Americans Moving to Portugal: The 2026 Guide
Yes, Americans can move to Portugal in 2026. Most do it on the D7 (passive income or retirement) or D8 (remote work) visa. You apply at a Portuguese consulate in the US, arrive on an entry visa, then complete your residence permit with AIMA in Portugal. The longest job to plan for is the FBI background check.
Which visa do Americans usually use?
Most Americans use one of three routes. The D7 suits retirees and anyone with steady passive income such as pensions, rental income or dividends. The D8 suits remote workers and freelancers paid by clients outside Portugal. The Golden Visa suits investors who want residency without living here full time.
| Visa | Best for | Income or investment (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| D7 | Retirees, passive income | At least €920/month, plus savings |
| D8 | Remote workers, freelancers | About €3,680/month (4x minimum wage) |
| Golden Visa | Investors | From €500,000 (e.g. funds); no minimum stay |
How much income do you need?
The D7 asks for stable passive income of at least 100% of the Portuguese minimum wage, which is €920 a month in 2026, so about €11,040 a year, plus savings held in a Portuguese account. The D8 asks for around €3,680 a month, four times the minimum wage. Consulates like to see a buffer above the minimum, not just the exact figure.
The FBI background check and apostille
Portugal requires a federal FBI criminal record check, not a state one. It must be apostilled by the US Department of State (a state Secretary of State apostille is not accepted) and then translated into Portuguese by a certified translator. Most consulates want it less than 90 days old at submission. Start this step first: the check and apostille together can take 10 to 16 weeks.
Do Americans still pay US tax after moving?
Yes. The US taxes its citizens on worldwide income wherever they live, so you keep filing a US return from Portugal. The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (around $130,000 in 2026) and the Foreign Tax Credit usually reduce or remove double taxation, and a US to Portugal tax treaty applies. This is general information, not tax advice, so use a cross border accountant.
The IFICI regime (the successor to NHR) offers a 20% flat rate, but only on income from specific high value activities. Retirees, passive income recipients and most general remote workers do not qualify, so do not assume it applies to you.
What order do the steps go in?
Roughly this order: get your NIF (tax number) and open a Portuguese bank account, gather and apostille your documents, apply for the D7 or D8 at your nearest consulate, fly out on the entry visa, then attend your AIMA appointment to collect your residence permit. Our free quiz shows which stage you are at and what to do next.
Not sure which route fits you?
The Discovery Plan maps your whole move in sequence, or the Personalised Fit Plan gives you a one to one call and a written plan built around your situation.
Frequently asked questions
Can I move to Portugal without a job?
Yes. The D7 visa is built for people with passive income or savings rather than a Portuguese employer, so retirees and those living off pensions, rentals or dividends can qualify without a job offer.
How long does the whole process take?
Plan for roughly four to six months end to end. Consular processing of the visa often runs a few months, and the slowest part is usually preparing the FBI check and apostille, which can take ten to sixteen weeks on its own.
Do I need to speak Portuguese to move there?
No. You do not need Portuguese for the D7 or D8 visa. You will need A2 level Portuguese later if you apply for citizenship, so it is worth starting early.
Can my spouse and children come with me?
Yes. Family members can join the main applicant through family reunification, which covers a spouse or partner and dependent children.
Is the Golden Visa still available to Americans in 2026?
Yes, but the property purchase routes were removed. Remaining options include qualifying investment funds, and the Golden Visa still has no minimum stay requirement, unlike the D7 and D8.
Can I just live in Portugal on tourist stays?
No. As a US citizen you can spend ninety days in any one hundred and eighty in the Schengen area as a visitor. To live in Portugal you need a residence visa and permit.
Sources: Portuguese Government (portugal.gov.pt), Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa portal (vistos.mne.gov.pt), US Department of State, US IRS. Figures current June 2026.
Last updated June 2026. By Claire Lawrence, who moved to Portugal and now helps others do the same.