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Are you contemplating a move to Portugal from America? Well, the ultimate guide for Americans moving to Portugal in 2023.
American expats can reap many benefits from moving to this Southwestern European gem. Whether it is low crime rates, excellent quality of life, flexible visa and residence schemes, and beautiful weather.
Portugal offers you the best opportunity to live in Europe. So, are you ready to dive into the charming maze of Portuguese life?
Let’s get you prepped with expert advice for a seamless transition. In this ultimate guide for Americans moving to Portugal in 2023, you will find critical information that will help in your transition to world-class Portuguese cities.
Why are Americans Moving to Portugal?
According to the Portugal Immigration and Border Services (SEF), US citizens are moving to Portugal in droves.
In fact, the US tops the list in terms of the nations with approved applications for the Portuguese Golden Visa program in 2022. Here are just a few reasons that make Portugal attractive to Americans:
- Friendly to immigrants: The country is ranked the 5th best destination for expats. This could be attributed to its friendly policies and people. Portuguese are generally hospitable to new residents. That is why almost 10% of its population are immigrants.
- Safety: The 2021 Global Peace Index report shows that Portugal is the fourth safest country in the world. So, who wouldn’t love to live and work in a safe environment?
- Climate: Portugal enjoys a mild subtropical climate with steady temperatures. Summer is usually sunny and dry but not too hot, while winter is not too cold either. In this season, temperatures range from +4 to +10 C. The northern side is characterized by the maritime climate dominated by the Gulf Stream.
- Quality of Life: Portugal is probably the only European nation that is rated by InterNations as a top destination for Experts. But that is not all. Portugal is also one of the most affordable nations in the EU. As you will learn later in this ultimate guide for Americans moving to Portugal in 2023, prices in Portugal are significantly less than in the US.
How to move From the USA to Portugal
For new nomads, paperwork and unclear bureaucracy may seem daunting. Luckily expert help will simplify these issues for you.
That is why we created this ultimate guide for Americans moving to Portugal in 2023.
1. Visa Requirements
As an American passport holder, you need no visa to visit Portugal. You can stay in the country for up to 90 days visa-free.
But if you wish to stay longer, you can get an appropriate permit or visa, including work, residence, and family reunification visas.
Below are the three most common ways in which American citizens can relocate to Portugal:
a) Golden Visa program
This residency by investment program lets you stay in Portugal for up to 5 years if you make any of the following investments:
- Invest between €350,000 and €500,000 in real estate property.
- Invest at least €500,000 in investment funds
- Contribute at least €500,000 to scientific research
- Invest at least €250,000 in local arts or support a national heritage project
After five years, Golden Visa holders can apply for permanent residency.
b) D7 visa
This program allows Americans to live in Portugal as long as they can prove they receive a passive income of at least €760 ($808) per month.
c) Digital Nomad Visa
This program is popular among remote workers, such as developers. All you need to qualify for the program is to prove that you earn at least €2,800 ($3,007) per month.
Digital Nomad participants can stay in Portugal for up to 1 year.
2. Customs
Before moving your things to Portugal, it is crucial to understand the customs regulations that govern the shipping and transportation of possessions across the Atlantic to the Eurozone.
What it means is that Portugal is bound by EU laws and regulations. With that said, you can obtain a Luggage Certificate (Certificado de Bagagem) from your nearest Portuguese consulate.
They will likely ask you to provide a detailed list of items you wish to take to Portugal.
3. Shipping or Flying Your Possessions
If you are carrying bulky household items, then shipping them is the most cost-effective, but it is a slower option. Shipping your belongings by air is quick but expensive.
This option is suitable for less bulky and heavy items such as clothes and valuables. So, it all depends on how bulky your items are or how urgent you require your possessions.
4. Storage Spaces in Portugal
Portugal doesn’t have a lot of self-storage facilities, so you need some forward planning. Know if the option is available in the area you wish to relocate to.
5. Vaccinations
Most people already have routine vaccinations, such as diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, measles-mumps-rubella, polio, and varicella (chickenpox).
What you may need is the annual flu vaccination. While there are no major vaccination requirements when visiting an EU country, it is wise to consult your local doctor to avoid any surprises when you arrive in your new country.
6. Pets
Americans are allowed to take up to 5 pets to Portugal. If you have more animals to move, the commercial activity laws will take effect.
Also note that pets, such as cats, dogs, and ferrets, should be vaccinated against rabies 21 days before arrival. Each pet must have a US health certificate.
There might be additional documentation for dog breeds that are considered dangerous.
7. Accommodation
Before moving to Portugal from the US, you should decide on the ideal accommodation option. You could choose to buy a home or live in a rental property.
If you plan to purchase a home before arrival, know that the Portuguese property market is slightly complex. On top of this, you need an in-depth knowledge of the area before the purchase.
Therefore, renting a property offers more flexibility and involves less financial commitment. The only challenge is finding a long-term rental from abroad.
Americans Living in Portugal
Now that we have cleared the bureaucratic details out of our way, let’s take a deep dive into how life is in Portugal.
In this part of the ultimate guide for Americans moving to Portugal in 2023, we will explore critical aspects of living in Portugal, including the job market, cost of living, taxation, healthcare, education, connectivity and internet speeds, and much more.
1. Job Market
Portugal’s job market looks pretty awesome. The country is counted among the counties enjoying steady growth.
For this reason, Lisbon has become a strong global competitor for start-ups and tech companies. So, for developers and digital nomads who wish to have a promising career in Europe, Portugal is the ideal place to live.
Portugal has a minimum wage of $752, and it is not taxable because income tax is only applicable if you earn more than $780 per month. On average, professionals earn between $1,200 and 2,000 a month.
For instance, UX designers and software developers earn over $2,000 a month, while web developers take home $1,400 each month.
While Portugal may not seem like a place for developers to get rich, the quality of life is unpayable. Its workplace is less stressful as most things are meticulously unplanned.
You can keep track of your work in an organized way. Moreover, the purchasing power in this enchanting country is incredibly higher.
Developers are extremely sought after in Portugal. Most companies have vacant spots for developers, but they struggle to find the right candidates.
These jobs require professionals who understand English, which is a plus for Americans.
2. Internet Speed
Internet speeds are a deciding factor for many Americans moving to Portugal, particularly remote workers.
Thankfully, Portugal has robust fiber internet coverage. It enjoys some of the top speeds available throughout Europe.
You can get speeds up to 1 Gbps or 1,130Mbps. As of June 2022, Internet speed tester, SpeedTest.net, ranked Portugal’s internet as the 19th fastest in the world. These figures mean a lot to a developer.
3. Cost of Living for Americans
One of the attractive qualities of moving to Portugal from America is its affordability. Its major cities, such as Lisbon and Porto are among the cheapest European cities.
They are even much cheaper when compared to American cities. For instance, a one-bedroom apartment in Lisbon is around $750 – $1,500 a month, depending on the neighborhood.
A similar property in the US will cost upward of $2000. And that is not all, keep in mind that in smaller cities Braga or Porto, the rent is much lower.
Besides rent, a single person needs around $603 to live in Lisbon. A family of four can live comfortably on a $2,125 budget. The monthly living costs are much lower in Porto or Braga.
4. Taxes for American Expats in Portugal
As an American expat living in Portugal, you still have to fill in returns on both countries. Basically, you will need to pay taxes on your Portuguese earnings in Portugal and American earnings in the US.
Failure to comply with tax laws and regulations of both countries may result in penalties. Having said that, the Portuguese government introduced the Non-Habitual Residency (NHR) program targeting foreign expats.
The program offers tax incentives for ten years. You will be exempted from taxes on foreign-earned income, such as investments, rental income, pensions, employment income, and capital gains.
5. Healthcare
Portugal boasts a well-developed healthcare system. Its healthcare system is ranked above both the US and Canada.
All residents qualify for medical care through the National Health Service (NHS). As an expat, you need to register at the Instituto da Solidariedade in your city or district.
6. Education
If you are an American developer wishing to relocate to Portugal with your children, you will be happy to know that the county offers quality education at both public and international schools.
Public schools are free in Portugal. But if you prefer your children to attend an international school, there are plenty of English-based private schools.
The average fee per child in these schools is between $5,320 (€5,000) and $20,431 (€19,200), depending on the child’s age and school.
Frequently Asked Questions
US citizens can buy property in any part of Portugal. The Portuguese Golden Visa Program allows you to secure residence by investment.
You invest €500,000 in newer property or €350,000 in properties older than 30 years.
US citizens who leave the country do not lose their Social Security number.
However, if you stay outside the country for more than six months, you will no longer enjoy the Social Security benefits.
Options are available for people who wish to relocate to Portugal without a job.
For Instance, the D7 visa allows you to live in the country if you have passive income outside of Portugal.
If you have at least €250,000, the Golden Visa program will grant you a resident permit.
If you are a dual citizen with a Portuguese passport, you qualify for free medical care. Golden Visa holders also get full coverage insurance.
Traditionally, Americans choose one of these 3 top spots in Portugal: Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve.
– Lisbon is particularly attractive to American-based digital nomads because it offers excellent conditions for work, leisure, and proximity to nature.
– Porto is considered the center of cultural activities. It also rivals Lisbon in terms of the presence of IT companies.
– The Algarve is the most southern region of the country and has a climate that is almost similar to California. Its beautiful beaches may attract developers and digital nomads who love to live by the sea.
The Bottom Line
Moving to a new country is not a decision to be taken lightly. You can only decide after careful assessment of the pros and cons.
So, after going through this ultimate guide for Americans moving to Portugal in 2023, you are in a better position to know if it is worth moving to Portugal from America.
Portugal’s modern amenities, quality of life, relaxed lifestyle, lower cost of living, and warm climate have captured the hearts of many American expats seeking new exciting environments.
If you are still exploring options, you may want to know some other top countries for American expats as well as countries to avoid.
