Do you belong to the USA and wonder how to live in Portugal as an American? Portugal is emerging to become a popular destination for living, working, and enjoying a luxurious lifestyle in Europe.
This land boasts a warm climate, gorgeous beaches, and a high quality of life. In fact, you enjoy the beauty and romance of this heaven if you are a nature lover.
However, if you see it from the perspective of how to live in Portugal as an American, you will find some challenges that Americans face when they come to live in Portugal from the USA. Some of the challenges are the language barrier, bureaucracy, and lack of employment opportunities.
Why are Americans Moving to Portugal?
Have you ever wondered why most Americans are moving to Portugal? Well, it is because they have figured out how to live in Portugal as Americans and know all the attractive aspects of the country.
There are several benefits of moving to and living in Portugal, ranging from pleasant climate to good quality healthcare to cheaper cost of living. Here are some of the reasons why Americans are moving to Portugal.
Climate in Portugal
Most Americans are attracted to Portugal for its warm climate that resembles that of the Mediterranean belt. The climate here is characterized by mild winters, extensive days of sunshine, and hot summers in most parts of the country.
With its pleasant climate, Portugal boasts several intriguing and alluring outdoor activities which make this country a favorite destination for the outgoers. In addition to this, if you are also a fan of warm weather, we must say Portugal is definitely a place to be for you.
On the other hand, for people who have retired and are seeking a laid-back lifestyle away from the clamors of metropolitan life, the coasts of Portugal are where they should be. These coastlines will serve you the purpose you have shifted to Portugal after your retirement. Not only the coasts and beaches but also the mild climate are the hottest attractions for expats and retirees.
Healthcare System of Portugal
Portugal not only offers scenic landscapes but also a lot more. The healthcare sector in Portugal is one of the blessings with its quality and affordability. The healthcare system in Portugal is wholly funded in both the private and public sectors. You can access quality healthcare facilities that is provided to you by the national healthcare department of Portugal which is Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS.
Also, one thing worth mentioning is that all these healthcare services are usually free or are low in cost for all Portuguese citizens. You can get your healthcare services at affordable costs or even free without any racial discrimination. To put it simply, the Portuguese healthcare system is inclusive to all its citizens.
In addition to this, if you are a foreigner with a government-issued residency permit, you can also access these healthcare services without any charges or at minimum costs. Here are some other benefits of the Portuguese healthcare system:
Healthcare Coverage
The healthcare system in Portugal is unbiased for all. No matter which racial background you come from or which religion you belong to, if you are a legal resident of Portugal, you can access all healthcare services, including emergency treatment, primary care, hospitalization, and special care like anyone else in the country.
Healthcare Costs
If you are wondering how to live in Portugal as an American, congratulations, you are about to make the right decision in your life. We say that because, among all European countries, Portugal offers healthcare services at the cheapest rates.
Healthcare charges depend on the medical procedure you need to perform or the type of healthcare sector you are opting for, i.e., private or public health sector. If you opt for the private healthcare sector, it might prove to be expensive when compared to the public healthcare sector, as one would expect.
Quality of Care
Once one has figured out how to live in Portugal as an American, they can access the healthcare sector which is considered to be among the best healthcare sector in the world. The number of doctors and nurses per capita in the country is higher.
Most of the doctors and medical staff have degrees from well-reputed institutes of the world. This implies that the doctors and other medical staff have comprehensive knowledge of healthcare and have good command of what they do as a profession.
Furthermore, the healthcare system of Portugal is also rated high in the world because Portugal has sophisticated medical equipment and tools that make it possible for healthcare professionals to perform all sort of medical procedures.
Safety
According to the Global Peace Index, Portugal was ranked 7th as the safest country in the world in 2023. It is considered the safest place because it has low crime rates and minimal chances of terrorism.
In addition to this, the country fosters a police department that is proactive and potentially strong. As a result, the rate of violent crimes in Portugal is considerably low. Hence, if you are a family with children in their growing age, you should definitely look for ways how to live in Portugal as an American.
Quality of life
Portugal offers its citizens a good quality of life, which is the reason you should start looking for answers to the question, “How do you live in Portugal as an American? You can enjoy a laid-back lifestyle here with good quality healthcare as well.
Furthermore, for those who love history and culture, Portugal fosters a strong cultural heritage with historical monuments and cultural events that are conducted throughout the year.
In addition to this, the local food and wine are also good attractions for most of the expats and tourists who visit Portugal frequently.
Where do Americans Live in Portugal?
Portugal has been an attractive and popular place to live for those Americans seeking a suitable country to settle abroad since a time. The reason of so much demand is that Portugal is a country which offers a high standard of living.
It is a place where you will get a lifestyle full of leisure which is a window to get an escape from busy professional life. You will forget all the stress and anxieties of your life once you lose your mind in the green and colorful scenery of its landscapes.
This exceptional charm and romance of Portugal make it the most desired and attractive option for a number of people such as retirees, families, and young professionals alike. Before addressing the subject of your query; “how to live in Portugal as an American?”, let’s explore the places where Americans live in Portugal.
Although Americans are living in all areas of Portugal, there are some places that are specially popular among the community of foreigners. Here are three places where Americans prefer to live in Portugal:
Lisbon
Lisbon is the capital city of Portugal and is the top most destination for Americans in Portugal. The city is a center of culture, history, and nightlife and offers a number of opportunities for you to get entertainment and relaxation.
Porto
It is situated in the north of Portugal and is another popular place of Portugal for Americans. Porto is known for its historic architecture, streets of an antique fashion, and, most particularly, the port wine. If you want to experience the culture of Portugal, then Porto is a great place.
Cascais / Estoril
The coastal towns of Cascais and Estoril are present just outside of Lisbon and are popular among those Americans who are looking for a more relaxed lifestyle. In these towns, you can enjoy the sight of wonderful coastlines, and the gentle feel of mild climate.
How to Live in Portugal as an American
Are you still confused about how to live in Portugal as an American? While it can be pretty daunting to shift to a completely new place, it is a good idea to move to Portugal. Life is easy here with a low cost of living, quality education and healthcare, and a strong history or cultural heritage.
You can start by applying for driver’s license and creating a bank account in the country. Next, you will need to find a residency for yourself and your family. You can buy a residential property or rent a place in Portugal by hiring a real estate agent.
However, when you are renting or buying the property, you must consult a lawyer. These lawyers will inform you regarding the local property laws of Portugal. The property laws in Portugal are different from those in America. Hence you must always hire a legal advisor for this purpose.
For further help, you can reach out to different organizations or communities like the US embassy or the American Club of Lisbon, etc. There are different institutes that will help you figure out how to live in Portugal as an American.
How Can Americans Find a Place to Live in Portugal?
After passing the procedure of getting a visa, you will encounter the requirement of finding a place to live in Portugal. The idea of buying a property or getting a rented apartment in Portugal sounds like an awful prospect for most Americans.
Indeed, this process is not that horrible and complicated. Yet, if you are not familiar with the legal and financial procedures, as well as cultural differences, the process will seem overwhelming for you. Here are some tips for those who are unaware of how to live in Portugal as an American by purchasing or renting property in Portugal:
Work With a Reputable Real Estate Agent
It is necessary to get the services of a good agent to buy a property because it can provide you with valuable advice and guidance on the local market of property. Moreover, it also helps with the legal and economic aspects of paying the amount.
You must aways choose an agent who is has the knowledge and experience of local market and knows how to deal fairly with clients.
Understand the Legal System
The system of legislation is different in Portugal as compared to that in the United States. That is why, you must familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations of buying and selling of property in the local market of Portugal.
It is better to work with a lawyer to get a better understanding of the right procedure.
Consider the Cultural Differences
Americans may need some time to adjust to the distinct culture of Portugal and its manner of life. For instance, you might find that life moves more slowly than you’re used to, and you might find that people communicate differently. It’s critical to approach cultural differences with patience and an open mind.
FAQs
What is the cost of living like in Portugal compared to the US?
Portugal is cheaper as compared to America. You can get your living at a very low cost in Portugal than that in the US. However, it can differ from area to area. The facilities of accommodation and healthcare are available at a lower price in Portugal but imported products and goods of use for customers can be pricy.
Do I need a visa to live in Portugal as an American?
For a maximum of ninety days, Americans can visit Portugal as tourists without a visa. You will need to submit an application for a residence permit if you intend to stay longer. Various kinds of permissions are available based on your specific situation.
Can Americans bring their family members when moving to Portugal?
Yes, Americans who are shifting to Portugal have permission to bring their family members with them. It depends on the situations and circumstances how much consent they get to avail. They can be eligible to get family reunification visas or permits which allow them to join the primary visa holder in Portugal.
