Com a eleição de Donald Trump e o cenário político dos Estados Unidos em 2025, muitos americanos estão a reconsiderar onde querem viver. Portugal, conhecido pelo seu clima ameno, segurança e qualidade de vida, surge como uma alternativa atraente para aqueles que procuram estabilidade e oportunidades. Tanto assim é que houve um pico de pesquisas com a expressão “Mudar-me para Portugal” logo após a confirmação da vitória de Trump.
Acreditamos que esta será uma tendência para o ano de 2025 e que, no próximo ano, Portugal será o país com a maior percentagem de imigrantes vindos dos Estados Unidos. Abaixo, estão as dez principais razões pelas quais Portugal está preparado para atrair mais americanos já durante o próximo ano e os motivos que tornam o nosso país tão atrativo.
1. Pleasant Climate and High Quality of Life
Portugal is known for its Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters, especially in the Algarve and Lisbon areas. The favorable climate allows for an outdoor lifestyle nearly year-round, attracting people looking to escape the extreme weather in parts of the United States. Moreover, the cost of living in Portugal is generally lower than in the U.S., allowing for a more comfortable standard of living with fewer expenses.
2. Safety and Stability
Portugal is one of the safest countries in the world, with low crime rates and a socially peaceful environment. In times of social and political instability, especially in the U.S., the safety and stability offered by Portugal are major attractions for those seeking a safer place to live and raise their families.
3. Ease of Immigration for Residents and Remote Workers
Portugal offers several immigration pathways for Americans, including the Golden Visa, the D7 Visa for those with passive income, and the D8 Visa for Remote Workers (Digital Nomads), which makes it easier for workers to maintain their jobs in the U.S. while relocating to Portugal.
4. Tax Incentives for Non-Habitual Residents
The Non-Habitual Resident (NHR 2.0) tax regime provides tax benefits for foreigners wishing to establish residence in Portugal. This includes the possibility of tax reductions on income earned in Portugal for 10 years. This benefit is particularly appealing to highly skilled workers or entrepreneurs looking to significantly reduce their tax burden.
5. Ease of English Use and Growing American Community
English is widely spoken in Portugal, especially in urban and tourist areas, making adaptation easier for those who do not speak Portuguese. Additionally, the growing American community in the country facilitates the creation of support networks and social integration, making Portugal a welcoming destination for new immigrants.
6. Accessible Public and Private Healthcare System
Portugal’s healthcare system offers quality services at a significantly lower cost than the U.S. healthcare system. Foreign residents can use the public healthcare system, and the cost of private health insurance is also affordable. For many American families, especially those concerned with the high costs of healthcare in the U.S., this is an important advantage.
7. High-Quality Education Options
Portugal has international schools that follow U.S., U.K., and even IB (International Baccalaureate) curricula, catering to the needs of expatriates. Portuguese universities, such as the University of Lisbon and the University of Porto, also offer high-quality education, with some programs in English. These educational options make the country attractive to families with children and young adults.
8. Strong Incentive for Tourism and Vibrant Culture
Portugal is a country rich in culture, history, and natural beauty, with tourist attractions ranging from the Algarve’s beaches to the Douro Valley wineries and medieval castles. Lisbon and Porto are vibrant cities, with expanding cultural and artistic scenes. The opportunity to explore the country and its traditions, while living in a beautiful and welcoming place, is an attraction for both Americans who want a prolonged vacation and those looking to settle permanently.
9. Easy Access to the Schengen Area and Europe
Portugal is a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area, meaning residents in Portugal have easy access to travel throughout Europe. For Americans who want to explore the continent without visa hassles, living in Portugal offers the perfect base for travel and work, with direct flights to major cities worldwide, including the U.S. Additionally, obtaining Portuguese citizenship after five years of residence is a possibility, offering the freedom to move within Europe with a European passport.
10. Golden Visa Português: O Programa de Residência através de Investimento mais Atrativo da Europa
Portugal offers the Golden Visa program, allowing foreign investors to obtain residency through investments in Portugal starting at EUR 250,000. The Portuguese Golden Visa is considered the most attractive in Europe due to the possibility of gaining European citizenship after five years, a factor that sets it apart from the Greek Golden Visa, which does not offer the same level of security in terms of nationality access, as Greek nationality is not guaranteed. With the imminent termination of the Spanish Golden Visa—scheduled for early 2025—Portugal stands out as the preferred option for Americans seeking not only residency but also a secure path to an European passport, enhancing their mobility and access to the European Union.
Given these factors, it’s clear that Portugal offers an appealing combination of climate, security, ease of immigration, and quality of life, making it a prime destination for Americans in search of a more balanced and fulfilling life. In 2025, it’s likely that the flow of Americans to Portugal will continue to rise, strengthening the relationship between the two countries and making Portugal a true home for many looking for a new perspective on life.
If you are considering moving to Portugal and want to know more about how simple and advantageous this process can be, don’t hesitate to contact us. At Lamares, Capela & Associados, we are ready to help you plan every detail of your transition, from immigration issues to settling in Portugal. Our experience allows us to answer all your questions and offer personalised guidance to ensure that your move is smooth and safe.
