Move to Portugal: Complete 2026 Guide

Last updated: February 2026. Sources: AIMA, Portuguese Immigration Law, Numbeo, PWC Tax Summaries.

Residency Options

Portugal offers multiple pathways to residency, each designed for different profiles. The Golden Visa suits investors who want flexibility without full-time residency. The D7 is ideal for retirees and those with passive income. The D8 targets digital nomads earning from foreign clients. All routes lead to permanent residency after 5 years and citizenship eligibility.

Which Visa Is Right For You?

• Investor wanting flexibility: Golden Visa — minimal stay, maximum freedom
• Retiree with pension/investments: D7 — lowest cost, straightforward process
• Remote worker with foreign clients: D8 — designed for digital nomads
• Tech professional with job offer: D3/HQA — fastest processing (30-60 days)
• Entrepreneur starting a business: D2 or Startup Visa — depends on company stage

Visa Comparisons

• D7 vs Golden Visa — Which is right for you?
• D8 vs D2 — Digital nomad vs entrepreneur

Cost of Living

Portugal is 30-40% cheaper than the UK and 50-60% cheaper than major US cities. Lisbon is the most expensive city but remains affordable by Western European standards. Porto offers 20-25% savings versus Lisbon, while smaller cities like Braga and Coimbra are 40-45% cheaper.

Rent by City

Monthly Living Costs

Comparison to UK/USA

• Full Cost of Living Breakdown
• Portugal vs USA Comparison

Setting Up Life

Your first priority is getting a NIF (tax number) — you need it for everything from bank accounts to utility contracts. Many services can be arranged remotely before arrival. Allow 2-4 weeks for bank account setup and plan your first month around admin tasks.

First 30 Days Checklist

Banking

Portuguese banks require NIF, passport, proof of address, and often proof of income. For visa applicants, show minimum €11,040 in savings. Deposits are protected up to €100,000. Millennium bcp and Novo Banco offer English support and dedicated expat services.

Healthcare

Portugal has a dual system: free public healthcare (SNS) available to all residents, plus private options. Public healthcare is comprehensive but has long waiting lists for specialists. Private insurance costs €40-150/month and provides faster access with English-speaking doctors.

• Bank Accounts Guide
• How to Get a NIF
• Healthcare System Guide

Buying Property

Foreigners can buy property in Portugal without restrictions. There is no MLS system — the market is fragmented across agents and portals. Cash buyers are often preferred. Budget 7-10% of purchase price for transaction costs including IMT tax, stamp duty, and legal fees.

Buying Process

Transaction Costs

Renting

Finding rentals: Idealista.pt, Imovirtual, Facebook groups. Expect to pay 2-3 months upfront (first month + deposit). Insist on a registered contract for legal protection. Tenant rights are strong — eviction is difficult for landlords.

• Complete Property Buying Guide
• Mortgage Guide

Daily Life

Portugal has excellent infrastructure: fast fiber internet, reliable public transport in cities, and EU-standard roads. Amazon Spain delivers in 1-3 days. English is widely spoken in Lisbon and Porto. Expect a slower pace — shops close for lunch in smaller towns, and August is effectively a national holiday month.

Internet and Mobile

Fiber widely available in urban areas (up to 1Gbps). Bundle packages with TV, internet, and mobile typically cost €50-80/month. Prepaid SIM cards available at supermarkets.

Transport

Driving

EU/EEA licenses valid indefinitely. US, Canadian, and other eligible country licenses can be exchanged within 2 years (no test required). Other nationalities must take the Portuguese driving test.

Shopping

• Internet Providers Guide
• Buying a Car in Portugal

Taxes

Portugal has progressive income tax up to 48%, plus a solidarity surcharge on high earners. Capital gains are taxed at 28% flat. The NHR regime ended in 2024, replaced by IFICI which offers 20% flat tax for qualifying professionals but excludes pension income.

Income Tax Brackets (2025)

Key Tax Rates

• Complete Tax Guide
• Tax Consultants

Cities and Regions

Lisbon offers cosmopolitan urban life but is the most expensive and increasingly crowded. Porto provides better value with authentic character. The Algarve delivers year-round sunshine but empties in winter. Madeira has perfect weather and a growing digital nomad scene. Smaller cities like Braga and Coimbra offer significant savings.

City Comparison

Weather by Region

Portugal vs Other Countries

Portugal offers the fastest path to EU citizenship (5 years vs 10 in Spain/Italy), ranks #7 globally for safety, and maintains one of Europe's most established Golden Visa programs. English proficiency is high, bureaucracy is manageable, and the cost of living undercuts most Western European alternatives.

• Portugal vs Spain
• Portugal vs Italy
• Portugal vs France
• Portugal vs Germany
• Portugal vs Greece
• Portugal vs UK

Golden Visa

The Golden Visa grants residency through qualifying investments. Real estate routes closed in October 2023, but investment funds, cultural donations, and job creation remain active. Processing takes 18-24 months with AIMA backlog. Family members are included at no additional investment.

Investment Routes (2026)

Total Costs (5-Year Estimate)

• Complete Golden Visa Guide
• Golden Visa Costs
• Investment Funds
• Golden Visa Law Firms

Citizenship

Portuguese citizenship requires 5 years of legal residency and A2-level Portuguese. Parliament voted in October 2025 to extend this to 10 years, but the law is not yet in effect. The Constitutional Court upheld the change in December 2025, but Parliament must fix other provisions before it becomes law. Dual citizenship is allowed.

Requirements

EU Citizenship Comparison

• How to Get Citizenship
• How to Get Residency
• Citizenship Law Changes 2026

Guides by Nationality

US citizens are now the largest Golden Visa applicant group, overtaking China in 2023. UK citizens face post-Brexit visa requirements but retain strong pathways. Each nationality has specific considerations for tax treaties, dual citizenship rules, and investment structures.

For US Citizens

• Portuguese Dual Citizenship for US Citizens
• Using IRA or 401(k) for Golden Visa

Pros and Cons

Portugal consistently ranks as one of the best places for expats, but it's not perfect. Understanding the downsides helps set realistic expectations.

Pros

• Safety: #7 safest country globally
• Affordability: 30-40% cheaper than UK/USA
• Weather: 270-300 sunny days per year
• Healthcare: Free public + affordable private
• EU citizenship: 5 years (shortest in EU)
• English: Widely spoken, easy to get by
• Food: Excellent quality, affordable prices
• Visa options: Multiple pathways available

Cons

• Housing quality: Poor insulation, mold common
• Bureaucracy: AIMA backlogs, slow processing
• Rising costs: Lisbon rents up 40% since 2020
• Low salaries: €1,073 minimum wage
• Cold indoors: No central heating
• Gentrification: Growing local resentment
• Cleanliness: Dog waste, litter issues
• Summer crowds: Coastal areas packed Jul-Aug

Your First 90 Days

A practical timeline for getting established. Priorities: NIF, bank account, accommodation. Most admin can be done in the first month.

Before Arrival

• Get NIF remotely — Use Anchorless or E-Residence (€69-140, 2-10 days)
• Start bank account process — Some services open accounts remotely
• Research accommodation — Short-term first, then long-term
• Gather documents — Apostilled birth certificate, criminal record, proof of income
• Health insurance — Required for AIMA appointment

Week 1-2

• Arrive and settle — Short-term accommodation (Airbnb, hotel)
• Get Portuguese SIM — NOS, MEO, or Vodafone prepaid
• Finalize bank account — In-person visit to complete
• Explore neighborhoods — Identify long-term location

Week 3-4

• Find long-term accommodation — Sign rental contract
• Set up utilities — Transfer electricity, water, gas
• Get internet — Schedule fiber installation (1-2 weeks)
• Schedule AIMA appointment — Book for residence permit

Month 2-3

• Register with healthcare — After receiving permit, register at Centro de Saúde
• Exchange driving license — Start IMT process if eligible
• Register with tax office — Update address at Finanças
• Start Portuguese lessons — Needed for citizenship

Education

Portugal offers free public education, affordable private schools, and international schools with British, American, and IB curricula. Public schools teach in Portuguese — excellent for integration but challenging initially for non-speakers.

International Schools by City

• Education System Guide
• International Schools Directory

Moving with Pets

Portugal is pet-friendly. EU Pet Passport system makes travel straightforward. Requirements: microchip, rabies vaccination (21+ days before travel), EU health certificate. No quarantine for EU/eligible countries.

• Complete Pet Relocation Guide

Find an Expert

Use a specialist immigration lawyer, not a generalist. Golden Visa, D7, and D8 each have dedicated firms with track records. Verify your lawyer is registered with the Portuguese Bar Association (Ordem dos Advogados). Budget €2,000-5,000 for D7/D8 and €8,000-15,000 for Golden Visa legal fees.

• Golden Visa Law Firms
• Tax Consultants
• D7 Visa Law Firms
• D8 Visa Law Firms

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I move to Portugal without a job?

Yes. The D7 visa allows residency with passive income (pension, rental income, investments). You need approximately €920/month minimum plus €11,040 in savings. No employment required.

How much money do I need to move to Portugal?

For D7/D8 visas: €11,040 minimum savings plus proof of ongoing income. For Golden Visa: €250,000-500,000 investment plus ~€20,000-70,000 in fees. For general living: budget €1,800-2,500/month for a comfortable single lifestyle in Lisbon.

Is Portugal still issuing Golden Visas?

Yes, but real estate routes closed in October 2023. Current qualifying investments: venture capital funds (€500K), cultural donations (€250K), scientific research, or job creation. Fund route is most popular.

How long until I can get Portuguese citizenship?

Currently 5 years of legal residency plus A2 Portuguese language test. Parliament approved extending to 10 years, but this law is not yet in effect. Dual citizenship is allowed — Portugal does not require you to renounce your original nationality.

What is the cost of living in Portugal?

Portugal is 30-40% cheaper than the UK and 50-60% cheaper than major US cities. A single person can live comfortably on €1,800-2,200/month in Lisbon. Couples budget €2,500-3,000/month. Porto and smaller cities are 20-40% cheaper than Lisbon.

Do I need to speak Portuguese?

Not initially. English is widely spoken in Lisbon, Porto, and tourist areas. However, A2-level Portuguese (basic conversational) is required for citizenship. Most expats achieve this within 12-18 months using apps and weekly tutoring.

Is Portugal safe?

Yes. Portugal ranks #7 globally on the Global Peace Index 2025, making it one of the safest countries in the world. Violent crime is rare. Petty theft exists in tourist areas but is manageable with basic precautions.

What are the downsides of living in Portugal?

Common complaints: poor building quality (thin walls, no insulation, mold), AIMA processing delays, rising housing costs and gentrification, low local salaries (limits some services), and cold apartments in winter without central heating.

Can I work remotely for a US/UK company while living in Portugal?

Yes, this is exactly what the D8 Digital Nomad visa is designed for. You need to earn at least €3,680/month from foreign clients or employers. D7 visa holders can also work remotely after receiving their residence permit.

What is the healthcare quality like?

Public healthcare (SNS) is free and comprehensive but has long waiting lists for specialists. Private healthcare is affordable (€40-150/month insurance) with English-speaking doctors and shorter waits. Most expats use a combination — public for serious conditions, private for routine care.

When is the best time to move to Portugal?

September-October or April-May. Avoid August (everything closes, peak tourist prices) and December-February (coldest months, harder to view properties). Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather, lower rents, and easier admin as government offices are fully staffed.

How hard is it to learn Portuguese?

For English speakers, Portuguese takes 600-750 hours to reach conversational level (A2). Most expats achieve A2 in 12-18 months with apps (Duolingo, Babbel) plus weekly tutoring. European Portuguese pronunciation is harder than Brazilian Portuguese, but locals appreciate any effort.

Can I bring my car to Portugal?

Yes, but it's often not worth it. Import taxes (ISV) can be substantial, especially for older or high-emission vehicles. EU-registered cars are easier. Most expats sell their car before moving and buy locally. Portuguese used car prices are reasonable.