How do Americans move to Portugal? (step by step)
The route is well-trodden and entirely doable. Here is the order that works:
- Choose your visa. Pick the D7 if you live on passive income (€920 a month in 2026) or the D8 if you work remotely (about €3,680 a month).
- Order your FBI background check. Request your FBI Identity History Summary early. It takes about two to four weeks, then needs a US Department of State apostille that adds about two more weeks.
- Get a Portuguese NIF. Obtain your Portuguese tax number (NIF) using a fiscal representative, since you are outside the EU.
- Open a Portuguese bank account. Open the account and deposit the required savings, roughly €11,040 for a single applicant. From abroad this can take four to six weeks.
- Apply through VFS Global. Submit your visa application and documents at a VFS Global centre, which handles Portuguese visa submissions across US cities.
- Enter Portugal and register with AIMA. Travel to Portugal within the four-month visa window and attend your AIMA appointment to collect your residency permit.
Which visa: D7 or D8?
The D7 is for passive income such as a pension, rental income or investments, and needs at least €920 a month for a single applicant in 2026. The D8 is for remote work for clients or an employer outside Portugal, and needs around €3,680 a month. Both add 50% for a spouse and 30% per child, and both expect roughly €11,040 in savings.
How long does each stage take?
| Stage | Typical time |
|---|---|
| FBI Identity History Summary | 2 to 4 weeks |
| US Department of State apostille | about 2 weeks |
| Open a Portuguese bank account from abroad | 4 to 6 weeks |
| Visa decision (legal maximum 60 days) | about 5 to 6 weeks at many consulates |
| AIMA residency appointment after arrival | weeks to months (backlog dependent) |
| Whole process, end to end | 12 to 18 months |
What about taxes for Americans?
The United States taxes its citizens on worldwide income wherever they live, with treaties to prevent double taxation. Portugal’s old NHR tax break closed to new applicants in 2025, and most movers will not qualify for its narrow IFICI replacement, so budget for normal Portuguese tax and get cross-border advice before you move.
Frequently asked questions
How do Americans move to Portugal?
Most Americans move on the D7 (passive income) or D8 (remote work) visa: start an FBI background check, get a NIF and a Portuguese bank account, apply through VFS Global, then collect a residency permit at AIMA after arriving.
How long does it take to move from the US to Portugal?
Typically twelve to eighteen months from gathering documents to holding a residency card, driven by the FBI check, the bank account, the appointment wait, and the AIMA appointment.
Do Americans pay tax in both countries?
The US taxes citizens on worldwide income wherever they live, with treaty relief to avoid double taxation. Portugal taxes residents under normal rates, as the old NHR break is closed to new applicants.
Can I move to Portugal on a tourist visa?
No. Visa-free travel allows short visits only. To live in Portugal you need a residency visa and permit.
Map your move with the Move Plan
Sources
- FBI Identity History Summary Checks: fbi.gov
- US Department of State, apostille / authentications: travel.state.gov
- VFS Global (Portuguese visa submissions): vfsglobal.com; visa thresholds: vistos.mne.gov.pt
General information for June 2026, not legal or tax advice. Related reading: the Ultimate D7 Visa Guide and How to Apply for Your NIF.
