Many middle-class Americans, not just the rich, are seeking visa pathways they'd only vaguely considered before.

Portugal is one of the top destinations for this wave of American expats. The tax benefits, affordable living costs, universal healthcare, and genuine work-life balance have made the country a popular choice. 

In this article, we'll cover why are Americans moving to Portugal, the benefits of relocating, and tips for expats. You'll learn about the different visa options, real cost comparisons, and how you can apply for Portugal. 

Why are so many Americans going to Portugal?

Political unrest, strict immigration enforcement, and higher cost of living has pushed many Americans to move abroad. For many, European countries offer a better quality of life and more affordable living costs than the U.S.

But why are Americans moving to Portugal instead of other European countries? Portugal ranks among the better options due to a stable economy, mild climate, affordable housing, work-life balance, and job opportunities. 

The visa pathways are also clear and less restrictive compared to other European countries like Germany, France, Italy, or Spain. This allows Americans to move and live comfortably, while maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Benefits of moving and living in Portugal for Americans

Here are the benefits of moving to Portugal:

Quality of life

Compared to America, Portugal offers a better lifestyle for both young and retired Americans. According to U.S. News & World Report, the country ranks #20 in quality of life due to political stability, affordability, income equality, and a good job market. 

Affordable cities

Portugal offers the most affordable cities, including Braga, Coimbra, Aveiro, and Setúbal. They provide cheaper housing rates than the main cities, like Lisbon and Porto. Americans can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle with infrastructure, healthcare, and community.

Healthcare 

Portugal’s healthcare ranks among Europe's best systems, offering both public and private options that are affordable and accessible to legal residents. The Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS) provides universal coverage for a small co-pay.

Many Americans also prefer private healthcare with English-speaking doctors and fast access. The basic insurance in the country starts at around $55–$110 monthly, while general practitioner visits cost $55.

Education

Most Americans send their children to international schools in Portugal that offer British (IGCSE/A-Levels), American (US High School Diploma), and International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes. Annual tuition in Portugal ranges from $7,700–$18,500, depending on the school and grade level. 

Safety and political stability

Portugal ranks 7th globally in the 2025 Global Peace Index, making it one of the safest countries in the world and safer than the United States.

Political stability is equally strong. Portugal scores 0.71 on the World Bank's Political Stability Index, well above the global average of 0.06. It has a stable democracy, consistent rule of law, and minimal risk of political unrest.

LGBTQ+ friendly

Portugal ranks 11th in Europe for LGBTQ+ rights with a 67% score on the ILGA-Europe 2025 Rainbow Map. The country legalized same-sex marriage in 2010, adoption rights were granted in 2016, and conversion therapy was criminalized in 2024.

Lisbon is considered Portugal's gayest city, with LGBTQ+ friendly neighbourhoods like Bairro Alto and Príncipe Real. Porto, the Algarve, and Madeira also offer welcoming communities. 

Gun control 

Portugal has strict gun control laws compared to the United States. Carrying firearms in public is heavily restricted.

EU access

Portugal residents get visa-free travel access across all 27 Schengen countries. Americans move freely throughout most of Europe without additional visas or border checks.

The affordable cost of living in Portugal is attracting Americans

Portugal's cost of living is one-third lower than the United States. The housing and healthcare cost difference is one of the major reasons why Americans are moving to Portugal.

Here’s a quick comparison table for cost of living in Portugal vs U.S.:

Path to European residency and citizenship for Americans

Portugal offers a clear and fastest pathway to permanent residency and citizenship in Europe. The country also allows dual citizenship, so you don't have to renounce your US passport. 

Once you qualify for a Portugal visa, you get a residence permit that you need to renew every 2 years. After 5 years of residence, you can apply for Portugal residency, which removes renewal requirements and provides nearly all the rights of citizenship except voting. 

You can also apply for Portuguese citizenship after five years of legal residence. But you must meet the requirements: 

• Proficiency in the Portuguese language (A2 level)
• Maintain a clean criminal record.

Tax benefits for Americans relocating to Portugal

Portugal's tax system offers progressive tax rates from 12.5% to 48%. 

You can also get higher advantages through Portugal’s NHR 2.0 (IFICI) regime:

• Flat 20% rate: Qualifying professionals pay 20% on Portuguese-source income.
• Foreign income benefits: Most foreign-source income for NHR 2.0 holders is exempt or favourably treated.
• 10-year guarantee: Tax benefits locked in for a decade.
• No wealth tax: No tax on worldwide wealth.

Although Americans living in Portugal must file taxes in both countries, the US-Portugal tax treaty prevents double taxation through foreign tax credits. 

Touchdown provides tax consultation services for American expats. Our team of experts closely evaluates your income to personalise and structure your tax strategy. We also make sure you maximise NHR 2.0 benefits, so you can enjoy your new life in Portugal.

Portugal for remote working Americans

Portugal has become one of Europe's top destinations for American remote workers. Although you can enter the country visa-free for 90 days, you need to apply for a Digital Nomad visa to stay longer.

Portugal offers work-friendly environments with an affordable cost of living for remote workers. The average cost of living ranges from $2,500 to $3,000 for a couple. If you live in big cities like Lisbon or Porto, you might pay more for your daily living expenses.

Portugal also has many coworking spaces all over the country, with monthly costs ranging from $104–$350 depending on amenities and location. You can also get fast fibre networks and 5G coverage in most cities and towns. 

Many Americans also prefer Portugal’s time zone, which overlaps with the US East Coast (usually a 4-5 hours difference). This makes working with American teams manageable.

Retiring in Portugal 

Many American retirees prefer Portugal due to its mild-climate, healthcare access, vibrant cultural events, and walkable cities.

Portugal offers a dedicated visa for retired passive income earners called the D7 Visa that gives applicants access to Europe and a path to Portuguese citizenship. 

Portugal's lower costs make it easier to afford a comfortable lifestyle with retirement savings. Under certain conditions, you may also qualify for Portugal's NHR 2.0 regime, which offers favorable tax treatment on some foreign income. 

Visa pathways for Americans moving to Portugal

Here are some visa pathways available for U.S. citizens who want to move and live in Portugal:

D8 Visa

The D8 Digital Nomad Visa allows non-EU remote workers and freelancers to live in Portugal while working for foreign companies remotely.

Here’s what you need to qualify for the D8 Visa:

• Earn at least €3,480 per month (4× the 2025 Portuguese minimum wage)
• Show about €10,440 in savings to prove financial stability
• A 12-month rental lease in your name
• Travel insurance valid for at least six months
• A clean criminal record, Portuguese NIF, and bank account

If applying with family members, you must show additional savings of 50% for spouse and 30% for each dependent child.

Successful applicants receive a 4-month entry visa, followed by a 2-year renewable residence permit that grants access to healthcare, education, and Schengen-wide travel.

D7 Visa

D7 Visa is designed for non-EU citizens who earn a passive income, such pensions, dividends, or rental income. It’s best for retirees, independent individuals, and people who have remote passive income. 

Here’s what you need to qualify for D7 Visa:

• Earn passive income equivalent to Portugal’s monthly minimum wage, which is €870 as of 2026
• Show a year worth of savings (€10,440) equal to Portugal’s minimum yearly wage
• Proof of passive income through bank statements, pension letters, or investment documents
• A 12-month rental contract in Portugal
• 6-month travel insurance covering the Schengen area
• Clean criminal record, Portuguese NIF, and bank account

If applying with family members, you must show additional income: 50% more for a spouse and 30% more for each dependent child.

Successful applicants receive a 4-month entry visa, followed by a 2-year renewable residence permit. You must spend at least 16 months in Portugal during the first 2 years to maintain residency status.

Golden Visa

The Golden Visa Programme offers residency through qualifying investments in Portugal's economy. It is designed for high-net-worth individuals seeking flexible European residency.

The visa doesn’t require minimum income requirements, but you must make one of the following investments to qualify:

• €500,000 in regulated investment funds 
• €500,000 in scientific research projects
• €250,000 in cultural heritage or artistic initiatives
• €500,000 in Portuguese companies creating five permanent jobs or maintaining ten existing jobs (with at least five being permanent roles)
• Create 10 full-time jobs in Portugal (or 8 jobs in low-density areas) without additional capital investment
• Create 5 jobs alongside a €500,000 investment

The Golden Visa requires minimal physical presence.You need to stay 7 days in the first year, then 14 days across years two and three, and another 14 days across years four and five. You can also apply for permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship, but you must maintain your investment for 5 years.

Work Visa

Work Visa allows non-EU nationals with a confirmed job offer to live and work in Portugal long-term. There are many work visa types, including job seeker visa, D1 Visa, ICT Visa, Tech Visa, or EU Blue Card, depending on your profession.

Successful applicants get a residence permit and may apply for Portuguese citizenship after 5 years. 

Quick comparison table: Which Portugal Visa is best for you?

How difficult is it for a US citizen to move to Portugal?

Moving to Portugal comes with a unique set of obstacles, from legal issues to tax planning and application processing. Here are some common challenges Americans face when moving to Portugal:

Bureaucratic reality

Portugal's immigration system involves multiple government agencies, lengthy processing times, and detailed documentation requirements. You'll need to coordinate with AIMA (immigration authority), tax offices, and banks.

Appointments can also take 2-3 months to secure, and missing a single document can delay your application. 

Financial considerations

Beyond visa requirements, you need to budget for application fees, apostilled documents, translations (if original documents are not in Portuguese), health insurance, and initial living costs. You'll also need proof of income or savings that meets Portuguese thresholds. 

If relocating with family, these amounts increase by 50% for a spouse and 30% per child.

Language barrier

Although main cities like Lisbon and Porto are English-speaking friendly, government offices operate in Portuguese. You'll encounter forms, legal documents, and official communications entirely in Portuguese. 

You should learn basic Portuguese for daily conversations and interactions to make your life easier. 

Touchdown makes relocating to Portugal a breeze for Americans

Each journey is unique, but the goal is always the same: to help you secure residency, structure your taxes with clarity, and thrive in one of the most beautiful, forward-thinking countries in Europe.

Touchdown is Portugal's leading relocation platform. Backed by a veteran team of expert lawyers, we simplify the entire relocation journey by providing everything you need to set up and thrive in your new home through an integrated, easy-to-use platform.

We evaluate your situation, recommend the best visa pathway, and create a personalised plan, so you can move to Portugal with confidence. Book an introduction call with our team today.

FAQs

Is Portugal easy to immigrate to?

Portugal is relatively accessible compared to other EU countries, but this depends on your situation. If you meet the financial requirements and have proper documentation, the visa options are simple for you. But the process involves bureaucratic steps, Portuguese-language paperwork, and waiting periods of 2-3 months for appointments. 

Touchdown simplifies immigration process to Portugal. Our team of experts and lawyers evaluate your case and provide a personalised strategy, so you can move to Portugal with confidence. 

Is Portugal still welcoming to Americans?

Yes, Portugal offers multiple visa pathways for US citizens, including the D7, D8, Golden Visa, and work visas. Portugal's government actively promotes immigration to address labor shortages and demographic challenges, particularly in technology, healthcare, and skilled professions. 

How much money do you need to move to Portugal?

The financial planning depends on your visa pathway. You need to have €870 monthly passive income plus €10,440 in savings for the D7 visa. The D8 requires you to earn €3,480 monthly income and €10,440 in savings. The Golden Visa needs €250,000-€500,000 in qualifying investments. 

Beyond visa requirements, you also need to budget for application fees, apostilled documents, translations, health insurance, renting, and lawyer consultation fee.