Why is Portugal an Ideal Choice for New Beginnings for U.S. Citizens?

In the wake of the 2024 presidential elections, a growing number of U.S. citizens are exploring relocation options abroad. Recent data underscores this trend—according to Henley & Partners, demand for residency and dual citizenship applications from the U.S. has surged by an impressive 504%. Many of these inquiries focus on Portugal, prompting the question: Why are so many Americans choosing to make Portugal their new home?

Portugal has long been a favored destination for Americans seeking a new home abroad. With its pleasant climate, affordable cost of living, and high standards of safety, the appeal is undeniable. Portugal’s rich cultural heritage, combined with its warm and welcoming community, creates an ideal environment for those looking to make a fresh start. For many, Portugal represents not just a destination, but a place to truly call home.

Recent data from Portugal’s Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum (AIMA) underscores the increasing appeal of Portugal among U.S. citizens. In its 2024 report, using data from 2023, AIMA confirmed that Americans were the leading nationality to secure Residence Permits for Investment Activity, known as Golden Visas. Of the 2,901 Golden Visas granted last year, 1,554 were linked to family reunification. Of those, 567 were issued to U.S. citizens. U.S. citizens thus represented roughly 20% of all Golden Visas issued in Portugal, and approximately 42% of total Golden Visa holders, underscoring the significant appeal of Portugal's residency programs among American investors and families alike.

The Portuguese Golden Visa program has become a highly attractive residency option for U.S. citizens due to its flexibility and broad investment opportunities. This program offers multiple pathways to establish residency in Portugal through varied investment channels tailored to different interests and objectives. Investment options include: 

• Donations to Portuguese arts and culture.
• Contributions to scientific research.
• Investments in Golden Visa funds.
• Business incorporation in Portugal.
• Creation of 10 new permanent jobs in Portugal.

Each of these investment options allows U.S. citizens to secure residency in Portugal and, if desired, extend this opportunity to their family members under the family reunification conditions. Additionally, some of the investment options require different amounts.

A distinctive advantage of the Portuguese Golden Visa is its minimal stay requirement, the shortest among global residency-by-investment programs. Visa holders need only spend 7 days per year in Portugal, offering exceptional flexibility for U.S. citizens who seek residency options without the commitment to permanent relocation.

For U.S. citizens considering relocation abroad, the Portuguese Golden Visa offers an ideal blend of flexibility and freedom. This visa not only grants residency in Portugal and the European Union but also provides visa-free travel to 172 countries, allowing families to experience and explore all EU countries and more without the need for additional visas. This extensive travel mobility allows American families to assess which country best aligns with their goals, lifestyle preferences, and other important considerations for a potential move abroad.

Should you wish to learn more about the Portuguese Golden Visa, we are here to assist you. Please feel free to contact us for detailed guidance and support.

That is why the Golden Visa is the most sought-after by Americans. However, one question remains: Is the Golden Visa the only option?

Portugal offers a wide range of residency options for those seeking to make this beautiful country their home. If you and your family decide that Portugal is the right place for you and wish to explore alternatives to the Golden Visa, several other pathways are available, such as: 

A popular choice among U.S. expats to reside in Portugal is through the Passive Income Visa, also known as the D7 visa. This visa is particularly appealing due to its relatively low financial requirements. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate a source of passive income, which can include earnings from activities such as rental income, royalties, dividends, or interest from financial investments, among other possibilities. There are numerous viable options to meet this requirement, offering flexibility for different financial situations.

To qualify for the Passive Income Visa, applicants must demonstrate a minimum annual income of 9,840 EUR, which is equivalent to Portugal’s minimum wage. If a second adult, such as a spouse or partner, is included in the application, they must show an additional 50% of this amount, totaling 4,920 EUR per year. For each dependent child, the requirement is 30% of the minimum wage, or 2,952 EUR annually. 

Please note that the income values outlined above are subject to annual adjustments, in line with changes to Portugal's minimum wage.

It is important to highlight that D7 visa holders are not restricted from pursuing professional activities in Portugal. While passive income is a requirement for the visa, it does not preclude individuals from engaging in employment or business ventures. 

The Digital Nomad Visa, also known as the D8 Visa, offers U.S. citizens a clear pathway to reside and work remotely in Portugal. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate an average monthly income of at least four times the Portuguese minimum wage, which equates to approximately 3,280.00 EUR in 2024. Higher-income levels may improve the chances of approval, as consular officers have discretionary authority in assessing applications. It is important to note that the visa application must be submitted before the residence permit request and should be made through a Portuguese consulate in the US.

The Digital Nomad Visa offers two types of residency options: Temporary Stay and Long Stay. The Temporary Stay Visa is valid for one year and permits individuals to work as self-employed freelancers or manage an online business. This option is well-suited for those seeking flexibility and a shorter-term commitment while residing in Portugal.

If a digital nomad intends to live in Portugal for an extended period, typically more than one year, the Residence Permit for Digital Nomads would be the perfect solution.



Immediate family members can also apply for residence permits under the family reunification rules, facilitating a smoother and more cohesive relocation process for those moving to Portugal.

Also known as the D2 Visa, it is a great option for U.S. citizens who want to:

• Open a business in Portugal.
• Already have a business in the U.S. and would like to open a branch in Portugal.
• Work as self-employed individuals, including independent or liberal professionals who have a work contract or a written work proposal. Freelancers and digital nomads can also apply if they can prove that they offer differentiated services that are relevant to the country.

The person who applies for the D2 Visa can also bring their family together under the family reunification provisions if they wish.

If you need any help regarding these visas and deciding which one is the best choice, feel free to reach out to us. We will be more than happy to help you.

To accommodate the diverse immigration needs and motivations of individuals, Portugal offers a variety of visa options. Below are some of the visa types:

• D1 Visa: Tailored for individuals seeking to live and work in Portugal, this visa requires a valid work contract or employment offer with a minimum duration of one year in Portugal.
• D3 Visa: Designed for highly skilled professionals, the D3 visa is available to US citizens holding a valid job contract for at least one year in a qualified field. Applicants may strengthen their application by demonstrating higher income levels and relevant qualifications.
• D4 Visa: This visa is intended for individuals coming to Portugal for study or training purposes. It is available to students, exchange participants, and those undertaking professional internships with a duration of more than three months.
• D5 Visa: Exclusively for college and university students, the D5 visa allows residence for those pursuing higher education in Portugal.
• D6 Visa: The D6 Visa facilitates family reunification, allowing legal residents in Portugal to bring their spouse, dependent children under 18, and financially dependent parents over 65 to live with them.

It is important to note that all of the visas mentioned provide the opportunity to become eligible for Portuguese citizenship after holding it for five years. This is one of several pathways available for individuals seeking to obtain Portuguese citizenship.

Portugal offers various pathways for American citizens seeking to acquire Portuguese citizenship. If you are interested in obtaining Portuguese citizenship, here are the available options:

• Citizenship by Descent: An American citizen may qualify for Portuguese citizenship if they have Portuguese ancestry, such as a Portuguese parent or grandparent. This provides automatic eligibility to apply for citizenship.
• Citizenship by Residency: After five years of legal residency in Portugal, a US citizen may apply for Portuguese citizenship, making it an appealing option for those who have established themselves in the country.
• Citizenship by Marriage: An American citizen married to a Portuguese citizen for at least three years may apply for Portuguese citizenship. This route provides a clear pathway for those in a long-term relationship with a Portuguese national.
• Citizenship by Civil Partnership: Similar to marriage, this route allows an American citizen in a civil partnership with a Portuguese citizen for at least three years to apply for citizenship.
• Citizenship by Investment: The Golden Visa program is the most popular investment-based route to Portuguese citizenship. This allows US citizens to gain residency and, eventually, citizenship through qualifying investments in Portugal.

These are the primary pathways to obtaining Portuguese citizenship.

If you would like to learn more about the best option for your circumstances, please contact us. We are here to provide you with personalized guidance and help you make an informed decision.

After considering all of this information, one question remains:

To provide a well-founded answer to this question, an entire article dedicated solely to this topic would be necessary. 

However, I will give a few reasons why Portugal feels like home for everyone:

According to the most recent data from the Institute for Economics and Peace, Portugal ranks as the 7th most peaceful country in the world, according to the 2024 Global Peace Index (GPI). Safety is a critical factor for US citizens considering relocating abroad with their families.

A study by the EF English Proficiency Index (EF EPI) ranked Portugal 8th globally, demonstrating a high level of English proficiency. In addition, Portuguese people are renowned for their welcoming nature. This combination makes the integration process much smoother for U.S. citizens relocating to Portugal.

Portugal’s education system is highly regarded for its quality, with numerous private American international schools available. This offers US citizens and their families a range of flexible educational options across the country.

Portugal’s national healthcare system is known for its quality and accessibility, benefiting all legal residents.

Portugal enjoys a lot of sunshine, with between 2,500 and 3,200 hours of sunlight annually. This delightful climate encourages residents and visitors to enjoy outdoor activities, explore the country’s vibrant streets, and immerse themselves in its stunning natural landscapes. 

Portugal's culinary scene is truly exceptional, reflecting the country's rich cultural heritage. Its gastronomy is as diverse as its landscape, with each region offering distinctive dishes, wines, liqueurs, appetizers, and desserts that delight the senses. 

The Portuguese passport offers significant benefits, including visa-free access to 172 countries and full European Union citizenship. This grants holders the freedom to live, work, and study in any EU member state. Additionally, family members can enjoy these same privileges through the family reunification provisions.

Portugal consistently captivates with its diverse appeal. From the vibrant streets of Lisbon to the serene villages in the countryside, every region offers its own distinctive charm. Lisbon and Porto have been recognized by Time Out magazine as home to some of the coolest streets in the world, while Braga is celebrated as one of Europe’s cities offering the highest quality of life.

From Cascais to Costa da Caparica, this region has been recognized by various international media outlets for its beauty. The lifestyle along this stretch of Portugal's coast could arguably be described as paradise.

As you can see, Portugal is truly a country suited for everyone. From the youngest exploring the opportunities life has to offer, to those in their later years seeking to enjoy the best of their golden years, Portugal provides a welcoming environment for all.

For American entrepreneurs looking to develop new ideas, Portugal offers an ideal environment. Lisbon has already been honoured as the innovative European Capital. Whether you're a young entrepreneur looking to launch your first startup or an established business seeking growth, Portugal has introduced special legislation to support innovation and ranks among the top 10 startup destinations in Europe.

For expats seeking the freedom to live and explore without the constraints of modern life, Portugal is the ideal destination. Previously acclaimed as the top destination for American expats, offering a lifestyle that combines flexibility, opportunity, and quality of life. 

If you are ready to explore the country, we proudly call home, we invite you to reach out to us. We are here to provide you with expert guidance and support every step of the way.