Moving to Portugal has become a dream for thousands of people—and with good reason. That sun-kissed lifestyle, affordable living costs compared to other European countries, and the promise of that blue Portuguese passport down the line are just too enticing to resist. As a lawyer who's guided countless people through moving to Portugal, I've seen firsthand how outdated information can lead to costly mistakes when applying for a residence permit.
The Portugal Golden Visa program has changed dramatically—the property route closed in October 2023, and the investment fund option followed suit in February 2025. Meanwhile, the new AIMA agency is struggling to deal with a 400,000-file backlog of residence permit applications. I've seen so many foreign nationals get caught out by these changes when moving to Portugal—and I'm here to set the record straight about getting your residence permit in 2025.
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1. What You Really Need to Know About Moving to Portugal
Moving to Portugal can be an exhilarating experience for Americans and other non-EU citizens. The rich Portuguese culture, stunning landscapes, and mild climate make it an attractive choice for expats. But before you pack your bags, you need to understand the process of getting a Portuguese residence permit. There are various visa options, including the Golden Visa program, but moving to Portugal isn't as simple as it once was.
I see so many people get caught up in the idea of buying their way into Portuguese citizenship through the Golden Visa. That's just not the case anymore. The Golden Visa program has undergone significant changes that affect your path to a residence permit.
When moving to Portugal today, income-based visas are now the way forward:
- The D7 visa (for passive income) requires a minimum yearly income of €8,460 for an individual, plus 50% for a spouse and 30% per child. That's a pretty high bar to set, but for those who can meet it, it's a great path to a Portuguese residence permit.
- The digital nomad visa (D8) is for remote workers who earn approximately €3,280 monthly (4 times Portugal's minimum wage). This visa is perfect for those moving to Portugal while keeping their jobs abroad, though it's a different residence permit category than the Golden Visa.
- The work visa requires a signed job contract with a Portuguese employer. The previous manifestação de interesse pathway was abolished in 2024. This change has made the process of moving to Portugal with a work contract a bit more straightforward, but also more competitive for getting your residence permit.
I had a client recently who applied for the wrong visa type when moving to Portugal. He was a retired teacher from the UK who thought the Golden Visa was still his best option, then tried applying for a digital nomad visa when he actually needed a D7 retirement visa.
He had rental income that didn't meet the minimum requirements for a residence permit. He spent months and thousands of pounds on the wrong applications. I helped him get on the right track by preparing a proper application that highlighted his pension income instead, which finally secured his Portuguese residence permit.
2. The Visa Process When Moving to Portugal
To enter Portugal with plans to stay, non-EU citizens must meet specific requirements for a residence permit. You'll need a valid passport with plenty of remaining validity, provide proof of income, and obtain private health insurance. While the Golden Visa program used to be popular, its investment options have changed dramatically. The visa process when moving to Portugal can feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance, it can be a relatively straightforward experience.
Many Americans seeking to relocate apply for the D7 visa rather than a tourist visa, which only allows short stays and doesn't lead to a residence permit. It's crucial to consult with your local Portuguese consulate before moving to Portugal to ensure you're on the right track with your residence permit application.
3. Dealing With AIMA's "Complete File" Rule When Moving to Portugal
Since April 2025, AIMA (which replaced SEF) only accepts "complete" applications for your residence permit. That means when moving to Portugal, a single missing document can lead to rejection. Portuguese residence permits now take 12-18 months to process. Without proper preparation, you could find yourself in legal limbo—unable to travel freely within other European countries, open a Portuguese bank account, or access the national health service.
Unlike the earlier days of the Golden Visa program when requirements were more straightforward, today a "perfect file" for your residence permit includes:
- Valid passport with at least 15 months validity
- Clean criminal record from your home country (apostilled)
- Proof of income meeting the specific visa requirements
- Portuguese NIF (tax number)
- Portuguese bank account with sufficient funds
- Private health insurance covering your stay
- Housing arrangements documented and verified
Each document must be translated by a certified translator and many require apostille certification. That alone can take weeks depending on your country of origin, which delays your timeline for moving to Portugal.
4. Financial Requirements for Your Residence Permit
The financial requirements for moving to Portugal vary depending on the visa you're after and your individual circumstances. Americans need to show they have enough passive income to support themselves—and that means at least €1,070 a month for a standard residence permit. For Golden Visa applicants, though requirements have changed, the financial bar remains much higher.
You'll also need to provide proof of health insurance and a clean criminal record when moving to Portugal. The cost of these requirements adds to your budget for relocating.
Portugal's cost of living is relatively low compared to other Western European countries, which makes it an attractive option for those looking for a more affordable lifestyle when moving to Portugal. But you do need to factor in housing costs, food, and transportation when planning your move and residence permit application.
5. Tax Changes When Moving to Portugal
The tax landscape when moving to Portugal has shifted dramatically. The Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) program that made the Golden Visa so attractive closed to new entrants in January 2024. Its replacement, the IFICI scheme, offers a flat 20% tax rate plus exemptions for foreign income in R&D and tech roles, making it still financially beneficial to get a Portuguese residence permit.
Just be aware that the 183-day rule for tax residency is still in effect. Spend more than six months in Portugal, and your global income will be subject to Portuguese taxation. Without proper planning when moving to Portugal, you could face double taxation issues—and that's especially true if you've got income sources back home.
Permanent residency can provide long-term stability and benefits, but you need to hold a temporary residence permit for five years and meet specific criteria before you can obtain permanent residency. This applies whether you initially came on a Golden Visa or another residence permit route.
For Americans looking to relocate to Portugal, citizenship-based taxation adds another layer of complexity. The US-Portugal tax treaty does offer some relief, but you'll need to navigate it carefully when moving to Portugal.
6. Finding Housing When Moving to Portugal
Portugal's housing crisis is getting worse, creating challenges for anyone moving to Portugal in 2025. Foreign demand and Golden Visa seekers have been pushing prices up across Portuguese cities for years. Even with the 2.16% rent cap introduced in 2025, finding affordable housing when moving to Portugal is a challenge.
When reviewing lease agreements for clients applying for their residence permit, I often spot terms that wouldn't be legal under Portuguese law. From excessive deposits to unlawful eviction clauses, landlords sometimes take advantage of foreigners who don't know the local regulations when moving to Portugal.
When it comes to housing for your residence permit application, consider these key points:
- Long-term rentals need proper contracts registered with tax authorities
- In popular areas like Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve region, you can expect to pay top dollar for a one-bedroom apartment
- Short-term rentals might be your only option while you're searching for permanent housing after moving to Portugal
- Always verify the landlord's ID and property ownership before signing or sending money
7. Healthcare and Daily Life
Registering for Portugal's SNS (Serviço Nacional de Saúde) isn't automatic, even after you get your Portuguese residence permit. Many people move here without understanding this critical step—and that leaves them vulnerable to high medical costs.
The Portuguese language is another hurdle. While many Portuguese people speak English in tourist areas and the tourism sector, government offices and healthcare facilities often operate exclusively in Portuguese. Learning Portuguese isn't just cultural courtesy—it's practically essential for navigating daily life in both major cities and smaller towns.
8. Working After Moving to Portugal
The Portuguese job market offers opportunities mainly in the tourism sector and major cities like Lisbon and Porto. But when moving to Portugal, having a good understanding of the Portuguese language will dramatically increase your job prospects, even if your residence permit doesn't depend on employment.
Many Portuguese companies need employees who speak English, but learning Portuguese can significantly enhance your career opportunities. Non-EU citizens can also consider starting their own Portuguese company or working as freelancers when moving to Portugal, taking advantage of the country's business-friendly environment. The Golden Visa used to be popular for entrepreneurs, but today other residence permit options may be more suitable for this purpose.
9. Family Matters When Moving to Portugal
For families relocating to Portugal, schooling options require careful consideration. International schools average about €800 a month, rising to €1,800 in Lisbon and Cascais, with lengthy waiting lists. The public school system is free, but operates entirely in Portuguese—a significant adjustment for dependent children moving to Portugal.
Family reunification allows relatives to join those already holding a Portuguese residence permit—but timing these applications correctly is crucial. The Portuguese government has specific requirements for bringing family members over when moving to Portugal, so plan accordingly. Even with Golden Visa applications that include family members, each person needs their own residence permit documentation.
Pets can come along too when moving to Portugal, but require microchipping, vaccination records, and EU pet passports. Yes, the Portuguese immigration bureaucracy extends even to your furry family members!
10. The Path to Portuguese Citizenship After Moving to Portugal
For many people moving to Portugal, the ultimate goal is Portuguese citizenship. That offers unrestricted access to other European countries through EU membership. The standard route requires five years of legal residence with a valid residence permit, basic Portuguese language skills, and connections to the Portuguese community.
Whether you initially came on a Golden Visa or another residence permit, the citizenship process itself takes about 18-24 months after you become eligible. That's a long time to wait after already spending years on your residence permit journey—but planning ahead really does make all the difference.
I've helped many clients document their integration from day one after moving to Portugal—and those records prove invaluable during citizenship applications. Having your residence permit properly maintained throughout your five-year residence period is absolutely crucial.
11. Taking Action On Moving to Portugal
If you're still drawn to Portugal despite the challenges I've outlined, here's where to start your residence permit journey:
- Gather your documents while you're still at home. That way, you're not scrambling to get everything together at the last minute when moving to Portugal.
- Secure your NIF and open a Portuguese bank account—both of which you can do remotely before physically moving to Portugal.
- Arrange health insurance that covers you in Portugal, which is required for your residence permit.
- Start looking for property or temporary accommodation for when you're moving to Portugal.
- Submit your visa application to your local Portuguese consulate, determining whether a Golden Visa (if you qualify) or another residence permit type is best for you.
- And during that wait for your residence permit—learn Portuguese and research your destination like crazy.
Portugal has so much to offer: beautiful locations, a great quality of life, friendly Portuguese nationals, and a top-notch education system. That's what makes moving to Portugal such an attractive option for expats. The current system really does reward preparation and patience. The prize—life in one of Europe's most beautiful countries with a path to European citizenship through your residence permit—is well worth the effort for many.
12. Getting Expert Help When Moving to Portugal
Expert help can make all the difference in your relocation to Portugal. The days of just winging it are behind us. With new regulations about residence permits, backlogs in processing, and increasing scrutiny of applications, you need someone who understands both Portuguese immigration law and your specific needs when moving to Portugal.
I've seen too many people arrive with outdated information about the Golden Visa and other residence permit options—found online, no less—only to discover that the Portugal they researched no longer exists in regulatory terms. Don't let that be your story when moving to Portugal.
Whether you want to retire in the Algarve, build a startup in Lisbon, or join the remote workers communities in Porto—Portugal remains a top destination for your relocation. It's one of the safest countries globally and one of the cheapest in the EU. The appropriate visa and residence permit is waiting for you—if you know how to get it right the first time when moving to Portugal.
