Are you dreaming of a new life abroad with a low cost of living? Portugal might be your ideal destination, offering a climate similar to California that is perfect for Americans.
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Did you know an American needs a visa to live in Portugal? You can apply for these options at a Portuguese Embassy or Consulate or a VFS Global office, catering to different conditions such as students, entrepreneurs, investors, remote workers, and retirees.
Even if, as an American citizen, you have dual citizenship from any EU country, you have the right to live in Portugal without a visa. Your EU citizenship will grant you the right to live and work here, and you'll only need to request a simple document at the local townhall you intend to establish, stating that you are now a resident of that area and, therefore, Portugal.
An American citizen doesn't need a visa to visit Portugal as a tourist for up to 90 days.
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⭐️ Overall Living
💶 Cost of living
💻 Internet
👍 Safety
👥 Community score
Number of Americans living in Portugal:
🇺🇸 Over 10,000 Americans currently residing in Portugal
Cost of living:
👨 Average monthly cost for a single person: €1,500
👨👩👧👦 Average monthly cost for a family: €3,000
☕️ A cappuccino in New York costs €4.84, while in Lisbon, it’s €1.87!
Quality of Life:
👍 Portugal ranks 6th on the Global Peace Index, significantly higher than the US
🚑 Average cost of healthcare plans in Portugal: from €30 to €150 per month
⏩ Fast Visa Application
✅ Easy Visa to get
Portugal, a charming and small country, is roughly the size of Florida, providing a familiar sense of scale for those considering relocation. It ensures a high quality of life with a wide range of activities available, making it a wonderful place to explore and enjoy your time abroad.
The Atlantic Ocean borders Portugal to the south and west, while Spain borders it to the north and east. Despite its size, it has a population of about 10 million.
Portugal is world-renowned for its rich cuisine and stunning locations, including diverse beaches, mountains, and national parks.
While the official language is Portuguese—a Latin language similar to Spanish or Italian—it is common to find English-speaking inhabitants, especially given the country’s high tourist rate.
Portugal's quality of life is renowned for its tranquility, even in urban areas. A low cost of living, affordable or free healthcare, accessible services, and a premium geographic location support the high quality of life.
There are several compelling reasons for US citizens to consider moving to Portugal, from the welcoming culture to the economic advantages and international community.
Check each type of visa and see where your situation fits.
📝 Visa Name: D8 Visa Portugal
🏢 Visa Category: Digital Nomad / Remote Worker Visa
🎓 Qualification: Income from remote or freelance work
🔍 Pros:
🚫 Cons:
Still unsure about what visa will be your best fit? We are here for you! Schedule a free consultation with one of our experts and clear up any doubts.
It depends on your location; some consulates delegate this service to VFS Global offices. You must find the one closest to you that will suit your state. You can find out where to apply for a Portuguese visa in the United States below.
Important notice: VFS Global is a company that specializes in visa processing. The Portuguese government uses it as the official office for visa procedures in the USA, and it is a primary choice for designated consulates.
Make sure you try to visit the office assigned to your location.
The San Francisco VFS office is currently overflowing with applications. As a result, the consulate recommends that you book your appointment three months before your intended travel date. We recommend you be a bit more cautious and start your procedure about 6 months before, as there are unofficial reports of delays up to 5 months! For all the other offices we recommend starting your application up to 4 to 12 weeks before your intended travel date.
Also, be aware of the fact that "honorary" consulates CAN'T process a visa application. Focus on the list above.
Don't waste time and money for your relocation to Portugal 🇵🇹
Your first steps will be to search and gather your documents to start your visa application.
Take a look at this list we made to help you timeline your Portuguese visa application as an American:
Make sure you follow our tips, and your visa process will be ready for submission! Visa processes can be long, but your main focus should be in making sure everything is prepared for your case.
Brace ourselves for a not-so-simple answer! The exchange rate, among other things, influences the monthly updates of visa fees.
Right now, in the second semester of 2024, national visa fees are 90 euros, which can be around $96. Children under 6 are free of charge.
When scheduling your appointment, pay close attention to the payment methods accepted at each location. Some locations may only accept cash for processing fees.
If you are applying through VFS Global, you'll also need to pay their processing fee for each visa. Right now, it ranges from $41 to $45, depending on local taxes.
Some offices may request payment for postal services to deliver your passport. Be ready for that!
Upon receiving your visa and arriving in Portugal, your first step should be to contact an AIMA office. AIMA (Authority for Immigration and Asylum Matters) is the official government agency responsible for managing foreign nationals, similar to ICE and US Border Control in the United States.
All long-term visa holders have 120 days to establish residency in Portugal. It is critical to schedule an appointment with AIMA as soon as possible upon arrival due to the high demand and busy schedule of the agency.
During your AIMA appointment, you will request your EU residence permit. This permit functions similarly to a green card in the US, allowing you to live and travel freely outside Portugal and granting unlimited entries into the country.
For the appointment, you will need to provide:
After holding your initial permit for five years, you are eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship.
Don't waste time and money for your relocation to Portugal 🇵🇹
Portuguese healthcare is extremely affordable, even in private facilities, and accessible to everyone, unlike in the United States.
Residents have the advantage of lower or free rates. To use it you must request your Utente (User number) free of charge.
Head to the nearest public healthcare facility from your home with the following documents:
Portugal offers public healthcare at extremely low rates, often free, making it highly accessible. However, the low costs lead to heavy utilization of the service, resulting in crowded facilities and long waiting times.
Despite the crowds, public healthcare remains accessible to everyone, regardless of their situation. For emergency services, the phone number to dial is 112, which is available free of charge.
Even for those with private insurance (which is mandatory for visa holders), it is advisable to register for a Portuguese healthcare user number (utente). This ensures access to public healthcare services when needed.
The difficulty of assigning a general practitioner (GP) is a significant current issue within the public system.
In Portugal's private healthcare sector, you have the choice between purchasing health insurance or a health plan. Both options provide access to private healthcare services at reduced rates.
Monthly rates for private health insurance or plans are very affordable, ranging from 10 euros to 60 euros, and you can find an ideal option at SafetyWing. These rates help to lower the cost of accessing private healthcare services.
Private healthcare specialists offer consultations at reasonable prices.
To acquire either health insurance or a health plan, you will need a Portuguese tax number (NIF).
Private healthcare in Portugal offers several benefits:
Don't waste time and money for your relocation to Portugal 🇵🇹
If your driver's license was issued less than 15 years ago and you are younger than 60 years old, you can use your American driver's license to drive in Portugal without needing any additional permits.
If you do not meet the above criteria, you will need to:
All cars circulating in Portugal must have third-party protection insurance. This is the minimum insurance requirement that is in place.
You'll need to pay the yearly IUC (Imposto Único de Circulação). We calculate the prices for these taxes based on the motor, gas, and car fabrication years, and they generally range from 30 to 50 euros (and they can go higher!).
Besides that, you'll also need to do an early inspection in designated workshops, which will provide the car with a green seal to circulate.
It's important to remember that as an American, you need to file tax returns in both your home country and Portugal. This ensures compliance with local and international tax laws.
In Portugal, you can file your taxes online via the 'Finanças' Portal. This platform is designed to facilitate the tax filing process.
To effectively manage your assets and tax obligations, consider hiring a professional accounting service. An accountant who understands both local and expatriate tax laws can be invaluable.
Portugal's comprehensive public education system places children in schools according to their location and age group. The curriculum is extensive, with students typically graduating fluent in at least one foreign language, despite the primary language of instruction being Portuguese.
Numerous international schools across Portugal can easily accommodate American families, catering to a diverse international student body. These schools frequently focus on preparing students for universities, primarily in Europe. Some of the most renowned include:
In Braga:
In Porto:
In Leiria:
In Lisbon:
In Loulé:
Colleges in Portugal offer lower tuition rates compared to many other countries. For those applying through the Portuguese National Exam, the annual tuition for most universities does not exceed 800 euros, making higher education more accessible.
AnchorLess offers the discount code ANCHOR20 at Spot-a-Home for those looking for housing in Portugal.
Buying a home in Portugal can be significantly more affordable than in many parts of the United States. Owning property not only provides stability but also serves as proof of accommodation when dealing with Portuguese authorities.
There are several possible ways, but here is the one we often recommend to our customers :
Be aware that due to laws only recently implemented in the last decade, issues with humidity and heating can be common. Ensure any property you consider has adequate insulation.
We've been in your shoes and understand that such a move requires careful planning.
Therefore, if your move exceeds luggage availability from travel companies, we recommend checking rates at Sirelo.
This is a database with several movers and rates that may give you a range for this expense.
However, keep in mind a few things as you consider your move:
Yes, you can! You just need to head to your local consulate (for those assigned a VFS office for a visa, you'll just need to get in touch, via phone or email, with the Portuguese consulate located in the same city as the VFS office that covers your state).
You'll request your baggage and residency certificate, which will allow you to take all appliances owned for at least one year completely duty-free.
The cost of relocating from the US to Portugal varies widely depending on your lifestyle and needs. It’s advisable for immigrants to have at least six months of financial coverage to begin their life in Portugal comfortably.
We recommend Wise (formerly TransferWise) for its low conversion rates and user-friendly process. Their app or website allows for quick transactions, making it a popular choice among immigrants in the EU.
For larger amounts, from US dollars to euros, we recommend Currencies Direct. They also offer lower conversion rates and a simple in-app transaction to transfer your funds. Additionally, you'll have support available to cater to all your needs.
In Portugal, distances are perceived differently. A 30-minute drive may seem lengthy due to the country's small size. This perception extends to class sizes, local shows, and retail spaces compared to American standards.
Many people agree that Portugal is one of the best places to live. However, not everyone finds Portugal suitable.
Before deciding to move to Portugal, it is crucial to consider how well the country's lifestyle, bureaucratic challenges, and tax system align with your expectations and needs. This consideration will help ensure that your experience in Portugal matches your lifestyle preferences and requirements.
Start your new life in Portugal
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AnchorLess is not a bank, accounting, tax, investment, or legal advisor. We serve as an intermediary, streamlining your access to accredited financial and legal professionals for your relocation in Europe.
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