SEF is Now AIMA - What are the Differences

Portugal is a country of diverse regional identities, each contributing to its unique character. To truly understand its essence, it is important to highlight some key cities, particularly those with significant American expat communities.

As Portugal’s capital and largest city, Lisbon is an iconic destination where history and innovation blend seamlessly. This ancient European capital offers a wealth of opportunities for those choosing to call it home.

Lisbon, along with its surrounding metropolitan area, hosts the largest number of American expats in the country. Its efficient public transportation network and dynamic labor market are just a few reasons behind its appeal.



As Lisbon is a large and diverse city, selecting a neighborhood that aligns with your specific goals is essential. At Belion Partners, we are here to assist you in navigating the process and ensuring you find the perfect place to call home. 

Contact us to learn more about how we can support your relocation journey.

Porto, one of Portugal’s largest cities, is home to a growing community of American residents. Its historic center was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, reflecting the city's cultural and historical significance.

Situated along the northern banks of the Douro River in northern Portugal, Porto is world-renowned for its Port Wine, produced in the region’s vineyards and celebrated as one of the finest fortified wines globally.

Porto’s vibrant neighborhoods offer an array of cultural experiences and leisure activities. From lively street markets and captivating street art to charming cafés and bustling squares, Porto radiates energy and invites exploration at every turn.

Coimbra, Portugal’s medieval capital for over a century, is situated between Lisbon and Porto in central Portugal. It is home to the country’s oldest university, the Universidade de Coimbra, a historic institution steeped in tradition and academic excellence.



Coimbra combines an affordable cost of living with a high quality of life. Known for its youthful energy as a college town, it also provides a serene environment, making it a popular choice for expats seeking both vibrancy and tranquility.

Setúbal, a coastal city south of the Tagus River, has grown from its origins as a fishing village into one of Portugal’s larger urban centers.

The city is famous for its traditional dishes, such as choco frito (fried cuttlefish) and its sweet Muscatel wine, both of which leave a lasting impression on all who try them.

Setúbal offers affordability alongside more exclusive housing options, particularly near its stunning beaches. Whether looking for traditional charm or upscale living, this city has something for everyone.

Aveiro, located in the center of Portugal, is often referred to as the "Portuguese Venice" due to the charming canals that flow through the city. With a youthful energy, largely driven by its university and the growing presence of young expats, Aveiro offers a dynamic atmosphere.

The city embraces modernity, focusing on sustainability and mobility by promoting green spaces and encouraging walking and cycling, taking advantage of its flat terrain.

This approach fosters a peaceful, family-friendly lifestyle with minimal traffic, ideal for those seeking a quiet and sustainable way of life.

Portuguese people, especially the younger generations possess a high English proficiency level, one of the best in Europe and the world.

Analyzing data in this regard Portugal is placed as the 7º country in Europe and 8º in the world with the highest proficiency level in the English language among non-native speakers.

This proficiency is evident in public places such as public services and commercial establishments, where workers and users can easily use the English language. This makes life in Portugal easier for US people.

The Portuguese language, like Spanish, French, and Italian, stems from Latin, while English originates from the Germanic branch of the Indo-European language family. This fundamental difference makes Portuguese and English distinct in vocabulary, grammar, and phonetics.

For native English speakers, learning Portuguese can initially be challenging but ultimately rewarding, opening the door to a rich cultural experience.

Fortunately, there are several effective methods to learn Portuguese, tailored to individual needs and preferences. Many begin with language-learning apps like Duolingo, which help users familiarize themselves with basic vocabulary and grammar. For more in-depth learning, online or in-person courses provide a personalized approach, addressing individual challenges. Online courses, in particular, offer the advantage of beginning the learning journey before moving to Portugal.

Immersing yourself in Portuguese culture is also a crucial step. Engaging with Portuguese books, newspapers, films, music, podcasts, and TV shows helps learners understand the nuances of the language as it is used in everyday life. Writing in Portuguese is another valuable practice that can accelerate proficiency.

Participation in the Portuguese community enriches the learning experience, providing opportunities to apply language skills and gain a deeper understanding of the culture. This immersive approach fosters genuine integration and a fulfilling experience in Portugal.

Proficiency in Portuguese is also a legal requirement for Portuguese citizenship. An A2 level is mandatory, which can be demonstrated through the CIPLE exam or the Portuguese PLA courses, both of which certify the necessary language proficiency.

If you're looking to learn Portuguese, contact us! We will guide you toward the best pathway to achieve your language learning goals.

When a US citizen decides to relocate to Portugal, understanding the available visa options is a crucial first step. This process can be anxiety-inducing, as the approval decision lies solely with the authorities, and applications may be denied for various reasons at different stages.

For this reason, seeking legal support is strongly recommended. An experienced immigration legal team can provide guidance on processing times, required documentation, and how to interact with Portuguese agencies.

 Contact us to schedule a free consultation with a Portuguese lawyer or immigration consultant.

To help you explore the visa options available in Portugal and which ones are the most popular among US nationals, we developed this chapter of the guide. Here is what you need to know.

The Golden Visa Program is one of the most popular residency-through-investment programs in the world. In fact, in 2023 the US people were the leading nationality to secure the Portuguese Golden Visa, following official data from AIMA the agency responsible for immigration processes in Portugal.

One of the unique features of the Portuguese Golden Visa is the minimum stay requirements, to be precise the requirements - just 7 days per year or 14 days per 2-year period. This is especially appealing to those who want a Portuguese residency but do not live in Portugal or those who want to explore the EU lifestyle without the restrictions of residency timelines.

The required documents for the main applicant are: 

• A copy of all pages of the passport.
• A Power of Attorney (POA) and an affidavit signed in the presence of a lawyer in Portugal.
• Proof of the main applicant’s tax identification number from their country of origin, residence, or tax residence.
• A certified copy of the FBI report issued by the FBI.
• Various Portuguese documents, obtained under the Power of Attorney.

Another requirement is the investment for Golden Visa purposes, there are different paths to make a valid investment for Golden Visa.

It is important to mention that Golden Visa offers the opportunity for the family of the holder to come to Portugal under the family reunion rules.

There are 5 different options for Golden Visa investments, which are:

• Donations to Portuguese arts and culture.
• Scientific research activities.
• Golden Visa investment funds.
• Incorporation of a commercial company.
• Creation of 10 new permanent jobs.

The amounts varied from different investments, the one that has a smaller amount is the donation to the Portuguese arts and culture which can be of 200,000 EUR investment. 

Scientific research, investment funds, and the incorporation of a commercial company need a 500, 000 EUR investment amount. 

The creation of 10 jobs does not have a minimum amount, one needs to maintain the jobs all the visa time.

The golden visa offers several benefits to its holder and respective family members. The one that crosses people's minds is visa-free traveling inside the Schengen Area, a benefit attractive to those who enjoy traveling.

The possibility of working and studying in a country like Portugal is an opportunity to enjoy the good quality of life that Portugal has while developing new skills and incorporating knowledge. Certainly, a good combination.

One of the standout advantages of Portugal’s Golden Visa program is its minimal residency requirement. Unlike many similar programs worldwide, Portugal only requires Golden Visa holders to spend seven days per year in the country to maintain their residence permit. This low-stay requirement makes it an ideal option for those who wish to keep their primary residence elsewhere while still benefiting from Portuguese residency.

After just five years of holding a Golden Visa, you become eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship – a notably fast timeline compared to other European countries. Once citizenship is obtained, close family members of the Golden Visa holder can also apply for Portuguese citizenship, expanding the benefits to the entire family.

As a Portuguese citizen, access is granted to one of the world’s most powerful passports, allowing visa-free travel to 191 countries. The Portuguese passport provides global mobility to those who possess it.

Both the Digital Nomad Visa and the D7 Visa are excellent residency options for U.S. nationals considering a move to Portugal.

The Digital Nomad Visa, officially known as the D8 Visa, is tailored for non-EU/EEA citizens working remotely who wish to live in Portugal. This visa is valid for two years and allows American citizens to bring their families under family reunification rules, making it an attractive option for individuals or families seeking to establish a life in Portugal while maintaining their remote work lifestyle.

The D7 Visa, often referred to as the Passive Income Visa, is designed for individuals with income from passive sources such as pensions, rents, royalties, dividends, or financial investments. This visa is particularly appealing to retirees and others who rely on non-salaried income streams.

Unlike the requirement of passive income earnings, the D7 Visa not only grants temporary residence but also allows holders to engage in professional activities while living in Portugal. This flexibility makes it a versatile choice for those looking to maintain or expand their careers while enjoying the benefits of Portuguese residency.

If you’re considering these visa options, our team is here to help. Contact us to learn more about the application process and find the best pathway for your move to Portugal.

The D2 Visa, also known as the Entrepreneur Visa, is an excellent option for Americans with an entrepreneurial spirit who wish to relocate to Portugal. This visa caters to individuals aiming to:

• Establish a new business in Portugal.
• Open a branch of their existing company in Portugal.
• Operate as self-employed professionals.

To secure approval, applicants must demonstrate the value of their business to Portugal by providing key documentation, including:

• A detailed business plan.
• Proof of company setup.
• A declaration of investment, among other requirements.

Additionally, freelancers and digital nomads can apply for the D2 Visa if they can prove their services are unique and beneficial to Portugal.

The D3 Visa is designed for highly skilled American professionals seeking to build a new life in Portugal. To qualify, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Hold higher education credentials or advanced professional technical qualifications.
• Possess a valid employment contract or a promise of employment for at least 12 months. The contract must specify the position and the qualified specialty.



Highly qualified activities generally fall into two categories:

1. Management positions, which include leadership roles within organizations.
2. Expert roles in intellectual and scientific fields.

The D6 Visa, also known as the family reunification visa, allows immediate family members of U.S. citizens holding a Portuguese residence permit to join them in Portugal. Eligible family members include spouses, life partners (common-law spouses), children, parents, or siblings who are dependents of either spouse.

Here’s a breakdown of eligibility for family reunification under the D6 Visa:

• Spouse or life partner.
• Children under 18 years old.
• Dependents over 18 years old, provided they are unmarried and enrolled as full-time students in Portugal (or abroad in the case of Golden Visa holders).
• Dependent parents of either spouse or life partner.
• Siblings under 18 years old of either spouse or life partner if they are legally under their care. 

Selecting the appropriate visa is the crucial first step to ensuring a smooth and efficient immigration process. For long-term visas, as discussed earlier, these typically require renewal after two years. Upon renewal, the visa’s validity extends to three years.

Once the visa holder and their family have resided in Portugal for five years, they have two options:

1. Apply for permanent residency
2. Apply for Portuguese citizenship



Permanent residency allows U.S. citizens to reside in Portugal indefinitely without becoming Portuguese citizens. This status is valid for five years and must be renewed every five years.

For U.S. citizens residing in Portugal, acquiring Portuguese citizenship is often the natural next step after renewing their chosen visa. This pathway is highly popular among American residents.

Typically, visa holders become eligible for Portuguese citizenship through the naturalization process after residing in Portugal for five consecutive years under their selected visa. An exception to this is the Golden Visa, which allows holders to acquire Portuguese citizenship through investment after five years without needing to reside in Portugal – only requiring a stay of 7 days per year.

To obtain Portuguese citizenship via the naturalization route, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be over 18 or an emancipated minor.
• Hold a valid Portuguese residence permit for the last 5 years.
• Demonstrate basic proficiency in Portuguese (A2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).
• Have no criminal convictions punishable by more than 3 years in Portugal.
• Be registered with the Portuguese National Health System and Tax Authority.
• Not be involved in terrorism-related activities.

For U.S. citizens who acquire Portuguese citizenship, a wide range of benefits become available. To provide clarity, here is a summary of the key advantages:

Becoming a Portuguese citizen, and thereby a citizen of the European Union grants individuals the rights and responsibilities associated with EU citizenship.

As a Portuguese citizen, you gain the advantage of unrestricted travel within the Schengen Area. This means you can move freely across member countries without additional documentation, making travel as seamless as moving between states in the U.S.

The Portuguese passport is one of the most powerful in the world, granting visa-free access to 191 countries. This unparalleled global mobility places it among the top-ranking passports worldwide.

Portugal offers exceptional standards of health, safety, education, and affordability. Coupled with its pleasant weather, abundant sunshine, breathtaking landscapes, and renowned cuisine, living in Portugal provides a truly unique and privileged experience.

As a US citizen who acquires Portuguese citizenship, you gain the freedom to live and work anywhere within the European Union. This includes the right to travel, settle, and pursue job opportunities across EU member states. The only requirement is obtaining a CRUE document, which registers your presence after your first three months in a new EU country.

As a Portuguese citizen, you can access the academic opportunities available across the European Union, including studying at universities in any of the 27 member states. This applies to all levels of higher education and includes participation in programs like Erasmus, an exchange initiative that allows students to experience studying at universities across Europe for a semester.

Portuguese citizenship can be passed down to descendants. This means that a US citizen who becomes a Portuguese citizen has the right to transmit citizenship to their children and grandchildren, allowing future generations to enjoy all the associated benefits.

How Americans Can Gain Portuguese Citizenship: Your Pathway to Becoming an EU Citizen

Yes, Portugal permits dual citizenship. This means there is no requirement to renounce your US citizenship to also become a Portuguese citizen.

In addition to the naturalization and investment pathways – popular options for most American applicants – there are other circumstances under which American citizens may be eligible to obtain Portuguese citizenship.

Marriage to a Portuguese citizen grants eligibility for an American to obtain Portuguese citizenship. However, the marriage must have been legally recognized and in effect for at least three years.

Citizenship through a civil partnership follows a process similar to that of marriage. In this case, the eligibility requirements, including the three-year duration of the relationship, remain the same. The distinction lies in the legal documentation used to validate the partnership.

An individual born in the United States with one or both parents holding Portuguese citizenship is eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship through this route.

This pathway is similar to the parents’ route but applies to individuals with at least one Portuguese grandparent who has not renounced their Portuguese nationality. Applicants must demonstrate regular contact and effective ties to Portugal.

American citizens with Sephardic Jewish heritage may qualify for Portuguese citizenship under this pathway. The requirements include:

• Being an adult or emancipated minor.
• Demonstrating descent from Portuguese Sephardic Jews.
• Proving membership in a Sephardic community of Portuguese origin.
• Having no convictions for crimes punishable in Portugal by a prison sentence of more than three years.
• Not being involved in terrorism-related activities.

American citizens who held Portuguese citizenship prior to the 3rd of October 1981 and wish to reacquire it can do so through this pathway. To qualify, the applicant must:

• Be at least 18 years old or an emancipated minor.
• Have previously been a Portuguese citizen but lost citizenship before the 3rd of October 1981, due to acquiring another one.
• Submit a formal declaration requesting the reacquisition of Portuguese citizenship.

Managing the process of obtaining the right visa and pursuing Portuguese citizenship requires careful attention to detail and a thorough understanding of legal procedures. Legal support is indispensable in these situations for several reasons, with legal complexity being the foremost.

Portugal’s immigration and citizenship processes, like those of many countries, involve intricate requirements, unique pathways, and frequent legal updates. Engaging a lawyer experienced in immigration and nationality law ensures that all necessary steps are followed correctly, minimizing errors and delays while providing expert guidance tailored to your specific situation.

Ensuring all requirements are met and identifying potential obstacles is a critical step in achieving a smooth immigration or citizenship process. A lawyer’s role includes verifying that all necessary documentation is complete, accurate, and compliant with Portuguese law, reducing the risk of delays or issues.

While Portuguese immigration and citizenship laws are applied uniformly, each applicant's situation is particular and requires individual consideration. A specialized lawyer, well-versed in the law and familiar with your profile, can craft personalized strategies to optimize your chances of approval.

Ensuring a smooth immigration or citizenship process requires meticulous attention to detail. Even minor errors can lead to significant delays or, in some cases, rejection of the application. With an experienced lawyer by your side, the risk of mistakes is minimized, providing confidence and efficiency throughout the process.

Engaging a lawyer to communicate on your behalf with the institutions involved in your immigration or citizenship process adds a critical layer of professionalism and security. This representation ensures greater accuracy, enhances efficiency, and helps expedite the overall process.

The advantages of having an experienced immigration lawyer by your side are clear – professional guidance is essential to addressing Portuguese regulations and streamlining your path to success.

Contact us to schedule a free initial consultation with a knowledgeable Immigration Consultant. Let us help you determine the best steps tailored to your unique circumstances and goals. 

Tax considerations present notable opportunities for Americans relocating to Portugal. Understanding these considerations is crucial to ensuring a smooth transition. Portugal offers several tax benefits specifically available to U.S. citizens relocating to the country, making it an attractive destination for those seeking financial advantages while living abroad.

The IFICI+ is the upcoming tax benefit designed for foreigners who want to reside in Portugal. It offers tax benefits similar to those of the former Non-Habitual Residency (NHR) program. This benefit provides a 20% flat tax rate on eligible income for a duration of 10 years, non-renewable. However, the benefit applies exclusively to salaries and professional income within specified categories.

To qualify for IFICI+, applicants must meet the following conditions:

• Establish tax residency in Portugal.
• Have not been tax residents in Portugal during the previous five years.
• Earn income in one of the eligible professional categories listed below.

Higher Education and Scientific Research:

• Lecturers or researchers in higher education institutions.
• Participants in scientific roles within Portugal’s national science and technology system.
• Employees of recognized technology and innovation centers, including those in governing or membership positions in relevant organizations.

Productive Investment Roles:

• Positions tied to contractual benefits designed to promote productive investment as defined by Portuguese Tax Law.

Strategic Economic Roles:

• Positions identified as critical to the national economy by the Agency for Investment and Foreign Trade of Portugal (AICEP) or IAPMEI (Agency for Competitiveness and Innovation).
• Includes workers in the Azores or Madeira, subject to local laws.

Research and Development (R&D):

• Professionals engaged in R&D activities with expenses qualifying for tax incentives under Portugal’s Investment Tax Code.

Certified Start-Up Employment:

• Fewer than 250 employees.
• Annual income under EUR 50 million.
• Business activity of fewer than 10 years.
• Headquarters or representation in Portugal.
• Alternatively, a workforce of at least 25 employees in Portugal.
• The start-up must not result from a merger or division of a larger company.

Roles in the Azores and Madeira:

• Job positions or activities carried out by tax residents in these autonomous regions.