The Ultimate Guide For Americans in Portugal

Thousands of Americans have been choosing to move to the Southwestern European country of Portugal every year.

In fact, the number of Americans in Portugal has been steadily growing in recent years, thanks to its astonishing beaches, favorable weather, and affordable cost of living.

Most live in the Algarve, but some are in major cities, such as Lisbon, Porto, and Madeira. Living in Portugal is a dream for many Americans. 

However, the process of relocating from the US can be daunting. First, you need to be aware of the transition process and the key differences in culture and lifestyle.

That is why we have put together this guide for a smooth transition to Portugal. So, if you are an adventure-seeking American ready to embrace the allure of Portugal, read to the end of this guide. 

Why Move to Portugal?

This Southwestern European gem has a lot to offer to adventure-seeking Americans. It is a home away from home with less stress and an affordable lifestyle.

Here are the full details of why you should live in Portugal at least once in your lifetime:  

1) Fantastic Weather and Beauty 

For many, Portugal’s rich history, warm weather year-round, and natural beauty are irresistible. The country boasts many pristine beaches, ancient cities, and laid-back lifestyles. Moreover, you will get to enjoy 300+ days of sun. 

2) Friendly Locals

Portugal’s greatest asset is its people. The population is welcoming to foreign expats. Portuguese people have the reputation for being easy-going and open-minded, so settling down is not a big issue. 

3) Great For Raising a Family 

Portugal offers the best environment for raising a family. And if you still need to be convinced, let’s check the stats. According to the Family Life Index, Portugal ranks 9th out of 50 places.

This sun-kissed country offers top-quality childcare support infrastructure, high-quality education, and several opportunities for your children to excel in life.  

4) Work-Life Balance

According to Expat Insider, Portugal is one of the top countries that offer better work-life harmony. With a safe environment and robust economy driven by real estate and tourism.

Major cities like Porto, Lisbon, and the Algarve are bustling with opportunities for all looking to work and explore. 

Moving To Portugal From The US

The Portuguese government encourages American professionals to move into the country by simplifying the relocation process. But before you can apply for a visa, here are a few things that you should know: 

1. Customs

Getting through Portuguese customs is a walk in the park if you follow simple instructions. First, obtain a Certificado de Bagagem (Luggage Certificate) from your local consulate or embassy.

The certificate details the possessions that you wish to carry along on your journey to Portugal. Your certificate will arrive within days if you provide all the relevant details. 

2. Flying and Shipping Possessions

Due to Portugal’s geographical advantage, getting your belonging to the country is a breeze. You have several options to get your things there.

If you don’t mind the cost, flying them is the fastest way to get there. It usually takes no more than 4 days.

But if you want an option that is kinder to your pocket, sea freight is a better alternative. Of course, you will wait a little longer. 

3. Storage Spaces

While you must book storage space in advance, a quick Google search will give you many storage options. Most companies work 24/7 and are friendly to expats.

Unfortunately, you must contact them via phone or email for exact pricing. 

4. Moving with Pets

The Portuguese authorities do not restrict visitors from bringing pets into the country. However, you should vaccinate your pets for rabies and have a vet examine them.

These pets should be at least three months old. Besides this, your pet should not be considered dangerous. You must sign a liability waiver if your pet falls under the dangerous category. 

5. Vaccinations

Portugal doesn’t have specific vaccination requirements, but it is best to seek clarification from your local doctor before embarking on the journey. 

Portuguese Visas for Americans 

Americans in Portugal can enjoy a visa-free stay in the country for up to 90 days. But if you plan to live in Portugal for over three months, you can apply for a relevant visa or resident permit. 

The Portuguese border service, SEF, handles all visa applications and processing. So, if you are already in the country, visit these offices with the required documents.

Alternatively, you can apply for your visa online via the SEF portal. As an American, you qualify for different forms of visa and resident permits, which include the following:

• D7 Visa
• D2 Visa
• The Golden Visa
• Student Visa
• Startup Visa

Among these visas, the most popular ones are the Golden Visa and the D7 Visa. Let’s look at each of these two:

1. Portuguese Golden Visa: This visa scheme allows Americans in Portugal to obtain a resident card, which grants them permission to live, study and work for up to five years. It also allows you to travel to 26 EU countries visa-free.  

2. Portugal D7 Visa: This visa program targets retired and remote professionals who wish to live in Portugal. So if that is you, it is important to have proof of income. 

Living and Working in Portugal

1. Cost of Living in Portugal

Generally, the cost of living in Portugal is more affordable than in the US. However, this might vary by location. Major cities like Lisbon and Porto are slightly more expensive than rural towns.

For instance, a single person in these cities can live comfortably with €1,500 per month. Let’s break down this figure further:

• €830 will go to rent, but it can go up to €1,000 when you include utilities such as WiFi and electricity.
• €50 will cater for transportation
• €200 is enough for groceries
• €200 will go to entertainment and eat outs
• €50 is enough for private health insurance. Of course, you can use the National Health Service if you are a legal resident.

As you can see, earning more than €2,000 per month can enable you to enjoy life in Portugal. 

2. Housing in Portugal

As an American in Portugal, you have two main accommodation options: rent an apartment or buy a house. 

a) Renting an Apartment In Portugal

It can be daunting to find an apartment through word of mouth. So you will probably search for vacant apartments online. However, most adverts don’t provide full details of the apartment.

You will have to call to find out prices and other critical information. The good thing is that you can negotiate for better terms. 

Another thing to note is that it is not uncommon to find landlords who don’t offer a rental contract. They do so because they want to avoid taxes.

So, this is illegal. Besides that, you will remain vulnerable to rent increases.. 

b) Buying a House In Portugal 

Americans in Portugal can take advantage of the Golden Visa scheme to acquire properties in different parts of the country.

So, if you can afford a house, that is a better option than renting. Here is the process of buying a home in Portugal:

1. To buy a property, you need a Portuguese Tax Number (NIF), which you can get from any government finance agency. 
2. The next step is to search for available properties in Portugal and make a reservation. Once you have found the right property and agreed to terms with the seller, you need to make a reservation. We recommend that you involve a lawyer in the process. 
3. After your lawyer has gone through all the real estate documents, request a promissory report that has all the property details. You will make a down-payment of 10 – 60 percent. 
4. You can clear the remaining balance if the property is debt-free and has the necessary licenses. From here, your lawyer will register the house in your name. 

3. Healthcare in Portugal

The best thing about healthcare in Portugal is that it won’t hit your pocket hard. The country has a robust and affordable public healthcare system.

The public system is available for legal residents above 65 and below 18. Most Americans in Portugal will probably sign up for private medical insurance, which serves them until they become permanent residents.

The good news is that private health insurance is affordable, too. Packages start from $440 up to $1,100 per year.  

4. Education System in Portugal

Portugal’s education system is both top-notch and affordable. Education in the country is free for all legal residents up to 18.

There are also a plethora of international schools that follow the American curriculum. The fees in these schools range from $9,700 to $16,000. 

5. Working in Portugal

Over the last few years, there has been a surge in the number of expats in Portugal. These professionals comprise 3.2% of the population, which is still low compared to other top European destinations.

So, there is still room for Americans in Portugal to explore work opportunities. Here are just a few things to note:

a) Finding a Job In Portugal

You will find a stable job in Portugal if you have the right qualifications and relevant work experience. Most job opportunities require that you know some Portuguese.

However, large companies offer better opportunities for English-speaking expats. There is also the possibility of securing a job with international companies that allows you to work remotely from Portugal. 

b) Salaries In Portugal

Portuguese salaries are not comparable to what you earn in America, but you will spend less here. The average monthly salary in 2020 was €1,314 or €18,000 annually when you consider holiday bonuses.

Comparably, the average annual salary in the UK is €40,000, while in the US, it is around €50,000. 

With that said, certain positions and industries pay better salaries. For instance, managerial positions in medical management, tourism, and industrial boardroom positions can pay over six figures to Americans in Portugal. 

c) Labor Rights in Portugal

Americans in Portugal enjoy the same rights as Portuguese workers. Here are some of the labor rights and laws that protect workers in Portugal:

• Maximum working hours are 40 hours per week
• The minimum working age is 18 years
• Night workers are entitled to a 25% increase
• The maximum workday time is 8 hours 
• Workers are entitled to 22 working days of holiday

6. Taxation in Portugal

Foreigners in Portugal are eligible for the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) taxation scheme. This tax regime offers a reduced tax rate to foreign residents.

Sometimes, you get a full tax exemption for the initial 10 years. 

Related Posts: 15 Best Countries to Move To From the USA

The Bottom Line: Is Portugal the Best Place for Americans

Portugal offers limitless opportunities to Americans who seek new experiences, friendships, way of life, and an exciting environment.

Besides the beauty of its landscape, warm climate, and affordable lifestyle, Portuguese people are friendly to Americans.

But as you embark on your journey to this European gem, remember that transitioning to another country is a big decision.

Thankfully, proper planning and preparation can make the whole process smooth.