Americans are itching to move, and they have their sights on a small, stunning, beach-filled country on the west coast of Europe: Portugal.
Portugal topped expat resource group Expatsi‘s recent survey of where Americans most hope to move, fleeing what they say is political divisiveness, a high cost of living, and too much daily stress.
The coastal country has become so popular that even Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have reportedly snapped up a home there, where Harry’s cousin Princess Eugenie also lives.
“Portugal rose to prominence by offering friendly programs for taxes and visas for foreigners, including allowing them to gain residency through buying homes,” explains Expatsi co-founder Jen Barnett.
“The country has removed a lot of those benefits, but now people are more aware of what else it has to offer: lower cost of living, better quality of life, more safety, and warm and welcoming people.”
Right behind Portugal for where Americans would most like to relocate are Spain, the United Kingdom, Canada, Italy, Ireland, France, Mexico, New Zealand, and Costa Rica.
Americans dream of Portugal
Elizabeth Burke of Washington, DC, is one of the many dreaming of Portugal. She has been visiting the country annually since 2016 and plans to retire there within the next five years or so.
“No matter where you go in Portugal, there’s a sense of calm,” she tells Realtor.com®. “You land in Faro, and you feel like you can breathe. There’s a feeling in the air of happiness and peace.”
That’s a far cry from the atmosphere of the politics-driven city she resides in, especially these days.
The Expatsi survey found that about 56% of respondents think the U.S. has become too conservative while about 53% think it’s too divided politically—and that’s why they’d like to leave it behind.
Burke also points to how the country is small enough that one can get from the wine region to expansive beaches to green mountains to the bustling hub of Lisbon, all within a few hours.
You can easily drive to Spain or take a ferry to Gibraltar, and there’s also the island of Madeira and its famous wines.
From Porto with its port-producing hills to Sintra with its colorful castles, the various regions offer vastly different appeal, yet all are nearby, so a day trip can be made of it.
Let’s not forget the locals.
“They are the nicest people,” Burke says. “They want to make sure you have everything you want.”
She even praises law enforcement—not just for keeping the country’s crime rate low, but also for their good looks.
“They are some of the most handsome men I’ve ever seen,” she says, laughing.
“No matter where you go in Portugal, there’s this sense of peace, enjoyment, and excitement for tomorrow.”
Getting residency in Portugal is not as easy as before
With all of this on offer, it’s no wonder that Portugal became almost too popular.
In 2024, the country phased out its Golden Visa through real estate investment. But if you have the capital, you can still get residency through another qualifying investment.
Visa-qualifying investments include funds, donations to the arts or science, or job creation. The minimum amounts vary, so speak to an immigration attorney or do your due diligence.
The country’s D7 retirement visa is still an option, which requires proof of sufficient passive income (approximately $980 per month at today’s currency conversion rates), a place to stay, and minimum stay requirements. You’ll also have to pass a criminal background check and have proof of health care coverage.
Global Citizen Solutions says Portugal is the second most compelling place for U.S. retirees, behind Spain. Its top benefits include a pleasant year-round climate, good public health services, and affordable private health care options. It’s also known for the high quality of its educational institutions.
While by now Portugal might seem like paradise, it’s that appeal that drove up property prices, causing locals to complain to the point where the real estate Golden Visa was revoked.
A one-bedroom in Lisbon can easily run $600,000 or more, which is what it can cost to live in New York City or Los Angeles.
Other countries, such as Panama, Malta, and Cyprus, offer much more affordability when it comes to real estate. However, for Europe, Portugal remains comparatively reasonable.
And what do the locals think of all of this attention?
Friendly and welcoming though they are, some are beginning to entertain wariness about their home country’s newfound popularity.
“There’s a risk that the newcomers will drive up the price of housing, swarm all over the local eateries and clubs, and insist on driving hulking SUVs everywhere,” says Consumer Affairs.
For her part, Burke is taking Portuguese lessons and plans to assimilate as best she can—provided she can score a visa when the time comes.
While Mexico is her backup plan, Portugal remains her No. 1 choice.
“If I can’t get a visa, I’ll be devastated,” she says. “But I’ll still visit every year.”
