Portugal

"Esta é a ditosa Pátria minha amada" ("This is my blissful beloved homeland")

overview

Welcome to Portugal

Portugal: "Portugal, located on the Iberian Peninsula, is known for its stunning coastlines, rich history, and vibrant cities like Lisbon and Porto. Tourism, wine production, and technology are key economic drivers. Portugal’s warm climate and high quality of life make it a top destination for expats and retirees.",

overview

Portugal Essentials

Hino Nacional

A Portuguesa

Dia da Independência

December 1, 1640

Haiko

Fado songs of fate / Port wine ages in cellars / Algarve cliffs gleam

Interesting Tradition

Holds Festa de São João with people hitting each other with plastic hammers

Weirdest Local Superstition

Don't toast with water

Strangest Law Still on the Books

Illegal to pee in the ocean

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Come for the history, stay for the future

Come for the charm, stay for the change: Portugal reimagines European living on sun-drenched Atlantic shores. Life flows between morning surfing and afternoon meetings in restored historic buildings, while evening light transforms ancient streets into outdoor living rooms. The D7 visa and digital nomad programs have made Portugal's exceptional quality of life increasingly accessible to global citizens.

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Vem

Discover where saudade isn't just longing, but the soul of a nation. Your story joins centuries of adventurous spirits.

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Bem-vindo a Portugal

The land of fado music and pastel de nata where every sunset is a reason to indulge in custard tarts

Portugal isn't just a country—it's a timeless poem written in stone and sea. Here, time moves to the melancholic sounds of fado, and even a simple coffee break becomes an exercise in appreciating life's small pleasures. This is a land where nostalgia and innovation create beautiful harmony.

From the azulejo-adorned streets of Porto to the sun-bleached cliffs of the Algarve, Portugal offers magic for every romantic soul. Whether you're drawn to the literary cafes of Lisbon, the wine valleys of the Douro, or the medieval villages of the Serra da Estrela, you'll find a country that preserves its soul while embracing the future.

Estatísticas

Savor the Flavor

Eat

bacalhau (salted cod dishes) - pastéis de nata (custard tarts)

Drink

vinho verde (young wine) - ginjinha (cherry liqueur)

overview

Com sede?

Beer

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

52

Wine

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

52

Coffee

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

5.05

Tea

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

0.38

overview

Cultural Tips and Etiquette

#1
Never toast with water - considered bad luck
#2
Fado appreciation shows cultural sophistication
#3
Coffee ordering has specific time-of-day rules
#4
Fish bones left on plate shows meal appreciation
#5
Regional wine knowledge demonstrates cultural integration

overview

Portugal Essentials

Representative Novel

Baltasar and Blimunda by José Saramago (Nobel Prize in Literature, historical novel set in Portugal)

National Animal

Iberian Wolf

National Pasttime

Futebol (Soccer)

Souvenir nacional

Cork products

Prato nacional

Bacalhau

Festival Famoso

Festa de São João do Porto

Dança dos Famosos

Vira

Música famosa

Fado

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Did You Know?

Portugal is home to the oldest bookstore in the world.

Bertrand Bookstore, located in Lisbon, was founded in 1732 and has been in continuous operation ever since.

Portugal is a world leader in renewable energy.

Nearly 60% of Portugal's energy comes from renewable sources, making it one of the greenest countries in Europe.

Portugal introduced the concept of a 'Golden Visa.'

Launched in 2012, Portugal's Golden Visa program has attracted thousands of international investors, contributing significantly to the country's economy.

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Portugal’s Key Historical Events

1,139

Abril de 2014

Battle of Ourique, Afonso I declares himself King

1415

Julho de 2014

Conquest of Ceuta

1494

Fevereiro de 2015

Treaty of Tordesillas divides the world with Spain

1640

Março de 2015

Restoration of independence from Spain

1974

Outubro de 2016

Carnation Revolution ends dictatorship

MOBILITY

Access Portugal Residency Rights on the GlobalPassport™ Platform 

NO. OF Mobility Assets

6

MOBILITY

Citizenship Pathways and
Residency Requirements

Citizenship by Birth
Conditional
Citizenship by DESCENT
Sim
Citizenship by MARRIAGE
3 years
DUAL Citizenship
Sim
RESIDENCY BY Naturalization
5
PASSPORT VALIDITY
5 years

MOBILITY

Passport Power

Visa Free Countries

158

Performance Class

World-Class Access

Grau do passaporte

A

Rank

22

Score

176.8

This visa grants access to:

• 46% of the world's population 

• 80% of UNESCO sites 

• 75% of global GDP 

• 60% of the world's land area 

MOBILITY

Acesso sem visto a:

MOBILITY

Number of American Emigrants to Portugal by Year 

Year
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
Portugal
705
1,055
1,425
1,960
2,758
2,876
6,235

MOBILITY

Compare My Passport

Select up to 3 Mobility Assets
Mobility Asset
Approval Time (est.)
Appointment Availability
Term (i.e. duration)
Minimum Investment
Requisito de presença física
Custo de vida
English Usage
Quality of Life
Healthcare Ranking
Passport Power
Visa-free Country Access
Number of American Expats
More Details

Healthcare

Healthcare Overview

Key Health Indicators

Idade média

46.2

years

Life Expectancy

82.0

years

Obesity Rate

23.80%

Tobacco Use

23.20%

Sources

Health care Indicators

Health Expenditure

11.14%

of GDP

Hospital Beds

3.39

per 1000 people

Doctors

5.615

per 1000 people

Out-of-pocket

28.99%

of total expenditure

Sources

Healthcare

Did you Know?

Universal Healthcare System

Portugal offers a universal healthcare system, providing free or low-cost healthcare services to residents, funded through taxes.

Private Healthcare Sector

Private healthcare is available in Portugal, offering faster access to non-urgent treatments and specialized care.

Healthcare for Expats

Expatriates in Portugal can access the public healthcare system, though many opt for private insurance to cover additional treatments.

High Life Expectancy

Portugal has one of the highest life expectancy rates in the world, thanks to its well-developed healthcare system and emphasis on preventive care.

Pharmaceutical Coverage

Pharmaceuticals are widely available and affordable in Portugal, with many essential medications covered by the public healthcare system.

Healthcare

United Healthcare Coverage Service Index (2000 - 2021)

Healthcare

Healthcare Cost Calculator

cost of living

Visão geral do custo de vida

Portugal provides a moderate cost of living, lower than in many Western European countries. Lisbon and Porto are more expensive than other areas, with costs rising due to increased tourism and foreign investment. Housing in major cities has become more expensive but remains affordable compared to other Western European capitals. Food is reasonably priced, with local markets offering good value. Utilities are moderately priced. Public transportation is affordable and efficient in urban areas. Education costs are low, with public universities charging minimal fees for EU citizens.

Cost of Gasoline

$1.89

per liter

Cost of Meal

$11.14

(Inexpensive Restaurant)

Monthly Rent

$1,066.35

(1 bedroom, City Center)

Monthly Utilities

$128.55

(85m² Apartment)

Domestic Beer

$2.79

(0.5 liter draught)

Taxa de IVA

23%

cost of living

Cost of Living plus Rent Map

cost of living

Cost of Living Calculator

cost of living

Rent Calculator

Tributação

Visão geral da tributação

Before considering a move to Portugal, it's essential to grasp its tax system.+Portugal taxes resident expats on their worldwide income, while non-residents are taxed only on Portuguese-source income. Income tax rates are progressive, ranging from 14.5% to 48%. Social security contributions are required. A Tax Identification Number (NIF) is necessary for tax purposes.+Portugal has a double taxation treaty with the United States to mitigate potential dual taxation issues.

Tax Residency Requirement

183 days

Worldwide Income Taxation

Sim

Higher Rates for Foreign Assets

Não

US Double Taxation Treaty

Sim

Renda pessoal

Progressive tax rate based on income levels

13.25%-48%

Personal Capital Gains

Flat rate on investment gains

28%

Herança

Based on inherited amount and relationship

0%-10.8%

Renda corporativa

Standard corporate tax rate applied to business profits

21%

Ganhos de capital corporativos

Tax rate applied to capital gains from corporate investments

21%

Dividendos

Withholding tax rate applied to dividend distributions

25%

Interesse

Withholding rate interest payment to non-residens

25%

Royalties

Withholding tax rate for royalty payments

25%

Work Assignment

Foreign individuals are deemed residents if they spend more than 183 days, consecutive or not, in Portugal in any 12-month period starting or ending in the fiscal year concerned, or maintain a residence in Portugal with the intention to use it as their primary residence.

Overall Ranking

Global position in PWC’c Ease of Paying Taxes ranking

43

Ease of Paying Taxes Score

Overall score based on multiple factors

83.7

Total Tax and Cotribution Rate

TTCR percentage including all mandatory contributtions

39.8
%

Time to Comply

Annual hours required to comply with tax regulations

243
HOURS

Number of Payments

Total number of tax payments required annually

8

Post-filing Index

Score measuring the ease of processes after filing taxes

92.7
%

taxation

Tax Burden Map

taxation

Income Tax Calculator

CLIMATE

Climate Type

Mediterranean climate with some variation between regions. Warm to hot, dry summers, and mild to cool, wet winters. The Azores and Madeira archipelagos both have subtropical climates.

Average Temperature

15.85 °C

Humidity

71

%

Average Annual Precipitation

854

mm

Rainless Days per Year

290

Best Time to Travel

March-October

Dúvidas?

Frequently Asked Questions About Gaining Residency or Citizenship in Portugal

Find answers to common questions about GlobalPassport™ and our tools guiding you towards residency or citizenship in Portugal.

What Mobility Options are available to me in Portugal?

Ícone de adição

Do I need to speak Portuguese to apply for residency or citizenship in Portugal?

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Can my family members apply for residency or citizenship in Portugal with me?

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How will the GlobalPassport™ help me move to Portugal?

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Posso manter minha própria cidadania?

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