How to Immigrate to Portugal from USA – Visas, Steps, and Tips

Dreaming of a life in Portugal? The golden beaches of the Algarve, the laid-back pace of life in Lisbon, and the country’s favorable tax and residency programs have made Portugal one of the most popular destinations for Americans looking to start fresh abroad.

But what does it actually take to move?

As a company that’s helped clients navigate relocations to Portugal, including several Americans settling in Portugal, we can tell you it’s more accessible than you think, especially when you understand the process and have the right paperwork ready.

We’ll walk you through how to immigrate to Portugal from the USA, including:

• What visa options are available (from digital nomads to retirees and investors)
• How much money you realistically need
• Which jobs are best suited for Americans
• Step-by-step relocation advice

We’ll cover the latest 2024-2025 updates to visa programs (like the Golden Visa changes), outline visa options (D7, Digital Nomad D8, D2 entrepreneur visas, etc.), and walk through requirements and processes. 

Moving to Portugal from the USA: Pros and Cons

Relocating to Portugal from the U.S. is a big decision, and like any major life change, it comes with both benefits and trade-offs. 

Every country has its advantages and drawbacks. Portugal consistently ranks as one of the top destinations for expats due to its many positives, but it also has a few challenges that Americans should consider. 

We’ve prepared a realistic breakdown of what you can expect when making the move.

If your income is location-independent, like remote work or passive income, you’ll likely find the quality of life in Portugal to be exceptional. 

But if you’re expecting to land a high-paying job locally, you’ll need to adjust your expectations or look into multinational employers and expat-heavy industries.

How to Immigrate to Portugal from the USA: A Step-by-Step Guide

No matter if you’re planning a long-term stay, retiring abroad, or seeking EU residency, this step-by-step guide will walk you through exactly how to move to Portugal from the USA, from legal paperwork to touching down in Lisbon.

Step 1: Choose the Right Visa for Your Situation

Start by identifying which visa best matches your profile:

• D7 Visa – Best for retirees or people with passive income (e.g., investments, rental income).
• D8 Visa – For digital nomads or remote workers with stable income from abroad.
• D2 Visa – Designed for entrepreneurs or self-employed individuals starting a business.
• Golden Visa – Ideal if you plan to invest €250,000+ and want minimal stay requirements.

Pro Tip: If you plan to live full-time in Portugal, the D7 or D8 is the best starting point. If you want to invest and visit occasionally, the Golden Visa offers more flexibility.

Step 2: Get Your Portuguese NIF (Tax ID Number)

The NIF is required to do things like open a bank account or sign a lease. You can obtain a NIF before moving – either in person in Portugal (if you visit) or remotely via a service or with a power of attorney.

Many Americans get their NIF online through agencies for a small fee. It’s a crucial first step.

Step 3: Open a Portuguese Bank Account

Most visa applications (especially D7 and D8) require proof that you’ve transferred funds into a Portuguese bank account.

• Open remotely through a Portuguese bank or with assistance from a relocation firm.
• Deposit at least the equivalent of one year’s living expenses.

This isn’t an official law, but consular practice has been to require proof of a Portuguese bank account with a reasonable balance as part of your application. 

Tip: Bring your passport, NIF, U.S. bank statements, and proof of income. Some banks are English-friendly, but using a lawyer or concierge can simplify the process.

Step 4: Secure Long-Term Housing

You’ll need proof of accommodation (rental or owned) in Portugal before applying for a visa.

• Lease a property for at least 12 months (Airbnbs are generally not accepted).
• Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve are popular with expats, but interior cities like Braga and Coimbra are more affordable.

This can be a rental lease (preferably long-term, 12 months if possible)​ or a deed if you purchased property, or even a signed letter from a friend/family allowing you to stay at their residence.

Pro Tip: Sign your lease after opening your bank account; landlords often require a NIF and Portuguese IBAN.

Step 5: Gather All Required Visa Documents

Each visa has specific requirements, but common documents include:

• Valid U.S. passport (plus copies) – should be valid at least 6 months past the end of the visa period (i.e. valid at least 1+ year).
• Portuguese NIF
• Proof of income or employment – as discussed, bank statements, pension letters, employment letter, etc., showing you meet the financial minimums
• Portuguese bank statement
• 12-month lease agreement
• FBI background check (apostilled)
• Health insurance policy
• Completed visa application form
• Miscellaneous – Copies of your itinerary or a one-way flight reservation (some consulates ask for a travel plan), and any additional forms the consulate might require (for example, some have a checklist cover sheet).

Get your FBI background check early; it can take weeks to be processed and apostilled.

Pro tip: Always verify the exact list on the official consulate website or VFS portal for your region, as requirements can update. Organize your documents neatly, as it makes a good impression and helps the reviewer.

Step 6: Apply for Visa

Once you have all your documents, schedule an appointment at your regional Portuguese consulate in the U.S.  As of 2025, Portuguese consulates in Washington D.C., New York, and San Francisco use VFS Global to handle applications.

This means you’ll likely submit your application online through VFS and then schedule an in-person appointment at a VFS center. Other consulates (like Boston or Houston, if they handle their region) might accept direct applications.

• Submit your application in person or online
• Pay the visa fee (usually $100-$150)
• Depending on the visa type, wait 2-18 months for processing

Some applicants get lucky and hear back sooner, while others (especially during busy periods) might wait longer. It’s hard, but try to be patient. During this time, the consulate may contact you for any additional information or documents. For instance, if something was missing or unclear, they might email you to provide it. Make sure to check your email (and spam folder) regularly.

Step 7: Enter Portugal and Apply for Residency

Once approved, you will receive a Portuguese entry visa stamped in your passport – this is typically a Type D single-entry visa valid for 120 days (4 months).

After arriving in Portugal:

• Book your AIMA (Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum) appointment (previously SEF – Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras)

In practice, you’ll still book an appointment through the SEF online system or by phone. For D7, D8, D2, etc., you might have already been given an appointment date with SEF as part of your visa approval (some consulates schedule it for you). If not, you’ll need to book it yourself promptly. 

Important: Upon approval, you’ll either mail in your passport to the consulate to get the visa affixed or return to VFS to retrieve it (depending on how they handle it). 

Now it’s time to move! 

You should travel to Portugal as soon as convenient after getting the visa (don’t wait until it’s about to expire – give yourself time on the ground).

At this SEF/AIMA meeting, you’ll present original documents (they will want to see your passport, your lease, etc.), and they’ll take your biometrics (photo and fingerprints) for your residency card. Once everything is verified, you’ll be approved for a residence permit card. This card is typically valid for 2 years on first issuance (for D7/D8/D2) or sometimes 1 year for certain visas, and is renewable. 

Congratulations – you are now a Portuguese resident!

Step 8: Register for Health Coverage and Local Services

Once you’re a resident:

• Apply for an SNS number to access public healthcare
• Register with your local town hall (Junta de Freguesia)
• Set up utilities, internet, and local services

Optional but helpful:

• Apply for the IFICI for tax benefits
• Enroll in language courses to prepare for citizenship

Step 9: Maintain Residency & Plan for Citizenship

To maintain residency:

• Renew your permit after two years (then every three years)
• Stay in Portugal at least 183 days per year (or keep proof of ties for some visa types)
• After five years, you can apply for permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship

Citizenship requires an A2-level Portuguese language test and a clean record, but no citizenship test is required.

If you need to be outside Portugal for a while (family emergency, etc.), get advice to ensure you don’t jeopardize your residency. Golden Visa holders have a much smaller stay requirement (as noted, just 7 days in year 1 and 14 days each two-year period.

How Much Money Do You Need to Move to Portugal?

Let’s talk numbers, because planning your move without a clear idea of the costs can lead to major surprises. The good news? Compared to relocating to other parts of Europe, Portugal is one of the more affordable countries to settle in. 

Still, the actual amount you’ll need depends on your visa type, lifestyle, and whether you’re renting, buying, or supporting dependents.

Estimated Costs of Moving to Portugal from the USA

Rent will likely be your biggest expense. Rents have been rising, especially in Lisbon and Porto, due to high demand. In Lisbon, the average rent was around €19,6 per m². ^[1]

Outside the big cities, housing is much cheaper. In the Algarve or smaller towns, you can find a nice one-bedroom for €600-€800, or even less in rural areas. Some expat couples choose to settle in charming interior towns or the islands (Madeira, Azores), where you can rent a whole house for what a tiny Lisbon flat would cost. 

Note: Many local rentals come unfurnished; if you’re renting long-term, budget for utilities and possibly buying heaters or AC units (more on that in Cons).

Minimum Monthly Income Requirements

For a D7 passive income visa, the Portuguese government expects you to earn at least the equivalent of the national minimum wage, currently around €820/month (~$900 USD). That figure increases if you’re bringing a spouse (+50%) or children (+30% per child).

For example:

• Individual: ~$1,000/month
• Couple: ~$1,500/month
• Family of four: ~$2,200/month

Realistic Total Budget to Relocate

For a single person moving on a D7 visa, you’ll want to have at least $20,000-$30,000 saved up to cover visa requirements, relocation costs, and your first few months of living expenses.

If you’re applying for the Golden Visa, the minimum investment is €500,000, plus legal and application fees. More on that shortly.

Which Jobs are the Best in Portugal for Americans?

If you’re planning to work in Portugal, or at least earn while living there, it’s important to understand where Americans typically fit best in the local job market. The truth is, most U.S. expats either bring their job with them (remote work) or find roles where English is a major asset.

Here’s what we’ve seen work best for Americans moving to Portugal, whether they’re career-driven, freelancing, or building a side hustle abroad.

Top Job Opportunities for Americans in Portugal

Pro Tip:

Don’t rely on local Portuguese job boards. Instead, check international platforms like:

• EuropeLanguageJobs.com
• Remote OK
• LinkedIn Portugal
• We Work Remotely

And if you’re looking to start your own business or freelance, Portugal offers the IFICI tax regime that could help you legally reduce your taxes.

Portugal Golden Visa

If you’re an American with capital to invest and you’d rather buy your way into residency than go the traditional visa route, the Portugal Golden Visa is likely your best option. 

It’s ideal for retirees, high-net-worth individuals, and entrepreneurs looking to secure a foothold in the EU, without needing to live full-time in Portugal.

And here’s something unique: You can now qualify for the Golden Visa through crypto investment, making it especially attractive for modern investors.

What Is the Portugal Golden Visa?

The Portugal Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment program that allows non-EU citizens to obtain legal residency by investing in qualified Portuguese funds. After five years, you can apply for permanent residency or citizenship, all while spending as little as seven days per year in the country.

Key Benefits of the Golden Visa

• EU residency with minimal physical stay requirements
• Access to the Schengen Zone (travel freely across 25+ European countries)
• Eligibility for citizenship after five years with a simple A2-level language test
• Bring your family – spouse and dependent children are included
• Tax advantages via the IFICI regime

Minimum Investment Requirements

Golden Visa + Crypto with Bitizenship

If you’re a crypto investor, Bitizenship makes it easier than ever to qualify. Through the Unbound Fund, you can invest in a blockchain-focused venture capital fund, fully compliant with Portugal’s Golden Visa rules.

Bitizenship offers:

• End-to-end legal and tax support to invest in the Portugal golden visa
• Guidance through the entire visa process
• Help with documentation, banking, and NIF setup

You’ll also be backed by crypto-native advisors and fund managers who understand the investment landscape better than traditional real estate agents or lawyers.

Portugal Visa Requirements for U.S. Citizens

The good news for Americans is that Portugal is one of the easiest countries in Europe to enter, live, and eventually naturalize in, if you meet the right criteria. U.S. citizens can enter Portugal visa-free for up to 90 days, but if you’re planning a longer stay or a permanent move, you’ll need a residence visa.

Below are the main visa options and what’s required for each.

Popular Portugal Visas for Americans

FAQs

References

1. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1416178/portugal-rental-square-meter-price-by-region/ ^[1]

Ale is the co-founder of Bitizenship. He cares about the craft of building quality products that make life better for people. He writes about these topics, as well as freedom, wealth, and global mobility, in a newsletter read by thousands of modern citizens.