Services
By Country
By Client
Resources
Country Guides
Videos
Blog
About Us
Expert-led support, from the essentials to fully-managed.
View Packages
Plan on your own terms, with expert help available à la carte
View Services
Renewals and permanent residency.
View Services
Compare Packages
D7 · Digital Nomad · D2 · CRUE
Best for: People who are confident managing their own move but want an expert handling the immigration process.
Visa Type
Dependents
| Product / Option | Price | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Portugal D7 Visa + 0, No, No, No | $975 | |
| Portugal D7 Visa + 0, No, No, Yes | $1125 | |
| Portugal D7 Visa + 0, No, Yes, No | $1300 | |
| Portugal D7 Visa + 0, No, Yes, Yes | $1450 | |
| Portugal D7 Visa + 0, Yes, No, No | $1125 | |
| Portugal D7 Visa + 0, Yes, No, Yes | $1275 | |
| Portugal D7 Visa + 0, Yes, Yes, No | $1450 | |
| Portugal D7 Visa + 0, Yes, Yes, Yes | $1600 | |
| Portugal D7 Visa + 1, No, No, No | $1470 | |
| Portugal D7 Visa + 1, No, No, Yes | $1770 | |
| Portugal D7 Visa + 1, No, Yes, No | $1795 | |
| Portugal D7 Visa + 1, No, Yes, Yes | $2095 | |
| Portugal D7 Visa + 1, Yes, No, No | $1770 | |
| Portugal D7 Visa + 1, Yes, No, Yes | $2070 | |
| Portugal D7 Visa + 1, Yes, Yes, No | $2095 | |
| Portugal D7 Visa + 1, Yes, Yes, Yes | $2395 | |
| Portugal D7 Visa + 2, No, No, No | $1965 | |
| Portugal D7 Visa + 2, No, No, Yes | $2415 | |
| Portugal D7 Visa + 2, No, Yes, No | $2290 | |
| Portugal D7 Visa + 2, No, Yes, Yes | $2740 | |
| Portugal D7 Visa + 2, Yes, No, No | $2415 | |
| Portugal D7 Visa + 2, Yes, No, Yes | $2865 | |
| Portugal D7 Visa + 2, Yes, Yes, No | $2740 | |
| Portugal D7 Visa + 2, Yes, Yes, Yes | $3190 | |
| Portugal D7 Visa + 3, No, No, No | $2460 | |
| Portugal D7 Visa + 3, No, No, Yes | $3060 | |
| Portugal D7 Visa + 3, No, Yes, No | $2785 | |
| Portugal D7 Visa + 3, No, Yes, Yes | $3385 | |
| Portugal D7 Visa + 3, Yes, No, No | $3060 | |
| Portugal D7 Visa + 3, Yes, No, Yes | $3660 | |
| Portugal D7 Visa + 3, Yes, Yes, No | $3385 | |
| Portugal D7 Visa + 3, Yes, Yes, Yes | $3985 | |
| Portugal D7 Visa + 4, No, No, No | $2955 | |
| Portugal D7 Visa + 4, No, No, Yes | $3705 | |
| Portugal D7 Visa + 4, No, Yes, No | $3280 | |
| Portugal D7 Visa + 4, No, Yes, Yes | $4030 | |
| Portugal D7 Visa + 4, Yes, No, No | $3705 | |
| Portugal D7 Visa + 4, Yes, No, Yes | $4455 | |
| Portugal D7 Visa + 4, Yes, Yes, No | $4030 | |
| Portugal D7 Visa + 4, Yes, Yes, Yes | $4780 | |
| Portugal D7 Visa + 5, No, No, No | $3450 | |
| Portugal D7 Visa + 5, No, No, Yes | $4350 | |
| Portugal D7 Visa + 5, No, Yes, No | $3775 | |
| Portugal D7 Visa + 5, No, Yes, Yes | $4675 | |
| Portugal D7 Visa + 5, Yes, No, No | $4350 | |
| Portugal D7 Visa + 5, Yes, No, Yes | $5250 | |
| Portugal D7 Visa + 5, Yes, Yes, No | $4675 | |
| Portugal D7 Visa + 5, Yes, Yes, Yes | $5575 |
| Product / Option | Price | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Portugal Digital Nomad Visa + 0, No, No, No | $975 | |
| Portugal Digital Nomad Visa + 0, No, No, Yes | $1125 | |
| Portugal Digital Nomad Visa + 0, No, Yes, No | $1300 | |
| Portugal Digital Nomad Visa + 0, No, Yes, Yes | $1450 | |
| Portugal Digital Nomad Visa + 0, Yes, No, No | $1125 | |
| Portugal Digital Nomad Visa + 0, Yes, No, Yes | $1275 | |
| Portugal Digital Nomad Visa + 0, Yes, Yes, No | $1450 | |
| Portugal Digital Nomad Visa + 0, Yes, Yes, Yes | $1600 | |
| Portugal Digital Nomad Visa + 1, No, No, No | $1470 | |
| Portugal Digital Nomad Visa + 1, No, No, Yes | $1770 | |
| Portugal Digital Nomad Visa + 1, No, Yes, No | $1795 | |
| Portugal Digital Nomad Visa + 1, No, Yes, Yes | $2095 | |
| Portugal Digital Nomad Visa + 1, Yes, No, No | $1770 | |
| Portugal Digital Nomad Visa + 1, Yes, No, Yes | $2070 | |
| Portugal Digital Nomad Visa + 1, Yes, Yes, No | $2095 | |
| Portugal Digital Nomad Visa + 1, Yes, Yes, Yes | $2395 | |
| Portugal Digital Nomad Visa + 2, No, No, No | $1965 | |
| Portugal Digital Nomad Visa + 2, No, No, Yes | $2415 | |
| Portugal Digital Nomad Visa + 2, No, Yes, No | $2290 | |
| Portugal Digital Nomad Visa + 2, No, Yes, Yes | $2740 | |
| Portugal Digital Nomad Visa + 2, Yes, No, No | $2415 | |
| Portugal Digital Nomad Visa + 2, Yes, No, Yes | $2865 | |
| Portugal Digital Nomad Visa + 2, Yes, Yes, No | $2740 | |
| Portugal Digital Nomad Visa + 2, Yes, Yes, Yes | $3190 | |
| Portugal Digital Nomad Visa + 3, No, No, No | $2460 | |
| Portugal Digital Nomad Visa + 3, No, No, Yes | $3060 | |
| Portugal Digital Nomad Visa + 3, No, Yes, No | $2785 | |
| Portugal Digital Nomad Visa + 3, No, Yes, Yes | $3385 | |
| Portugal Digital Nomad Visa + 3, Yes, No, No | $3060 | |
| Portugal Digital Nomad Visa + 3, Yes, No, Yes | $3660 | |
| Portugal Digital Nomad Visa + 3, Yes, Yes, No | $3385 | |
| Portugal Digital Nomad Visa + 3, Yes, Yes, Yes | $3985 | |
| Portugal Digital Nomad Visa + 4, No, No, No | $2955 | |
| Portugal Digital Nomad Visa + 4, No, No, Yes | $3705 | |
| Portugal Digital Nomad Visa + 4, No, Yes, No | $3280 | |
| Portugal Digital Nomad Visa + 4, No, Yes, Yes | $4030 | |
| Portugal Digital Nomad Visa + 4, Yes, No, No | $3705 | |
| Portugal Digital Nomad Visa + 4, Yes, No, Yes | $4455 | |
| Portugal Digital Nomad Visa + 4, Yes, Yes, No | $4030 | |
| Portugal Digital Nomad Visa + 4, Yes, Yes, Yes | $4780 | |
| Portugal Digital Nomad Visa + 5, No, No, No | $3450 | |
| Portugal Digital Nomad Visa + 5, No, No, Yes | $4350 | |
| Portugal Digital Nomad Visa + 5, No, Yes, No | $3775 | |
| Portugal Digital Nomad Visa + 5, No, Yes, Yes | $4675 | |
| Portugal Digital Nomad Visa + 5, Yes, No, No | $4350 | |
| Portugal Digital Nomad Visa + 5, Yes, No, Yes | $5250 | |
| Portugal Digital Nomad Visa + 5, Yes, Yes, No | $4675 | |
| Portugal Digital Nomad Visa + 5, Yes, Yes, Yes | $5575 |
| Product / Option | Price | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Portugal D2 Visa + 0, No, No, No | $2475 | |
| Portugal D2 Visa + 0, No, No, Yes | $2625 | |
| Portugal D2 Visa + 0, No, Yes, No | $2800 | |
| Portugal D2 Visa + 0, No, Yes, Yes | $2950 | |
| Portugal D2 Visa + 0, Yes, No, No | $2625 | |
| Portugal D2 Visa + 0, Yes, No, Yes | $2775 | |
| Portugal D2 Visa + 0, Yes, Yes, No | $2950 | |
| Portugal D2 Visa + 0, Yes, Yes, Yes | $3100 | |
| Portugal D2 Visa + 1, No, No, No | $2970 | |
| Portugal D2 Visa + 1, No, No, Yes | $3270 | |
| Portugal D2 Visa + 1, No, Yes, No | $3295 | |
| Portugal D2 Visa + 1, No, Yes, Yes | $3595 | |
| Portugal D2 Visa + 1, Yes, No, No | $3270 | |
| Portugal D2 Visa + 1, Yes, No, Yes | $3570 | |
| Portugal D2 Visa + 1, Yes, Yes, No | $3595 | |
| Portugal D2 Visa + 1, Yes, Yes, Yes | $3895 | |
| Portugal D2 Visa + 2, No, No, No | $3465 | |
| Portugal D2 Visa + 2, No, No, Yes | $3915 | |
| Portugal D2 Visa + 2, No, Yes, No | $3790 | |
| Portugal D2 Visa + 2, No, Yes, Yes | $4240 | |
| Portugal D2 Visa + 2, Yes, No, No | $3915 | |
| Portugal D2 Visa + 2, Yes, No, Yes | $4365 | |
| Portugal D2 Visa + 2, Yes, Yes, No | $4240 | |
| Portugal D2 Visa + 2, Yes, Yes, Yes | $4690 | |
| Portugal D2 Visa + 3, No, No, No | $3960 | |
| Portugal D2 Visa + 3, No, No, Yes | $4560 | |
| Portugal D2 Visa + 3, No, Yes, No | $4285 | |
| Portugal D2 Visa + 3, No, Yes, Yes | $4885 | |
| Portugal D2 Visa + 3, Yes, No, No | $4560 | |
| Portugal D2 Visa + 3, Yes, No, Yes | $5160 | |
| Portugal D2 Visa + 3, Yes, Yes, No | $4885 | |
| Portugal D2 Visa + 3, Yes, Yes, Yes | $5485 | |
| Portugal D2 Visa + 4, No, No, No | $4455 | |
| Portugal D2 Visa + 4, No, No, Yes | $5205 | |
| Portugal D2 Visa + 4, No, Yes, No | $4780 | |
| Portugal D2 Visa + 4, No, Yes, Yes | $5530 | |
| Portugal D2 Visa + 4, Yes, No, No | $5205 | |
| Portugal D2 Visa + 4, Yes, No, Yes | $5955 | |
| Portugal D2 Visa + 4, Yes, Yes, No | $5530 | |
| Portugal D2 Visa + 4, Yes, Yes, Yes | $6280 | |
| Portugal D2 Visa + 5, No, No, No | $4950 | |
| Portugal D2 Visa + 5, No, No, Yes | $5850 | |
| Portugal D2 Visa + 5, No, Yes, No | $5275 | |
| Portugal D2 Visa + 5, No, Yes, Yes | $6175 | |
| Portugal D2 Visa + 5, Yes, No, No | $5850 | |
| Portugal D2 Visa + 5, Yes, No, Yes | $6750 | |
| Portugal D2 Visa + 5, Yes, Yes, No | $6175 | |
| Portugal D2 Visa + 5, Yes, Yes, Yes | $7075 |
| Product / Option | Price | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Portugal CRUE Process + 0, No, No, No | $750 | |
| Portugal CRUE Process + 0, No, No, Yes | $900 | |
| Portugal CRUE Process + 0, No, Yes, No | $1075 | |
| Portugal CRUE Process + 0, No, Yes, Yes | $1225 | |
| Portugal CRUE Process + 0, Yes, No, No | $900 | |
| Portugal CRUE Process + 0, Yes, No, Yes | $1050 | |
| Portugal CRUE Process + 0, Yes, Yes, No | $1225 | |
| Portugal CRUE Process + 0, Yes, Yes, Yes | $1375 | |
| Portugal CRUE Process + 1, No, No, No | $1245 | |
| Portugal CRUE Process + 1, No, No, Yes | $1545 | |
| Portugal CRUE Process + 1, No, Yes, No | $1570 | |
| Portugal CRUE Process + 1, No, Yes, Yes | $1870 | |
| Portugal CRUE Process + 1, Yes, No, No | $1545 | |
| Portugal CRUE Process + 1, Yes, No, Yes | $1845 | |
| Portugal CRUE Process + 1, Yes, Yes, No | $1870 | |
| Portugal CRUE Process + 1, Yes, Yes, Yes | $2170 | |
| Portugal CRUE Process + 2, No, No, No | $1740 | |
| Portugal CRUE Process + 2, No, No, Yes | $2190 | |
| Portugal CRUE Process + 2, No, Yes, No | $2065 | |
| Portugal CRUE Process + 2, No, Yes, Yes | $2515 | |
| Portugal CRUE Process + 2, Yes, No, No | $2190 | |
| Portugal CRUE Process + 2, Yes, No, Yes | $2640 | |
| Portugal CRUE Process + 2, Yes, Yes, No | $2515 | |
| Portugal CRUE Process + 2, Yes, Yes, Yes | $2965 | |
| Portugal CRUE Process + 3, No, No, No | $2235 | |
| Portugal CRUE Process + 3, No, No, Yes | $2835 | |
| Portugal CRUE Process + 3, No, Yes, No | $2560 | |
| Portugal CRUE Process + 3, No, Yes, Yes | $3160 | |
| Portugal CRUE Process + 3, Yes, No, No | $2835 | |
| Portugal CRUE Process + 3, Yes, No, Yes | $3435 | |
| Portugal CRUE Process + 3, Yes, Yes, No | $3160 | |
| Portugal CRUE Process + 3, Yes, Yes, Yes | $3760 | |
| Portugal CRUE Process + 4, No, No, No | $2730 | |
| Portugal CRUE Process + 4, No, No, Yes | $3480 | |
| Portugal CRUE Process + 4, No, Yes, No | $3055 | |
| Portugal CRUE Process + 4, No, Yes, Yes | $3805 | |
| Portugal CRUE Process + 4, Yes, No, No | $3480 | |
| Portugal CRUE Process + 4, Yes, No, Yes | $4230 | |
| Portugal CRUE Process + 4, Yes, Yes, No | $3805 | |
| Portugal CRUE Process + 4, Yes, Yes, Yes | $4555 | |
| Portugal CRUE Process + 5, No, No, No | $3225 | |
| Portugal CRUE Process + 5, No, No, Yes | $4125 | |
| Portugal CRUE Process + 5, No, Yes, No | $3550 | |
| Portugal CRUE Process + 5, No, Yes, Yes | $4450 | |
| Portugal CRUE Process + 5, Yes, No, No | $4125 | |
| Portugal CRUE Process + 5, Yes, No, Yes | $5025 | |
| Portugal CRUE Process + 5, Yes, Yes, No | $4450 | |
| Portugal CRUE Process + 5, Yes, Yes, Yes | $5350 |
NIF (Portuguese Tax ID number) – €150
Portuguese bank account – €325
NISS (Portuguese Social Security number) – €150
Payment due in full at booking
You get: The visa is the part of this process you cannot afford to get wrong. We build a strategy around your specific circumstances, prepare your application to a standard that holds up under scrutiny, and are with you in person in Portugal for your AIMA appointment.
D7 · Digital Nomad · D2
Best for: People who want the critical parts handled by experts and are comfortable managing the day-to-day of the move themselves.
Dependents
| Product / Option | Price | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Portugal Get to Portugal Package + 0, No, No, No | $2450 | |
| Portugal Get to Portugal Package + 0, No, No, Yes | $2600 | |
| Portugal Get to Portugal Package + 0, No, Yes, No | $2775 | |
| Portugal Get to Portugal Package + 0, No, Yes, Yes | $2925 | |
| Portugal Get to Portugal Package + 0, Yes, No, No | $2600 | |
| Portugal Get to Portugal Package + 0, Yes, No, Yes | $2750 | |
| Portugal Get to Portugal Package + 0, Yes, Yes, No | $2925 | |
| Portugal Get to Portugal Package + 0, Yes, Yes, Yes | $3075 | |
| Portugal Get to Portugal Package + 1, No, No, No | $2945 | |
| Portugal Get to Portugal Package + 1, No, No, Yes | $3245 | |
| Portugal Get to Portugal Package + 1, No, Yes, No | $3270 | |
| Portugal Get to Portugal Package + 1, No, Yes, Yes | $3570 | |
| Portugal Get to Portugal Package + 1, Yes, No, No | $3245 | |
| Portugal Get to Portugal Package + 1, Yes, No, Yes | $3545 | |
| Portugal Get to Portugal Package + 1, Yes, Yes, No | $3570 | |
| Portugal Get to Portugal Package + 1, Yes, Yes, Yes | $3870 | |
| Portugal Get to Portugal Package + 2, No, No, No | $3440 | |
| Portugal Get to Portugal Package + 2, No, No, Yes | $3890 | |
| Portugal Get to Portugal Package + 2, No, Yes, No | $3765 | |
| Portugal Get to Portugal Package + 2, No, Yes, Yes | $4215 | |
| Portugal Get to Portugal Package + 2, Yes, No, No | $3890 | |
| Portugal Get to Portugal Package + 2, Yes, No, Yes | $4340 | |
| Portugal Get to Portugal Package + 2, Yes, Yes, No | $4215 | |
| Portugal Get to Portugal Package + 2, Yes, Yes, Yes | $4665 | |
| Portugal Get to Portugal Package + 3, No, No, No | $3935 | |
| Portugal Get to Portugal Package + 3, No, No, Yes | $4535 | |
| Portugal Get to Portugal Package + 3, No, Yes, No | $4260 | |
| Portugal Get to Portugal Package + 3, No, Yes, Yes | $4860 | |
| Portugal Get to Portugal Package + 3, Yes, No, No | $4535 | |
| Portugal Get to Portugal Package + 3, Yes, No, Yes | $5135 | |
| Portugal Get to Portugal Package + 3, Yes, Yes, No | $4860 | |
| Portugal Get to Portugal Package + 3, Yes, Yes, Yes | $5460 | |
| Portugal Get to Portugal Package + 4, No, No, No | $4430 | |
| Portugal Get to Portugal Package + 4, No, No, Yes | $5180 | |
| Portugal Get to Portugal Package + 4, No, Yes, No | $4755 | |
| Portugal Get to Portugal Package + 4, No, Yes, Yes | $5505 | |
| Portugal Get to Portugal Package + 4, Yes, No, No | $5180 | |
| Portugal Get to Portugal Package + 4, Yes, No, Yes | $5930 | |
| Portugal Get to Portugal Package + 4, Yes, Yes, No | $5505 | |
| Portugal Get to Portugal Package + 4, Yes, Yes, Yes | $6255 | |
| Portugal Get to Portugal Package + 5, No, No, No | $4925 | |
| Portugal Get to Portugal Package + 5, No, No, Yes | $5825 | |
| Portugal Get to Portugal Package + 5, No, Yes, No | $5250 | |
| Portugal Get to Portugal Package + 5, No, Yes, Yes | $6150 | |
| Portugal Get to Portugal Package + 5, Yes, No, No | $5825 | |
| Portugal Get to Portugal Package + 5, Yes, No, Yes | $6725 | |
| Portugal Get to Portugal Package + 5, Yes, Yes, No | $6150 | |
| Portugal Get to Portugal Package + 5, Yes, Yes, Yes | $7050 |
NIF (Portuguese Tax ID number) – €150
Portuguese bank account – €325
NISS (Portuguese Social Security number) – €150
Payment due in full at booking
You'll arrive with your visa approved, a home lined up, and a bank account open. We're in regular contact throughout, so you always know where things stand. Not every detail is managed for you, but the ones that can derail a move are.
D7 · Digital Nomad · D2
Best for: Families, couples, and professionals who want one trusted person handling the entire move — not a checklist to manage themselves.
Dependents
| Product / Option | Price | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Portugal Concierge Package + No Additional Dependents | $4750 | |
| Portugal Concierge Package + 1 Dependent | $5420 | |
| Portugal Concierge Package + 2 Dependents | $6090 | |
| Portugal Concierge Package + 3 Dependents | $6760 | |
| Portugal Concierge Package + 4 Dependents | $7430 | |
| Portugal Concierge Package + 5 Dependents | $8100 |
Pay 70% at booking
Pay 30% after your visa application is submitted
Moving countries involves a thousand decisions, and the hardest ones are the ones you don't know to ask about yet. As a Concierge client, you have a dedicated relocation specialist in your corner from day one: someone who knows what you'll need before you need it, and is reachable on WhatsApp when anything comes up.
Visa Support
Get to Portugal Package
Concierge Package
Visa application preparation and review
Visa appointment booking
In-person support at your AIMA appointment
StartAbroad Client Portal
Connections to StartAbroad's partner network
Comprehensive relocation guides on shipping, pet relocation, car purchase, and more
Portugal cost of living calculator
NIF
optional
optional
Portuguese bank account
optional
optional
NISS
optional
optional
Rental search support
Dedicated relocation specialist
Four 30-minute one-on-one coaching calls
Unlimited coaching calls
Utilities set-up (electric, water, gas, internet, phone)
Airport pickup
Medical planning support
NIF address change
Access to Concierge WhatsApp line
D7 Visa, Digital Nomad Visa, Family Members
Compare Portuguese cities to your current home
All of the little things you need to remember in the lead up to your move.
Our vetted network of local experts
Your NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) is the first thing you need in Portugal. We handle it remotely, start to finish, so you arrive with this box already checked.
Portugal's social security number. Required for work, freelance registration, and residency renewal. We handle the application process remotely - delivered to your email.
A Portuguese bank account is how you'll pay rent, set up utilities, and meet the financial requirements of most visa types. We handle the full setup remotely, working with Portugal's largest bank.
(+€125/dependent)
Have our visa experts review your documents before your appointment — get a written assessment within 3 business days plus a 30-minute expert call, ideal for movers who want confidence in their paperwork without full-service support.
Join Navigator (Free)
Keeping your residency current is straightforward when you know what you're doing. We manage your renewal process from start to finish: documents, submission, and follow-up until your renewed permit is confirmed.
Fully online process, no need to attend an appointment in-person
Full document preparation and submission
Follow-up until renewal is confirmed
Fully online process, no need to attend an appointment in-person
Yes. Portugal consistently ranks among the top destinations in Europe for quality of life, safety, climate, and ease of settling in. The experience varies by region, and the administrative process can be slow and frustrating. Going in with a realistic picture of both the advantages and the friction points makes a considerable difference.
The main options for non-EU nationals are the D7 Passive Income Visa (for retirees and those living on pensions, investments, or rental income, with a minimum income requirement of around €920 per month), the Digital Nomad Visa (for remote workers earning at least €3,480 per month from non-Portuguese sources), the D2 Visa (for entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals), and the Golden Visa (for qualifying investors, now primarily through investment funds of €500,000 or more). Each route has different requirements and leads to different residency and tax outcomes. The right choice depends on your income source, employment situation, and long-term plans.
EU-nationals and their qualifying family members benefit from a distinct residence pathway. EU citizens register through the EU Citizen Registration Certificate (CRUE), while eligible family members may qualify under the Article 15 process. We provide expert guidance at every stage for a seamless experience.
Initial visa processing typically takes two to four months. Permanent residency is available after five years of legal residence. Citizenship eligibility comes at 7 to 10 years, dependng on country of origin.. The citizenship application itself requires a Portuguese language test at A2 level.
Yes. Foreigners have the same property ownership rights as Portuguese citizens and can purchase titled property without residency. You will need a NIF (Portuguese tax identification number) to complete any property transaction, which can be obtained from a Portuguese consulate in your home country before you move. Mortgages are available to non-residents from Portuguese banks, typically up to 70% of the purchase price for non-residents.
Lower than the UK, US, and most of Western Europe, but with meaningful variation by location. Lisbon and some prime Algarve areas have become more expensive over the past decade and no longer represent the dramatic cost advantage they once did. Porto is less expensive than Lisbon. Smaller cities, the Silver Coast, interior regions, and the islands of Madeira and the Azores can offer lower costs. Many couples live comfortably on €2,000 to €3,000 per month outside the main cities, with higher budgets needed in central Lisbon or popular Algarve towns.
Lisbon suits those who want a cosmopolitan capital city with strong infrastructure, a large expat community, and easy access to the rest of Europe. Porto offers a smaller, less expensive alternative with a strong cultural identity and a growing international community. The Algarve is the most established expat region, particularly for retirees and those after a beach lifestyle, with a large English-speaking community and warm climate. The Silver Coast, Setúbal Peninsula, and Madeira attract those looking for lower costs, quieter living, or a distinctive natural environment. Most people benefit from spending time in two or three areas before deciding.
Very safe. Portugal ranked 7th in the 2026 Global Peace Index and is one of the safest countries in the world. Violent crime is rare. The most common issues for expats are petty theft in busy tourist areas, manageable with standard precautions. Long-term residents consistently rate safety as one of the most immediately noticeable differences from life in the US, UK, or other home countries.
Not to get started. English is widely spoken in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve, and it is possible to manage daily life comfortably in English in these areas, particularly in the early months. Over time, limited Portuguese restricts integration and creates friction in dealings with government offices, healthcare providers, and local services. For permanent residency and citizenship, a Portuguese language test at A2 level is required. Portuguese is one of the more accessible languages for English speakers to reach a functional level in, and most expats who engage with it find the effort worthwhile.
certain income types for ten years, ended for new applicants as of January 2024. Existing NHR holders continue on their current terms. The replacement programme, IFICI (sometimes called NHR 2.0), is considerably more restricted and targets specific professional categories including researchers, qualified academics, and certain skilled professionals. Most general expats, retirees, and passive income holders no longer qualify for a special flat rate.
“StartAbroad's support was worth every penny, providing starting points for everything and saving us a lot of time and stress.”
“You need to have somebody that you can rely on, who can calm you down, walk you through the process, and not let it overwhelm you.”
“From the moment we started working together, their support made all the difference. Having professionals who were empathetic, patient, and knowledgeable took a huge weight off our shoulders.”
"Working with StartAbroad was one of the best decisions we’ve made. From our first appointment, they guided every part of our move with patience and exceptional organization. Their network of service providers was incredibly professional. Do yourself a favour and reach out to them."
“I cannot recommend Start Abroad highly enough. From the very beginning of my journey to Portugal until the moment my feet were finally on the ground and my life here began to take shape, their team provided extraordinary support, professionalism, and patience.”
“Our biggest mistake was not signing on with Startabroad from the moment we decided to move to Portugal. What a delightful experience! Lovely, friendly, professional people who understand all of the requirements! Follow their guidance and success will be yours!!!”
“From our very first conversation, they made the entire process of moving abroad feel seamless and manageable. They supported me with everything, from appointments to opening a bank account, and consistently went above and beyond—especially during moments that felt uncertain or overwhelming.”
“This has been a phenomenal service. I really can't imagine trying to do this on our own. StartAbroad has made this move a lot less stressful. We used the Concierge package, and we were glad we did.”
“StartAbroad provided a level of comfort and trust that made the complex relocation process much easier to navigate.”
“I honestly did not have any stress in the process. And meeting up with other expats, I realized that I really had a stress-free journey due to StartAbroad because I have heard some horror stories.”
Discount Applied Successfully!
Your savings have been added to the cart.