Moving from California to Portugal in 2025

Californians Moving to Portugal

California is world-renowned for its sun-drenched cool and for being one of the most relaxed states in the US. However, with political uncertainty, rising living costs, and long working hours, many Californians have decided to move overseas, with Portugal being a popular destination of choice, a country known for its beautiful climate, safety, and high quality of life.

In short, Portugal balances all the good things about California that they may miss back home, with great waves and watersports, sunny weather throughout the year, and key cities such as Lisbon, Porto, and Braga, establishing themselves as key tech hubs.

What are the key drivers for Californians moving to Portugal? 

Many Americans and Californians are searching for “how to move out of the US,” with many choosing Portugal as their country of choice to relocate to. American interest in Portugal has not come out of nowhere. Interest has been picking up gradually in recent years, and more steeply in the wake of the past couple of years.

Key drivers include:

	Americans are searching for a better lifestyle and long-term security for themselves and their families.
	A thriving real estate market awaits that has proved resilient in the face of the pandemic and global uncertainties, for example, outpacing US, EU, and UK markets.
	Portugal offers residency to Americans through its variety of residency visa options, such as the Digital Nomad Visa, D7 Visa, and the Portugal Golden Visa.
	Portugal has progressive legislation and a stable socio-political environment.
	Portugal is one of the safest countries in the world, ranking 7th in the 2025 Global Peace Index.
	The country has excellent and accessible public and private healthcare at a fraction of US healthcare costs.
	There are more than 51 international schools in Portugal that offer a range of curricula, languages, and teaching styles.
	Portugal has an affordable cost of living, being approximately 30 percent cheaper than the US, with the cost of living in Los Angeles, California, being around 50 percent higher than Lisbon, according to Numbeo.
	English is widely spoken, with Portugal ranking sixth in the English Proficiency Index, making interaction and networking easy.
	Although it will depend on the company you work for, the work life balance in Portugal is appealing, with Europeans tending to prioritize a work life balance more than in the USA to spend time with family and friends.

Below, we delve into two key aspects of why Californians are seeking out Portugal.

Similar sceneries and landmarks in California and Portugal

California appeals to many with its relaxed pace of life, stunning beaches, and coves, alongside friendly locals. All of this you can find in Portugal. You’ll also find similarities with California in Portugal, such as the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, La Jolla Cove, Santa Monica Beach, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, and Monterey County.

Portugal’s Algarve region in Southern Portugal is popular with Californians, given the incredible coastlines, blue ocean waters, and warm climate, which have considerable similarities to Big Sur. Surf culture is also big in Portugal is also big, with Sagres and Aljezur in the Algarve top locations, alongside Nazaré and Peniche on Portugal’s Silver Coast.

Portugal, a Flourishing Tech Hub

The tech sector has been blossoming in Portugal for a few years now, with Lisbon being heralded as the New Tech Capital and becoming Europe’s own Silicon Valley – and Californians and other US nationals seem to be taking note.

Web Summit relocated to the Lisbon city center in 2016 and, since then, the Portuguese capital has become a melting point for start ups, tech companies, and international businesses. This buzz has also led to Porto and Braga becoming highly sought-after tech hubs, while the Algarve is also opening up as a tech region for the future. Portugal has strong infrastructure, modern co-working spaces across the country, and high-speed internet.

Frequent flights from Portugal to the USA and a high level of safety (including a direct flight from Lisbon to San Francisco) make Portugal an attractive option for incoming Californians seeking a beautiful alternative to call home.

Picking the Right Location in Portugal for US and California Expats

Moving from California to Portugal, it can be difficult to choose the right location, particularly if you don’t know that much about the different places in the country.

When it comes to Californians moving to Portugal, many young professionals and families have made the move, often those who work in tech or own their own business.

Their preferences lean towards modern houses with open layouts, outdoor spaces, and ocean views. Due to this, the Algarve has become highly sought after.

The Algarve

The Algarve, in Southern Portugal, is popular with retirees, families (there are 12 excellent international schools in the Algarve region), and remote workers. The weather is the best in Portugal, and you’ll find countless activities to enjoy, including watersports, surfing, golf, and tennis. Lagos has incredible ocean-facing properties, while Tavira offers a more authentic side, although the Central Algarve has proved to be the most popular amongst expats over the years. You will also find many expat groups in the Algarve, making it easy to make new friends quickly. Checking Facebook groups before you make your move can make the transition easier.

Silver Coast

Key surfers in California may know about Nazaré on Portugal’s Silver Coast. Here you’ll find dramatic scenery, quieter beaches, and surf towns such as Ericeira that could be a great place to move to.

Lisbon

Lisbon offers a bustling tech environment, the most job opportunities for those job hunting, and a vibrant cultural scene where there is always a new restaurant to try, bar to frequent, or art gallery or museum to visit. You also have lovely beaches nearby and surf opportunities in Costa da Caparica and Carcavelos. The best neighborhoods in Lisbon for Californians include Chiado, Estrela, Príncipe Real, and Parque das Nações. 

Cascais

Americans are also seeking out the Lisbon Metropolitan Area, particularly Cascais, which attracts the highest concentration of American investment. Cascais offers proximity to the Portuguese capital, excellent infrastructure, countless activities (from golfing to hiking), and gorgeous landscapes and beaches.

Porto

Porto has also experienced a surge of interest and growth amongst younger American families and tech professionals. Known to be more relaxed than Lisbon, Porto is great for those seeking a city rich in history and ambiance to call home, which also has a strong sense of community. Portuguese people from Porto are renowned for their friendliness to expats, while you are sure to enjoy the delicious Port wine should you decide to relocate to Portugal’s second-largest city. The fabulous Douro River is the ideal backdrop to the city, with restaurants and bars spilling out on the riverside.

Comporta and Melides

Comporta and Melides are on the radar for those seeking effortless luxury on the beautiful Western Portuguese coastline, with Nicole Kidman having reportedly been seeking real estate in Melides.

Other locations

Other excellent locations to consider include:

• Braga: A historic city in Northern Portugal and an emerging tech hub with a very bright future
• Coimbra: A charming university city by the River Mondego, with a wide array of top restaurants and beautiful architecture.
• Madeira and the Azores: The autonomous islands of Madeira and the Azores are for those seeking to enjoy the island lifestyle. Madeira is the more developed of the two, with Azores the dream destination for nature lovers.

While some Californians are testing the waters with a second residence that can also serve to generate rental income, others are relocating on a more permanent basis. Both buyer profiles are investing primarily in the middle to higher tiers of the Portuguese real estate market. Properties in Portugal are also very affordable, particularly when compared with other European countries.

Visa and Residency Options for Americans

Below are some of the most common Portugal visa types for Americans seeking to relocate. Securing a Portuguese residency visa is the first step, which is issued by a Portuguese Consulate or Embassy in the USA. Compared with other European countries, the process is quite straightforward, and after five years of legal residency, you can apply for permanent residency.

General requirements for Portuguese residency include having a completed application form, a clean criminal record, ID, proof of accommodation in Portugal, health insurance, and sufficient funds, but the exact criteria for each residency option may vary.

For entrepreneurs and tech owners

Tech owners and entrepreneurs will find a dynamic and exciting environment with tech-related events happening throughout the year, a wide range of co-working options, and residency options targeted at attracting top talent from overseas, such as the D2 Visa Portugal (for entrepreneurs) and the HQA Visa (for highly qualified workers)

For digital nomads

The Portugal Digital Nomad Visa (D8 Visa) was introduced in 2022 and offers short term and long term visa options. Provided you work for a foreign (non-Portuguese employer or are self-employed, then you should have no problem applying for this visa type.

For investors

The Portugal Golden Visa is one of the most popular residency by investment schemes of its kind, with many Americans securing residency in Portugal through the program. To qualify for the Golden Visa, you will need to make a minimum investment of €250,000, with a wide range of investment options including cultural production, job creation, and investment funds.

For retirees

Portugal’s D7 Visa, also known as the passive income visa or retirement visa, allows you to move to Portugal, provided you can demonstrate a stable and regular passive income that is equivalent to or higher than the Portuguese minimum wage (€870.00 in 2025).

All Portuguese residents have access to the national health service (SNS), which is generally excellent, with the service being completely free for residents over 65 years old. Private healthcare is also available, and is considerably cheaper than in the USA.

Portugal Looks Set to Remain a Prime Destination for Americans

There is no one reason why Americans are increasingly looking to Portugal, but the warm hospitality of the Portuguese, complemented by the high quality of life, beautiful landscapes, rich culture, and warm climate, are among the most popular pull factors.

The affordable healthcare, easy visa process, expat support network, and strong American community are other key drivers.

In Portugal, American property investors now represent the fastest-growing nationality in terms of real estate purchases, surpassing UK, French, and Brazilian buyers. US nationals investing in Portuguese real estate jumped to 58 percent in the first quarter of 2025, up from 48 percent in the equivalent time frame in 2024.

According to AIMA (Portuguese Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum), the number of US citizens jumped from 14,129 in 2023 to 19,258 in 2024, registering an increase of 36 percent.

Californians moving to Portugal are leaving the Golden State for a lower-cost country, with a similarly relaxed culture and mild climate awaiting them. Even the Ponte 25 de Abril Bridge in Lisbon is reminiscent of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge in California, both of which were built by the American Bridge Company.

Portugal has become an ideal destination for digital nomads, tech owners, retirees, and families. While some are testing the waters and may be exploring their options, many Californians and American expats are seeking out a new life to relocate with families or to establish a European base for their businesses.

Portugal is no longer just a place to visit for Americans; it’s become a place that they can call home.

Goldcrest: How We Can Help You

Goldcrest is the first buyer’s agent in Portugal, based in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve. If you’re seeking your dream home in Portugal, whether you’re seeking a home to purchase or rent, we are here to help you, guiding you throughout the process. Get in touch with us today to begin your property journey in Portugal.