Portugal has become one of the most attractive destinations for Americans seeking a better quality of life, lower cost of living, and access to Europe. Whether you’re a retiree, remote worker, entrepreneur, or just looking for a lifestyle change, Portugal offers several legal residence options for U.S. citizens.
In this guide, we break down the best visa options, the application process, and how Borderless Lawyers can help you move to Portugal from the U.S. with ease.
🌟 Why Americans Are Moving to Portugal
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âś… Mild climate and scenic coastal living
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âś… Lower cost of living than most U.S. cities
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âś… Excellent healthcare and public infrastructure
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âś… Friendly immigration policies for U.S. citizens
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âś… English is widely spoken in major cities
🛂 Visa Options for U.S. Citizens Moving to Portugal
As a U.S. passport holder, you can stay in Portugal for up to 90 days visa-free for tourism. For longer stays, you’ll need a residence visa.
Here are the most common and effective visa routes:
💼 1. D7 Visa – Passive Income or Remote Work
Ideal for Americans with a stable passive income (retirement, rental, dividends) or those working remotely for U.S. clients.
Requirements:
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Minimum income: approx. €820/month (higher for couples/families)
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Portuguese NIF (tax number)
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Lease or property in Portugal
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Private health insurance
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FBI background check (apostilled and translated)
Best For: Retirees, freelancers, and remote workers.
🌍 2. Digital Nomad Visa
Created for remote workers earning a higher income from employers or clients outside Portugal.
Requirements:
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Minimum monthly income: €3,280
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Employment contract or proof of freelance work
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Health insurance
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Accommodation in Portugal
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Apostilled FBI background check
Best For: Tech professionals, consultants, online business owners.
🧳 3. D2 Visa – Entrepreneur Visa
Perfect for Americans starting a business or investing in Portugal.
Requirements:
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Business plan and investment funds
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Portuguese NIF and bank account
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Lease or address in Portugal
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Health insurance
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Apostilled criminal background check
Best For: Startups, small business owners, investors.
🎓 4. Student Visa
If you’re planning to attend university or language school in Portugal.
Requirements:
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Letter of acceptance from Portuguese institution
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Proof of financial means and accommodation
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Health insurance
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Apostilled FBI background check
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 5. Family Reunification
If you have a spouse, parent, or child with legal residence in Portugal, you may be eligible to join them.
Eligible family members:
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Spouse or life partner
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Minor or dependent children
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Dependent parents
đź“Ť Best Places in Portugal for American Expats
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Lisbon – Cosmopolitan, English-friendly, job opportunities
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Cascais – Affluent, quiet, great for families and retirees
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Porto – Cultural, affordable, vibrant tech scene
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Algarve (Lagos, Faro) – Relaxed coastal living, expat-friendly
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Coimbra – Historic university town, low cost of living
📄 How to Move to Portugal from the U.S. – Step-by-Step
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Choose your visa path (D7, Digital Nomad, etc.)
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Gather required documents and apostilles (FBI, IRS, etc.)
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Apply for your visa at the Portuguese consulate in your U.S. jurisdiction
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Attend your visa interview and submit biometrics
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Receive your visa and relocate to Portugal
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Register with SEF and obtain your residence card
⚖️ How Borderless Lawyers Helps Americans Immigrate to Portugal
Moving internationally involves bureaucracy, translations, and legal details—but we handle it all for you.
Borderless Lawyers offers full-service immigration support, tailored to U.S. citizens.
We help with:
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âś… Choosing the right visa for your profile
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âś… Document preparation and apostille support
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âś… Translations, NIF, and bank account setup
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âś… Rental agreements and address registration
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âś… SEF scheduling and in-country legal representation
âś… Ready to Make the Move from the USA to Portugal?
With the right visa and legal guidance, relocating from the U.S. to Portugal is not only possible—it’s life-changing. Let Borderless Lawyers support your transition with confidence and clarity.