Moving to Portugal: The American's Guide (2026)
Portugal is the #1 destination Americans want to move to — and one of the most accessible. This hub pulls together our source-checked 2026 guides on visas, cost of living, banking, the NIF, taxes and insurance, so you can plan the move in the right order. Every figure is dated and traced to an official source.
Can Americans move to Portugal?
Yes. Most Americans relocate on the D7 visa (passive income, from ~€920/month in 2026) or the D8 digital nomad visa (remote income, ~€3,680/month). Neither needs a Portuguese employer, and both lead to permanent residency or citizenship after five years.
What does it cost, and what's the order of steps?
Living in Lisbon costs roughly €2,150/month all-in for one person. The practical sequence is:
- Choose your visa (D7 or D8) and confirm you meet the income bar.
- Get a NIF (tax number) and open a Portuguese bank account.
- Buy the required €30,000 insurance with Schengen-wide cover.
- Apply at the Portuguese consulate in the US.
- Collect your residence permit from AIMA after you arrive.
Which Portugal visa fits you?
The two routes most Americans use, side by side — 2026 income figures from Portugal's official MNE visa portal and AIMA:
| Visa | Income required /mo | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| D7 (passive) | ≈ €920 | Retirees, pension/dividend income |
| D8 (digital nomad) | ≈ €3,680 | Remote workers & freelancers |
| D2 (entrepreneur) | Business plan + funds | Founders & the self-employed |
Start here — our Portugal guides
The €30,000 insurance every Portuguese visa requires
D7 and D8 applicants must show private health cover before the consulate will approve them. SafetyWing's nomad plan is a common pick for this stage — confirm the certificate shows Schengen-wide cover and repatriation.
Compare SafetyWing cover →Disclosure: affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. See our affiliate disclosure. We only suggest plans that can meet the official requirement — verify the certificate yourself.
Which Portuguese visa is easiest?
For retirees and anyone with passive income, the D7 has the lowest bar in Europe (~€920/month). For remote workers, the D8 is the right route (~€3,680/month). See the full breakdown in our visa guide, or compare Portugal with other countries in the Expat Affordability Index.