Are you an American citizen considering moving to Portugal from the USA in 2026? Portugal’s Golden Visa is an ideal option for you; however, you need to understand the full process for obtaining it and the common requirements to relocate, including investment options, required documents, property purchase or rental, opening a bank account, and obtaining health insurance. Knowing these steps early can facilitate your journey and enable a smoother transition.

In this article, we will explore the steps required to move to Portugal from the USA, integrate smoothly, and enjoy your new life with minimal hassle.

 

Moving to Portugal from the USA: Why the Golden Visa Is a Top Choice

Citizens considering moving to Portugal from the USA can obtain the Portugal Golden Visa, also known as Portugal’s Investor Residence Authorization (ARI), which is one of the most popular visa options for US citizens. It offers them a five-year residence permit with the ability to live, work, and study in Portugal, in exchange for a contribution to the country’s economy.

Applicants can include their family members, such as a spouse, children, and parents, in one application. It gives them visa-free access to the Schengen area and the right to obtain citizenship after 10 years of legal residency in Portugal.

Investment options start with a minimum threshold of €250,000, which is considered one of the most affordable thresholds in Europe. Other investment options include:

• Investing at least €500,000 or more in venture capital funds that meet the requirements. This route is considered a top choice for investors looking to obtain the Portugal Golden Visa, as it offers them diversified options to invest in promising sectors with good returns. The Funds offer a flexible and hands-off approach, as they are managed by financial experts who strategically invest your assets across sectors like technology, healthcare, and infrastructure.

 

• Creation of ten or more jobs or Capital transfer for research activities carried out by public or private scientific research institutes that totals at least €500,000

 

• Capital contributions of at least €250,000 to promote the creation of art, and the preservation or restoration of the nation’s cultural heritage.

 

• Capital transfers of at least €500,000 for the establishment of a commercial enterprise situated inside the nation and the creation of five full-time jobs.

Moving to Portugal from the USA: Key Requirements

Moving to Portugal from the USA requires completing a visa application form, along with several documents such as valid passports and photos, proof of a clean criminal record, proof of accommodation, proof of sufficient financial resources, a health insurance policy, and a Portuguese NIF number.  Investors should also:

• Hold the Investment for Five Years: American investors are required to maintain the investment as long as they and their dependents hold the Golden Visa, however, they no longer need to maintain the investment once becoming permanent residents or citizens.

 

• Get a Bank Account and NIF Number: The Golden Visa Program mandates that the funds used for investment must be transferred from abroad. Therefore, the main applicant must first obtain an NIF number and open a bank account, which are both quite simple processes. Investors can have an NIF number in a few days, while opening a bank account may require a couple of weeks.

Moving to Portugal from the USA: How to Get an NIF Number

Americans moving to Portugal can resort to their authorized agent or lawyer to apply for a Portuguese NIF, or can apply for it online by:

• Filling out the application form
• Setting up a tax representative in Portugal, who must declare that he accepts to represent you and be registered in Portugal’s tax system.
• Attend the appointment if you are in Portugal, or have your tax representative submit your documents on your behalf.
• Present the documents and the filled-out application if you are attending the appointment in person, along with proof of identification and proof of tax address, such as a utility bill.

Once you provide this information, the Portuguese tax authority will process the request and issue an NIF number within days.

Read also: How to get a NIF number for Portugal Golden Visa?

Moving to Portugal from the USA: How to Open a Bank Account

Portuguese banks usually facilitate the process of opening a bank account for foreigners. Americans should prepare the documents below:

• Passport or government-issued travel document
• NIF number
• Portuguese phone number
• Proof of address from the country of residence
• Proof of income/pay slip

Applicants can ask their lawyers to open the bank account on their behalf, eliminating the need for an in-person visit to the bank.

Read Also: How to Open a Bank Account For Portugal Golden Visa

Moving to Portugal from the USA: Health Insurance Policy

One of the most important requirements for Americans moving to Portugal from the USA is having a comprehensive health insurance policy. Applicants can enroll either in the country’s public healthcare, known as the Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS), or private healthcare systems once registered as a resident. Portugal was ranked 23rd in the 2024 Health Care Index, well ahead of the US, which was ranked 40th. The country has a hybrid healthcare system that combines high-quality public and private services that are also low-cost compared to the US.

 

Private health insurance costs range from €40 to €150 a month, depending on age. Health insurance requirements in Portugal include:

• Coverage of at least €30,000 for emergencies, hospitalization, and repatriation
• Validity across Portugal and the Schengen area
• Coverage for the entire duration of the residence permit

 

It is preferable that US citizens get international health insurance, as it covers customizable, comprehensive, and portable high-quality care across Portugal and worldwide. It gives access to the best facilities, with shorter wait times. Some of the benefits include:

• Worldwide coverage
• Inpatient and day patient care
• Cancer and mental health care
• Emergency and ER care
• Palliative care
• Emergency Dental Care
• Home nursing
• Laboratory work and testing
• Prescription medications
• Rehabilitation

 

Secure Your House Before Moving to Portugal from the USA

Although real estate ownership is not an eligible investment route for obtaining a Portugal Golden Visa, US Citizens can purchase or rent a property in Portugal as long as they have a residency permit and an NIF number. Rental prices in Portugal are 38% lower than in the US.

 

In Portugal^,  Lisbon is the most expensive area. An independent flat that includes one bedroom in the capital region has a median price of €1,354 per month. It is followed by the island of Madeira at €1,295, Faro at €1,171, Porto at €983, Setúbal at €981, and São Miguel Island in the Azores at €979 per month. On the other hand, the cheapest one-bedroom flats are found in the districts of Guarda at €456 per month, Castelo Branco at €527 per month, and Bragança at €529 per month.

 

Therefore, when looking for housing, US citizens should consider many factors, mainly the rental prices, as cities like Braga and Coimbra are more affordable than Lisbon, Porto, and Cascais. They should also consider whether their plan is to live in the city center or the countryside, because having a personal car is not necessary in urban areas with Portugal’s public transit, but in rural areas, having a car becomes essentially more convenient. US citizens should also plan whether they want to live close to their work, near an expat community, or in a busy city.

 

Tax Considerations When Moving to Portugal from the USA

Understanding the tax implications of moving to Portugal from the USA is essential for effective financial planning, as relocating may affect your tax obligations in both countries.

Portugal has a double taxation treaty with the US to address the taxation of income earned across borders and prevent income from being taxed twice. Under the agreement, dividends are subject to a 15% withholding tax, reduced to 5% for qualifying corporate shareholders. Interest and royalties are taxed at 10%, with exemptions available for certain government entities and long-term bank loans. Pensions are generally taxable only in the recipient’s country of residence. To avoid taxation, the US applies foreign tax credits, while Portugal may use both credit and exemption methods. Taxpayers must claim treaty benefits and file an IRS form when required.

Americans are deemed to be tax residents if they spend more than 183 consecutive days in Portugal in one year or maintain a residence. The taxes imposed include:

• Flat rate of 20% on employment income
• 10% fixed rate of pension income
• Exemption on rental income and royalties (depending on whether it is taxable abroad under DTA or the OECD Tax Model)
• Exemption on dividends and interest (depending on whether it is taxable abroad under DTA or OECD Tax Model)
• Exemption on capital gains (depending on whether it is taxable abroad under DTA or OECD Tax Model)
• 28% on net rental Income from real estate
• The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) can exclude up to $120,000 of foreign-earned income from US taxes

 

How to Ship Your Belongings When Moving to Portugal from the USA

Americans considering moving to Portugal from the USA can transport their items and belongings simply and easily either by air or sea freight, due to Portugal’s geographic location. However, sea freight is more affordable and cost-effective but slower. For instance, from New York City to Lisbon, Portugal, it would take around 14 days for a container of furniture to be shipped, and from Los Angeles to Lisbon, around 27 days.

 

Moving to Portugal from the USA: Best Cities

• Lisbon serves as Portugal’s capital city, which unites modern urban life with traditional heritage and easy access to coastal beaches. English is widely spoken, which makes it an excellent choice for American retirees who want to experience both culture and convenience.
• Porto serves as a secure and attractive northern city that runs along the Douro River. The city provides an affordable lifestyle to expats because the cost of living in it is less than in Lisbon.
• Braga stands as one of Portugal’s oldest cities because it unites its ancient heritage with active nightlife and a strategic position, which is 30 minutes from the beaches, 15 minutes from the mountains, and 40 minutes from Spain.
• The island city of Madeira (Funchal) provides its residents with pleasant weather throughout the entire year. The island location of Madeira provides expats with peaceful surroundings and natural attractions that they can enjoy.
• The city of Coimbra attracts visitors because of its historic university while providing them with a secure environment, cultural attractions, and a relaxed atmosphere. The city provides an affordable cost of living and easy access to other parts of the country through its train network.
• Portimão is a sunny Algarve city that provides its residents with access to beaches, cafes, and a peaceful way of life. The city lacks sufficient public transportation, so residents might need to own a car, but it provides easy access to Lagos and Faro by road.

 

These Portuguese cities provide Americans with multiple relocation choices that combine cultural experiences with secure environments, affordable costs, and comfortable living standards.

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Moving to Portugal from the USA

• Is moving to Portugal from the USA considered an easy process?

Americans moving to Portugal from the USA should obtain a Portugal Golden Visa and complete the whole process, starting with collecting the required documents and submitting the application, along with other procedures such as getting an NIF number and opening a bank account. However, Portugal’s lower cost of living, calm and peaceful pace of life, and high-quality lifestyle make moving to it worthwhile.

 

• What are the minimum investment requirements to obtain the Golden Visa and move to Portugal?

Americans are required to donate at least €250,000 to promote the creation of art and the preservation or restoration of the nation’s cultural heritage to obtain Portugal’s Golden Visa, or invest worth €500,000 in qualified private equity or venture capital funds, or create job opportunities, among other options.

 

• Which documents are requested from the Investor to apply for Portugal’s Golden Visa?

Passport: Identification and signature page if a new passport has been issued since the original application.

Criminal Record: Federal/national record for immigration purposes, in English or with certified translation into Portuguese or English, legalized by the Portuguese Consulate (or apostilled if applicable), from the country where the applicant has lived for over a year (valid for 90 days).

Residence Permit/Visa: Certified copy of the foreign residency card, legalized by the Portuguese Consulate (or apostilled if applicable) if the applicant resides in a country different from their origin.

Tax Number: Certified copy of the foreign tax number document, legalized by the Portuguese Consulate (or apostilled if applicable). If no tax number exists, the equivalent number (e.g., social security, ID) or an official document stating its non-existence is acceptable.

 

• Can the Golden Visa application be done remotely or in an embassy?

The application itself is submitted online, but investors need to travel to Portugal for biometrics after their application is accepted.

 

• How long is the processing time for the Golden Visa in Portugal?

The average wait time at AIMA is a major determinant of the wait time for the Golden Visa application, which is subject to frequent fluctuations. As of late 2024, the average wait time for biometrics appointments used to take 18 to 24 months; however, after the most recent guidelines released in late December by AIMA to streamline the application process, it’s expected that the wait time will be cut down.

 

• Do I have to pay taxes in Portugal?

Being granted a Golden Visa in Portugal does not entitle you to Portuguese tax residency. You are not required to pay taxes on your non-Portuguese income until you move to Portugal and establish yourself as a tax resident. However, any money you earn within Portugal must be disclosed to Portugal and therefore be subject to taxation. You won’t pay taxes on the same income twice because of double-taxation treaties.

 

For more information about the Portugal Golden Visa and the requirements, please contact us via WhatsApp.

 

[1] https://www.numbeo.com/health-care/rankings_by_country.jsp

[2] https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/compare_countries_result.jsp?country1=United+States&country2=Portugal

[3] https://www.euronews.com/2026/09/22/renting-a-one-bedroom-flat-in-portugal-costs-200-euros-more-than-the-minimum-wage