Why Move to Portugal? 10 Reasons Americans Are Relocating Here
Thinking about moving to Portugal as an American? Whether you’re a remote worker, retiree, or just seeking a better lifestyle, Portugal offers an unbeatable mix of affordability, safety, and culture. With its 300 days of sunshine, welcoming locals, and low cost of living, it’s no wonder Portugal is one of the most popular destinations for Americans looking to relocate.
If you’re considering moving to Portugal, here’s everything you need to know.
1. One of the Best Climates in Europe
🌍 Portugal has 300+ days of sunshine per year. If you love warm weather and mild winters, this is paradise.
- Algarve: Sunniest region with beaches & surfing.
- Lisbon & Porto: Mediterranean climate with cool ocean breezes.
- Madeira & Azores: Island life with tropical vibes.
📌 Compared to cities like New York or Chicago, where winters are brutal, Portugal’s climate makes year-round outdoor living a reality.
2. Portugal is Affordable – Even in Major Cities
💰 Cost of living in Portugal is up to 50% lower than in the U.S. Here’s a snapshot:
| Expense | Lisbon 🇵🇹 | New York 🇺🇸 | Miami 🇺🇸 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-Bedroom) | €1,000 | €3,200 | €2,500 |
| Meal (Restaurant) | €10 | €25 | €22 |
| Monthly Transport | €40 | €127 | €115 |
📌 Whether you’re retiring in Portugal or working remotely, your money goes further here!
3. Easy to Assimilate – English is Widely Spoken
Portugal has one of the highest English proficiency rates in Europe.
- Lisbon, Porto, Algarve: Most people in tourism & business speak English.
- Smaller towns: Learning basic Portuguese helps but isn’t essential.
📌 Want to feel at home fast? Portugal’s friendly expat communities make integration seamless.
4. Pathways to Residency & Citizenship
📍 Portugal offers several visa options for Americans looking to move.
| Visa Type | Best For | Processing Time | Leads to Citizenship? |
|---|---|---|---|
| D7 Visa | Retirees & passive income earners | ~4-6 months | ✅ Yes, after 5 years |
| Digital Nomad Visa | Remote workers & freelancers | ~2-4 months | ✅ Yes, after 5 years |
| Golden Visa | Investors (€280K+ in real estate) | ~12+ months | ✅ Yes, after 5 years |
| Work Visa (D1, D8) | Those with a Portuguese job offer | ~3-6 months | ✅ Yes, after 5 years |
📌 Check out our full Portugal Visa Guide to find the best visa for you!
5. Safe, Stable, and Welcoming for Expats
🔒 Portugal ranks among the safest countries in the world.
- Crime rates are low – especially compared to U.S. cities.
- Political stability – No extreme polarization or unrest.
- LGBTQ+ friendly – Ranked as one of the most accepting countries.
📌 If safety and peace of mind matter, Portugal is a top choice.
6. World-Class Healthcare (At a Fraction of U.S. Costs)
🏥 Portugal offers high-quality public and private healthcare.
- Public system (SNS) – Free or low-cost for residents.
- Private system – Top hospitals for €50-100 per visit.
- U.S. health insurance comparison – Up to 80% cheaper than in America!
📌 Want to compare healthcare plans? Check our Portugal Healthcare Guide.
7. Huge Expat & Digital Nomad Community
👥 Over 50,000 Americans already live in Portugal.
- Best cities for expats: Lisbon, Porto, Algarve, Cascais.
- Best cities for digital nomads: Madeira, Lagos, Ericeira.
- Expat forums & meetups: Easy to find support networks.
📌 Join a vibrant, international community!
8. The Best Food & Wine in Europe
🍷 Portugal is home to world-famous wines & fresh seafood.
- Port wine (Douro Valley) – Exclusive to Portugal.
- Pasteis de nata (Custard tarts) – A must-try dessert.
- Fresh seafood – Portugal is Europe’s seafood capital!
📌 Enjoy Michelin-star cuisine at half the price of U.S. fine dining.
9. Remote Work & Tax Benefits for Expats
💻 Portugal is a top remote work destination.
- Fast WiFi & co-working spaces in Lisbon, Porto, Madeira.
- Non-Habitual Residency (NHR) tax program = Up to 10 years of tax benefits.
- Digital Nomad Visa – Allows legal remote work in Portugal.
📌 Check our Remote Work in Portugal Guide for more details.
10. Easy Travel Around Europe
✈️ Portugal offers easy, cheap flights across Europe.
- 1-hour flight to Madrid
- 2.5 hours to Paris, London, Rome
- Low-cost airlines like Ryanair, TAP, and EasyJet
📌 Live in Portugal & explore all of Europe!
How to Get Started?
Ready to move to Portugal? Here’s your step-by-step guide:
1️⃣ Choose a visa – Find the best option here.
2️⃣ Plan your budget – See the cost of living guide.
3️⃣ Find a job or remote work – Check jobs for Americans.
4️⃣ Start your application – Visit Portugal’s SEF site.