Relocation guide · 2026
Moving from United States to Portugal 🇵🇹
Sunshine, low cost of living, popular NHR-style regimes for expats.
The tax picture
Stay in United States
$46,500
Estimated tax on $150,000
Move to Portugal
$30,000
Local tax estimate
Cost of living
-28%
vs. United States (Numbeo-style index)
Local tax regime
~20% flat on qualifying income under the IFICI/NHR regime for 10 years.
Residency / visa
D7 passive-income or Digital Nomad visa
What still applies (US)
The Foreign Tax Credit usually offsets most or all US tax once you pay Portuguese tax.
Headline program
~20% flat (IFICI/NHR)
All figures are illustrative estimates for tax year 2026 and do not constitute tax advice. Verify with a qualified expat CPA.
Frequently asked questions
How much tax could I save moving from United States to Portugal?
On an income of $150,000, our model estimates an annual saving of roughly $16,500 — that is the net figure after accounting for the US federal tax that still follows American citizens (via FEIE/Foreign Tax Credit). Use the calculator for your exact income.
As a US citizen, do I still file US taxes after moving to Portugal?
Yes. The US taxes citizens on worldwide income regardless of where you live. You can exclude earned income via the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (Form 2555) or credit foreign taxes via the Foreign Tax Credit (Form 1116), but you must keep filing — and report foreign accounts on the FBAR and possibly FATCA Form 8938.
What visa do I need to live in Portugal?
Portugal's main route for relocating professionals is the D7 passive-income or Digital Nomad visa. Requirements, timelines, and costs vary — the AI planner can walk you through the specific path for your situation.
Is Portugal cheaper than United States?
Portugal has a cost-of-living index of about 55 (Numbeo-style, where New York ≈ 100). Compare it directly with other destinations on the Compare page.
Know someone considering the same move?
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