According to a CNBC article just published, Portugal is now the number one country where Americans are hoping to move to.
In a survey conducted in the site administered by Expatsi, where more than 116 thousand U.S. Citizens participated, Portugal was the top destination chosen by Americans that are considering relocating abroad.
Spain and U.K. were, respectively, classified as the second and third countries Americans most want to move to.
Survey-takers were asked in the survey to answer 20 questions, namely on their lifestyle preferences, future plans, financial means as well as other topics.
Most of the respondents considered that the U.S. is too divided, that they want more freedom and want to avoid the threat of gun violence. About 41% also said they hope to save more money while living abroad.
Two-thirds of the test-takers would like to leave the U.S. by 2026, 30% want to retire abroad and most of them have considered leaving after the U.S. presidential election.
U.S. Nationals Lead Golden Visa Applications in Portugal
Currently, US Nationals represent about 20% of Portugal´s Golden Visa applications, being the first country in this ranking. They also recently surpassed Chinese investors that since the start of the program in 2012 had been for many years the main leading force in the investments.
The Portuguese Golden Visa is currently one of the few remaining reputable Golden Visa programs remaining. This is the case following the end of the Irish Program in 2023, a significant increase in September 2024 of the minimum real estate threshold in the main areas of Greece, the suspension of the Spanish program in April 2025 and the ruling of the EU Court of Justice this month, that put an end to the Maltese citizenship by investment program, the so-called Golden Passport scheme.
Top 10 Reasons U.S. Citizens Are Choosing Portugal
According to The Blue Portugal´s team long experience in handling U.S. citizens relocating to Portugal, there are 10 main reasons for choosing this country:
- Portugal is one of the oldest nations in Europe but also one of most dynamic and culturally rich countries, with 17 sites classified as World Heritage as per United Nations.
- The country is known for its high quality of life, safety, welcoming environment with friendly people and beautiful and an excellent cuisine.
- Predictable and stable weather with an average of more than 300 sunny days a year.
- Portugal has an affordable cost of living, cheaper on average by 40% compared to the USA.
- High proficiency in English, both written and spoken, by a large majority of the Portuguese population.
- Easy access to Portugal with many direct flights from the United States.
- Access to free education and healthcare, as well as top-ranked international schools with pathways to leading universities.
- Visa-free travel across Europe’s Schengen Area (currently 29 countries), allowing free movement for investors and family.
- Portugal´s Golden Visa allows family reunification, granting equal residency benefits and mobility.
- After just five years, investors can apply for Portuguese citizenship – one of the fastest Golden Visa routes – gaining access to a passport with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 191 countries. Read the CNBC article
Read also: Why Are So Many US Citizens Applying for Portugal’s Golden Visa?
Why Work With The Blue Portugal
The Blue Portugal is a leading immigration company in Portugal and has an enviable track-record and reputation in serving our customers.
Our strength is finding the appropriate solution according to your need and providing detailed analysis on the different investment options for you to make an informed decision.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. We look forward to working with you and being your trusted partner in your Golden Visa process.
