How to move to Portugal from USA

Over the last few years thousands of Americans have made the move from the US to Portugal. If you are thinking of moving to Portugal and need information about how to do so, this guide will tell you how to move to Portugal from USA. 

Be it your looking to make the move now or your thinking of your retirement, Portugal is the perfect destination for Americans looking for a good life in the sun.

In the summer of 2022 the Portuguese consul general in New York, Luisa Pais Lowe, said that "Portugal is in fashion" and that there are more and more Americans are looking to move to Portugal.

The number of North Americans already living in Portugal is at the highest level in more than a decade, according to data from the Foreigners and Borders Service (SEF).

At the end of 2021, there were more than 7,000 Americans were living in Portugal. That is a 50% increase in Americans moving to Portugal in just 3 years!

The Consulate General in New York now has a mandate that includes not only the provision of consular services to Americans moving to Portugal, but also work to support the country's promotion in the areas of business, business, culture in Portugal and the Portuguese language.

The work is being carried out in close coordination with the Portuguese Agency for Investment and Foreign Trade (AICEP), Turismo de Portugal and Camões – Institute for Cooperation and Language.

So let it be very clear. Americans are always welcome in Portugal, and there is always help to be found if you are ready to move to Portugal from the US.

Benefits for Americans moving to Portugal

American citizens can reap numerous benefits when moving to Portugal from the USA, such as an affordable healthcare system, low costs of living while still maintaining a high standard of life and enjoying the wonderful weather, culture and food.

When moving to Portugal from the USA, US citizens will need to obtain a residence permit. This can be done in several ways.

If you dont have a significant purpose for relocating to Portugal, like a set job offer, then the Golden Visa or more likely for many, the D7 visa is the best way to go.

How can a US citizen get a residence permit in Portugal?

As an American citizen, you can enter Portugal without a visa and stay there for up to 90 days.

If you on the other hand plan on moving to Portugal from the US or you would like to spend more than 90 days, to look for work, housing or just to get to know Portugal better, you must obtain a residence permit in Portugal.

There are various ways you can obtain a residence permit in Portugal. All suitable for people with different purposes for moving to Portugal. Some of these options are:

• Portugal Golden Visa for investors
• D7 visa for those who can prove a constant passive income
• Startup visa for Americans who intend to open a business in the Portugal
• Digital Nomad visa (New as of October 2022)
• Student visas for those who are enrolled in a higher education institution in Portugal
• D1 visa for individuals invited to work for a Portuguese company

If you are a wealthy person or you are able to invest a minimum of euro;280,000 in property in Portugal the Golden Visa or the D7 visa, is the best option for you.

Be aware that the Golden Visa rules in Portugal might have changed by the time you read this article!
We therefore always advise that you consult a Golden Visa expert to fully understand the options Golden Visa gives Americans relocating to Portugal.

Why are so many Americans moving to Portugal

Americans are moving to Portugal in droves. According to the Portuguese Immigration and Border Service (SEF), the USA leads the top nations with approved applications for Portugal Golden Visa in 2022.

There are many reasons for Americans to move to Portugal, but among the main reasons we find.

Friendliness towards immigrants and Americans and the fact that Portugal was ranked 5th worlds best destination for expats in the Expat Insider 2021 survey. Portugal is the only country in Europe that made it into the top 10 of the ranking.

The rating considered numerous factors in four main categories:

• Quality of life
• Ease of settling in
• Personal finance
• Working abroad

Local Hospitality in Portugal

Currently, immigrants make up 6% of the population in Portugal and in the Algarve, where you will find a growing American community, about 15% of the population are foreigners.

Portugal is one of the safest country in the world

Portugal is ranked 4th in the Global Peace Index top of the safest countries in 2021. Portugal has secured a high score on the index for over a decade.

Portugal received the high score based on 23 parameters, including the number of crimes, freedom of citizens, respect, as well as the low availability of firearms and guns.

Fantastic climate

Portugal offers a mild subtropical climate without extreme temperature fluctuations. In the north, Porto, Lisboa, Braga, the maritime climate is dominated by the Gulf Stream.

Summers are mainly dry and sunny but not too hot to enjoy days out, ranging from +30°C to +45°С. In winter the temperature ranges from +4°С to +18°С, depending on if you are in the north or in the Algarve.

The Algarve is best for hotter weather with winter temperatures ranging from 8°С to 18°С most days.

Combine the temperatures with 300 + days of sun and Portugal is one of the most comfortable countries in terms of climate.

Costs of living and quality of life in Portugal

Portugal is the only country in Europe included in the top 10 best expat destinations according to the InterNations rating. Portugal does this while it still remains one of the cheapest countries in the EU to live.

Consumer prices in Portugal are, on average, 46.15% lower than in the United States. (2021 numbers)

Although the prices of living in Portugal are a lot lower than they are in America, prices do vary depending on the region, just like they do in the US.

For example, prices in Lisbon, the capital, are mostly higher than they are in Porto. Another region where the prices might be higher is the Algarve in the south of Portugal.

The Algarve is the second biggest tourist area in Portugal only after Lisboa, the capital. Prices in the Algarve fluctuate a lot depending on if you find yourself in high traffic tourist areas such as Albufeira, Lagos and Tavira. That being said, there are always great offers to find if you move just a short distance from the main areas.

Educational system in Portugal.

Portuguese secondary education is widely recognized abroad as schools following the IB Diploma Programme, the generally accepted secondary education program.

Portugal offers both higher education at world-famous universities and a wide range of international general education schools.

If you are moving to Portugal with children you generally have two choices in terms of schooling. Public school or private.

The public school system in Portugal is generally quite good, but classes are only taught in Portuguese and many English speaking students and parents will find the level of English spoken by teachers and school personnel, in many areas, is very poor. This is especially felt in the north of Portugal and the Algarve.

As for private schools in Portugal you have a wide choice of schools to pick from.

Especially in the region of Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve. Some private schools in Portugal only offer English curriculum, but there are also schools following US curriculum.

Prices for private schools in Portugal vary a lot, but you can generally expect to pay around €650 to €900 per month, per student.

There are also private schools with HUBs all over Portugal that offer a more hybrid system of home and online education that works well for many students.

Prices for these schools tend to be a bit lower than traditional private schools.

Public school in Portugal is free but expat spend about €150 every year for books and supplies.

Healthcare in Portugal for US expats

According to the WHO, Portugal's healthcare system ranks 12th in terms of overall healthcare efficiency.

The quality of Portuguese healthcare is also confirmed by the high life expectancy in Portugal. According to the World Population Review, Portugals average life expectancy is 82 years.

Private healthcare is also widely available in Portugal and there are several clinics and hospitals where staff speak English and other languages.

Private healthcare in Portugal is fairly affordable and a family of 4 can find full cover health insurance from €2.000 a year.

Holders of Golden Visa have full coverage insurance — this is a prerequisite for a residence permit. It is however recommended that one also have private insurance as the public system can have long waiting times.

Portugals national healthcare system, known as Serviço Nacional de Saude (SNS), typically covers certain treatment costs for those who legally reside and work in Portugal.

This option is available for all who pay Portuguese social security (segurança social) and their dependent family members.

People who work or have worked in both the US and Portugal may also benefit from the Agreement Between the United States and Portugal that helps to avoid paying social security taxes to both countries on the same earnings.

Tax and NHR in Portugal

In Portugal, a special tax regime is available for new tax residents. This will help significantly reduce the income tax rate for the first 10 years you live and pay tax in Portugal.

The regime is not available for everyone, as you must meet certain criteria.

For example, high-qualified specialists only pay a flat 20% income tax. Also, the NHR status holders do not need to pay tax on dividends, interest, royalties, capital gains, rental income from a real estate outside of Portugal, or income from employment in another country.

Favourable retirement conditions

The special beneficial tax status that Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) offers, also applies to retired persons.

If you have NHR status as a pensioner and receive a pension from another country, you will only pay 10% tax instead of 20%.

In 2022, Portugal entered the top 5 countries for retirement according to Living magazine's annual Global Retirement Index. The rating is based on a survey of hundreds of retired immigrants across the world.

Best places for Americans to live in Portugal

Traditionally, most Americans choose between three main destinations when moving from the US to Portugal.

Lisbon, the capital of the country and the largest city in Portugal (3 million people) Is generally suitable for those not ready to give up the advantages of living in a big city.

With a developed infrastructure, good transport accessibility, lively nightlife, and faster pace of life, Lisbon is widely considered one of the best capitals for expats in Europe.

On the flipside, Lisbon is not a metropolis. In the main city there are only 500.000 people, so compared to New York, Los Angeles and Austin Texas, the city may seem relatively small.

That being said, the Lisbon metropolitan area is home to 3 million people. Making it the third largest metropolitan area in the Iberian Peninsula, after Madrid and Barcelona.

In later years Lisbon has grown significantly in popularity with digital nomads. The city is now a chosen hotspot for digital nomads, offering a successful combination of work conditions, leisure, and proximity to nature.

Porto is the second largest city in Portugal which rivals Lisbon in terms of tourist attractions and entertainment.

Porto is also considered the centre of cultural life in Portugal. Porto is also known as one of the best places in Portugal for authentic wine and a wide variety of restaurants and cafes. In 2001, Porto was chosen as the European Capital of Culture.

The Algarve also makes the top 3 list of where most Americans moving to Portugal live

The Algarve is the most southern region of Portugal, known and loved for its golden beaches, authentic way of life, stunning beauty and some of the best seafood in the world.

Best known as a tourist destination, the Algarve has seen major change over the last 20 years and even though the tourist sector is still by far the biggest industry in the region, the Algarve is becoming a year round destination.

The Algarve region has the most Blue Flag beaches in Europe, an award given to places with the cleanest waters and the best conditions for recreation.

Algarve has for many years been a favourite among expats from the UK, Sweden, Norway, Netherlands, Germany, Italy and France. The region is becoming more and more popular also among Americans moving to Portugal looking for a bit more quiet away from the bigger cities.

Be it for relaxing days in the sun, all year golf, remote work or setting up a business, The Algarve is definitely a contender if you are looking to relocate from the US to Portugal.

Depending on where in the Algarve you settle, Spain is less than 90 minutes away by car, and you can get to Lisbon in 3 hours by car, train or daily bus.

Golden Visa program - Get residency in Portugal by investment

It might seem a bit overwhelming making the move from America to Portugal, but it is easier than you might think.

One of the easiest ways to obtain a long term residence permit in Portugal for Americans is to apply for residency-by-investment.

The program known as Golden Visa allows you to get residency in Portugal without having to learn the language, and without having to confirm your education and professional qualifications, as you must when applying for a work or student visa for Portugal.

The process of getting a residence permit in Portugal by investment via the Golden Visa program usually takes a few months.

It might seem long when you are excited to get going, but you need this time to get all your necessary documents, make the investment, apply, and lastly to pass the Due Diligence check.

The process is not particularly complicated, but we highly recommend getting help from a professional consultant company that can ensure the process goes smoothly.

General rules for obtaining residence permit in Portugal by Golden Visa:

• Invest: €280,000+ in real estate older than 30 years or located specific renovation areas
• Invest: €400,000+ in newer real estate
• Invest: €500,000 in fund shares
• Invest: €500,000 in a business that will create no les the five jobs
• Invest: €1,500,000 by transferring capital to Portugal
• Invest: €250,000 in culture, art, or reconstruction of national heritage
• Invest: €500,000 in research programs

NB: The rules for Golden Visa might be changing. Please confirm with experts before moving forward.

The most popular option under the Golden Visa in Portugal for Americans is to purchase real estate or shares in investment funds.

Close relatives and family members of the person making the investment, such as spouse, children under 26, and parents of the main applicant may also apply for residency permits under the Golden Visa program for Americans moving to Portugal.

The family composition does not affect the minimum investment amount. Only the additional costs, like government fees, tend to be higher depending on the number of relatives included in the application.

Checklist for applying for the Golden Visa to Portugal:

• Main applicant must be over the age on 18 years
• The applicant can not have any convictions or refusals in the Schengen area
• Applicant must have investments funds earned outside of Portugal
• Applicant must be debt free in Portugal
• Applicant must be able to prove legal income
• Applicant must have health insurance

What family members might apply with the main applicant for the Golden Visa?

• Spouse
• Children up to the age of 26 years old and financially dependent on the main applicant
• Parents over the age of 65, that are financially dependent on the main applicant. Under certain conditions younger parents may also join the application

Cost of applying for a Golden Visa:

• €250.000 minimum investment in culture, art, or reconstruction of national heritage, or €280,000 minimum investment in property
• €5,340 Fee for the residence permit card,per family member
• €533 Application fee per family member
• €400+ Medical insurance per person
• Taxes and commissions depend on the chosen investment option

Application time:

• You must accept the application for a Golden Visa to take between 6 and 8 months

Minimum stay in Portugal after receiving Golden Visa:

• After being granted the Golden Visa all applicants must spend a minimum of 7 days a year in Portugal

How long is the Golden Visa valid?

• After a Golden Visa has been granted, the applicant must renew the visa after 12 months, and again after 48 months

How to get help obtaining residency in Portugal

There are numerous immigrant Invest lawyers, real estate professionals and private consulting companies that will be happy to provide you with high- quality support when you look to obtain a Portugal Golden Visa.

You can find several services by searching the GoGet directory here.

NB: The directory only covers services and businesses based in the Algarve, but most of them will be able to help if you are moving from the USA to Lisbon, Porto and other regions of Portugal.

Once you have your residence permit, it must be first renewed after one year and then every two years thereafter.

It is important that you know that it is not necessary for you to live in Portugal permanently: It is enough to spend seven days a year in Portugal to maintain your residency.

D7 visa for Americans moving to Portugal

The D7 visa for Portugal is designed for individuals that can prove a source of permanent passive income. The income should at least be equal to the minimum monthly wage in Portugal. In 2022, this is €705 per month.

Be aware that the minimum monthly wage in Portugal is expected to increase in the years to come.

The passive income needed for an American to apply for a D7 Visa to Portugal must come from outside of Portugal. The residence permit will then allow you to love and work in Portugal.

The source of passive income can be almost anything as long as it is legal and documented.

• Examples of passive income for D7 Visa in Portugal are:
• Pension
• Dividends
• Interest
• Royalties
• Salaries from remote work
• Income from renting out a property

The minimum required passive income also depends on the number of applicants that are included in the original application:

• Main applicant: 100% of the minimum wage;
• Spouse or parents of the main applicant: 50% of the minimum wage per person
• Dependent children: 30% of the minimum wage per person

Another requirement to obtain a D7 visa for Portugal is that the applicant must rent or buy housing in Portugal for themselves and the family members that are included in the application.

In other words you must be able to show ownership of Portuguese property og a legal rental contract before the application will be processed.

There are a number of companies and Real Estate agents that can help you require a rental property in Portugal without you visiting Portugal yourself.

Applicants get a residence permit after the D7 visa. The first permit is valid for two years, and every consequent one is issued for three years. To retain the residency your must spend at least 183 days a year in Portugal.

Checklist for Americans applying D7 visa to Portugal

• Main applicant must be over the age of 18 years
• Applicant must be a Non-EU citizen
• Applicant must have a minimum passive income of at least €705 per month from one or more sources outside of Portugal
• Applicant must prove that they have rented or bought a home in Portugal
• Applicant must have health insurance

What family members might apply with the main applicant for the D7 Visa?

• Spouse
• Children up to the age of 21 years old and financially dependent on the main applicant
• Parents of the main applicant or their spouse, that are financially dependent on the main applicant

Cost of applying for a D7 Visa to Portugal:

• €8,460 Proven annual income for the main D7 applicant
• €4,230 Proven annual income for the spouse or parent of the main applicant
• €2,358 Proven annual income for the child(ren)
• €180 for the D7 passive income visa application
• €320 for the residence permit
• Cost of renting or buying a property in Portugal

Application time for D7 visa to Portugal:

• You must accept the application for a D7 Visa for Portugal to take around 4 months

Minimum stay in Portugal after receiving D7 Visa:

• After being granted a D7 Visa all applicants must spend a minimum of 183 days a year in Portugal

How long is the D7 Visa valid?

• After a D7 Visa has been granted, the applicants must renew the visa after 2 years, and then again after 5 years.

Dual citizenship Portugal and the USA

Both the US and Portugal allow their citizens to have dual citizenship. This means that a US citizen can become a Portuguese citizen and have two citizenships at once, enjoying the full range of benefits in both countries.

After you have lived legally in Portugal for five years, you can apply for a permanent residence permit. Obtaining a Portuguese citizenship normally takes 7 to 12 months.

Timeline for getting Portuguese citizenship

• Applying for citizenship. You can do it in person or by mail to the Central Registry Office.
• The application is sent to the Central Registry Office by the department that has registered the application. This takes up to 48 hours.
• The Central Registry office conducts the preliminary verification of the documents. If any data is missing, the applicant gets informed and has 20 days to complete the set of documents.
• The Central Registry Office requests additional information from the police and the Portuguese Immigration and Border Service (SEF).
• The Central Registry Office approves the application and sends the documents to the Ministry of Justice.
• The Ministry of Justice makes the final decision.
• The ID cards of the new citizens of Portugal are produced and issued to the applicants.

Timeline of getting Portuguese citizenship after a Golden Visa

• Obtaining a residence permit in Portugal (Takes 4-8 months)
• Renewal of a residence permit after 12 months
• Second renewal of a residence permit after 24 months
• The third renewal of a residence permit after 5 years
• Citizenship application and obtaining the status (Takes 7-12 months)

To qualify for Portuguese citizenship you must meet the following five requirements:

• Resident status for at least five years.
• Age 18+.
• Knowledge of the Portuguese language confirmed by an A2 certificate.
• No criminal record.
• Pose no threat to national security.

Minors may also get Portuguese citizenship if their parents have retained residency for at least five years. Children under the age of 12 years do not need to take a language proficiency test.

Driving in Portugal and Portuguese licence 

On August 1st, Decree-Law No. 46/2022 of July 12th came into force with the aim of easing the requisition for validation of foreign driving licences in Portugal.

The law states that people from Member States of the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP) and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) no longer have to exchange their driving licences for a Portuguese document. 

This measure covers citizens of 18 countries: Angola, Australia, Brazil, Cape Verde, Canada, Chile, United States of America, Iceland, Israel, Japan, Mozambique, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Republic of Korea, São Tome and Principe, Switzerland, and Turkey.

Citizens from these countries can now drive in Portugal with their national licence if the country is part of an International Convention on Road Traffic or has a bilateral agreement with the Portuguese Government.

No more than 15 years maye have elapsed since the issuance or last renewal of the licence, and provided that the holder is under 60 years of age.

Additionally, it is necessary that the holders of the driving licences have the minimum age required by the Portuguese law of 18 years of age. Finally, said licences are not seized, suspended, lapsed, or revoked by virtue of any legal provision, administrative decision or court judgement applied to the holder, in Portugal or in the issuing country.

Frequently asked questions about moving to Portugal from the US

Can I move to Portugal from the US without a visa? 

No. If you are an American Citizen wanting to move to Portugal, you must apply for a visa. You can apply for a D7 visa, Golden Visa, Digital Nomad Visa, D2 Visa or student visa. The process takes about 4 to 8 months for D7- Golden- and Digiral Nomad- Visa, whilst a student visa takes anywhere from a few weeks to 4 months. Without a visa someone from the US can spend up to 90 days in Portugal. 

Can I move to Portugal with my pets? 

Yes. If you are moving to Portugal from the US, you can bring up to five pets, but there are several rules you must comply with before bringing pets to Portugal.

The rules are fairly simple, but be aware that several breeds of dogs are considered dangerous and may not be allowed entry to Portugal. 

Can I keep my US driving licence in Portugal? 

Yes. After a new law came into effect in 2022, US citizens may keep their US driving licence, as long as the holder is between 18 and 60 years old and the licence is no more than 15 years old. 

How long does it take to get a D7 visa to Portugal? 

If you apply for a D7 visa to Portugal you must expect the process to take between 4 and 8 months from start to finish. 

What is a Golden visa for Americans moving to Portugal? 

Golden visa is a way for Americans to gain permanent residency in Portugal via investing in the country. There are several ways you can invest in Portugal to gain a Golden Visa, but the most popular among Americans moving to Portugal are buying property or transfering capital. 

Is it hard for Americans to live in Portugal?

Over the last few years the number of Amaricans living in Portugal has more than doubled. Americans can easily get residency in Portugal and as large parts of Portugal speak English, most Americans find settling into everyday life in Portugal very easy. 

Can Americans move to Portugal without a job?

Yes. Americans can move from the US to Portugal without having a job. You must however apply for a visa and prove that you have passive income that meets the minimum wage standards in Portugal. As of 2022 the minimum wage in Portugal is 822 Euro a month. 

How much income do I need to live comfortably in Portugal?

How much an American needs to live comfortably in Portugal depends on where in the country you want to live and your personnel expenses. As a single person you will be able to live comfortably in Portugal with a monthly budget of €1.200. You might find you need a higher budget if you are to live in Lisbon and parts of the Algarve. 

Is healthcare in Portugal free for Americans?

Americans that move to Portugal under the Golden Visa program will receive free public healthcare. If you move to Portugal with a D7 visa you must pay social insurance of around €100 a month to have access to free healthcare, unless it is an emergency.

Even though healthcare for the most part is free in Portugal, it is quite common, even for the Portuguese to have a private health insurance as well, as waiting times to see a specialist in a public hospital can be very long. 

Is Portugal a safe country for Americans? 

Portugal has consistently been voted in the top 5 safest countries in the world over the last decade. Portugal generally has little crime and the access to private guns and firearms are strictly regulated. 

Do they speak English in Portugal?

Yes. Portugal is considered a dual speaking country, with Portuguese and English being the leading languages spoken. You will generally find the most english speaking portuguese in Lisbon, Porto and the region of the Algarve. 

Can Americans get residency in Portugal if I don't buy a house

Yes. Americans moving to Portugal can apply for residency in Portugal with a D7 visa, that does not require buying a property. You must however prove income and rental agreement for housing in Portugal when you apply. 

Where do most Americans live in Portugal?

The number of Americans in Portugal has more than doubled in the last few years. Most Amaricans relocating to Portugal, move to Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve region. 

Can Americans visit Portugal without a visa? 

Yes. Americans may visit Portugal and stay for as much as 90 days without applying for a visa. 

What documents do I need to move from the USA to Portugal?

Moving to Portugal from the US requires a lot of paperwork, but the basics are proof of income, proof of housing (rented og owned) in Portugal. You will also need to apply for a visa if you intend to stay longer than 90 days.

The most common visas to apply for are the Golden Visa that you get through investment in Portugal, or the D7 visa. 

Are Americans welcome in Portugal?

The Portuguese people are considered some of the friendliest in Europe. A survey among locals in Lisbon found that 80% were positive to tourism and expats, Americans included making Portugal their new home. 

How hard is it to move to Portugal from the US?

Moving to Portugal from the US is not hard at all, but it does take some planning, starting with applying for a visa, which could take anywhere from 4 to 8 months.

As soon as the visa is granted you are ready to go. If you want to ship personal belongings and household goods the process is fairly straightforward, but it can be somewhat time consuming, so you will be wise to get help from a professional relocating company to ensure your paperwork is in order for the customs. 

Can I work remotely in Portugal for a US company?

Yes. Americans can apply for either a D7 Visa, Golden Visa or work visa to live and work in Portugal. The US and Portugal also have a treaty securing that you don't pay double social security. 

Do they have fast food restaurants in portugal? 

Yes. Portugal is well known all over the world for their cuisine, but they also offer great local fast food options. You will also find American fast food chains such as Burger King, McDonalds, Domino's Pizza, Subway, Pizza Hut, KFC and Starbucks all over Portugal. 

Can you find American food in Portugal?

Several of the biggest American fast food chains can be found widely all over Portugal. They include Burger King, McDonalds, Domino's Pizza, Subway, Pizza Hut, KFC and Starbucks. Dunkin Donuts can also be bought in several bigger supermarkets. 

How do I prepare to move from the US to portugal?

We recommend you start by visiting Portugal and decide on what region you want to move to. The most popular regions for Americans moving to Portugal are Lisboa, Porto and the Algarve.

Then you should get to know the requirements for the different visas available for Americans moving to Portugal. As soon as you have decided on where to move to and your visa application,the rest is as easy as moving from California to Washington.