Key Takeaways- Moving costs: $5,200 to $21,700 depending on household size and location.
- Cost of living: ~36% lower in Portugal than in the US.
- Visas: Most US citizens apply for D7 (retirement/income) or D8 (digital nomad) visas.
- Residency: Apply for temporary residence within 4 months, permanent after 5 years.
- Tax tip: US citizens still owe taxes to the IRS abroad but may avoid double taxation via the double tax treaty.
How Can I Move to Portugal from the US?
To move to Portugal from the US, you must meet several legal and practical requirements. Below is a step-by-step checklist covering all necessary documents and actions:
Step-by-Step Checklist for Moving to Portugal:
- Apply for a visa (D7, D8, Work, or Family) through the Portuguese consulate in the US.
- Obtain a NIF (Portuguese tax number) via a lawyer or representative.
- Find accommodation in Portugal to show proof of address.
- Get health insurance (public or private) for your stay before you leave.
- Book your travel and notify US banks and other necessary authorities.
- Gather essential documents, including your valid US passport and proof of income.
- Apply for a residence permit within 120 days of entry at SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras).
How Much Does It Cost to Move to Portugal?
The average cost of moving ranges from $5,200 to $21,700, depending on origin, volume, and service.
| Property Size | West Coast Cost | East Coast Cost |
| 1-bedroom | $6,200 – $8,500 | $5,200 – $7,100 |
| 2-bedroom | $8,500 – $11,400 | $7,100 – $9,400 |
| 3-bedroom | $15,400 – $20,700 | $12,600 – $16,900 |
| 4-bedroom | $16,100 – $21,700 | $13,300 – $17,900 |
Disclaimer: updated in December 2025.
Read more about the factors that affect your moving costs. The costs are largely based on the volume of your move, so having a good idea of the volume will help you get accurate cost estimates.
Best International Moving Companies from the US to Portugal
Choosing the right mover for your removal to Portugal will make all the difference. Choose from the top 3 below, or take a look at our removals to Portugal.
Sirelo Top Mover
9.5
444
Naperville
41 ratings as Professional
41 ratings as "Professional"
8.5
127
Miami
15 ratings as Professional
15 ratings as "Professional"
9.1
56
Fort Lee
5 ratings as Good Price
5 ratings as "Good Price"
How Much Money Do I Need to Move to Portugal?
For your move to Portugal, you should budget for the following:
- Visa application: ~$100-$200
- Flights: $500-$1,000
- Initial housing: ~$1,000/month (city center)
- Health insurance: ~$50-$100/month
- Miscellaneous (NIF, documents, fees): ~$300
Cost of Living in Portugal vs USA
Portugal is about 36% cheaper than the US overall, as one of the most affordable countries in Europe.
| Expense | Cost in the USA (USD) | Cost in Portugal (USD) |
| Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | $20.00 | $10.46 |
| Cappuccino | $5.21 | $1.98 |
| 12 eggs | $3.95 | $2.79 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $12.06 | $7.00 |
| Monthly bus pass | $65.00 | $41.83 |
| Gasoline (1l) | $0.93 | $1.78 |
| 1BD apartment in city center | $1,741.25 | $982.52 |
*Source: Numbeo
What Are the Pros and Cons of Moving to Portugal?
Pros
Warm climate
Safe country
Low cost of living
High-quality education
High-quality healthcare
Relaxed atmosphere
English is common
Gorgeous beaches
Cons
Basic Portuguese needed for government agencies
Visa and MasterCard often not accepted
No central heating
Cold ocean
High unemployment rate
Petty crime targeting tourists
Do American Citizens Need a Visa to Move to Portugal?
Yes. You need a visa unless you’re staying for less than 90 days. You can apply for a visa for Portugal from the USA through the Portuguese consulate. Popular visa types include:
- D7 visa: passive income/retirement
- D8 visa: digital nomads
- D2 visa: entrepreneurs
- Work visa: for pre-approved employment
- Family visa: for reunification
To find out more about the requirements and costs for each of these visa types, we advise checking out SEF’s (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras) website directly.
Summary: Overview of Visa Options
| Visa Type & Purpose | Estimated Cost (USD) | Processing Time |
| D7 Visa: Passive Income / Retirement | ~$100–$150 (application) + ~$100 documents | ~60–90 days |
| D8 Visa: Digital Nomads / Remote Workers | ~$150–$300 including documentation | ~60–90 days |
| D2 Visa: Entrepreneurs / Business Setup | ~$120–$250 + business setup costs | ~60–120 days |
| Work Visa: Pre‑Approved Employment | ~$90–$150 | ~30–60 days (after job offer) |
| Family Reunification Visa | ~$80–$150 + family document fees | ~60–90 days |
How to Apply for Portuguese Residency as a US Citizen
- Start by gathering the required documents
- Apply for a temporary residence permit within the first 4 months of your stay.
- Renew your permit annually.
- Apply for permanent residence after 5 years.
Tip: To ensure a smooth application process, make sure you have all necessary documents, start early, and get your health insurance in order.
Do I Still Pay US Taxes If I Move to Portugal?
Yes. As a US citizen, you’re taxed worldwide. But:
- Portugal and the US have a tax treaty to avoid double taxation.
- Residents are taxed progressively in Portugal.
2025 Portuguese Tax Brackets:
| Income Bracket (USD) | Tax Rate % |
| $0 – $8,100 | 14.5% |
| $8,101 – $12,160 | 21% |
| $12,161 – $84,400+ | Up to 48% |
Can I Open a Bank Account in Portugal as an American?
Yes, and it’s relatively easy to open a bank account in Portugal even as a foreigner. You’ll need:
- A valid ID (e.g., passport)
- Proof of income that states your profession
- NIF (tax number)
- Proof of address
What’s Healthcare Like in Portugal for Expats?
Children under 18 and seniors over 65 get free care.
Living in Portugal as a US Citizen
Living in Portugal offers American expats a slower pace of life, lower costs, and high-quality healthcare and safety. Portugal offers easy integration (English-friendly cities), great weather, and a casual lifestyle.
Related article
Read about Maile’s experience moving to Portugal from the US.
Best Places to Live in Portugal for American Expats
- Lisbon: The capital of Portugal offers modern amenities, a rich cultural scene, and many job opportunities for expats.
- Porto: Provides affordable living, beautiful scenery, and a community of international residents.
- The Algarve: The area has a large expat community, especially popular among retirees.
- Braga: One of Portugal’s oldest cities is great for those seeking a quiet lifestyle with an affordable cost of living.
- Madeira: Madeira is an autonomous archipelago offering lush landscapes and a mild climate.
Can I Bring My Dog to Portugal?
It is possible to take your pet along with you when moving to Portugal from the USA, provided that:
- Your dog is microchipped
- Has rabies vaccination
- You carry an international health certificate
- You pay a ~$36 entry fee
Related article
Read all about moving abroad with your pets.
Can I Work in Portugal as a US Citizen?
Yes, Americans can work in Portugal with the right type of visa:
- Work visa (pre-arranged job)
- D8 visa (remote work)
If you’re scouting for a job, it’s good to keep in mind that the most in-demand jobs for expats in Portugal are in the following sectors:
- Tourism and hospitality
- IT
- Communications
- Healthcare
Still searching? Some of the best job search platforms for finding work in Portugal are: Indeed, LinkedIn Portugal, Adecco, BonsEmpregos, Net-Empregos.
How Does Education Work in Portugal?
- School is mandatory from age 6 to 18
- Types of schools: Public, private, religious, international
Stages:
- Pre-school education (Educação Pré-escolar): ages 3 to 6
- Primary education (Ensino Básico): ages 6 to 15
- Secondary education (Ensino Secundário): ages 15 to 18
- Higher education (Ensino Superior): ages 18 and above
Checklist for Moving to Portugal from the US
Looking for a more extensive moving checklist? Have a look at our comprehensive packing guide here.
Did You Know…?
- The world’s oldest bookstore is located in Lisbon’s Chiado district. So, if you’re a bookworm like us, make sure to give Bertrand bookstore a visit!
- Portugal is the oldest country in Europe, having the same defined borders since 1139.
- Tempura, which we often tend to associate with Japanese cuisine, actually originated in Portugal!
- As of 2018, Portugal ranks among the top 5 safest countries in the world.
Sign up and receive our tips for moving house internationally & other guides
Sirelo uses the information you provide to us to contact you about our relevant content and services. You may unsubscribe at any time. For more information check our
privacy policyThank you for subscribing
Back
Network of 500+ movers
150,000 moves annually
