This information will help to answer some of the many questions that come up when considering a move to Portugal.

Understanding Portugal's D7 Visa 

Share

There are links to various websites and videos for visas, cities, real estate,  taxes, insurance, healthcare, banking, education, pets  and much more!

Where to live in Portugal

Braga, Walking Tour

Share

You will find people who speak and understand English in larger cities. Learn European Portuguese. Brazilian Portuguese though similiar has different pronunciations.

Share

You will need to apply for a Portuguese Schengen Visa if you are planning on visiting, to study, work or live in Portugal permanently.

Schengen Visa info

Portugal is a party to the Schengen Agreement. This means that U.S. citizens may enter Portugal for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa. Your passport should be valid for at least six months. 

Share

A NIF number, a tax identification is required for opening a bank account, paying taxes, buying property or carrying out other formal activities.

VAT  (Value-Added Tax) of 23% is the standard tax added to most goods; 13% is added to some goods.

Taxation for Americans living abroad

The tax system in Portugal

The Non-Habitual Residency (NHR) tax codes, which provided substantial exemptions for the first 10 years of residence will end in 2024.

Portugal's Golden Visa program is no longer available.

Share

Portugal has an advanced banking system, with its main banks linked to its national Multibanco system, allowing customers to pay bills online. Most banking hours are 9am to 3pm Mon-Fri

The currency for Portugal is the Euro. Buy/exchange Euros at Cambios, Bureaux de Change, hotels and shops. Many banks no longer offer foreign exchange. The best rates and commissions are normally found at the bureaux in larger towns. Get in small denominations of 5 or 10 euros.

A NIF number is required prior to opening a bank account in Portugal.

Share

Share

Portugal has universal health coverage through its publically financed National Health Service (called the Serviço Nacional de Saúde, SNS)

Pharmacies are open Monday to Friday and on Saturday mornings. In larger towns, some pharmacies open on Sundays. 

Health Insurance info

Retirees: Subsidized prescriptions and contributions towards additional healthcare such as dental and optical treatment are provided. EU citizens who retire early may qualify for free or subsidized healthcare for up to two years of residence with form S1. Alternatively, early retirees can pay voluntary social security contributions or get private health insurance in Portugal.

Hospitals

Public

Braga Hospital - 253 027 000 - Bus 74, 87

Private

Lusiadas Braga - 253 079 079 

Share

Whether you are looking to buy a property in the countryside, a villa close to the beach or an apartment in the city, there are properties in Portugal for every budget. Property taxes are between 8-10%.

Lisbon has one of the most expensive electricity rates. 

An EPC gives a property an energy efficiency rating from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) and is valid for 10 years.

To convert square meters to sq. ft. e.g. 60 x 10.764 = 645.84 sf.

Search for homes to rent.

Flatio.pt

Idealista.pt

Century21.pt

Remax.pt

A guide to renting property

Share

Buying a property in Portugal is explained in this video.

Share

Share

Portugal has an excellent transportation system of trains, buses, trams, taxis, cable and street cars. The highways (called autoestradas), have tolls. Driving is on the right side of the road.

Samsonite

eBags

Expedia

Hotels.com

Virgin Atlantic

Travelocity

• Regional Trains (Regionais) are for shorter distances and make lots of stops
• Intercity Trains (Intercidades) go between major cities and towns.
• Urbanos are subway systems within individual cities 
• Alfa Pendular is a high-speed train and runs from the north to the south. 

The train system, Comboios de Portugal (CP) connects both major cities and local towns.  

Share

Share

Present your national identity card or passport and a proof of residence, at Tributária e Aduaneira located in your area of residence or work. 

Social Security is taxed at 10%.

Social Security Agreement between US and Portgual

Form S1 - Certificate Entitlement to Healthcare

Share

Whether you’re on holiday,  a digital nomad or planning to live in Portugal long-term, find out how to get a mobile phone and wifi in Portugal.

Share

Portugal offers a mirade of events from music, religious festivals and everything in between.

Share

Here is a list of some grocery stores, mercado (local market), shopping malls, sporting goods, home decor and hardware shops.

Sporting Goods

Decathlon - Bus 95

Share

Portugal is known not only because of it’s amazing weather, friendly people, and its wonderful beaches, but also for the attractive low cost of living.

Share

Check out Portugal News for regional news on weather, business, properties, travel, food & wine, sports and more!

Portugal News

Share

Portugal has three international airports, Lisbon, Faro and Porto. Several airlines provides numerous international routes.

Share