How to Move to Portugal from the USA (2025)
This 2025 guide offers clear and updated information on visa types, eligibility, documents, and the application process for Americans moving to Portugal.
🎯 Best Portugal Visa Options for U.S. Citizens (2025)
D7 Visa – For Retirees & Passive Income Earners
The D7 Visa is ideal for U.S. citizens living off pensions, investments, or rental income. It allows long-term residency without requiring employment or business activity.
Requirements:
- Savings: At least €10,440 deposited in a Portuguese bank account
- Monthly Income: Minimum of €870 in passive income
- Documents: Proof of income such as pension statements, investment reports, or rental contracts
Digital Nomad Visa (D9) – For Remote Workers
The Digital Nomad Visa (D9) is designed for remote workers or freelancers who earn income from outside Portugal.
Requirements:
- Income Proof: At least €10,440 over the past 3 months
- Monthly Income: €3,480 (4x the Portuguese minimum wage)
- Supporting docs: Employment contract, employer letter, freelance contracts, or business ownership proof
• If your income is active, you may qualify for the Digital Nomad Visa (D9)
• If it is passive, you should consider applying for the D7 Visa instead
Make sure to submit the appropriate tax forms (e.g., Schedule K-1, 1099, or Form 1040) that clearly show the source and nature of your earnings.
⏱️ Processing Time & Planning
Recommended planning time
Document gathering
Visa decision time
Move to Portugal
📋 General Document Checklist for Portugal Residency Visas
As a general rule, the Portuguese consular authorities request the following documents for visa applications:
Required Documents
- Completed National Visa Application Form
- Two passport-size photos
- Valid Passport (with at least 3 months of validity beyond intended stay)
- Travel Insurance covering emergency care and repatriation
- FBI Background Check with Hague Apostille
- Proof of accommodation in Portugal (rental contract or deed)
- Proof of financial means (bank statements, pension records, tax returns)
- Portuguese NIF and bank account proof (optional but strongly recommended)
- Most recent U.S. federal tax return (particularly important for Digital Nomad applicants)
🚀 How to Apply for a Portugal Visa
U.S. citizens must apply through VFS Global or Portugal's eVisa portal.
Select Your Visa Type
Choose between D7 (passive income) or D9 (remote work) visa and gather all necessary documents according to your specific situation.
Submit Application
Submit your application via VFS Global centers or online through Portugal's eVisa platform. Ensure all documents are properly translated and apostilled.
Biometric Appointment
Attend a biometric appointment at the nearest Portuguese consulate or VFS center. This includes fingerprints and photo capture.
Wait for Decision
Visa decisions typically take around 60 days. You'll be notified via email or phone when your passport is ready for collection.
🛬 Arrival in Portugal: Getting Your Residence Permit (AIMA)
Once your visa is approved, you'll need to schedule an appointment with AIMA (Agência para a Imigração e Mobilidade) to convert your visa into a Residence Permit.
At your AIMA appointment:
- Your biometric data will be collected
- Original documents will be reviewed
- You'll receive a Residence Card valid for 2 years, renewable for additional periods
🇵🇹 Path to Portuguese Citizenship (After 5 Years)
After 5 years of legal residence, you may apply for Portuguese citizenship.
Requirements:
- Continuous legal residency for 5 years
- No serious criminal record
- Pass a Portuguese language test (A2 level)
- Show genuine integration into Portuguese society
Once naturalized, you'll enjoy full EU citizenship rights, including freedom to live, work, and travel anywhere in the European Union.
🏡 Living in Portugal as an American Expat
🏙️ Best Places for U.S. Citizens:
- Lisbon & Porto – Lively urban centers with strong expat communities
- The Algarve Region – Ideal for retirees seeking sunshine and tranquility
- Braga, Coimbra, Évora – Affordable, historic, and full of local charm
🏥 Healthcare & Banking:
- Healthcare: Public and private services are widely available and affordable
- Banking: A Portuguese bank account is essential for visas and daily transactions
⚖️ Current Legal Context
Portugal has experienced major legal reforms in recent years — including the termination of the Golden Visa for real estate and the gradual phase-out of the NHR tax regime. There's also growing political momentum to tighten the Nationality Law by increasing the current 5-year residency requirement.
Understanding these legal changes is essential for making informed decisions about your immigration timeline and strategy. At Zottis, Rezende Advogados, we help you navigate these complexities with expert legal guidance.