112: Dreaming of Portugal? Your step-by-step guide on moving to Portugal from the U.S.
How to Move to Portugal from the U.S.
If you’ve been wondering how to move to Portugal from the U.S., you’re in good company. Portugal has quickly become a top choice for Americans looking for a safer, more affordable lifestyle without giving up good healthcare or easy travel.
That said, moving abroad isn’t something you want to wing. Between visas, paperwork, housing, taxes, and residency timelines, there are a lot of moving pieces. This guide breaks down how to move to Portugal from the U.S. step by step, so you know exactly what to expect before you make the move.
How Long It Takes to Move to Portugal from the U.S.
Most Americans underestimate the timeline when moving to Portugal from the U.S.
From decision to full residency, the process typically takes 6 to 10 months, including:
- Document preparation and apostilles
- Visa approval at a Portuguese consulate
- Arrival setup in Portugal
Portugal’s bureaucracy can be slow, but planning ahead reduces delays.
How to Move to Portugal from the U.S. (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Choose the Right Portugal Visa for Americans
The first step in moving to Portugal from the U.S. is selecting the correct visa. Portugal’s residency process has two phases: applying in the U.S. and finalizing residency after arrival.
Common Portugal visa options for Americans include:
D7 Visa (Passive Income Visa)
Best for retirees or Americans with steady passive income. This visa requires proof of income, accommodation, health insurance, and significant physical presence in Portugal.
Digital Nomad Visa (D8)
Designed for Americans working remotely for non-Portuguese companies. Applicants must meet higher income thresholds and provide proof of foreign employment.
Golden Visa
Real estate no longer qualifies. Investment-based routes remain available but require significant capital and minimal time in Portugal.
Student Visa
Ideal for Americans enrolled in Portuguese universities or long-term language programs.
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents Before Applying
Document preparation is one of the most important steps when moving to Portugal from the U.S.
Required documents typically include:
- FBI background check with apostille
- Birth and marriage certificates with apostilles
- Proof of income or savings
- Health insurance valid in Portugal
- Proof of accommodation
Start preparing documents at least two to three months before your visa appointment.
Step 3: Apply for Your Portuguese NIF
A NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) is required for renting property, opening a bank account, and registering for healthcare.
Americans can apply for a NIF remotely using a fiscal representative before arriving in Portugal. This makes the transition significantly easier.
Step 4: Choose Where to Live in Portugal
Choosing where to live in Portugal depends on lifestyle and budget.
- Lisbon – International and fast-paced, with higher costs
- Porto – Smaller, traditional, and more affordable
- Algarve – Coastal living and slower pace
- Cascais and Estoril – Family-friendly and close to Lisbon
- Madeira and Azores – Island lifestyles with growing expat communities
Visiting multiple regions before committing is strongly recommended.
Step 5: Find Housing in Portugal as an American
Most Americans start with short-term rentals before signing long-term leases.
Expect:
- Two to three months of rent upfront
- One-year lease terms
- A Portuguese NIF and bank account
Starting with short-term housing helps avoid common rental obstacles.
Step 6: Open a Portuguese Bank Account
Opening a Portuguese bank account is required for paying rent, utilities, and taxes.
You will generally need:
- Passport
- NIF
- Proof of address
- Proof of income
- Visa or residency permit
Many Americans use digital services temporarily before opening a traditional account.
Step 7: Finalize Residency in Portugal
After arriving in Portugal, you must attend a residency appointment with AIMA.
Appointment delays are common, but you will receive temporary proof of residency while waiting for your physical card.
Healthcare in Portugal for Americans
Portugal offers both public and private healthcare options.
Once registered, Americans can access the public healthcare system at low cost. Many expats also choose private insurance for faster access and English-speaking doctors.
Cost of Living in Portugal
The cost of living in Portugal is significantly lower than in most U.S. cities.
Typical monthly budgets:
- Lisbon: €1,500–2,500
- Porto: €1,200–2,000
- Smaller cities and regions: €1,000–1,500
Groceries, transportation, and dining out are generally more affordable than in the United States.
Taxes for Americans Living in Portugal
Americans moving to Portugal from the U.S. must understand tax residency rules.
Spending more than 183 days per year in Portugal generally makes you a Portuguese tax resident. Americans must still file U.S. taxes and report foreign bank accounts.
Working with a cross-border tax advisor is essential.
Residency Renewal and Portuguese Citizenship
Portugal offers a clear long-term path for Americans.
- Initial residency: 1 year
- Renewals: two 2-year periods
- Eligibility for permanent residency or citizenship after 5 years
Portugal allows dual citizenship, meaning Americans do not need to give up their U.S. passport.
Is Moving to Portugal from the U.S. Worth It?
For many Americans, moving to Portugal from the U.S. offers a safer, more affordable, and more balanced lifestyle. While the process requires planning and patience, the long-term benefits often outweigh the challenges.
Want to Go Deeper Before You Move?
Before committing to a move to Portugal, two episodes from the Move Abroad podcast can help you avoid common mistakes:
- Episode 104: Before You Move Abroad, Take This One Trip First — why a strategic pre-move trip can save you time, money, and regret.
- Episode 91: U.S. Expat Taxes: What Every American Moving Abroad Should Know — a clear breakdown of what Americans need to understand about taxes before leaving the U.S.
Listening to these episodes will help you plan smarter and move abroad with fewer surprises.
