Moving to Portugal from the United States — complete guide
Portugal is one of the most popular European destinations for American expats in the last 5 years. Significantly lower costs than the rest of Western Europe, growing expat community, quality public healthcare, and direct path to Portuguese citizenship in 5 years (which includes EU passport).
Residency types
- D7 Visa (Passive Income) — For retirees and people with passive income €920+/month
- D8 Visa (Digital Nomad) — For remote workers with income €3,680+/month
Why Portugal
- Fastest path to EU passport — 5 years residency + basic Portuguese exam → Portuguese citizenship = EU passport
- Low costs compared to France/Germany/Italy
- Public healthcare (SNS) accessible to residents (free or near-free)
- Active US expat community in Lisbon, Porto, Algarve, Madeira
- Schengen access — travel 27 European countries without visa
- English widely spoken (especially Lisbon and tourist areas)
- Dual citizenship permitted
Related information
Last verified: 2026-06-10.
General procedural information for educational purposes. Not legal, tax, or immigration advice. Laws and fees change — verify with the issuing agency before taking action. For case-specific guidance, consult a licensed immigration attorney or other appropriate professional.
Related procedural information
- USCIS Form I-407 — abandonment of LPR status — formal renunciation procedure
- IRS tax obligations as a US citizen abroad — citizens file regardless of residence
- Social Security totalization agreements — avoiding double SS coverage
- Find an international tax attorney — for renunciation and exit-tax cases
- Consulate of your destination country — pre-departure documentation