Moving to Portugal from USA: Complete Guide for Americans in 2025

Moving to Portugal has become increasingly popular amongst Americans seeking a fresh start in Europe. With its warm Mediterranean climate, affordable lifestyle, and rich culture, Portugal has become a highly sought after destination for those seeking a higher quality of life.

This comprehensive guide for moving to Portugal from USA delves into everything you will need to know about relocating to this southern European gem. We’ll cover topics such as residency options, the costs of living, and practical aspects about what to expect in Portugal as an American expat.

Why are Americans moving to Portugal?

The number of US citizens living in Portugal has increased sevenfold between 2017 and 2024, according to the US Embassy, and based on records from AIMA, the Portuguese Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum. 

Portugal regularly tops lists of best countries to relocate to, due to its vibrant cities, lifestyle benefits, and excellent infrastructure. Take the Retirement Guide for US Citizens, from the Global Intelligence Unit from Global Citizen Solutions, our residency and citizenship division, highlighting Portugal to be the best place to retire to, based on quality of life, security, acceptance, and integration, and economics. 

But why consider moving to Portugal? There are a wide range of reasons for moving, including:

• Pleasant climate: Most of the year is soaked in sunshine, particularly in Southern Portugal. 
• Affordable cost of living: Compared to the USA and Western European countries, Portugal’s cost of living is significantly lower.
• Safety: Portugal has low crime rates and ranks seventh on the 2024 Global Peace Index.
• Beautiful scenery and beaches: Boasting some of the best beaches in the world and home to stunning natural landscapes, Portugal is the perfect destination for nature lovers.
• High-quality education: Very good schooling system, including 51 excellent international schools offering a range of languages and curricula.
• World-class healthcare system:  Portugal offers a robust, reliable public healthcare network and world-class private healthcare options.
• English is widely spoken: Portugal is ranked sixth on the global English Proficiency Index 2024, with the population having a high proficiency in English.
• Favorable real estate market: Portugal real estate consistently sees positive growth in value, making buying property in Portugal a smart investment.
• Rich culture and excellent food: Deep-rooted culture with a relaxed, community-oriented lifestyle, and a love of the arts and history. Also, from traditional to modern cuisine, Portugal is a hotspot for foodies.
• Top nightlife: Portugal nightlife has something for everyone. From north to south, the country has much to offer, whether you enjoy a night out on the town or a calm bar to enjoy sensational sunsets.

How to Move to Portugal from USA: Portugal Visa Types

To move to Portugal from the USA, Americans need to get a residence permit, typically through a visa such as the D7 Visa, D8 (Digital Nomad) Visa, or Golden Visa, and demonstrate that they have sufficient funds and accommodation.

One of the key reasons why Portugal is one of the best countries for American expats and retirees is that moving to Portugal from the USA is relatively straightforward, due to the wide range of residency options on the table.

Portugal offers various visa options for you to live, work, and study in the country. These options include the Portuguese Golden Visa, D3 Visa, D7 Visa, D8 Visa, and Family Reunification Visa. The Golden Visa and the D7 Visa are the easiest routes to take to get your initial temporary residency visa in Portugal and ultimately obtain European citizenship after five years of having legal residence in Portugal.

A Portugal visa for US citizens can be obtained through your local Portuguese Embassy or Portuguese Consulate. The visa process is carried out by AIMA. Let’s delve into some of the Portugal visa options to enter the country and secure Portuguese residency.

If you are considering moving to Portugal from the USA and want to discuss the most appropriate visa for your personal situation, get in touch with our residency and citizenship division, Global Citizen Solutions. You can get in touch with them here.

Portugal Golden Visa Program

The Portugal Golden Visa was introduced in 2012 and is a five-year residency-by-investment scheme for non-EU nationals, including Americans wanting to move to Portugal. The intention of the Golden Visa is to attract foreign investors, who can obtain Portuguese resident cards through investment.

The Golden Visa residence permit enables you to settle, work, and study in Portugal. Also, the Golden Visa allows you to travel across the Schengen area without any restrictions.

To qualify for the Golden Visa program, you must fulfil the following Golden Visa requirements for Portugal:

• Have a clean criminal record
• Be either non-EU, non-Swiss, or non-EEA national
• Minimum investment of €250,000, with a range of investment routes to choose from, including investment or donation in the arts or reconstruction of national heritage, scientific research, and the creation of ten jobs
• Meet all legal requirements, including an average of seven days spent per year in Portugal, guaranteeing a total of 14 days during the validity of each residence card (issued with a validity of 2 years)

Read our guide to the Portugal Golden Visa to learn more.

Portugal D7 Visa

Alongside the Golden Visa, the Portugal D7 Visa, also known as the Passive Income Visa or Retirement Visa, is another popular residency option. This visa is for Americans moving to Portugal who earn a regular passive income from pensions, rental income, financial investments, or other sources. 

The D7 Visa is a popular Portuguese visa option for immigrating to Portugal from the US and is perfect for those who wish to spend their retirement in Portugal. If you opt for the D7 Visa, after five years, you can apply for citizenship in Portugal, with the country allowing dual citizenship.

In order to be eligible for the Portugal D7 Visa, you must be able to reside for more than 183 consecutive days per calendar year in Portugal and meet the requirements outlined below:

• Be a non-EU/EEA/Swiss national
• Earn a passive income of at least €870 per month (as mentioned above, this passive income can come from different sources)
• Have a clean criminal record
• Show proof of a residential address where you will be living in Portugal

Portugal D8 Visa

The D8 Visa is an increasingly sought-after option for moving to Portugal as an American. Launched by the Portuguese government in October 2022, the D8 Visa, also known as the Digital Nomad Visa, is designed for non-EU individuals working remotely in Portugal who want to work remotely and live in Portugal. Digital nomads can obtain a residence permit with this Portuguese visa and, after five years of legal residency, can apply for citizenship.

Digital Nomad Visa requirements include:

• Being from a non-EU or a non-EEA country
• Be self-employed or employed by a business with a location outside of Portugal.
• Earn four times the minimum wage in Portugal, which, at the moment, amounts to around €3,480 per month

Portugal D3 Visa

The Portugal D3 Visa was created by the Portuguese government to attract highly qualified professionals looking to work and live in Portugal on a Portuguese residency visa. 

To apply for the D3 Visa, applicants from outside the European Union/EEA/Switzerland can conveniently do so through the E-Visa Portal, which is the Portuguese Consulate in the applicant’s country of residence, or via VFS Global, an intermediary appointment system. After you have moved to Portugal and have lived in the country for five years with a D3 Visa, you can apply for a permanent residence permit or citizenship.

One of the eligibility factors for the D3 Visa is that the applicants must have a formal job offer or a binding contract from a Portuguese employer. There is a great selection of jobs in Portugal for Americans in various industries.

Moving to Portugal from the USA requirements with the D3 Visa include:

• A clean criminal record, proven by a criminal record certificate
• The applicant must have a valid employment contract or a preliminary employment contract, which is valid for a minimum of twelve months.
• There has to be proof of professional qualifications or a professional certificate.
• The applicant has to show that their work is a highly qualified activity and that they have the required experience for the job.
• Proof that the D3 Visa applicant’s expected annual salary is at least 1.5 times the Portuguese minimum wage (€870) or three times the Index of Social Support (IAS), which is €522,50 in 2025.

Applying for permanent residency or Portugal citizenship for US citizens

After getting your temporary residence permit in Portugal through the Golden Visa or other naturalization visa routes and renewing it within five years, you can apply for a permanent residence permit or Portuguese citizenship and obtain a Portuguese passport. As a Portuguese citizen with a Portuguese passport, you will be able to work, live, and study in any European country that is a member of the EU. 

Portuguese Job Market for Americans

Portugal’s job market is quite diverse, and while some industries can be competitive, there are still many opportunities available. The tourism and hospitality industries are quite prominent in the Portuguese job market, along with tech and IT jobs. Speaking English also gives you the upper hand when applying for these jobs, as strong communication skills are highly sought after.

Portuguese Culture, Food, and Drink

Food and drink play a major role in Portuguese culture. You can find delicious seafood in Portugal because of its long coastline. The country also offers an abundance of smoked meats and varieties of local cheeses.

Your normal grocery list for a month should come between €200 to €400. Almond milk, olive oil, and wine are considered luxuries in America and are produced locally in Portugal. A tasty bottle of locally-made good wine in Portugal can be as low as €4.

Where do Americans live in Portugal?

Like most other Western European countries, Portuguese cities are small compared to US cities. Cities such as Lisbon, Porto, and, increasingly, Braga have a lot of influence throughout Western Europe in economics, trade, and tourism. The biggest city in Portugal is the capital city, Lisbon, which has a unique and bustling lifestyle. If you want to move away from the city when living in Portugal, you can enjoy an idyllic lifestyle on the coast of the Algarve region.

A number of areas would work out nicely for American expats wanting to relocate to Portugal, depending on what your goals are and what you value most. We recommend doing plenty of research on different areas and traveling around to discover which part of the country is best suited to you.

Some of the best cities in Portugal, and regions, that Americans living in the country usually opt for are shown below. This list is by no means exhaustive. Towns on the Silver Coast, such as Peniche or Nazaré, could also be excellent options, as are the autonomous islands of Madeira and the Azores. Portugal offers a mix of vibrant cities and serene, peaceful towns.

Lisbon

Lisbon, the cosmopolitan capital of Portugal, is the country’s bustling business center. The population of Lisbon is just over three million people, and with the stunning Tagus River and the Atlantic Ocean nearby, you have many waterside properties and excellent beaches to enjoy.

If you are into charming architecture, then Lisbon may be the place for you, as you’ll stumble upon buildings and structures from both Moorish and Roman Empire rule.

The liveliness of the city centre, along with the historic centers and access to lovely beaches, make the capital city an ideal choice for American expats in Portugal looking for the best of both worlds.

Also, most Portuguese locals speak English in Lisbon, particularly the younger generations, which makes it a very favorable city for American retirees who are yet to learn Portuguese. Avid travelers will also be able to jet around easily, with the Lisbon Airport facilitating easy international travel, including flights to the USA. You will find world-class retirement homes in Lisbon, Portugal.

Read our Lisbon real estate guide if you would like to learn more about Lisbon.

Porto

Porto in Northern Portugal, is the second largest city in the country after Lisbon. Porto is a safe and gorgeous city on the banks of the Douro, which has now cemented itself as one of the most captivating cities in Europe and is regarded as one of the top European cities of the future.

It is less expensive compared to Lisbon, making it very affordable for US retirees. Porto is a trending spot for Americans too, who enjoy the affordable cost of living and healthcare, as well as the relaxed and culturally-enriched lifestyle. The Ribeira district offers waterfront houses in the historic quarter while Foz do Douro is home to spacious properties that could be the perfect choice for families.

The Algarve

The Algarve in southern Portugal is home to one of the most sensational coastlines in Europe, famous for stunning beaches such as Praia da Rocha close to Portimão and the captivating Benagil Caves near Lagos. Many foreign residents call cities such as Faro, Albufeira, and Tavira home, with Lagos, in particular having become very popular with Americans.

Cascais and the Portuguese Riviera

Looking for the perfect mix of city and beach life? Look no further. Cascais, a charming seaside town about 30-mintues from Lisbon is the perfect place. The so-called Portuguese Riviera, leading from Lisbon to Cascais offers spacious properties, terrific beaches, and a relaxed pace of life. Families will find some of the best international schools in the country close by, while retirees will be able to embrace a high-quality lifestyle, enjoying their golden years in style.

Braga

Braga is considered to be the oldest city in Portugal and a great alternative to Lisbon and Porto for American retirees relocating to Portugal and looking for a quieter place to live. Braga is famous for its charming streets, quiet lifestyle, and rich history.

This northern city is positioned in such a way that you can access pristine beaches in 30 minutes and mountains in 15 minutes, Porto is less than an hour away, and even Spain is just a 40-minute drive away. Braga plays an important role in the history of Catholic churches and the Christian faith in Portugal and is the home to one of Portugal’s oldest cathedrals.

Read our Braga real estate guide if you would like to learn more about Braga.

Madeira

An absolute dream for American expats, particularly for retirees looking for a perpetually fabulous climate. Funchal is the island’s largest city, with a magnificent location and mild weather year-round. It is the best option for American retirees seeking an island paradise to settle in.

Read our Madeira real estate guide if you would like to learn more about Madeira.

Coimbra

Once the capital of Portugal, Coimbra is now a stunning city that offers something for everyone, with the Modego River running through it. It is well connected to other parts of the country by train.

Coimbra has a lot of interesting architecture and culture on offer to make it the ideal option for American citizens moving to Portugal after their retirement. Coimbra is also the home to Portugal’s oldest university, providing a lively atmosphere to the city. The countryside in the surrounding area would also make an exceptional home, with property prices very attractive to prospective buyers.

Read our Coimbra real estate guide if you would like to learn more about Coimbra.

Finding Accommodation in Portugal

In Portugal, accommodation costs are generally much lower than those in the US. If you compare Portugal with accommodation costs in another European country, you will also find prices to be quite reasonable. Below, we provide an overview of rental costs and costs related to buying property in Portugal.

Renting in Portugal

The rent of a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Lisbon is $1,216 (€1,081), while a three-bedroom apartment in the city center is $2,979 (€2,647). Lisbon, the Portuguese capital, is by far the most expensive city in Portugal. And in Porto or the smaller cities, you will find prices much lower, although prices have been increasing steadily in Porto in recent years.

In the US, however, the average rent of similar apartments can be much higher. For example, a one-bedroom apartment rented in New York outside the city center will cost you $2,765 (€2,457), and a three-bedroom apartment in the city center will cost you $8,713 (€7,743).

Buying property in Portugal

If you’re thinking of moving to Portugal to retire or relocate long-term, then buying property in Portugal will be a smart investment decision. There are very minimal restrictions for foreigners buying properties in Portugal.

Relocating to Portugal is a challenge, and one of the key difficulties is in navigating the property buying process. This is where seeking the assistance of a real estate agent, or preferably a buyer’s agent, is a smart move. They will be able to guide you through the process, from sourcing through to acquisition and beyond.

One good thing to be aware of, though, is that housing prices in Portugal are more affordable than what you would spend on property in the USA.

In the Lisbon Metropolitan Area, you can expect to pay an average of €4,935 per square meter, while in the Porto Metropolitan Area, average property prices are even lower at €3,937 per square meter. In the sunny Algarve, you could buy a blissful beach house at an average price of €4,385 per square meter or find a more affordable Alentejo property at an average of €3,181 per square meter.

Education in Portugal

The education system in Portugal is both excellent and affordable. The country offers free education to those with a Portuguese residence permit and Portuguese citizens up to the age of 18.

There are 51 international schools in the country, mostly located in Lisbon, the Greater Lisbon Area, Porto, and the Algarve, and offering a range of curricula and languages, including, American, British, French, and German.

The Portuguese population is well-educated, and Portugal ranks 6th in the 2024 Global English Proficiency Index. Our article, International Schools in Portugal, offers a detailed understanding of the education system in Portugal.

Healthcare in Portugal

The Portuguese healthcare system is not completely free. However, medical bills cheaper when compared to the US. Those who are under the age of 18 and above the age of 65 enjoy free healthcare in Portugal.

The public healthcare system in Portugal is called Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS) and is publicly funded, operating through a network of community health centers and public hospitals. The SNS offers medical care at low or no cost, depending on your situation. Individuals with Portuguese residency and Portuguese citizens can register themselves in the public healthcare system. Tourists cannot register and will need private health insurance. However, visitors who enter Portugal can be treated in case of emergencies.

Having private health insurance is essential for your Portuguese Visa application process. For a reasonably well-rounded private healthcare plan in Portugal, you can expect to pay around €120 per month ($133) for health insurance. Refer to our article on healthcare in Portugal to learn more about this subject.

Americans Retiring in Portugal

Portugal is considered one of the world’s best countries for Americans to retire. If you are planning to retire in Portugal, the country has a variety of lifestyle options to consider. All you have to do is find out what you want from your retirement. You can opt for peaceful gardening projects, play golf, or volunteer in the neighborhood. Portugal is a versatile country with many alternatives; you can stay in a vibrant expat community or move to a serene location to have an authentic Portuguese lifestyle experience.

Here are some of the benefits for Americans retiring in Portugal:

• Quality healthcare at an affordable cost
• Political stability
• Fresh local produce food
• Easy Portuguese immigration rules
• Tolerant and friendly community
• Easy route to the European Union
• Tax breaks

Some of the best retirement villages in Portugal can be found in Lisbon and the Algarve. Retirement communities in Portugal are a good way to meet fellow expats and establish a close network.

Getting a NIF and Opening a Bank Account in Portugal

As an American citizen with the intention of moving to Portugal, you must get an NIF number in Portugal. The NIF is a tax identification number that you will need for any financial transactions, including setting up a Portuguese bank account. To get a NIF, US nationals will need to have a fiscal representative.

When you have secured your NIF number, opening a Portuguese bank account is usually easy and straightforward, provided you have the correct documents. With banking in Portugal, you have a range of options, from online banks to more traditional banks, including many that offer mortgages to foreigners.

Because of the strict regulations enforced by the IRS in compliance with the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA), a few banks might not accept US citizens as clients. Therefore, you need to find one of the banks that allows Americans to open a bank account in Portugal after getting your NIF number. Some of the best banks to consider getting a bank account in Portugal are Millennium BCP, Novo Banco, Banco BPI, and Banco Santander Totta.

Transportation of Goods to Portugal

In the section below, we delve into the transportation of goods to Portugal.

Customs

According to Portuguese customs law, Americans moving to Portugal must be present in the country before their shipment arrives for inspection. Before moving to Portugal, you need to get the Certificado de Bagagem (luggage certificate) from the local Portuguese Consulate or diplomatic mission.

The certificate can be acquired by providing the complete inventory of your household goods and possessions that you are relocating to Portugal. You won’t have to pay tax on household goods and furniture, which will be admitted into Portugal free of duty if you can prove that they have been in your possession for more than a year. The shipments mentioned in the Certificado de Bagagem will arrive within 90 days after your arrival in the country.

Some of the items that are prohibited from entry to Portugal are:

• Drugs and narcotics
• Firearms, ammunition, and weapons. However, a caliber of 7.62mm is permitted with a special permit, but anything over this is banned.
• Gold bars
• Pornographic materials
• Games of chance
• Perishable food items

Below are some of the restricted or “subject to duty” items:

• Items that are less than six months old
• Tobacco products
• A reasonable quantity of spirits and wine
• Antiques
• Vehicles owned for at least six months can be imported subject to duty and tax. The tax and duty depend on the make, age, engine size, and model.

Shipping and flying goods

There are several options to ship household items to Portugal when you are relocating. Shipping by sea is the cheapest and slowest option, and it will take one to three months for the products to reach you. Air freight is the fastest and most expensive option, costing twice as much as sea freight. By air freight, your items will reach you within a week.

By road is the best option to ship your items and is slightly more expensive than sea freight. The items will reach you in a couple of weeks. However, road freight is obviously not an option for items coming from the US. You can opt for sea freight, an affordable alternative to shipping by road.

Storage for moving from USA to Portugal

The options in Portugal are limited if you are looking for short or long-term storage to keep your items. You can still find a few self-storage options in bigger cities. To book a storage facility in Portugal, you need to plan in advance. You need to search for storage companies online near the place that you are planning to move to. If you contact them either via email or phone call, they will give you a quote, and you can book the storage facility in advance.

Moving to Portugal from the US with pets

Portugal allows you to bring up to five animals into the country as long as they are for non-commercial purposes. The importation rules depend on where you are moving in from, within or outside the European Union. Let’s see the requirements to bring your pets into the country when you obtain a temporary residence permit in Portugal.

• A European pet passport with relevant information about the pet. The passport must be issued by an authorized veterinarian from the US and sealed and signed by the issuer.
• The pet must have a microchip or a pet tattoo. This is valid only if it was done before 3 July 2011. The identification number or the microchip or tattoo must be mentioned in the pet passport.
• The pet must be vaccinated against rabies. The rabies vaccination is done for pets that are three months old. This means that pets under three months are not allowed to enter the country.
• If you have just vaccinated your pet, there is a 21-day waiting period before you can move your pet into the country.
• There are some breeds considered dangerous. In such cases, you need to sign a liability term and get a special permit from a local veterinarian.

Vaccination

Portuguese immigration does not require any specific medical tests or vaccinations when you apply for your residence permit in Portugal. However, it is recommended to visit your doctor before traveling to get some advice on other vaccinations that are right for you, such as Hepatitis A, B, or, on rare occasions, rabies.

Pros and Cons of Moving to Portugal

Every country will have its upsides and downsides, and Portugal is no different.

Pros of moving to Portugal

• Excellent weather in most of Portugal throughout the year
• Welcoming Portuguese community and vibrant culture
• Delicious and healthy cuisine
• Lower cost of living compared to the USA, and affordable housing options
• Low crime rates and a democratic state

Cons of moving to Portugal

• If you want to learn Portuguese, it can take time to master the language
• Bureaucracy can be slow
• Scarce central heatin,g with some older homes not having central heating, meaning that it can get cold at night
• Carry cash, as not all establishments accept Visa or Mastercard payments.

How can Goldcrest help you?

At Goldcrest, we’re here to help you snap up your ideal property in Portugal. Whether you have your sights set on the Algarve or are enthralled by the beauty of Portugal’s capital, we’ll provide insightful real estate expertise and strategic advice. You can just sit back and relax as we do all the hard parts for you, from sourcing to property acquisition in some of Portugal’s finest locations.

All you need to do is contact us via the form below, and one of our friendly experts will be in touch.

Case Study: How Goldcrest helped this US expat find a home in Lisbon.