Residency Essentials for Moving to Portugal: A Guide for U.S. Citizens
Moving to Portugal offers an attractive blend of mild climate, rich culture, and high quality of life. For U.S. citizens considering this transition, understanding the residency process is crucial. Below, we outline the key steps, visa options, and legal requirements to make your move smooth and compliant.
1. Visa-Free Entry & Initial Steps
U.S. passport holders can enter Portugal visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period and stay in the country for touristic purposes. Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date. During or after the 90 day visit, should you wish to move to Portugal and become a residente, you must apply for a residency visa through the Portuguese consulate in the U.S.
2. Choosing the Right Residency Visa
Golden Visa (Investment Route)
- Most Common Investment: €500k in PT venture capital funds with no direct real estate investments; investment must be kept for 5 years.
- Benefits: Schengen mobility, only 7-day annual stay requirement
- Timeline: Processing typically takes 12+ months
D7 Passive Income Visa
- Income Threshold: minimum ≥ €870/month plus ≥ €10,440 in savings (in 2025)
- Ideal For: Retirees or individuals with stable passive income (pensions, rents, interests, dividends)
- Documentation: Proof of income, rental or property ownership in Portugal
D8 Digital Nomad Visa
- Income Requirement: ≥ €3,480/month (4× national minimum wage in 2025)
- Ideal For: Remote workers with an overseas employer or entrepreneur with foreign clientelle
- Perks: Valid for one year, renewable, with access to public services
3. Pathway to Permanent Residency & Citizenship
After five years of continuous temporary residency, you become eligible for permanent residence. You must demonstrate A2-level Portuguese proficiency and maintain lawful residence. One additional year as a permanent resident makes you eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship, with dual nationality recognized for U.S. citizens.
4. Financial & Legal Fundamentals
- Healthcare: Once registered, residents access Portugal’s public health system at low or no cost.
- Tax ID (NIF): Obtain your taxpayer number early to open a bank account, sign contracts, and file taxes.
- Property Costs: Average purchase prices run €2,526/m² nationwide (€5,333/m² in Lisbon); average rent for a one-bedroom in Lisbon is ~€900/month.
5. Including Your Family
Residence permit applicants or holders can include spouses, dependent children (under 26), and dependent parents. Income requirements increase by +50% for a spouse and +30% per child to ensure financial self-sufficiency.
6. Key Compliance Requirements
- Clean Criminal Record: FBI background check with apostille is mandatory.
- Health Insurance: Required at application; public coverage follows residency approval.
- Stay Obligations: Golden Visa holders must spend at least 7 days each year in Portugal; D7 and D8 visas must effectively reside in the country despite of normal work/business and family trips.
7. Immigrant investor programs in Portugal for US citizens
Portugal Golden Visa Program
Eligibility:
Non-EU citizens (US eligible)
Clean criminal record (FBI background check required)
Minimum age: 18 years
2025 Investment Options
Low-density areas: 20% discount on cultural/heritage investments (€200,000+)
Key Benefits for US Citizens
- Schengen access: Visa-free EU travel
- Path to citizenship: Eligible after 5 years (A2 Portuguese required)
- Dual citizenship permitted with the US
- Minimal residency: 7 days/year initially, 14 days every 2 years thereafter
- Tax advantages: No tax residency unless staying >183 days/year or moving to the country
Application Process
- Obtain NIF (Portuguese tax ID) and open a local bank account.
- Complete the invesment and secure na investment proof (bank/fund manager declarations).
- Submit application in Portugal
- Wait time: ~12+ months (varies by AIMA processing).
Note: Real estate investments no longer qualify for Golden Visas as of 2023. For alternative residency options, US citizens may consider the D7 (passive income) or D8 (digital nomad) visas.
Ready to Begin Your Portuguese Journey?
Navigating visas, legal registrations, and tax matters can be daunting. At MATLAW, our team of experts specializes in guiding U.S. citizens through every step of the residency process. Contact us today for a personalized consultation and make your move to Portugal seamless.