Why I Decided Moving from California to Portugal Was Worth It

I’ll be honest, the idea of moving from California to Portugal felt… huge. Like, am-I-really-doing-this huge. But between skyrocketing rent in LA, the overwhelming hustle, and an aching need for a slower, calmer lifestyle , Portugal just kept popping up on my radar.

Life in Portugal vs California? It’s like comparing your 3rd espresso shot of the morning to a long, slow glass of vinho verde at sunset. I craved that change. And seeing story after story about Americans relocating to Portugal, I figured, hey, maybe it was more possible than I thought.

And yeah, spoiler: it was.

How? Moving from California to Portugal (Without Wanting to Rip Your Hair Out)

If you’re thinking about how to move to Portugal from USA, you’re gonna want a serious checklist. And patience. Loads of it.

First off: visas. As an American, you can enter Portugal visa-free for 90 days, but for a longer stay, you need a resident visa , and that process requires some paperwork marathons. The D7 visa (passive income) is popular among US expats, especially if you’re retired or working remotely.

You’ll need:

• Proof of income (around €760+ per month for the main applicant)
• Portugal fiscal number (you can get this via a tax rep before you move)
• Portuguese address (yes, even if temporary)
• Background check (FBI clearance + apostille)
• Private health insurance

And more. I learned quickly: start the process 3–6 months before your planned move. That was the only way I stayed sane.

Visa Requirements for Americans Moving to Portugal , Demystified

I had straight-up nightmares about mismatched paperwork, but actually, getting the Portuguese D7 visa as an American wasn’t impossible , just detail-heavy.

There are several visa types you can consider:

• D7 (for retirees, remote workers with passive income)
• D8 (digital nomad visa, new and super relevant)
• D2 (for entrepreneurs and freelancers)
• Golden Visa (huge investment requirement, but it exists)

For most of us moving to Portugal from California, the D7 or D8 are the real MVPs. You apply at the Portuguese consulate in your U.S. jurisdiction (San Francisco’s if you’re NorCal-based), and once approved, you attend your SEF (now AIMA) appointment in Portugal to lock in your residence permit.

Cost of Living in Portugal Compared to California Is Wildly Different

Let’s talk numbers. Because I nearly cried the first month I lived in Portugal , but like, happy tears.

Meals out? €10–15. My rent in Lisbon? €1,000 for a full apartment. In California, that wouldn’t even cover a box room in a shared house. Utilities? Cell service? Transportation? Way, WAY cheaper.

Here’s a breakdown from my own experience:

• Rent: $3,000 in LA → €950 in Lisbon
• Utilities: $200/month → €90/month
• Groceries: $400/month → €250/month
• Health insurance: $500/month → €60/month private plan

Moving to Portugal from California slashed my monthly expenses in half , sometimes more. It felt like financial therapy and freedom rolled into one.

Best Cities in Portugal for Expats Coming From California

Every expat I met had a different opinion, but these cities came up over and over , especially with Americans moving to Portugal from California:

Lisbon

Vibrant, international, fast-paced , Lisbon’s like if San Francisco and Barcelona had a baby.

Porto

More laid-back, romantic, and absolutely full of charm. Great for a slower pace.

Cascais

Beach town feels with plenty of California coastal vibes. Popular with retirees and families.

Faro and Algarve region

Sun-soaked, chill, and surprisingly affordable , this is wine-and-dine country.

Ericeira

If you’re a surfer or just want that California-by-the-sea vibe, this place is magic.

Each one has a very different energy. I started in Lisbon but eventually found my peace in Porto. I didn’t expect to fall for the vibe there, but wow…

What Life in Portugal vs California Actually Feels Like Day to Day

Living in California taught me to rush. Portugal taught me to pause. And I didn’t realize how much I needed that.

The pace? Slower. The people? Kinder (especially once you make an effort with the language). The food? Fresh and local. Even the bureaucratic “annoying” stuff , it’s bureaucratic, but no more than the DMV, trust me.

Cafes are for lingering. Dinner starts late and ends even later. Sundays are sacred , everything shuts down and people actually rest.

Sure, it took adjusting. But moving from California to Portugal deeply reconnected me with real living.

Learning Portuguese: Yes, It’s Kind of a Must

I resisted. I clung to English because hey, so many people speak it here, right?

But you know what? Once I really started learning Portuguese (even basic stuff), everything opened up. Friendships. Neighbors. Even government offices. A little effort goes a long way here , and locals truly appreciate it.

Pro tip: download the SayHi app, take some online lessons or do a 1-on-1 tutor on iTalki. It’s easier than you think with daily practice.

Moving Tips for Americans Relocating to Portugal

This is where I wish I had someone whispering “Do this but not that” in my ear:

• Don’t bring everything. Apartments are smaller, and shipping is $$$.
• Research neighborhoods deeply. A street can totally change the vibe.
• Line up short-term housing before you go, even 2-3 months.
• Open a Wise or Revolut account for easy banking and currency exchange.
• Don’t stress about bringing your car , public transport here is chef’s kiss

And above all? Embrace the process. It’s chaotic, emotional, thrilling… and it’s SO worth it.

Healthcare in Portugal for Americans: Affordable AND Good?

I was used to $500+ premiums in the States, so when I signed up for private insurance here at €60/month, I thought I misread the contract.

Portugal’s public healthcare is affordable and decent , once you’re a resident, you get access via your local health center (Centro de Saúde). Private healthcare is also extremely affordable with shorter wait times.

Dental care? Also shockingly affordable. And pharmacies can handle SO much more than in the U.S.

What to Pack (and What NOT to) When Moving from California to Portugal

I brought way too many clothes. Turns out, Portugal has great shopping… and different seasons. Here’s a real talk breakdown:

Pack This:

– Layers (winters can get damp and cold)
– Quality walking shoes
– Backpack (you’ll be strolling a lot)
– Copies of important docs (in case your originals get lost)

Don’t Pack:

– Your entire kitchen (flats come furnished)
– Too many electronics (power conversions can be fussy)
– Heavy furniture (just… no)

Renting in Portugal: What the Hunt Feels Like

Tough truth? Good apartments get scooped quickly , especially in Lisbon and Porto. I used Idealista almost daily and even found WhatsApp groups full of rentals.

Many landlords ask for 2–3 months’ deposit, and often request a Portuguese guarantor (fiador). It can feel intimidating, but local relocation consultants and Facebook expat communities can help.

Buying Property in Portugal as an Expat

Not my first-year move, but something I’m thinking about now. Americans can absolutely buy property here , and often for much cheaper than you’d expect.

There are no restrictions, but you’ll want a competent lawyer AND fiscal rep. Taxes vary by region and property type, so get solid advice or you could get burned later.

Culture Shock: What Surprised Me the Most After Moving

Three words: things take time.

Appointments are slower, officials don’t rush. It’s not rudeness , it’s the pace. Shops closing early, long weekend lunches, and people actually enjoying coffee without screens… took a while to get used to, but in a good way.

Also, people will say “Bom dia!” and make eye contact everywhere. Small thing, big difference.

Making Friends as an American in Portugal

Yes, people are warm , but also reserved at first. Join local meetups, language exchanges, coworking spaces. Even Tinder helped one of my friends build a friend group (don’t judge!).

Bonus tip: Facebook expat groups can be weirdly active , I met some lifelong people there.

Driving in Portugal: Should You Even Bother?

I didn’t bring a car, and don’t regret it. Portugal’s public transport is legit, especially in cities. Buses between regions are cheap and comfortable, and trains connect most of the country.

But, if you’re in Algarve or rural areas, having a car makes a big difference. You can drive on your U.S. license for 185 days, then swap it for a Portuguese license.

Just… practice first. City driving here isn’t for the faint of heart!

Is Portugal Family-Friendly? Heck Yes.

If you’re moving from California to Portugal with kids, you’ll find big perks:

• Lower daycare and school costs
• Family-centric culture
• Safety (seriously, it’s ranked one of the safest countries in Europe)

International schools are available, especially around Lisbon and Cascais. Or go local and your kids will be fluent in Portuguese within a year.

Working in Portugal as an American Expat

Remote work? Great. Many visas (like D8 and D7) allow it, and the time zone overlaps pretty well with the U.S.

Local employment? Tougher , wages are lower unless you’re in tech or entrepreneurship. Starting your own thing (hello D2 visa!) might be the way to go.

Taxes , Everyone’s Favorite Topic

You’ll still have to file U.S. taxes (thanks, IRS), but Portugal has a non-habitual resident (NHR) tax regime that can reduce your taxes significantly for 10 years.

Get a good bilingual accountant. Seriously. Saves headaches and lets you focus on…the wine.

Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal

Pros:

– Lower cost of living
– Gorgeous scenery, beaches, and cities
– Warm, welcoming people
– Good healthcare
– Slower, more intentional pace

Cons:

– Bureaucracy can be maddening
– Salaries are low vs U.S. standards
– Some areas get touristy
– Language barriers early on

Frequently Asked Questions: Moving from California to Portugal

What are the visa options for moving from California to Portugal?

If you’re moving from California to Portugal, your main visa options include the D7 (retirees/passive income), D8 digital nomad visa (for remote workers), D2 (for entrepreneurs and freelancers), and the Golden Visa (for major investors). I went the D7 route because I had a remote job and could prove enough income. Each visa has its own set of requirements, but Americans are eligible for all of them. It’s important to apply for the visa at your local Portuguese consulate in the U.S. before you head over, and to start your paperwork 3–6 months in advance so you’re not racing against time.

Is Portugal cheaper than California?

Yes. Beyond yes. The cost of living in Portugal compared to California shows major savings in rent, healthcare, dining out, and overall daily expenses. My rent dropped by over $2,000/month, and groceries are way more affordable here. Even utilities and public transport are a fraction of the cost in cities like Lisbon or Porto. You do need to adjust a bit , salaries are also lower , but for most Americans, your dollar stretches way further here. Honestly, moving to Portugal from California felt like a financial reboot.

Do I need to speak Portuguese to live in Portugal?

While you can definitely get by with English in the bigger cities, learning Portuguese makes a massive difference. It helps with building better relationships, navigating government stuff, and understanding the culture more deeply. I didn’t speak a word before moving here but started lessons right away. It’s not the easiest language, but it’s doable, and locals genuinely appreciate the effort. You don’t have to be fluent, but even knowing the basics helps you settle in faster.

How long can I stay in Portugal without a visa?

As a U.S. citizen, you can visit Portugal (and all Schengen Area countries) visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. But if you’re planning on moving from California to Portugal long-term, you’ll need to apply for a residence visa before you arrive. Overstaying that 90-day period without a visa could lead to fines or trouble reentering the EU, so don’t risk it , start your visa application process well ahead of time.

What’s the healthcare system like in Portugal for expats?

Honestly? It’s amazing. Public healthcare in Portugal is accessible and very inexpensive , most services come at just a few euros per appointment. Once you’re a legal resident, you can register with the national health system (SNS). Many expats also get private insurance, especially during their visa application period. Private plans are affordable (I pay around €60/month), and care is generally fast and high-quality. As someone used to sky-high U.S. premiums, it’s been a total relief.

What are the downsides of living in Portugal?

No place is perfect, and yes, Portugal has its quirks. Bureaucracy is the big one , paperwork can be slow and confusing, and you’ll need patience. Salaries are much lower compared to California, so if you plan on working locally, it may be a big pay cut. Some areas, especially Lisbon, are becoming pricey due to tourism and expat influx. Plus, cultural differences like slower service or Sunday shutdowns might frustrate you early on. But for me, the good outweighed the weird.

Final Thoughts: Moving from California to Portugal

Three years ago, I was parked in epic LA traffic, sipping lukewarm cold brew, wondering if there was something more. Now I sip espresso in a tiny café where the owner knows my name, and I walk home surrounded by blue azulejos tiles and old-stone beauty that leaves me breathless.

Moving from California to Portugal was one of the hardest, best decisions I’ve ever made. It stretched me, calmed me, and honestly , made me fall back in love with life.

If you’re on the fence? Take the leap.

And when you do, I’ll save you a seat on the miradouro. Bring vinho.