Number of Americans Living in Portugal Reached 21,000: 50% Increase in Relocating Compared to 2023

According to the Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum, or AIMA, 20,959 Americans live in Portugal now. In 2024 alone, 4,800 US residents obtained Portugal residence permits. This is 50% more than in 2013 and 625% more than in 2017. Americans now make up around 1.4% of the immigrant population in Portugal.

Zlata Erlach, an Immigrant Invest expert, explains how US citizens move to Portugal and what motivates them to do so.
Pathways for Americans to move to Portugal
"Portugal offers many ways to obtain its residency," says Zlata Erlach. "Employment and studying are the most common. Those with Portuguese ancestry or relatives in Portugal can obtain residence permits by family reunification. Other pathways include opening a company or making an investment."

Residency by investment is popular with Americans, who are among the nationalities that obtain residence permits by investment most often. In 2023, Portugal granted residency to 567 American investors.

"To obtain a Portugal residence permit by investment, foreigners invest at least €250,000 in arts and cultural heritage or at least €500,000 in investment fund units, scientific research, or a business," explains Zlata Erlach. "Purchase of fund units remains the most popular option."

Digital Nomads and financially solvent people can also obtain residency visas in Portugal.

"Digital Nomad Visas, or D8 Visas, are granted to employees of non-EU companies working remotely. The main requirements are to earn at least €3,480 per month and rent or buy real estate in Portugal," explains Zlata Erlach.

The Passive Income Visa, or D7 Visa, is designed for financially independent people, requires one to have a passive income of at least €870 per month and to buy or rent a residential property.

"This visa is popular with retirees. However, it is available to anyone with sufficient passive income," Zlata Erlach explains. "What is especially appealing is that it does not prohibit working in Portugal-something that other Passive Income Visas often lack."
Why do Americans move to Portugal?
"Portugal appeals to Americans for many reasons - a lower cost of living, high level of safety, affordable healthcare, and easy access to other European countries," notes Zlata Erlach.

Low cost of living. On average, Portugal is much more affordable than the US. Renting prices are about 70% lower, and the general cost of living is around 40% lower. In Lisbon, one needs about $2,000-2,500 per month, while in New York, the amount is $4,500-5,500.

High level of safety. Portugal is one of the safest countries in the world. According to the Global Peace Index, Portugal ranks as the 7th safest country, while the US is 132nd.

"In Portugal, one is very unlikely to be insulted, attacked, or robbed. Crimes based on skin colour, ethnic origin, gender, or religion are also uncommon," Zlata Erlach highlights.

Affordable healthcare. Portugal offers public healthcare free of charge to legal residents. To access it, Americans must simply register with the National Health Service, SNS.

Private healthcare is also cheaper than in the US. For instance, private health insurance in Portugal usually costs $20-100 per month. In the US, it costs $400-1,000 per month.

Easy access to other European countries. "Americans appreciate the compact size of Europe. Living in Portugal allows them to reach other European countries in 1 to 4 hours-much faster than from the US," highlights Zlata Erlach.

Rich cultural heritage. Portugal has a long history, and its capital is one of the oldest cities in Europe, established around 1200 BC. Due to its history and location, Portugal offers a blend of tradition and art, from soulful Fado music and unique Manueline architecture to renowned cuisine, including seafood and pastries.

Lisbon and Porto, the two largest cities, are the most popular destinations for US expats. Other popular places include the Algarve region, Madeira, and the Azores
How Immigrant Invest helps Americans move to Portugal
Immigrant Invest has worked in the field of investment immigration since 2006. Over the past 19 years, we've helped investors, digital nomads, and financially independent people from around the world obtain citizenship and residency in Europe and beyond.

Our lawyers are well-versed in Portugal's immigration laws, stay updated on all changes, and guide applicants through the entire process of obtaining residency.

Contact Immigrant Invest:
Zlata Erlach
Head of Austrian Office
Rathausplatz 8, office 7
1010 Vienna, Austria
+43-650-540-49-79
Press inquiries: +43-607-308-21-75

Immigrant Invest is a leading international consulting firm specializing in government-approved programs for acquiring second citizenship and residency by investment. With a proven track record of success, the company assists high-net-worth individuals and their families in obtaining alternative passports and residence permits that offer freedom of movement, tax optimization, and security.

This release was published on openPR.