Back
Network of 500+ movers
150,000 moves annually
Sirelo Top Mover
33 ratings as "Professional"
Moving
Moving Abroad
Container Shipping
Services
Find a Mover
Moving to Portugal is becoming popular for expats due to its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and welcoming atmosphere. However, like any major move, relocating to Portugal involves careful planning and consideration. From understanding shipping costs and navigating visa requirements to choosing the best places to live, there’s a lot to think about. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps, provide cost estimates, and give you the insights you need to make your move as smooth as possible.
In the tables below you can find the cost of sea freight to Lisbon from both the East and West Coasts of the United States:
Moving from the East and West Coast to Portugal
| 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: the rates shown above are just mere estimates. Your moving costs will vary depending on your actual point of departure, the size of your move, and the service rates of the company.
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.
Moving to Portugal and looking for a mover? Take a look at the 3 best international removal companies from America to Portugal:
Keep in mind that moving costs are generally quite hard to estimate, so our pro tip is that you request moving quotes ASAP –this is truly the only way you’ll be able to get an accurate estimation of how much moving to Portugal will cost you!
Portugal is one of the most affordable countries in Europe. See the table below for common expenses upon moving to Portugal from the US:
| 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
*Disclaimer: Keep in mind these are mere estimates.
As a US citizen moving to Portugal, you must take out a visa to enter the country and apply for a temporary residence permit once there.
The different types of visas you can request for moving to Portugal include:
The visa application process is carried out by the Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (SEF). To find out more about the requirements and costs for each of these visa types, we advise checking out SEF’s website directly.
Portuguese tax residents need to pay income tax based on their income level. In general, if you stay in Portugal for longer than 183 days of the year you are considered a tax resident.
In Portugal, your worldwide income is subject to taxes, including salary, rental income, and capital gains. The US government has a tax treaty with Portugal to avoid double taxation.
Income tax rates in Portugal:
| Annual Worldwide Income | Tax Rate % |
| $0 – $8,100 | 14.5% |
| $8,101 – $12,160 | 21.0% |
| $12,161 – $17,200 | 26.5% |
| $17,201 – $22,300 | 28.5% |
| $22,301 – $28,250 | 35.0% |
| $28,251 – $41,250 | 37.0% |
| $41,251 – $53,850 | 43.5% |
| $53,851 – $84,400 | 45.0% |
| $84,401 and over | 48.0% |
As Portugal is one of the easiest countries to open a bank account for non-residents, we heavily advise opening an account before moving to Portugal from the USA.
The required documents to open an account usually include:
Portugal operates under a mixed healthcare system. This means that you will have the option to choose between private and public medical coverage.
The public medical coverage is handled by the Servicio Nacional de Saúde (SNS) and is free of charge for all Portuguese residents under the age of 18 or above the age of 65. The system is heavily subsidized, which means that people who don’t fall into these terms probably have to pay only a small fee for full coverage.
Alternatively, if private medical coverage is something you prefer instead, you always have the option of taking out an international health insurance policy with an American company. Under these policies, you’ll often enjoy coverage for both medical emergencies and routine healthcare work.
Portugal is a popular place to live among expats due to its low cost of living, warm climate, relaxed pace of life, and friendly locals. Living in Portugal as an American is quite easy since most people understand English.
Keep reading below to find more information on the best places to live and how to get your pets to Portugal.
It is possible to take your pet along with you when moving to Portugal from the USA, provided that:
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:
We’ve put together a list of useful job-scouting platforms to help you start your search:
The education system in Portugal offers opportunities in international, private, religious, and public schools. Chances are that you will find what you’re looking for in terms of education.
The education system consists of 4 stages, with school being mandatory from age 6 to 18:
Looking for a more extensive moving checklist? Have a look at our comprehensive packing guide here.
We hope that after reading this article you feel prepared to move to Portugal. Following a clear checklist for moving can make the process much easier and have you enjoying the warm weather and sardines that much faster!
In case you need some extra assistance with your move, at Sirelo we have your back. Check out our other articles and FAQs below.
Our mission is to be your go-to moving platform for you and your loved ones. With our years of expertise and extensive network of movers, we’re here to make your moving process as stress-free as possible.
