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Guide · Moving from the US

Moving to Portugal from the US? The family playbook.

Portugal is one of the most popular destinations for American families — for the lifestyle, safety and pace. Here is how the move actually works: the visa routes, the admin sequence, and the US-specific things (taxes, banking, pets) to plan for.

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Where to start

Can Americans move to Portugal?

Yes — and many do. As a non-EU citizen you will need a visa and then a residence permit; you cannot simply arrive and stay long-term. The two routes most US families use are the D7 (for passive or stable income, including retirees) and the Digital Nomad / D8 visa (for remote workers and the self-employed). See our visas guide for an overview — and a qualified immigration lawyer for your specific case.

The admin sequence

The order to do things in

Each of those has its own guide above. Calma can run the whole sequence in Portuguese on your behalf — see relocation help.

US-specific

Things Americans especially need to plan

  • US taxes follow you. US citizens file federal returns wherever they live, and FATCA affects foreign bank accounts. Use a cross-border (US–Portugal) tax advisor; don’t rely on general advice.
  • Banking. Some Portuguese banks are cautious with US clients due to FATCA reporting — it’s manageable, just plan for it.
  • Pets. Bringing a dog or cat from the US has its own paperwork (microchip, rabies, health certificate) — start early.
  • Driving. You can usually exchange or use a US licence for a period, then convert — rules vary by state agreement.
  • Schools & healthcare. Public school is free; international schools are widely available. Register with the SNS once resident.
How Calma helps

One bilingual local for the whole move

Moving a family across the Atlantic is a lot. Calma handles the Portuguese-language admin — NIF, bank, AIMA interpreting, NISS, SNS, schools and the hundred phone calls — often starting before you arrive. See relocation help. Planning the tax side? Our sister site Portugal Tax Calculator covers IRS and the NHR/IFICI regime.

Common questions

FAQs

Can US citizens move to Portugal?+

Yes. As non-EU citizens, Americans apply for a visa (commonly the D7 or Digital Nomad/D8) and then a residence permit. You can't stay long-term without one.

What's the best visa for Americans?+

It depends on your situation: the D7 suits passive or stable income (and retirees); the Digital Nomad/D8 suits remote workers and the self-employed. Confirm with an immigration lawyer.

Do I still pay US taxes if I live in Portugal?+

US citizens generally must keep filing US federal returns wherever they live, and FATCA affects foreign accounts. Use a cross-border US–Portugal tax advisor.

Can I bring my pet from the US?+

Yes, with the right paperwork (microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate). Start the process well before you fly.

How does Calma help American families?+

We handle the Portuguese-language admin — NIF, bank, AIMA interpreting, NISS, SNS and schools — and coordinate the move, often starting before you arrive.

Get in touch

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