Can an American citizen living outside the U.S. invest in brokerage account?

[JustPassinThru]

Hello everyone,

I'll make this question short and sweet.  Recently I've tried to open a Scottrade and Vanguard Brokerage Account and learned that according to the U.S. Patriot Act, one must show a permanent address for 6 months inside the U.S. prior to opening an account.  Has anyone living abroad found a way around this roadblock?  My primary investment aim would have been Large Cap Dividend ETF funds.  Can anybody recommend a good broker for international investors?

Thanks,
TD

[velocistar237]

Maybe this will help:

http://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=110773&f=10

A post halfway down the page mentions Fidelity.

[kunostories]

Have you tried TD Ameritrade? I also live abroad, but I opened my account back when I was still Stateside. TD also offers 100+ commission-free ETF's.

[Drivodina]

I wanted to know how the story would be to go next.

[nonsequitur]

Interactive brokers may work, depending on which country you're resident in.