Moving to Portugal Checklist: Everything Americans Need to Know

Last Updated: January 8, 2026

Affordability

Healthcare

Taxes

Safety

Stability

Relative Ratings versus the United States

TL;DR

Portugal is the #1 European destination for Americans in 2026. The D7 visa requires ~€1,000/month passive income, perfect for retirees. The D8 Digital Nomad visa needs 4x minimum wage from remote work. Cost of living is 30-40% lower than U.S. cities, with excellent healthcare for under $150/month and world-class safety (#7 globally).

Why are Americans choosing Portugal in 2026?

Portugal has solidified its status as the most popular European destination for Americans in 2026. The draw is a combination of a Mediterranean lifestyle, an exceptionally high safety ranking—currently sitting at #7 globally—and a cost of living that remains 30–40% lower than the U.S. average. In 2026, there is a marked trend of Americans looking beyond Lisbon and Porto toward Madeira Island, which offers a unique subtropical climate paired with robust European infrastructure.

The country offers a slower pace of life, often referred to as "manhã" (tomorrow), which appeals to those looking to escape the high-stress environment of corporate America.

What are the visa options for Americans moving to Portugal?

Portugal remains "immigrant-friendly" despite some recent legislative changes to its housing laws.

D7 Visa (Passive Income): Originally designed for retirees, this is now a favorite for anyone with recurring income (Social Security, pensions, or rental income). You must demonstrate a stable income that meets the minimum Portuguese wage requirements.
Digital Nomad Visa (D8): Specifically for remote workers, this visa requires proof of income from outside Portugal that is at least four times the minimum wage. It provides a legal path to residency for those who want to keep their U.S. jobs while living in the Algarve or Lisbon.

Available Visa Pathways:

Education
Work
Entrepreneurship
Retirement
Study
Digital Nomad

Retirement in Portugal: Portugal is a premier retirement destination for those aged 60+; the D7 visa typically requires a minimum passive income of approximately €1,000 per month for the primary applicant, though higher amounts are recommended for a comfortable lifestyle in 2026.

How much does it cost to live in Portugal compared to the United States?

In 2026, a couple can live comfortably in mid-sized Portuguese cities for approximately $2,500 - $3,000 a month, which is nearly impossible in any major U.S. coastal city. Rent in Portugal, while rising, remains significantly lower than the $2,000+ national average found in the United States.

What is the healthcare system like in Portugal for Americans?

Portugal offers a mix of public (SNS) and private healthcare; for Americans, the private system is highly affordable, with comprehensive insurance plans often costing less than $150 per month. The quality of care is high, and unlike the U.S., medical debt is virtually non-existent for residents.

Choose your destinations and get tailored visa recommendations, city-by-city budget breakdowns, and a clear guide to essential local services.

Ready to move beyond the "Overview"?

Continue on your journey with reports tailored to you based on the countries of your choice. Every full country report includes:

Targeted Visas: We match your specific profile (Remote worker? Retiree? Student?) to the exact visa you need.
The "Day 1" Directory: The specific names of banks, cell providers, and grocery stores you'll need to know to get situated immediately.
Budget Breakdowns: City-specific costs for rent and utilities using local terms and language.
Language Decoded: Essential housing and healthcare terms in the local language so you aren't lost in translation.

Get Your Full Report

← Back to Guides

At Bring Me Abroad, we synthesize official government data, local legal requirements, and real expat experiences to create our relocation guides. Our goal is to simplify the complex process of moving abroad for US citizens.

About Aaron

Aaron is a seasoned designer and entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience building digital products for the SaaS and hospitality industries. In 2023, he navigated the complex journey of relocating from the U.S. to the Netherlands—a process that revealed a fragmented landscape of outdated visa blogs and "browser tab overload." After successfully launching a design studio in the Netherlands, Aaron co-founded Bring Me Abroad to solve the "Day 1" information gap. His mission is to democratize relocation by replacing expensive consultants with high-utility, data-driven reports that help early-stage explorers get situated quickly. When he isn't decoding immigration logistics, Aaron can be found cycling through the Dutch rain in search of the perfect apple pie or navigating the nuances of the Dutch language.