The Americans are itching to move, and they have their sights in a small, stunning place, lying on the beach on the western coast of Europe: Portugal.
Portugal led the latest study of the expat expats group of resources where Americans hope to move more, escaping what they say is political disruption, a high cost and very daily stress.
The coastal site has become so popular that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are said to have cut a house there, where Harry’s cousin, Princess Eugenie, lives.
“Portugal emerged, offering tax friendly programs and visas to foreigners, including allowing them to gain their residence through buying homes,” explains immigrant co -founder Jen Barnett.
“The country has removed many 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 security and warm and welcoming people.”
Immediately after Portugal for the country where the Americans would want to move more are Spain, the United Kingdom, Canada, Italy, Ireland, France, Mexico, New Zealand and Costa Rica.
Americans dream of Portugal
Elizabeth Burke from Washington, DC, is one of the many dreams of Portugal. She has been visiting the country every year since 2016 and plans to retire there within the next five years.
“No matter where you go to Portugal, there is a sense of calm,” she tells Realtor.com. “You landed with deed and feel like you can breathe. There is a feeling in the air of happiness and peace.”
This is far from the atmosphere of the city -driven city in which it resides, especially these days.
Expatsi’s survey revealed that about 56% of answers think the US has become very conservative while about 53% think it is very politically divided -and that is why they would like to leave it behind.
Burke also shows how the country is small enough that someone can get from the summer region on the beaches extended to the green mountains in the live center of Lisbon, all in hours.
You can easily drive to Spain or get a ferry in Gibraltar, and has the island of Madeira and its famous wines.
From Porto with its port hills in Sinra with its colorful castles, different regions offer very different attractions, however they are all near, so it can be a daily journey from it.
Let’s not forget the bar.
“They’re the most beautiful people,” Burke says. “They want to make sure you have everything you want.”
It even appreciates law enforcement – not only for maintaining the level of crime of the lower country, but also for their good appearance.
“They’re some of the most determined men I’ve ever seen,” she says, laughing.
“No matter where you go to Portugal, there is this sense of peace, pleasure and excitement for tomorrow.”
Taking residence in Portugal is not as easy as before
Despite this on the offer, it is no surprise that Portugal became almost very popular.
In 2024, the country issued its golden visa through real estate investments. But if you have the capital, you can still get residence through another qualifying investment.
Visa qualifying investments include funds, donations to the arts or science, or job creation. Minimum amounts change, so talk to an immigration lawyer or do your second care.
The country’s D7 Pension Visa is still an opportunity, which requires evidence of sufficient passive income (approximately $ 980 per month at present -day current conversion rates), a place to stay and minimum residence requirements. You will also need to pass a criminal background check and have evidence of health care coverage.
Global Citizen Solutions says Portugal is the second most convincing country for US pensioners after Spain. Its main benefits include a pleasant year -round climate, good public health services and affordable private healthcare options. It is also known for the high quality of its educational institutions.
While Portugal can now see paradise, it is the appeal that prompted property prices, making the locals complain to the point that the golden visa of real estate was revoked.
A bedroom in Lisbon can easily last $ 600,000 or more, which is what 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 relatively reasonable.
And what do the locals think of all this attention?
Friendly and welcoming, though they are, some have begun to get into the war for the new popularity of their country.
“There is a risk that newcomers will rise of housing prices, plunge all local restaurants and clubs, and insist on running SUVs Hulking everywhere,” says consumer issues.
For her part, Burke is taking Portuguese lessons and plans to assimilate as well as possible – provided she can score a visa when the time comes.
While Mexico is her reserve plan, Portugal remains her number 1 choice.
“If I can’t get a visa, I’ll be destroyed,” she says. “But I will still visit every year.”
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Image Source : nypost.com