Moving to Portugal, wherever you're coming from.
Practical guides for Americans, Brits, Germans and Australians: which visa, which office, which order, and how to learn the Portuguese people actually speak here. Written in the Algarve.
Moving from the US
D7 and D8 visas, the consulate, AIMA and a realistic timeline.
Read the guide UKMoving from the UK
Life after Brexit: the 90/180 rule, S1 healthcare, pensions and your licence.
Read the guide DEMoving from Germany
No visa as an EU citizen, but Câmara registration, NIF, S1 and your car.
Read the guide AUMoving from Australia
AFP checks and DFAT apostilles first, then the visa, from the other side of the world.
Read the guideAt a glance
What depends on your passport.
| US United States | UK United Kingdom | DE Germany | AU Australia | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visa needed to live there | Yes (D7, D8, work) | Yes, since Brexit | No, EU citizen | Yes (D7, D8, work) |
| Visiting without a visa | 90 days in 180 | 90 days in 180 | No limit | 90 days in 180 |
| Where you get residency | Consulate, then AIMA | Consulate, then AIMA | Câmara Municipal | Embassy, then AIMA |
| Healthcare at first | Private insurance | S1 for State Pensioners, else private | EHIC, S1 for pensioners | Private insurance |
| Driving licence | Check IMT exchange rules | Exchange with IMT once resident | EU licence stays valid | Check IMT exchange rules |
Rules and thresholds change often. Check each one with the official source before you rely on it. Not legal advice.
Everyone does these
Six steps, in order.
- 1Get a NIFYour Portuguese tax number. Nothing else works without it.
- 2Choose your routeD7 for passive income, D8 for remote work, registration for EU citizens.
- 3Pick where to liveFrom the Algarve to Porto, what each region costs and who it suits.
- 4Budget honestlyRent, food, healthcare and bills in 2026, city by city.
- 5Get through AIMAWhat to bring to your residence permit appointment, and how to get one.
- 6Learn the languageA2 European Portuguese for citizenship, and for everyday life.
The step people skip
Learn the Portuguese they speak in Portugal.
Most apps teach Brazilian Portuguese. Our apps teach European Portuguese, from your first words up to the A2 level citizenship asks for, with AIMA, NIF and visa guides along the way.
More guides for the move
All guides
How to Get a NIF in Portugal (Step by Step)
The NIF is the single most important number you'll get in Portugal — nothing works without it. Here's what it is, why you need it, and every way to get one.
The Cost of Living in Portugal in 2026
How much does it really cost to live in Portugal? A realistic look at rent, groceries, transport and dining — plus how Lisbon and Porto compare to the interior.
50 Essential European Portuguese Phrases for Travellers
The fifty European Portuguese phrases that actually get you through a trip to Portugal, grouped by situation with pronunciation notes.
FAQ
Moving questions, answered.
Do I need a visa to move to Portugal?
Americans, Brits and Australians do: you apply for a national residence visa (such as the D7 or D8) before you travel, then for a residence permit from AIMA in Portugal. Germans and other EU citizens do not need a visa; after three months they register with their local Câmara Municipal.
Which visa is best for retirees?
Usually the D7, which is designed for people living on pensions or other passive income. The income threshold is tied to the Portuguese minimum wage, so check the current figure when you apply.
Can I work remotely from Portugal?
Yes. Non-EU remote workers typically use the D8 digital nomad visa, which needs a much higher income than the D7. EU citizens can live and work in Portugal freely.
Do I need to speak Portuguese?
Not to get residency, but citizenship requires A2 European Portuguese, and day-to-day life at the health centre, the Câmara and Finanças runs in Portuguese. Learn European Portuguese, not Brazilian.
How long until I can become a Portuguese citizen?
Portugal lengthened the residence requirement for many new arrivals in 2026, up from the previous five years, with transitional rules for people already resident. Check the final law for your arrival date.