Moving to Portugal from the US Guide

From breathtaking architecture and natural sites to its delectable food and inviting culture, Portugal attracts millions of tourists each year. With its excellent health care, thriving economy and idyllic lifestyle, it's become a prime destination for expats seeking to experience more of the world. 

No matter why you've decided to call Portugal home, you're in for the adventure of a lifetime. However, there are a few things you need to know before moving to Portugal from the USA. This guide covers the basics, from visas to planning how to get your items overseas.

Why Portugal Calls to American Expats

American expats choose Portugal for all sorts of reasons, including:

• Cost of living: The cost of living in Portugal is about 40% lower than in the US. This alone attracts many people who are looking for a beautiful place to call home that's also easy on their wallet. If you're bringing a remote job or wealth with you, your dollars will stretch much further here.
• Health care affordability: Portugal has a robust health care system at an affordable price point. A public universal system allows citizens and residents to access health care for free or with minimal costs. Private plans allow more flexibility, such as faster appointments, and cost between €30 and €60 per month.
• Safety: Portugal is one of the safest countries, rating seventh worldwide on the 2023 Global Peace Index. 
• Lifestyle: With a laid-back culture and welcoming attitude toward foreigners, Portugal ranks well for its lifestyle. It has both bustling metropolitan areas and slower, rural environments, offering virtually any lifestyle an expat could want
• Cultural attractions: As the oldest European nation, Portugal's rich culture interests many expats. Much of the country's appeal ties into the stunning natural landscapes. Other aspects include historic cathedrals, palaces and villages featuring a distinct architectural style. With 25 World Heritage sites to explore, there's always something to do.

What You Should Know Before Moving to Portugal

Understanding Visa, Residency and Other Requirements

To qualify for permanent residency in Portugal, you must first live in the country for 5 continuous years with a Registration Certificate. This grants temporary residency to study, work, join an approved family member or retire. Depending on the reason for temporary residency, the forms and application vary.

• Student Visa: Upon being accepted into an educational institution in Portugal, you need to apply for a student visa. Upon issuance, you must seek a residence permit after entering the nation. The residence permit lasts for a year and must be renewed annually. However, your time in Portugal under a student visa doesn't count toward the 5 years of continuous residence to become a permanent resident.
• Work Visa: To get a work visa, your Portuguese place of employment must sponsor your residency. This can be done at the nearest Portuguese embassy or consulate. Once in Portugal, you must obtain a residence permit. The work visa is valid for 1 or 2 years and must be renewed. However, if you want to work remotely while in Portugal, you must qualify for a D7 visa.
• Family Visa: To join an immediate family member in Portugal, you must apply for a family visa. The member you intend to reunite with must be a citizen or residence permit holder. Immediate family members who can sponsor a family visa include spouses or registered partners, minor children, a child under the care of the applicant, a dependent adult child, a dependent first-degree relative or an adult sibling with custody of the minor applicant.
• Retirement Visa: Those seeking to retire in Portugal can qualify for a retirement visa by proving they can support themselves financially without working. To do so, individuals must qualify for the initial 1-year visa and then renew it twice for 2 years each time. 
• Golden Visa: The Golden Visa allows foreigners to obtain Portuguese residency by investing in the country. This is most commonly satisfied by purchasing a property worth at least €500,000.

Deciding Where to Call Home in Portugal

Most places in Portugal have their own unique appeal. When choosing where to lay down the foundation for your new expat life, finding a location that suits your lifestyle is essential. Here are three of the most common expat destinations in the country:

• Lisbon: Cobbled streets and stunning architecture await in Lisbon, on the southwest coast. As the capital city of Portugal, it offers everything you could possibly want, including a template climate, a booming nightlife scene and trendy shopping districts. A robust public transport system and thriving labor market make it particularly attractive.
• Porto: Porto sits on the Douro River estuary in northern Portugal. Its reputation for cultural and entertainment opportunities precedes it, and its historic center has been deemed a World Heritage Site. Whether you want to live in the heart of a bustling city or appreciate the leisure of seafront living, you'll find exactly what you're looking for here.
• Algarve: This may be one of the best retirement destinations in Portugal. With its golden sand beaches and sprawling golf courses, Algarve attracts tourists and expats in spades. Plenty of seaside apartment developments entice retirees who don't need a lot of space for a growing family.

Atlas International: Your Relocation Partner to Portugal

An international move can be daunting, but Atlas International makes relocating to Portugal from the US a breeze. We're experts in international relocation. We can assist you with door-to-door transport, personalized packing and move management services.

Navigating the Move: From USA to the Heart of Portugal

Moving from the US to Portugal is a massive endeavor. It takes a lot of planning beyond the paperwork. You'll have to decide which belongings are worth shipping overseas and how to get them through customs. 

When you partner with Atlas International, you can trust that the process will be seamless. If something comes up along the way, we'll help you navigate the issue to minimize the impact. While every move will look different, some basic steps you can take to prepare include:

• Create a moving checklist with everything you need to do.
• Get your paperwork in order, and apply for the correct visa. Once the visa gets approved, it's time to plan everything else.
• Begin searching for a new place to call home. 
• Start planning how you'll move your belongings. International moves take time and planning, so you'll want to start this process at least 8 weeks in advance. You'll be hard-pressed to find services just a few short weeks before it's time to leave. Working with Atlas International is a huge asset because we can handle aspects such as customs clearance for you.
• Sort through your belongings to determine what you want to take with you and what you'll leave behind. Double-check customs regulations to ensure you're bringing only approved items.
• Get ready to embark on your new adventure.

Preparing For Your Portuguese Lifestyle

Before you move, you'll want to prepare yourself for a whole new culture and language. Portuguese is considered an easy language to learn for native English speakers, and it's often easier if you have a background in Spanish. Try to pick up the basics first so you can at least get by.

Take some time to learn about the culture. Portugal is known for its warm, familiar greetings and laid-back culture, which often translates to arrival times being quite liberal. While you might show up on time to meet someone, it's not uncommon to wait 15 to 30 minutes for them to arrive.

Likewise, you'll need to prepare your banking, health care and other pertinent services as soon as possible. Before you can begin, you'll usually need a Portuguese phone number, proof of identification (such as your passport), proof of residence and a Portuguese tax identification number, which you'll get when you receive your residence permit. 

Setting up a bank account often requires a minimum initial deposit. While you can often set up an account online, some banks may expect you to apply in person. Some may also charge monthly service fees.

To set up health care, you may want to purchase a private insurance plan. However, in Portugal, legal residents can register with the National Health Service (SNS) to gain access to public health care. The number will be issued the first time you visit a public health care facility. You'll need to provide identification, your Portuguese Tax Identification Number, a Portuguese address and a valid residence permit.

Embark on Your Portuguese Adventure With Confidence

Ready to plan your international move? Let Atlas International guide the way by providing a detailed moving quote and consultation. We have over 50 years of experience in helping people move to the USA from Portugal and vice versa. Contact us today to get started.