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Moving to Portugal from the USA: Your Stress-Free New Start Under the Sun!
Portugal attracts with its mild climate, affordable cost of living, and high quality of life. If you are considering moving from the USA to Portugal, there are a few things to keep in mind. Learn more in our personal consultation and start your new life with ease!
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Portugal attracts with its mild climate, affordable cost of living, and high quality of life. If you are considering moving from the USA to Portugal, there are a few things to keep in mind. Learn more in our personal consultation and start your new life with ease!
Portugal attracts with its mild climate, affordable cost of living, and high quality of life. If you are considering moving from the USA to Portugal, there are a few things to keep in mind. Learn more in our personal consultation and start your new life with ease!
Portugal attracts with its mild climate, affordable cost of living, and high quality of life. If you are considering moving from the USA to Portugal, there are a few things to keep in mind. Learn more in our personal consultation and start your new life with ease!
Dreaming of a life in Portugal? Learn how to make your move from the USA seamless, explore the available visa options, and discover the best places to live. Find out more now!
Portugal is becoming increasingly popular among Americans seeking a change of scenery and a higher quality of life. Factors such as rising inflation, the political climate in the US, challenges in healthcare, and limited access to quality education contribute to this trend. According to Turismo de Portugal, the country recorded a significant increase in North American travellers in January 2024, leading to higher tourism revenues. Portugal offers accessible healthcare through the SNS, which is taxpayer-funded and available to anyone contributing to the social security system. The country is also considered one of the safest in the world. Cost of living varies depending on location and lifestyle, but it is generally lower than in many other European countries. The climate is predominantly Mediterranean, with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers.
Social media plays a key role in promoting Portugal by highlighting its affordability, safety, and overall quality of life. The D7 visa is available to individuals who meet certain passive income requirements (at least €9,840 per year). The Golden Visa programme has been modified, with property options removed, but investment options such as the Golden Solidarity Visa (€250,000 investment in equipment/infrastructure to support immigrants), the creation of ten jobs, or investments in scientific research or national heritage being retained. After five years of residence, one can apply for Portuguese citizenship. Major American communities are located in the Algarve, Cascais, Lisbon, Madeira, and Nazaré. After moving, registration with the SNS is essential for access to healthcare, and there are international schools, particularly in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve. Portugal has an agreement with the USA regarding driving licences, allowing Americans to drive without a new licence. For more information on moving to Portugal, visit our page.
Find the right visa and simplify moving to Portugal
The move to Portugal from the USA requires careful visa planning. There are various options, such as the D7 visa for passive income and the D8 visa for digital nomads. The offices of VFS Global process visa applications, but in San Francisco, there are significant delays (up to 5 months), making early application (6 months in advance) necessary. Document preparation is crucial, including the Hague Apostille for non-English documents and FBI background checks, which are valid for 90 days. After visa approval, immediate contact with AIMA is essential to secure residency. The processing of residency permits by AIMA takes about 90 working days.
Portugal offers various residence visas for Americans, including the D7 visa (passive income/retirees), the Golden Visa (investment-based, €250,000 - €500,000 investment), the Digital Nomad, the D2 visa (entrepreneurs), and the D3 visa (skilled professionals). After five years of legal residence, residents can apply for permanent residence or citizenship. The International Business Centre of Madeira offers a corporate tax rate of 5% until 31 December 2028, along with exemptions from withholding tax on dividend payments. To qualify, companies must create 1-5 jobs and invest €75,000 in tangible assets within six months or create six or more jobs within the same timeframe. The initial processing time for the residence visa is approximately 60 days. After arriving in Portugal with a residence visa, individuals have four months to complete registrations, including social security, tax, and address registration. For more information on emigrating from the USA, visit our page.
Prepare documents and formalities for a smooth relocation
Careful preparation of the necessary documents and formalities is crucial for a smooth move to Portugal from the USA. Required documents include the Hague Apostille for non-English documents and an FBI background check valid for 90 days. Foreign documents must be translated into Portuguese or English and properly legalized. After arrival, registrations with social security, the tax authority (NIF), and address registration are required. There is an agreement between Portugal and the USA regarding driving licenses that allows Americans to drive without a new license. However, validation or exchange at the IMT is necessary.
After visa approval, contacting AIMA immediately is essential to secure residency. The processing of residence permits by AIMA takes approximately 90 working days. After arriving in Portugal with a residence visa, you have four months to complete registrations, including social security, tax, and address registration. For transferring funds, Wise is recommended for smaller amounts and Currencies Direct for larger sums. For duty-free import of items that have been in your possession for over a year, consular validation is required. Remember, you must file your taxes in both the USA and Portugal, with the 'Finanças' portal facilitating Portuguese submissions.
Benefit from lower living costs and accessible healthcare
One of the main reasons why Portugal is attractive for Americans is the significantly lower cost of living. Consumer prices, including rent, are approximately 74% higher in the USA. Food prices are also significantly lower in Portugal, with prices about 89% higher in the USA. This has a considerable impact on daily expenses. Coastal regions like the Algarve offer more affordable living conditions compared to San Diego or Miami. The Portuguese health system (SNS) is tax-funded and accessible. With an Utente number, you have access to public services. Private health insurance costs between 25 and 35 € per month. The Portuguese health system ranks 12th in the world.
The public health system in Portugal is tax-funded and accessible, with minimal costs for appointments and treatments, while private healthcare is more affordable than in the USA. Utility costs are generally lower in Portugal, particularly for electricity and the internet. Food prices, including staples such as milk and bread, are cheaper in Portugal. Public transport is efficient and inexpensive, with government subsidies contributing to affordability. Fuel prices are higher in Portugal due to taxes, but the lower overall cost of living offsets this. The inclusion of VAT in the listed prices ensures transparency for consumers and avoids unexpected costs at the checkout. For more information on the costs of emigrating, visit our page.
Algarve, Lisbon and Madeira: Making the Most of Regional Diversity
Portugal offers a variety of regions that are attractive to Americans. The Algarve entices with its beaches, an international community, and over 300 sunny days a year. Lisbon is a vibrant capital with a rich cultural offering. Madeira provides a high quality of life and a mix of the familiar and new, with English widely spoken, particularly among younger generations. The property market in Madeira offers apartments at an average price of €2,920/m², corresponding to lower purchase costs than on the mainland. Alentejo captivates with tranquility, authenticity, and culinary highlights. The Algarve and Alentejo present good property opportunities.
The choice of the right region depends on your individual needs and preferences. The Algarve is ideal for beach lovers and offers a large international community. Lisbon is perfect for those seeking city life and cultural offerings. Madeira provides a unique blend of European and tropical flair and is especially popular with retirees. Alentejo is ideal for those seeking tranquility and authenticity. When choosing your region, you should also consider the availability of international schools, which are mainly found in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve. Divine Home offers you experienced real estate experts to assist you in navigating the Portuguese property market.
Optimising Tax Benefits and Financial Planning for Relocation
An important aspect when moving to Portugal from the USA is the tax implications. You need to declare your taxes both in the USA and in Portugal. The 'Finanças' portal simplifies Portuguese tax declarations. The NHR (Non-Habitual Resident) status was discontinued for new applications from 01/01/2024, but there is the NHR 2.0 / Research and Innovation programme, which potentially offers greater tax benefits. This programme provides a flat tax of 20% on income from employment or business activities for 10 years, with the condition of employment in Portugal.
For individuals with foreign companies (e.g., in Malta), there is the possibility to establish a Portuguese entity that generates over 50% of its revenue abroad, potentially allowing tax-free repatriation of foreign earnings under NHR 2.0. However, this requires careful structuring to ensure compliance with regulations, and potentially a confirmation from Portuguese authorities regarding the permissibility of such service agreements. Since 2023, crypto earnings are taxed, except for investors who hold them for more than a year. A genuine relocation of residence is crucial to avoid audits, which requires a complete shift of main residence and a verifiable stay in Portugal. We at GoMovin are happy to assist with planning your move.
Improve language skills and integrate into the community
For permanent residency in Portugal, knowledge of the Portuguese language is required. However, English is widely spoken, especially among the younger generations, e.g., in Madeira. Portugal is LGBTQIA+ friendly, with marriage equality since 2010 and anti-discrimination laws. It is recommended to seek professional assistance for tax, immigration, and business matters, for example, with Madeira Corporate Services (MCS). Integration into the Portuguese community can be facilitated by participating in local events, joining clubs and organisations, and connecting with other expats.
An important aspect of integration is learning the Portuguese language. Although English is widely spoken in many tourist areas and among the younger generations, mastering the national language facilitates everyday communication and allows you to better understand the culture. There are numerous language courses and online resources that can help you learn Portuguese. Additionally, it is useful to learn about Portuguese culture and traditions to avoid misunderstandings and behave respectfully. Participating in local events and festivals is a great way to get to know Portuguese culture and make connections. For more information about emigrating and what it entails, visit our page.
Moving to Portugal: Your stress-free fresh start with GoMovin
Portugal offers Americans an attractive combination of lower living costs, a high quality of life and a diverse culture. With the right preparation and planning, you can successfully manage your move to Portugal from the USA. Take advantage of the various visa options and explore the different regions to find the right place for you. Improve your language skills and integrate into the community to make the most of your fresh start under the sun.
At GoMovin, we understand that an international relocation can be a big challenge. That’s why we offer you comprehensive support at every step of your move to Portugal. From visa advice to organising transport and assisting with finding accommodation – we’re here for you. Contact us today to learn more about our services and plan your stress-free new beginning in Portugal. Government grants for heat pumps offer an excellent opportunity to invest in a sustainable and efficient heating solution. Whether it's a new build or the renovation of an old building, the available funding programmes and tax benefits make switching to a heat pump appealing and financially achievable.
With a variety of funding programmes and tax incentives, there are numerous ways to reduce the costs of installing a heat pump. We offer comprehensive advice and support in selecting the right heat pump, meeting technical requirements, navigating the application process and avoiding potential problems. By choosing a heat pump, you are investing in the future of your home. You not only reduce your energy costs and ensure consistent warmth, but you also make an important contribution to environmental protection. Now is the perfect time to explore the funding opportunities for your project. Contact us today to start your personalised consultation and submit your funding application quickly and easily. Register for free and receive an immediate initial estimate of your property’s renovation needs.
Further useful links
On the The World Bank website, you can find economic data and reports about Portugal.
OECD provides reports on quality of life and well-being in Portugal.
Statista offers statistics on the cost of living and quality of life in Portugal.
FAQ
Welche Visa-Optionen gibt es für Amerikaner, die nach Portugal umziehen möchten?
There are various visa options, including the D7 visa for individuals with passive income, the D8 visa for digital nomads, the Golden Visa for investors, and the D2 visa for entrepreneurs. The choice depends on your individual circumstances.
Wie lange dauert die Bearbeitung eines Visums für Portugal?
The processing time for a visa can vary. It is advisable to apply at least 6 months in advance, especially if you are submitting the application in San Francisco, where delays may occur. Processing residence permits through AIMA takes about 90 working days.
Welche Dokumente benötige ich für den Umzug nach Portugal?
You will need a valid passport, an FBI background check (no older than 90 days), the Hague Apostille for non-English documents, translations into Portuguese or English, and proof of sufficient financial means.
Wie hoch sind die Lebenshaltungskosten in Portugal im Vergleich zu den USA?
The cost of living in Portugal is significantly lower than in the USA. Consumer prices are about 74% lower, and food prices are about 89% lower. This is especially true for regions like the Algarve and Alentejo.
Welche Regionen in Portugal sind für Amerikaner besonders attraktiv?
Popular regions include the Algarve (beaches, international community), Lisbon (cultural offerings), Madeira (high quality of life), and Alentejo (tranquility, authenticity). The choice depends on your personal preferences.
Wie funktioniert das Gesundheitssystem in Portugal?
Portugal has a public health system (SNS) funded by taxes and accessible. A private health insurance is also available, costing between €25 and €35 monthly. The Portuguese healthcare system ranks 12th worldwide.
Welche steuerlichen Vorteile bietet Portugal für Neuankömmlinge?
The NHR (Non Habitual Resident) status has been discontinued for new applications, but there is the NHR 2.0 / Research and Innovation programme, which potentially offers greater tax benefits, especially for individuals working in Portugal.
Wie kann ich meine Sprachkenntnisse in Portugiesisch verbessern?
There are numerous language courses and online resources available to help you learn the Portuguese language. While English is widely spoken, mastering the local language facilitates integration and daily life.
