How to Move from the USA to Portugal

Are you wanting to trade up your American hustle for a slower, sunnier life in Portugal? There’s so much to be said for this Iberian country, and a prospective move is a time of excitement. But it also brings with it lots of questions.

How are you going to afford this? How do you find a job? What’s banking like?

If you’re concerned about these practical matters, don’t worry. This guide has you covered.

Portuguese Visa and Residency Options

The first step toward your Portuguese adventure is deciding on the right visa.

Here, we’ll get you oriented to your big three options:

1. The most popular among Americans is the D7 Visa, designed for retirees, remote workers, or anyone with steady passive income. This requires a reliable monthly income of around €870 or more—think pensions, rental income, or freelance earnings. After applying at your nearest Portuguese consulate in the US, you’ll receive an initial four-month visa. Once in Portugal, you’ll convert this to a residency permit, giving you access to public healthcare and the ability to travel visa-free across the Schengen area.
2. For digital nomads in particular, Portugal offers the D8 Visa, tailored specifically for remote workers earning around €3,000 monthly or more. Unlike the D7, the D8 initially lasts one year but is renewable or convertible to a longer-term residence permit.
3. Investment-minded expats typically go for the Portugal Golden Visa, which gives you permanent residency in exchange for a hefty chunk of money. Recent changes have shifted the focus away from direct real estate investments towards contributions in research, cultural projects, or venture capital funds, usually €500,000 or more. You can learn all the details in our full guide to the Portugal Golden Visa here.

There are many other options besides. Some are geared for students, others for entrepreneurs, and still others you can get through a Portuguese employer.

If you want a complete guide to all the visas Portugal offers, check out this resource.

Cost of Living in Portugal

One of the best surprises awaiting Americans in Portugal is the significant reduction in living costs. On average, living expenses can be 30–40% lower compared to the US, with rental prices roughly half those stateside. A comfortable monthly budget for a couple in areas outside Lisbon or Porto should be around $2,500–$3,000.

We go in-depth on the cost of living in Portugal here. But just for reference, here are some key figures:

On top of all this, dining out is delightfully affordable. A typical Portuguese “prato do dia” (daily special) lunch can be had for just €8–€12, and grocery bills tend to be half what you’d spend in the US.

Healthcare in Portugal

Portugal’s healthcare system is high quality and almost always much simpler and less expensive than in the US. The public system (SNS) provides comprehensive care, free or at minimal cost. Doctor visits, hospital stays, maternity care, and prescriptions are heavily subsidized, and emergency care is always accessible.

Many expats opt for supplemental private insurance to avoid waiting times for specialists or more complicated procedures.

But don’t worry, private health coverage in Portugal is inexpensive, typically around €400–€1,000 a year for even the most comprehensive plan.

Getting a Job in Portugal

Working for a local employer in Portugal is not the easiest part of your move. That’s because salaries are significantly lower than in the US. The average salary typically hovers around €1,200–€1,400 a month, but highly skilled tech roles might earn between €2,500–€3,000.

Sectors that expats typically thrive in include IT and tech startups, tourism, finance, and language education.

If you can, we recommend maintaining US-based remote work or living off passive income or pensions. You’ll almost always have a much more comfortable lifestyle.

If that’s not possible and you need to get a job here, proficiency in Portuguese is really essential.

Portuguese Housing and Accommodation

Home ownership is very common here. 78.3% of Portuguese people own their own homes. That, combined with lower housing stock, makes the rental market competitive, especially in Lisbon and Porto.

Lease agreements typically last one year, and you can then renew. Landlords usually require a security deposit—often two months’ rent. Furnished apartments are available but may come at a premium.

Before pulling the trigger, be really thorough in your understanding of what comes with your apartment and what doesn’t (especially with appliances, as Americans usually assume you’ll get full appliances, which isn’t always the case here). Also, be prepared for older buildings without central heating!

Always insist on a written lease (“contrato de arrendamento”) officially registered with authorities. And yes, patience is necessary; bureaucracy is a slow-moving friend in Portugal.

Portuguese Banking and Finances

Opening a Portuguese bank account begins with obtaining a NIF (tax identification number), essential for many of your basic daily tasks. So do this as soon as you can!

Most major banks offer accounts to expats, though be aware that US financial reporting requirements (FATCA) may complicate this slightly. Consider banks like Millennium BCP or Santander—our clients have found these are pretty easy choices.

Taxes require careful planning and some new rules to adjust to, so be sure to check out our full guide on Portuguese tax liability.

Portuguese Culture

Portuguese culture is usually a pretty delightful thing to get used to. It’s one based on community, politeness, and a slower pace of life—all good things.

Expect warm greetings that involve handshakes or kisses on both cheeks among friends. There’s also plenty of polite formalities (“bom dia,” “boa tarde,” “boa noite”).

Meals are leisurely, and life emphasizes family and social gatherings. If you are invited out to these, expect to take your time.

One last thing—you’ll quickly learn to adjust to the laid-back “hora portuguesa.” Appointments often run late, but along with that comes way less stress about timing. Letting go of the American culture of hurry proves to be a hurdle to many of our clients, but those same clients say that it’s the most rewarding and transformative part of their move.

Olá e bem-vindo à sua nova vida em Portugal!

Moving from the US to Portugal is the adventure of a lifetime. We’re so happy for you!

During your stay, you’ll probably become interested in citizenship. Learn more about our full guide on becoming a dual citizen of Portugal.