Moving to Portugal Through Golden Visa Investment

Thinking about moving to Portugal? Whether you’re planning to retire in Portugal, work remotely, or simply enjoy a Mediterranean lifestyle with EU residency benefits, Portugal’s Golden Visa remains one of the most secure and robust investment migration programs available.

Why Move to Portugal?

There are many ways to move to another country, but few offer the long-term security, flexibility, and global mobility of an investor visa. Portugal’s Golden Visa program has been one of Europe’s top-tier residency-by-investment routes since its launch in 2012. It has attracted over €7 billion in investment from thousands of international applicants who saw the opportunity to invest in Portugal in exchange for a pathway to EU residency and eventually citizenship.

Originally popular with investors from China, Russia, Brazil, and Turkey, the program has seen a notable shift in recent years. Today, there is surging demand from American investors who are looking to move to Portugal from the USA, often drawn by tax planning opportunities, lifestyle benefits, and a reliable Plan B.

Do I Need to Move to Portugal?

No, full relocation is not required. Portugal’s Golden Visa only demands a minimum stay of seven days per year – ideal for investors who want flexibility. However, with its lower cost of living, high-quality healthcare, and vibrant culture, many investors are choosing to make Portugal their primary or permanent home.

Whether you’re a retiree seeking sunshine, a remote worker or digital nomad looking for a stable EU base, or simply want your family to enjoy greater global mobility, Portugal delivers.

Benefits of Moving to Portugal with a Golden Visa

• Live in an EU country with excellent healthcare, safety, and infrastructure
• Visa-free travel across the Schengen Zone
• Potential pathway to citizenship after 5 years without needing to move permanently
• Tax efficiency through Portugal’s new NHR regime
• Option to live, retire, or work remotely from Portugal

Cost of Living in Portugal – 2025 Snapshot

Portugal remains one of Western Europe’s most affordable destinations.

• Monthly expenses for a couple (outside Lisbon): from €2,000 – €3,500
• Healthcare costs: private insurance from €50/month
• High-speed internet: approx. €38/month
• Fresh produce and local wines: abundant and inexpensive

Whether you choose Lisbon, Porto, or the Algarve, you’ll find a balanced lifestyle and excellent value for money. Portugal’s cost of living is much more affordable compared to countries such as the USA, UK, Australia.

How to Move to Portugal with a Golden Visa

Once you’ve selected a qualifying investment fund for the Golden Visa, the initial steps can be completed entirely from the comfort of your own home. The first step is to speak with our expert advisors at La Vida, who will guide you in choosing a fully compliant fund that meets all legal requirements. From there, La Vida’s legal partners will handle the formalities – including opening a Portuguese bank account, gathering documentation, and submitting your residency application.

The process typically takes 12–18 months, which gives you ample time to plan your move – if you even choose to relocate at all. During this waiting period, many of our clients travel to Portugal to explore lifestyle options. From renting a city apartment in Lisbon to testing life in the Algarve or the lush countryside, there’s no need to rush into a property purchase. You may decide to rent long-term, or simply enjoy part-time residency while keeping your primary base elsewhere.

Whether you’re drawn to a seaside villa in Cascais or a vineyard estate in the Douro Valley, the Golden Visa process gives you time and flexibility to design your ideal future in Portugal, on your terms.

USA Investors Can USE IRA Funds to Move to Portugal

Did you know you can fund your move to Portugal or even retire in Portugal using your Self-Directed IRA (SDIRA)? Many U.S. investors are now leveraging their retirement funds to invest in Portugal’s Golden Visa, gaining EU residency without tapping into personal savings. Through a qualifying €500,000 investment into a regulated Portuguese fund, eligible under the Golden Visa scheme, it’s possible to diversify your IRA while securing a foothold in Europe.

At La Vida, we work alongside leading U.S.-based IRA custodians who specialise in international investments and ensure compliance with IRS regulations. This means you can get started from the comfort of home, with La Vida managing your Golden Visa application while a US based financial consultancy can handle the IRA structuring. For many Americans – whether retirees, remote workers, or global investors -this strategy offers the ideal blend of financial growth and lifestyle freedom.

Steps to Apply for Portugal Residency:

All the initial steps can be completed remotely- no need to visit until residency has been pr-approved and you need to give your biometrics.

1. Choose a qualifying investment (La Vida offers only fully compliant, approved funds)
2. Work with our legal team to prepare and submit your application
3. Visit Portugal once for biometrics
4. Receive your residency card
5. Enjoy EU residency with minimal stay requirements – 7 days per year, or longer if you wish.

Ready to Start Your Move to Portugal?

At La Vida, we’ve helped thousands of investors navigate the Golden Visa journey – securely and successfully. Whether you’re just exploring options or ready to invest, our global team is here to help you make your move to Portugal a reality.

Contact us today to learn more about qualifying investments, timelines, and how we can help you retire, relocate, or invest in Portugal with confidence.

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