How to Move to Portugal from the USA: Complete 2026 Guide

Portugal has emerged as the #1 destination for American expats, and for good reason. With its affordable cost of living, excellent healthcare, welcoming culture, and accessible visa options, Portugal offers an exceptional quality of life at a fraction of US costs.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about making the move from the USA to Portugal.

Why Portugal?

Portugal consistently ranks at the top of expat destination lists. Here's why:

Affordability: Cost of living is 40% lower than the US
Safety: Ranks #7 on the Global Peace Index
Healthcare: Universal healthcare system available to residents
Climate: 300+ days of sunshine per year
Language: English widely spoken in urban areas
EU Access: Freedom to travel throughout Europe

Visa Options for Americans

Americans have several visa pathways to Portugal:

D7 Visa (Passive Income Visa)

The most popular option for retirees and remote workers. Requirements include:

Proof of passive income (approximately €760/month minimum)
Clean criminal record
Health insurance valid in Portugal
Proof of accommodation

Digital Nomad Visa

For remote workers employed by non-Portuguese companies:

Proof of remote employment or freelance contracts
Minimum income of approximately €3,500/month
Health insurance

Cost of Living

A comfortable life in Portugal typically costs:

Lisbon/Porto: $2,500-3,500/month
Smaller cities: $1,800-2,500/month
Rural areas: $1,500-2,000/month

Best Cities for American Expats

Popular destinations include:

Lisbon: Capital city, vibrant culture, tech hub
Porto: Smaller, more affordable, famous for wine
Algarve: Beach lifestyle, large expat community
Cascais: Coastal town near Lisbon, upscale
Braga: Historic city, very affordable

Next Steps

Ready to start planning your move? Here's what to do:

Research visa requirements based on your situation
Gather required documents (apostilled and translated)
Schedule appointment at Portuguese consulate
Secure health insurance
Plan a scouting trip to find your ideal location

For a detailed comparison of Portugal with other top destinations, check out our comparison tool or browse our complete Portugal guide.