Why Americans Are Moving to Portugal
Portugal has become one of the most popular destinations for Americans looking to relocate abroad. With its rich cultural heritage, pleasant Mediterranean climate, andsignificantly lower cost of living, Portugal offers an exceptional quality of life that's attracting expats from across the United States.
Whether you're a digital nomad seeking the D8 Digital Nomad Visa, a retiree interested in the D7 Passive Income Visa, or an investor exploring the Golden Visa program, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about living in Portugal as an American.
300+ Days of Sunshine
Enjoy mild winters and warm summers with some of the best weather in Europe.
30-40% Lower Costs
Cost of living is significantly lower than major US cities while maintaining high quality.
3rd Safest Country
Portugal consistently ranks among the safest countries in the world for expats.
Excellent Healthcare
World-class healthcare system ranking 12th globally at a fraction of US costs.
Gateway to Europe
Easy access to all of Europe with Portugal residence. Direct flights to major US cities.
Welcoming Community
Large English-speaking expat community and friendly locals make integration easy.
How to Move to Portugal: Step-by-Step Guide
Moving to Portugal from the USA involves several key steps. Here's your complete roadmap to making Portugal your new home:
Choose Your Visa Type
Select the appropriate visa based on your situation. Most Americans choose:
- • D7 Visa - For passive income (retirement, investments, remote work)
- • D8 Visa - For digital nomads and remote workers
- • Golden Visa - For investors (€500K+ investment)
- • D2 Visa - For entrepreneurs starting a business
Gather Required Documents
Prepare the following documents (most need apostille and Portuguese translation):
- • Valid US passport (6+ months validity)
- • Proof of income (bank statements, pension, employment contract)
- • Health insurance valid in Portugal/EU
- • FBI criminal background check (apostilled)
- • Proof of accommodation in Portugal
- • Two passport-sized photos
Book VFS Appointment
Schedule your visa appointment at one of the 5 VFS Global centers in the US:
Submit Application & Wait
Attend your VFS appointment, submit all documents, and wait for processing. Typical processing time is 2-4 months. You'll receive notification when your visa is approved.
Move to Portugal & Get Residence Permit
Once your visa is approved, travel to Portugal within 4 months. After arrival, schedule your AIMA appointment to obtain your residence permit. Consider getting your NIF (tax number) before arriving.
Best Visa Options for Americans Moving to Portugal
Portugal offers several visa pathways for Americans. Choose based on your income source, work situation, and long-term goals:
D7 Passive Income Visa
Best for: Retirees, investors, freelancers with passive income
Requirements:
- • Min. income: €920/month (single)
- • Passive income sources
- • Health insurance
Benefits:
- • Path to permanent residency
- • Family reunification
- • EU travel freedom
D8 Digital Nomad Visa
Best for: Remote workers, freelancers, self-employed professionals
Requirements:
- • Income: 4x minimum wage (~€3,680/mo)
- • Work for non-Portuguese company
- • Proof of remote work capability
Benefits:
- • Designed for remote workers
- • 1-year initial, renewable
- • Path to permanent residency
Golden Visa (Investment)
Best for: High-net-worth investors, business owners
Investment Options:
- • €500K+ investment fund
- • €500K+ venture capital
- • €250K+ arts/culture
Benefits:
- • Minimal stay requirements
- • Family included
- • EU citizenship path (5 years)
D2 Entrepreneur Visa
Best for: Entrepreneurs, startup founders, business owners
Requirements:
- • Business plan for Portugal
- • Proof of investment capital
- • Create jobs in Portugal
Benefits:
- • Start/move business to Portugal
- • Access to EU market
- • Startup visa option available
Not sure which visa is right for you?Explore all Portugal visa types,compare D8 vs D7, or.
Moving to Portugal as a Digital Nomad
Portugal has become a top destination for digital nomads worldwide, and for good reason. The country offers the perfect combination of reliable internet infrastructure,affordable cost of living, thriving tech communities, and an exceptional quality of life.
Best Cities for Digital Nomads
- Lisbon
Capital city, vibrant startup scene, numerous coworking spaces
- Porto
Growing tech hub, more affordable than Lisbon, beautiful architecture
- Madeira
Island paradise, dedicated digital nomad village, perfect climate
- Cascais
Coastal town near Lisbon, beach lifestyle, expat-friendly
Why Portugal for Remote Work
- EU Time Zone - Perfect for US East Coast clients (5-hour difference)
- Fast Internet - Fiber available nationwide, average 100+ Mbps
- Coworking Culture - 100+ coworking spaces, many with ocean views
- D8 Visa - Purpose-built visa for digital nomads
- English Friendly - Widely spoken in business and tech circles
D8 Digital Nomad Visa Requirements
To qualify for Portugal's D8 Digital Nomad Visa, you need to demonstrate:
- • Monthly income of at least €3,680 (4x Portuguese minimum wage 2026)
- • Employment or contract with a non-Portuguese company
- • Ability to work remotely (proof of remote work arrangement)
- • Health insurance valid in Portugal
Moving to Portugal for Retirement
Portugal consistently ranks among the best retirement destinations for Americans. The combination of affordable healthcare, low cost of living,warm climate, and welcoming culture makes it ideal for retirees looking to stretch their savings while enjoying an exceptional quality of life.
Why Retirees Love Portugal
- Quality Healthcare - World-class at 70% lower cost than US
- Perfect Climate - Mild winters, sunny summers, great for health
- Stretch Your Savings - Live well on $2,000-3,000/month
- Safety - 3rd safest country globally, low crime
Popular Retirement Destinations
- Algarve (South)
Beach lifestyle, golf courses, large expat community
- Cascais/Estoril
Near Lisbon, upscale, excellent amenities
- Silver Coast
More affordable, authentic Portuguese life
D7 Visa for Retirees
The D7 Passive Income Visa is perfect for retirees with pensions, Social Security, or investment income:
Income Requirements:
- • Single applicant: €920+/month (~$1,000)
- • Couple: €1,380+/month (~$1,500)
- • Per dependent: €460/month
Accepted Income Sources:
- • US Social Security
- • Pension payments
- • Investment dividends
- • Rental income
Complete Retirement Guide
Explore our full retirement guide with best locations, healthcare details, visa step-by-step, and budgeting tips.
Retiring in Portugal: Complete Guide →Cost of Living in Portugal for Americans
One of Portugal's biggest draws is the affordable cost of living—typically 30-40% lower than major US cities while maintaining excellent quality of life.
| Expense | Lisbon | Porto | Algarve |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR Apartment (city) | $1,200-1,800 | $800-1,200 | $900-1,400 |
| Utilities (electric, water, gas) | $100-150 | $80-120 | $90-130 |
| Groceries (monthly) | $300-400 | $250-350 | $280-380 |
| Dining out (meal) | $12-25 | $10-20 | $12-22 |
| Health Insurance | $80-200 | $80-200 | $80-200 |
| Public Transport (monthly) | $45 | $40 | $50 |
| Total Monthly | $2,200-3,000 | $1,600-2,200 | $1,800-2,500 |
*Prices in USD, based on 2026 averages. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and location within each city.
Want More Details?
See our complete cost breakdown including Portugal vs USA comparison, city-by-city analysis, and budget planning tips.
Complete Cost of Living Guide →Practical Steps for Relocating to Portugal
Beyond the visa process, here are the essential practical steps to successfully relocate to Portugal:
Get Your NIF Number
The NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) is Portugal's tax identification number. You'll need it for:
- • Opening a bank account
- • Signing a rental lease
- • Setting up utilities
- • Many everyday transactions
VFS Appointment
All Portugal visa applications from the US go through VFS Global. Tips for success:
- • Book early (6-12 week wait times)
- • Prepare all documents in advance
- • Bring originals + copies
- • Consider professional assistance
Finding Housing
Secure accommodation before your visa application:
- • Start with short-term rental (Airbnb)
- • Use Idealista.pt for long-term rentals
- • Consider neighborhoods outside city center
- • Budget 2-3 months rent as deposit
- • Many landlords require NIF and proof of income
Learning Portuguese
While English is widely spoken, learning Portuguese enhances your experience:
- • Required for permanent residency (A2 level)
- • Free courses available for residents
- • Apps: Duolingo, Babbel, Pimsleur
- • Language exchange meetups in major cities
- • Most expats become conversational within 1 year
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Portugal
How do I move to Portugal from the USA?
To move to Portugal from the USA, you need to: 1) Choose the right visa (D7 for passive income, D8 for digital nomads, or Golden Visa for investors), 2) Gather required documents including proof of income, health insurance, and clean criminal record, 3) Book a VFS Global appointment at one of the 5 US locations, 4) Submit your application and wait for approval (typically 2-4 months), 5) Move to Portugal and apply for your residence permit within 4 months of arrival.
What is the cost of living in Portugal for Americans?
The cost of living in Portugal for Americans ranges from $1,500-2,500/month depending on location and lifestyle. Lisbon is the most expensive (around $2,500), while smaller cities like Braga or Coimbra are more affordable ($1,500-1,800). This includes rent ($800-1,500), utilities ($100-150), food ($300-400), healthcare ($50-150), and transportation ($50-100).
What is the best visa for Americans moving to Portugal?
The best visa depends on your situation: D7 Passive Income Visa is ideal for retirees or those with rental income, dividends, or pensions (minimum €920/month in 2026). D8 Digital Nomad Visa is perfect for remote workers earning at least €3,680/month (4x Portuguese minimum wage). Golden Visa is for investors (€500K+ fund investment). D2 Visa is for entrepreneurs starting a business in Portugal.
Can Americans retire in Portugal?
Yes! Portugal is one of the best retirement destinations for Americans. The D7 visa is specifically designed for retirees with passive income (pensions, Social Security, investments). Benefits include affordable healthcare, low cost of living (30-40% less than US), 300+ days of sunshine, excellent safety, and potential tax benefits under Portugal's tax regime.
Is Portugal a good place for digital nomads?
Portugal is excellent for digital nomads, ranking among the top digital nomad destinations globally. The D8 visa was created specifically for remote workers. Benefits include reliable high-speed internet, thriving coworking spaces in Lisbon and Porto, affordable cost of living, great weather, EU time zone alignment for US East Coast clients, and a large expat community.
What documents do I need to move to Portugal?
Required documents for Portugal visa applications include: valid US passport (6+ months validity), completed visa application form, proof of income (bank statements, employment contract, pension statements), health insurance valid in Portugal, clean criminal background check (FBI apostilled), proof of accommodation in Portugal, and two passport-sized photos. All documents must be apostilled and some translated to Portuguese.
How long does it take to get a Portugal visa?
Portugal visa processing typically takes 2-4 months after your VFS appointment. The timeline includes: 1) Document preparation (2-4 weeks), 2) VFS appointment booking (wait times vary by city, 2-8 weeks), 3) Application processing (60-90 days), 4) Visa issuance (1-2 weeks after approval). Working with a visa specialist like GetFastVisa can help expedite the process.
Do I need to speak Portuguese to live in Portugal?
No, you don't need to speak Portuguese to live in Portugal, especially in tourist areas and major cities like Lisbon and Porto where English is widely spoken. However, learning basic Portuguese will significantly improve your daily life, help with bureaucracy, and is required for permanent residency (A2 level after 5 years). Many expats take Portuguese classes after arriving.
What is the healthcare system like in Portugal?
Portugal has an excellent healthcare system ranking 12th in the world. Options for Americans include: SNS (public healthcare) accessible to residents with very low costs, private insurance (€50-200/month for comprehensive coverage), and private pay (affordable compared to US prices). Most doctors in urban areas speak English. Pharmacies are widely available with many medications cheaper than in the US.
Where do most Americans live in Portugal?
Most Americans in Portugal live in: Lisbon (capital city, vibrant culture, business hub), Cascais/Estoril (coastal towns near Lisbon, family-friendly), Porto (second largest city, growing tech scene), Algarve (southern coast, popular with retirees, beach lifestyle), and Madeira (island paradise, strong digital nomad community). Each offers different lifestyles and price points.