Another common question:

Does the debt eventually expire if I leave the country?

It depends.

Statute of Limitations for Filing a Lawsuit

Each state has a statute of limitations for debt collection lawsuits — typically:

• 3–6 years for credit card debt
• Longer in some states

If the creditor fails to sue within that time, the debt may become time-barred.

But here’s the catch:

Does Moving Abroad Pause the Clock?

In some states, the statute of limitations may be “tolled” (paused) if:

• You leave the state.
• You cannot be located.
• Service becomes impracticable.

Not all states treat this the same way.

This means relocating does not necessarily shorten the time creditors have to sue.

What About Judgments?

If a creditor obtains a judgment:

• Judgments may last 10–20 years depending on state law.
• Many can be renewed.
• Interest accrues during that time.

A judgment can follow you far longer than the original debt.

The IRS Is Different

Federal tax debt has its own 10-year collection period (with exceptions and tolling rules).

Moving abroad does not automatically stop IRS collection.

The Bottom Line

Debt does not automatically “fall off” because you move overseas.

Statutes of limitations vary.
Judgments can last decades.
And in some cases, relocation may extend timelines.