwab vs. IBKR specifically for that jurisdiction, including which U.S. ETFs you can realistically buy and the biggest tax/residency traps to avoid.