Why is Everyone Moving to Portugal? | USA Citizens Requirements

Portugal has become one of the most popular places in the EU to relocate because of its stunning, well-known cities and more reasonably priced standard of living than the US. You may have numerous questions about where to begin if you intend to relocate from the United States to Portugal. 

Portugal offers a decent quality of life and tourism and is a central location for traveling throughout Europe at a cheap cost of living. Given that you won’t need to spend more than you are doing in the USA, why not move in?

So, whether you are just trying to explore the country to understand the dynamics or get settled, we have covered you with our expert guide and options recommendations. Today, in this blog post, I will discuss various things, including how you can move, your accommodation, and how we can help you. Better delve deep into the details right away! 

How do You Move from the USA to Portugal? 

The Portuguese government provides a variety of visas, including work, residency, and family reunion visas. To enter Portugal for a stay longer than three months, you must obtain a resident permit as a citizen of America. In theory, US citizens can enter Portugal without a visa. Anyone holding an American passport is permitted entry into the nation for tourism or business for up to ninety days. However, if you intend to relocate from the US to Portugal, you will need the proper residency permission. For more information, let’s split the different procedures and talk about them in detail here below: 

US Citizens’ Eligibility for Residency in Portugal

For travel or business, Americans can enter Portugal without a Portugal Schengen visa and remain for up to three months (90 days). On the other hand, you must apply for a National (Long-Stay) visa, also called a Residency visa, if you want to stay in Portugal for longer than three months. This visa provides a pathway to permanent residence in Portugal and is often valid for over a year. Furthermore, there are several different visa choices available to US citizens, such as:

The Portugal Golden Visa and the D7 Visa are the most popular options for getting your first temporary residence visa. We’ll go into more detail about these visas in the following subsections. Also, each visa fulfils a different set of needs and situations.

Golden Visa Program

There is the Golden visa for non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss nationals. It enables candidates to obtain a Portuguese residency visa and invest in Portugal. Processing the Golden visa may take eight or ten months. It is suitable for a year, after which you can extend it for an additional year as long as you keep your investment in Portugal. The Portugal Golden Visa Program provides non-EU investors with the following advantages:

To apply, you must fulfil the prerequisites for a Portugal Golden visa. Among them are:

Digital nomad Visa 

The list of available visas has recently expanded to include the Digital Nomad Visa. This visa is intended for remote workers who want to live and work in Portugal yet are still employed elsewhere. Portugal launched the Digital Nomad Visa in 2022, allowing remote workers to apply as long as they can demonstrate that they make at least €2,800 a month. With this visa, digital nomads can continue working remotely in their current positions while taking in Portugal’s rich culture and way of life. 

D7 Retirement Visa 

The Portugal D7 Retirement Visa offers a golden opportunity for retirees seeking to enjoy the charm and beauty of this European gem. This visa program allows non-EU citizens to reside in Portugal, provided they have a stable income from pensions, investments, or other means. With its mild climate, rich history, and stunning landscapes, Portugal beckons retirees to savour a relaxed lifestyle amidst its picturesque cities, coastal retreats, and quaint villages. Whether indulging in delectable cuisine, exploring historic landmarks, or simply soaking in the sun-drenched beaches, Portugal promises retirees an enriching and fulfilling retirement experience.

To reside in Portugal, you must fulfil specific requirements to obtain a D7 visa. Among them are:

D2 Entrepreneur Visa 

The Portuguese government established this visa to attract foreign capital and resources and bolster the nation’s economy. The D2 Entrepreneur Visa application requires proof of adequate finances to support a Portuguese residence. This visa is specifically designed for American company owners who want to start or invest in a business in Portugal to gain permanent residency and possibly citizenship.

Other Visa Options for Portugal

Student Visa

This is for nationals of the United States who get an admission offer from a Portuguese higher education institution.

Tech Visa

Portuguese businesses use this visa to get top tech talent from around the world to work for them in Portugal.

Startup Visa

This visa is intended for foreign business people who wish to launch a cutting-edge venture in Portugal.

Why Should You Move to Portugal from America? 

Living Expenses

One of the key factors influencing the decision of many foreigners to relocate to Portugal is the low cost of living. However, other factors besides the cost of living draw Americans to Portugal. The Portuguese government has recently been encouraging economic growth and attracting outside capital.

Meals & Dining Out Costs

Compared to the US, groceries and eating out are far less expensive, particularly in well-known areas like the Algarve, where fresh fish and regional produce are plentiful. The cuisine is excellent in terms of quality and affordability. Portugal has remarkably stringent animal care and sanitation regulations compared to the US. 

Medical Care 

Portugal pays attention to medical treatment. The nation provides its citizens with private healthcare options and a well-regarded public healthcare system. For foreigners living in Portugal, public healthcare is pretty easy to get. After registering with their neighbourhood health centre (Centro de Saúde) and obtaining an SNS number (Medical Health Number), all they have to do is pick up an appointment from the healthcare centre, and they can get themselves checked. 

Don’t hesitate to contact us if you need help applying for your SNS number.

Benefits of the Weather 

You can enjoy the pleasant climate of Portugal all year round. Portugal’s climate, with its pleasant summers and moderate winters, particularly in areas like Lisbon, is quite alluring to Americans. Because of Portugal’s varied climate, you can relocate to a place that best fits your interests.

Natural Beauty

Portugal is well known for its stunning natural surroundings and fantastic temperature. Famous locations like the Algarve Region, which is well-known for its gorgeous coastline and picturesque countryside in southern Portugal, and picturesque cities like Lisbon, Porto, Braga, and Aveiro, among others, have incredible natural beauty sites. 

Quality Education

Portugal places a high value on education and is dedicated to providing its citizens with top-notch education. Degrees from Portuguese universities are also highly respected within the EU, giving graduates excellent employment prospects throughout the EU.

Advanced Tech Sector

Portugal is seeing a boom in the tech sector, particularly in cities like Lisbon and Porto, where the country’s plentiful supply of talented people and advantageous business environment are helping new and established businesses. Portugal has created the Digital Nomad Visa and is home to a burgeoning remote work culture for individuals who wish to work from home.

Various Residency Options

The Portuguese residence permit is one of the many visa and residency options available to Americans in Portugal. The D7 Passive Income Visa, D2 Entrepreneur Visa, and Golden Visa are beautiful possibilities. Furthermore, the incredible residency-by-investment scheme, the Portugal Golden Visa scheme, provides many investment opportunities.

Moving to Portugal from the USA – What Do I Need? 

Customs

Understanding the customs laws controlling your possessions’ shipping and transportation is crucial. Entering Portugal also involves entering the European Union, where Portuguese rules and regulations apply to the Portuguese government and all Portuguese nationals. You must contact your nearest Portuguese Consulate and present a comprehensive inventory of all the things and home goods you plan to carry to receive Certificado de Bagagem before your move. 

Transporting and Air Cargo

You are given a few choices if you relocate your items and home goods to Portugal. Out of many, shipping your goods by water is the most economical choice but also the slowest, arriving in a while.

Pets

Be aware that Portugal is subject to European Union (EU) laws on the importation of animals if you are moving there from the United States with your pets. For identification purposes, make sure your pets have a visible tattoo or are microchipped before the transfer. Additionally, they must receive a rabies vaccination, with the shot administered at least 21 days before migration. 

Creating an Account with a Bank

US nationals who want to open a Portuguese bank account must first get a Portuguese tax number (TIN). To finish the procedure, they must physically visit a local bank office. For US nationals relocating to Portugal, obtaining a Portuguese NIF is essential as it is required for several financial operations.

Contact us for Better – Find Help.

As an American expat, moving to Portugal might seem like a big deal at first, but it might end up being the best decision of your life. Moving from the United States of America to Portugal includes several procedures and decisions related to visas, finances, healthcare, and education. However, if you prepare and plan well, you can quickly go through this process and begin your new life in sunny Portugal.

But if you are struggling, I recommend getting help from any authentic organization. A sequential NIF (tax identification number) is utilized in Portugal for tax and customs reasons. It is necessary to conduct financial transactions, so you better get this done as soon as you land in Portugal. As a legitimate and knowledgeable firm, we have assisted many immigrants in receiving their NIF at their homes in a matter of days. So, why waste your precious time? Contact us for additional details and offers now. 

Frequently Asked Questions