Move to Portugal
Full-service relocation for Americans moving to Portugal, with full legal support by Lamares, Capela, & Associados.
We manage every step of your move, from visa strategy and immigration to finding a home and settling into life in Portugal.
Your entire move to Portugal handled by the experts.
Geostrata and LACA manage and execute your entire move to Portugal.
You focus on the excitement, we’ll handle everything else.
Why Americans Are Moving to Portugal
Better Quality of Life
Portugal offers American remote workers and digital nomads an incredible lifestyle that centers around excellent food, rich culture, friendships, and stunning natural beauty. Portugal's slower pace and focus on savoring the moment allows Americans to breathe a sigh of relief.
Imagine spending weekends surfing in Ericeira, exploring Lisbon, or relaxing on the beaches of the Algarve. In Portugal, these world-class destinations are just a few hours away.
For many Americans, Portugal is the ultimate destination to live their best life. Portugal offers a different kind of lifestyle that celebrates every day as a gift.
Cost of Living
Portugal’s cost of living is 30% to 50% lower than that of the United States. Everyday expenses, including groceries, dining out, prescription medications, and public transportation, are significantly more affordable.
Apartments in Lisbon can rent for around $1,300 to $1,600 per month, while Porto offers a more affordable alternative at around $850 to $1,000 per month for a comparable space. Rents in smaller cities and towns drop even further, often below $700 per month. Home prices can also be surprisingly affordable. While the median home price in California is approximately $780,000, beautiful homes in Portugal’s smaller cities and towns can be found for $150,000, and sometimes much less.
The result is that your income goes much further. Many Americans believe they need to earn more to improve their quality of life, when in reality, rising living costs are often the bigger challenge. Portugal’s lower cost of living, slower pace of life, and emphasis on work-life balance allow many Americans to enjoy less financial stress and more time for the things that matter most.
Universal Healthcare
Healthcare in Portugal is considered a fundamental right. Portugal's public healthcare system, Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS), consistently ranks among the top in the world. Portugal's universal healthcare system delivers world-class healthcare for free, or at a very affordable price. Medical debt is virtually non-existent in Portugal.
Portugal also has world-class private healthcare services. Once retired Americans hold a valid Portuguese residence permit, they can register directly with the SNS and gain access to Portugal's public healthcare system, without the special agreement or added monthly fee some other countries require. All Americans are required to hold a government-approved private healthcare policy until they are enrolled in Portugal's public healthcare system.
Natural Beauty
Perhaps Portugal's greatest gift is its natural beauty. From the dramatic peaks of the Serra da Estrela that offer hiking and skiing to its stunning, sun-drenched coastlines along the Atlantic, Portugal is a place of inspiration in every season. It is not simply a destination, but a way of life.
Permanent Residence
Portugal offers American retirees a clear path to permanent residence. Live in Portugal full-time for five years, and you are eligible to apply.
How can Remote Workers and Digital Nomads Move to Portugal?
People who earn their money online can move to Portugal with a D8 (Digital Nomad) Visa
Portugal’s D8 Visa, officially known as the Residence Visa for the Exercise of Professional Activity Provided Remotely (commonly called the Digital Nomad Visa), is designed for people who earn income through remote work, such as employees of foreign companies, freelancers with international clients, or owners of an existing business operating online.
Basic requirements
Applicants must have income from remote work with a foreign employer or international clients. Passive income does not qualify on its own, and retirees or others living off passive income should consider a D7 Visa instead.
Remote work income must be at least $4,000/month for a single applicant, with additional amounts required for each dependent. LACA’s attorneys will ensure that your income sources and documents meet government requirements before submitting your application.
You must have an approved private health insurance plan to apply, which you must hold through your visa application and initial arrival. Once you receive your Portuguese residence permit, you’ll become eligible to register for Portugal’s public healthcare system (SNS). Geostrata has insurance partners who offer affordable coverage that meets Portugal’s requirements, and we will help you navigate the transition to public healthcare once you arrive.
You must also have proof of accommodation. Geostrata and LACA help our clients find their dream home, apartment, or fully furnished rental that fits within their budget.
Benefits
D8 Visa holders are permitted to enroll in Portugal’s public healthcare system (SNS) once they receive their residence permit, without the waiting period or buy-in fee required in some other European countries.
How can American Retirees Move to Portugal?
Retirees can move to Portugal with a D7 (Passive Income) Visa
Portugal’s D7 Visa is designed for people who have reliable sources of passive income (like retirees). Passive income sources can include Social Security, pensions, real estate, business interests, retirement plans, and more. The income must be recurring and reliable. There is no age limit to apply for Portugal’s D7 Visa.
Basic requirements
Applicants must have passive income from approved sources. Income from remote work does not qualify, and people who still work remotely should consider a Digital Nomad Visa (D8).
Passive income (from all sources combined) must be at least $1,000/month for a single person, and at least $1,500/month for married couples. Geostrata’s attorneys will ensure that your income sources and documents meet government requirements before submitting your application.
You must have an approved private health insurance plan to apply, which you must hold until you become eligible to enroll in Portugal’s public healthcare system (SNS) as a legal resident. Geostrata has insurance partners who offer affordable coverage that meets Portugal’s requirements, and we will help you navigate the transition to public healthcare once you arrive.
You must also have proof of accommodation. Geostrata helps our clients find their dream home, apartment, or fully furnished rental that fits within their budget.
Benefits
Retirees are permitted to enroll in Portugal’s universal healthcare system after arrival and meeting a set of requirements. After living in Portugal for five years, retirees are eligible to apply for E.U. Long-Term Residence (become permanent residents). Portugal’s D7 Visa is an incredible opportunity to retire in Portugal with a direct pathway to long-term residence.
How Geostrata and LACA Help Americans Move to Portugal
We plan, manage, and execute your entire move to Portugal with a team of experienced local professionals.
Our Concierge service includes everything that you need to move to Portugal:
- Pre-qualifying you for a Digital Nomad Visa
- A comprehensive strategy designed for you
- Visa application prepared, submitted, and tracked by LACA law firm
- Residence Permit
- Housing search and lease agreement legal review
- Visa-compliant health insurance enrollment
- Shipping and logistics booking
- Unlimited consulting time with a dedicated expert
- Pet relocation
- Consultation with an ex-pat tax advisor
- Intercultural & Integration training
- 1-on-1 coaching with our intercultural expert
Geostrata plans and manages every phase of your move, and LACA’s experienced Portuguese immigration attorneys handle every aspect of your visa, residence permit, banking, and more.
Avoid costly mistakes: everything done by professionals.
Save money: only include what you need.
Actually move to Portugal this year.
Avoid costly mistakes: everything done by professionals.
Save money:
only include what you need.
Actually move to Portugal this year.
The Difference is Clear.
Other services:
Cost tens of thousands of dollars for a few consulting calls and a visa application.
Sell you masterclasses, checklists, and generic templates that get you nowhere.
Don’t actually execute your move to Portugal.
Geostrata:
Manages and executes every step of your move to Portugal.
Is partnered with LACA, the top immigration law firm in Portugal.
Assigns a dedicated expert you can contact without limitations.
Offers more included services than anyone else.
Schedule a Free Consultation
We're here to answer your questions, hear your goals, and tell you how we can help! We'll contact you within one business day to arrange your complimentary consultation.
Email Us
info@geostrata.net
Call Us Toll-Free
(888) 55-EXPAT