Portugal has quietly become one of the world’s most sought-after destinations for Americans looking to build a new life abroad. With its warm climate, affordable cost of living, rich culture, and welcoming attitude toward foreigners, it’s no surprise that tens of thousands of Americans have already made the move, and thousands more are planning to follow. Whether you’re retiring early, working remotely, or simply craving a change of scenery, Portugal offers a quality of life that’s hard to match anywhere else in Europe.
At Allied International, we’ve helped countless families and individuals relocate from the United States to destinations around the globe. If Portugal is calling your name, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from visas and healthcare to moving your belongings across the Atlantic.
The appeal of Portugal isn’t just about beautiful coastlines and affordable wine, though those certainly don’t hurt. Americans are drawn to Portugal for a combination of practical and lifestyle reasons that are hard to find in a single country.
First, the cost of living is dramatically lower than most major U.S. cities. Second, Portugal is one of the safest countries in the world, consistently ranking in the top five on the Global Peace Index. The healthcare system is excellent and accessible, the food is fresh and affordable, and the pace of life invites you to slow down and actually enjoy it.
Portugal also offers a relatively straightforward path to residency and, eventually, citizenship. For remote workers and retirees in particular, the country has gone out of its way to create visa options that make the transition easy. Add in warm summers, mild winters (particularly in the south), and a deeply welcoming culture, and you have a destination that genuinely delivers on its promise.
Americans can visit Portugal as tourists for up to 90 days without a visa. For stays longer than that, you’ll need to apply for a long-term visa or residence permit before you arrive.
The most popular option for Americans is the D7 Passive Income Visa, which is designed for retirees and anyone with a reliable passive income, such as pension payments, rental income, dividends, or savings. To qualify, you generally need to demonstrate a monthly income of at least €760 (approximately $820 USD), though this threshold increases if you’re bringing dependents.
The Digital Nomad Visa (also called the D8) is another excellent option for remote workers employed by companies outside of Portugal. It requires proof of employment or freelance contracts and a minimum monthly income of around €3,040 (approximately $3,567 USD).
Once in Portugal, you’ll apply for a residence permit through SEF (the immigration and borders service). After five years of legal residency, you become eligible to apply for permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship — which comes with the full rights of an EU citizen.
Portugal is significantly more affordable than the United States, particularly when compared to major American metropolitan areas. A couple can live comfortably in Lisbon (Portugal’s most expensive city) for around $2,500–$3,500 per month, including rent. In smaller cities like Porto, Coimbra, or the Algarve region, that figure can drop to $1,800–$2,500.
Rent is the biggest variable. A one-bedroom apartment in central Lisbon averages around €1,200–€1,600 per month. Outside the city center, you can find comparable spaces for €800–€1,100. Groceries, dining out, transportation, and utilities are all considerably cheaper than the U.S. average. A meal at a mid-range restaurant might cost €10–€15 per person, and a monthly transit pass in Lisbon runs around €40.
Healthcare, both public and private, is also far more affordable than in America. Many expats opt for private health insurance, which can cost as little as €50–€100 per month for comprehensive coverage.
Portugal offers a range of cities and regions that appeal to different lifestyles and budgets.
Lisbon is the obvious first choice: cosmopolitan, culturally vibrant, and full of English speakers. It has a booming expat community, great international restaurants, and excellent infrastructure. It’s the most expensive option, but still affordable compared to most U.S. cities.
Porto, in the north, is increasingly popular with expats who want a slightly slower pace and a more authentically Portuguese experience. It’s a stunning, walkable city with a thriving arts scene and lower rents than Lisbon.
The Algarve, in the south, is a paradise for retirees and beach lovers. Towns like Lagos, Tavira, and Albufeira offer warm weather nearly year-round, beautiful coastline, and a well-established expat community, particularly among British and American residents.
Cascais and Sintra, both just outside Lisbon, are popular with families who want a quieter, suburban feel while staying close to the capital. The Silver Coast and the Alentejo region are also worth considering for those seeking rural tranquility at very low cost.
Moving your household goods internationally requires careful planning, and partnering with experienced international movers makes all the difference. If you’re based in the Midwest, working with Chicago international movers who specialize in overseas relocations ensures your belongings are packed, documented, and transported according to international standards.
The process generally begins with a home survey (either in person or virtual) to assess the volume of goods you’re moving. From there, your international movers Chicago team will help you decide between a Full Container Load (FCL) or a Less than Container Load (LCL) shipment, depending on how much you’re bringing. FCL gives you an entire container; LCL consolidates your items with other shipments, which can reduce costs if you’re moving a smaller volume.
Your goods will be packed by professional movers, loaded into a moving container, and transported to a port — typically New York, Baltimore, or Houston — before making the transatlantic crossing to Lisbon or Porto. Allied International, one of the leading international moving companies Chicago residents trust, coordinates every step of this process, including customs clearance on the Portuguese side.
Portugal, as an EU member, follows European Union customs regulations. Most household goods (furniture, clothing, books, electronics, kitchen items — can be imported duty-free if they’ve been in your possession for at least six months and you’re establishing permanent residence.
Items that are restricted or prohibited include firearms and ammunition (which require special permits), certain plants and plant products, controlled substances, counterfeit goods, and items made from endangered species. Alcohol and tobacco are permitted in limited quantities.
Vehicles can be imported, but the process involves taxes and compliance with EU standards, so it’s often more practical to sell your car before you leave and purchase one in Portugal.
Sea freight from the United States to Portugal typically takes between 10 and 20 days, depending on the port of origin and the specific routing. Shipments departing from East Coast ports like New York or Baltimore generally arrive faster than those leaving from Gulf Coast or West Coast ports.
Beyond the transit time, you should factor in the time needed to clear Portuguese customs, which can add several days to a few weeks depending on the completeness of your documentation. Working with a Chicago international moving company that has experience handling Portuguese customs clearance (like Allied International) significantly reduces delays and complications. Plan for a total door-to-door timeline of four to eight weeks from packing to delivery.
The honest answer is not fully, but learning at least some Portuguese will meaningfully improve your experience. English is widely spoken in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve, particularly among younger people and in tourist-facing industries. Most expats manage daily life without fluency.
That said, navigating bureaucracy (dealing with government offices, signing a lease, or visiting a rural doctor) can be challenging without Portuguese. Apps like Duolingo, Babbel, and italki make it easy to get to a functional level before you arrive. Portuguese people genuinely appreciate when foreigners make an effort to speak the language, and even basic phrases go a long way in building goodwill.
Portugal has a national health service (SNS) that provides universal healthcare to residents, including legal foreign residents. Once you have your residency permit, you’re entitled to use public health facilities, often for free or at very low cost.
That said, public hospitals can have long wait times, and many expats choose to supplement with private health insurance. Private healthcare in Portugal is excellent and affordable. A private GP visit might cost €50–€80 out of pocket, and comprehensive private insurance plans are available for a fraction of what Americans pay in the U.S.
Portugal does not have reciprocal healthcare agreements with the United States, so it’s important to arrange coverage before your U.S. insurance lapses.
There are no restrictions on foreigners purchasing property in Portugal, which makes it an attractive destination for Americans looking to invest as well as relocate. The buying process is relatively straightforward but does require a Portuguese tax identification number (NIF), which you can obtain before you arrive.
Renting is often the recommended first step for new expats. Spending six months to a year renting gives you time to explore different neighborhoods and cities before committing to a purchase. The rental market in Lisbon and Porto has tightened in recent years, so be prepared to act quickly when you find a suitable property.
Working with a local real estate agent who has experience with foreign buyers is strongly advised. Legal and notary fees for property purchases typically run 7–10% of the purchase price, so factor that into your budget.
Moving to Portugal is one of the most exciting decisions you can make, and with the right team behind you, it doesn’t have to be stressful. Allied International is a trusted name among international moving companies Chicago residents and families across the Midwest rely on for seamless, professional overseas relocations. Whether you’re moving a full household or a few carefully chosen items, our team handles every detail from packing to customs clearance to final delivery.
Contact Allied International today for a free, no-obligation quote. Get a free quote online or call our team to speak with an international relocation specialist. Let’s get you to Portugal.
Yes, pets can accompany you to Portugal. Dogs and cats must have a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination, and an EU-format health certificate issued by an accredited veterinarian. The process is manageable but requires advance planning, ideally starting at least 30 days before your departure.
Yes. The United States taxes its citizens on worldwide income regardless of where they live. As an American expat in Portugal, you’ll need to file U.S. tax returns annually. However, the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) and the Foreign Tax Credit can significantly reduce or eliminate your U.S. tax liability. Working with a CPA who specializes in expat taxation is strongly recommended.
Financial advisors generally recommend having at least three to six months of living expenses saved before any international move, on top of your relocation costs. For a move to Portugal, budgeting $10,000–$20,000 for moving expenses, initial deposits, and setup costs is a reasonable starting point, in addition to your ongoing monthly income.
It depends on your visa type. The D7 visa does not permit you to work for a Portuguese employer, but it doesn’t restrict remote work for non-Portuguese companies. The D8 Digital Nomad Visa is specifically designed for remote workers. If you want to work locally, you’ll need to obtain a work visa or work permit.
The decision comes down to sentimental value, replacement cost, and practicality. Furniture, clothing, books, and personal items with high replacement costs or sentimental value are usually worth moving. Large appliances, however, often aren’t worth the moving cost and may not be compatible with Portuguese electrical standards (220V/50Hz). Allied International can help you assess what makes sense to ship versus replace, ensuring your moving budget is spent wisely.
We carefully and methodically pack and crate your items, ensuring their safe and secure arrival. We take pride in the expert packing, crating, and handling of your possessions.
Our aim is to have your belongings safely and quickly transported to your new location, with a focus on customer service and your utmost satisfaction.
We provide you with a personal moving coordinator. You can check in any time you wish, connecting to the same person who will be very familiar with your particular custom moving plan.
