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Moving to Portugal as an American: Your Options in 2025

  • Writer: Natasha Santric
    Natasha Santric
  • Aug 1
  • 3 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

More and more Americans are choosing Portugal for its sunshine, safety, healthcare, and laid-back lifestyle. Ericeira, with its surf culture and family-friendly vibe, has become a favorite spot. But what are the actual ways to make the move today? Here’s a simple breakdown.

Moving to another country is never easy. The path to moving to Portugal is worth the effort.
Ribeira d'Ilhas, World Surfing Reserve Ericeira

Moving to Portugal as an American (2025) | D7, D8 & D2 Visa Options Explained


1. The D7 Visa – Perfect for Retirees and Investors

Thinking of moving to Portugal from the U.S.? Learn the best 2025 visa options — D7 for retirees, D8 for remote workers, and D2 for entrepreneurs — plus why Ericeira is a top spot for expats.

If you have steady income from abroad — like a pension, rental income, or dividends — the D7 visa could be your ticket. It’s popular with retirees because the financial requirements are relatively modest compared to other European countries.


2. The D8 Digital Nomad Visa – For Remote Workers


If you’re working for a U.S. company or running your own freelance business, the Digital Nomad Visa (D8) makes it possible to live in Portugal while earning abroad. You’ll need to show around $3,500/month in income, but in return, you can settle here long-term and even work from Ericeira’s many coworking cafés with ocean views.

3. The D2 Entrepreneur Visa – Start Something New


Want to open a business in Portugal? From guesthouses to wellness studios to surf schools, the D2 Entrepreneur Visa allows you to create a company and build a life here. You’ll need a solid business plan and funds to support it, but many Americans use this route to combine lifestyle and work.


4. Student & Family Options


Student visas are available if you’re enrolling in a university or language program.

Family reunification works if your spouse or parent already has residency in Portugal.


5. What’s Changed: No More Golden Visa for Property


Until 2023, buying a property in Portugal qualified you for residency. That’s no longer the case. The Golden Visa now only applies through funds or cultural investment, not real estate. For most Americans, that means looking at the D7, D8, or D2 routes instead.


Why Ericeira?

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Ericeira isn’t just a surf town, it’s also:

  • Only 40 minutes from Lisbon’s airport

  • Home to a growing international community

  • Most people speak English, but you should still learn Portuguese,

    and there are plenty of classes and teachers that make the experience enjoyable

  • Affordable healthcare (Portugal-wide)

  • Filled with schools, cafés, coworking spaces, and pet-friendly restaurants

  • Beautiful countryside, hiking trails, wineries, and places for day trips

  • Festivals, events, community groups, sporting groups, volunteering opportunities, we have it all!

A place where you can surf in the morning and work in the afternoon



Final Tip

Whichever route you choose, the process usually starts with an application at the Portuguese consulate in the U.S., followed by converting your visa into a residence permit once you arrive. After 5 years of living here, you can even apply for permanent residency or citizenship.


Disclaimer:

I am not a lawyer, immigration consultant, or legal advisor. The information shared here is based on personal experience and public sources, and it may change at any time. Portuguese immigration laws and residency requirements evolve frequently, including the potential extension of the current 5-year wait for citizenship to 10 years. Each case is unique, and processing times can vary widely. Expect delays and stay patient with the bureaucracy. For professional advice, always consult a qualified legal expert or the Portuguese immigration authorities (SEF/AIMA).


 
 
 

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