USA → Europe · Portugal
Moving to Portugal from the USA: visas, taxes and costs in 2026
Portugal has been one of the most talked-about destinations for Americans. In 2026 the main routes are the D7 visa for passive income (from €920 a month) and the D8 digital nomad visa (about €3,680 a month). The old NHR tax regime has closed, so most newcomers now pay normal Portuguese tax.
Visa options
| Visa | For | 2026 requirement |
|---|---|---|
| D7 (passive income) | Pensions, Social Security, rental or investment income | €920 a month for one person, €1,380 for a couple, plus about €11,040 in savings |
| D8 (digital nomad) | Remote workers employed or contracted abroad | 4 times the minimum wage, about €3,680 a month |
| Work visa | A job offer from a Portuguese employer | Employment contract |
| Golden visa | Investors | Fund investment; real estate no longer qualifies |
The minimum wage rose to €920 a month in 2026, which raised the thresholds. Portugal has also tightened its nationality and residence rules; check current timelines with AIMA or a lawyer.
Taxes
- Once resident, you pay Portuguese income tax (IRS) on worldwide income at rates from 12.5% to 48%. See our Portugal tax guide.
- The IFICI regime taxes qualifying jobs (research, start-ups, highly skilled roles) at a flat 20% for 10 years. Most remote workers and retirees do not qualify.
- You keep filing US taxes. With Portuguese tax usually higher than US tax, the foreign tax credit normally removes the US bill. See our tax guide for Americans.
- Pensions and Social Security: the US–Portugal treaty decides who taxes them; get advice before you move.
What it costs
| Lisbon | Porto | |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bedroom, city centre | €1,390 | €1,142 |
| 1-bedroom, outside centre | €1,096 | €863 |
| 3-bedroom, city centre | €2,700 | €2,004 |
Typical monthly rents, from our 34-city rent calculator. Rents for new leases have nearly doubled since 2017, and a bill to end rent caps on new leases is in parliament.
On a $100,000 salary converted to euros, a resident employee in Portugal would take home about $4,897 a month, paid in 14 instalments.
First steps
- Get a Portuguese tax number (NIF) and open a bank account, often possible before you move.
- Rent a home with a registered lease; you need it for the visa.
- Apply for the visa at the Portuguese consulate in the US, then book your residence appointment with AIMA after arrival.
- Register with the health service (SNS) once you are resident.
Check rents in Lisbon and Porto →
Sources
This guide is general information based on the tax rules we could verify for 2026, not tax or financial advice. Rules change and personal situations differ, so check with the tax authority or a qualified adviser before you act. Spotted a mistake? Email [email protected].