The short version
- The common routes for Americans are the digital nomad visa, the D7 for passive income, the D2 for self-employment, study and the golden visa.
- The D7 asks for income from about Portugal's minimum wage, EUR 920 a month in 2026, plus more for family.
- The golden visa still runs, but the property route is gone. It now takes funds, business or other investments.
- Portugal is in the Schengen area, so a plain visit is capped at 90 days in any 180.
Can Americans move to Portugal?
Yes, through a national residence visa that fits how you will live: remote work, passive income, self-employment, study or investment. A US passport gives you 90 days in any 180 as a visitor, and a longer stay needs a visa. We last checked the official pages in October 2026.
For the visitor count, use our Schengen calculator and read how long Americans can stay in Europe.
What is the digital nomad visa?
It is a residence visa for people who work remotely, as an employee or for their own clients, for businesses based outside Portugal. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs page asks for average monthly income over the last three months of at least four times Portugal's minimum wage. The residence permit runs for two years, and the national visa costs EUR 110 to process. Our Portugal digital nomad visa page has the figures.
Can you move on a pension or passive income?
Yes, on the D7 visa, for people living on a pension or on income they do not work for, such as rent or investments. The money test is based on the national minimum wage, EUR 920 a month in 2026, with more for each extra adult and child. The residence visa lasts four months so you can apply for the two-year permit inside Portugal. Our Portugal retirement visa page covers it.
Can you work for yourself in Portugal?
Yes, with the D2 visa for independent work, for people who run their own business or work freelance. Your means are measured against the minimum wage, and the first permit lasts two years. See our Portugal freelance visa page for the detail.
Does the golden visa still work?
Yes, but not through property. Portugal's Residence Permit for Investment Activity still runs, and the AIMA page lists the routes that remain, such as investment funds, business and job creation. Buying a home no longer counts. A big draw is the low stay requirement. Our Portugal golden visa page has the current routes and minimums.
Can you move to study?
Yes. With a place at a Portuguese higher education institution, you apply for a study visa, then a residence permit for students. The AIMA student page and our Portugal student visa page have the money you must show. Each visa has its own income and document rules, and they change, so confirm yours on the official pages before you move.