Portugal Sees Sharp Increase in U.S. Citizens Relocating to Portugal after Election Results

As the political divide in the U.S. deepens following Donald Trump's anticipated return to the White House, many affluent and disillusioned Americans are setting their sights on opportunities abroad.

Among their top choices is Portugal, the southern European country on the Atlantic coast, which is experiencing a notable surge in residency relocation requests following the election—a trend that was already gaining momentum.

Currently ranked as the No.1 relocation destination in Europe, Portugal is one of the safest countries in the world. It offers a low cost of living, excellent healthcare, vibrant culture, and a delightful mix of Atlantic coastline, countryside, and multicultural cities. With over 300 days of sunshine annually and a place in the top 10 globally on the happiness index, Portugal’s appeal is undeniable.

Relocation specialists report that inquiries from the U.S. have more than tripled since last week’s election results. This increase aligns with Portugal’s recent initiatives to attract wealthy individuals, families, and entrepreneurs through incentives that cater to both lifestyle and investment goals.

One key attraction is the Golden Visa residency-by-investment program, which grants residency rights to those who invest €500,000 (US$536,500) in one of Portugal’s government alternative investment funds approved for Golden Visa.

The program requires only a seven-day annual stay in Portugal, allows freedom of movement across 29 Schengen-area countries, and offers a streamlined path to citizenship after five years.

Additionally, Portugal’s Non-Habitual Residency (NHR) tax status—although set to phase out soon—has historically offered favourable tax rates for expats. However, tax benefits are not the primary incentive for U.S. citizens as they remain liable for U.S. taxes even when living abroad, due to the U.S. practice of citizenship-based taxation. This means that the NHR tax status benefits may be less impactful for U.S. citizens compared to citizens of other countries.

The Portuguese government is also introducing a new tax scheme for 2025, known as the NHR 2.0 tax status, aimed at attracting entrepreneurs, researchers, high-skilled professionals, and scientists.

Additionally, they plan to introduce a 0% tax rate on the first €35,000 of income for individuals under 35, along with incremental tax adjustments. This initiative is intended to attract talent to Portugal, following the growing number of entrepreneurs who are choosing the country as their European base for both life and business.

Paul Stannard, founder of Portugal Pathways, a relocation organization supporting affluent expats with relocation, tax planning, Golden Visa applications, luxury real estate, and business setup in Portugal, notes a marked increase in interest from U.S. citizens.

“We’ve already seen a 50% increase in American families moving to Portugal this year, but following the U.S. election results, inquiries have tripled, with Americans now making up over 25% of international expat inquiries,” he said.

“Many seek guidance on navigating the relocation process, from property and location scouting to education, wealth management, tax planning, and integration support, with a particular interest in Golden Visa residency by investment and the opportunity for EU-wide access.”

Colleen Showalter, founder of Portugal The Place, which assists people moving to Portugal, shares this perspective: “We’re seeing record inquiries from U.S. citizens seeking support. As an American family who moved to Portugal years ago, we understand the questions people face as they consider relocating their lives, businesses, and pets to Portugal.

“Having someone who understands the process is key to easing the challenges of location scouting, property research, and navigating residency requirements. It’s essential for families to do their research and consult professionals who not only know Portugal but also understand the specific needs of Americans relocating to Portugal.”

Sasha Young Da Silva, a cross-border tax and estate planning lawyer at Concepcion Global, adds that relocating to Portugal requires navigating complex tax, estate, and financial planning considerations. “Moving abroad is a significant step for U.S. citizens, especially with ongoing tax obligations and logistical challenges. Still, the demand for what Portugal offers is undeniable.”

With its welcoming approach, Portugal continues to be a preferred destination for Americans seeking a stable, lifestyle-rich base in Europe amidst political uncertainty at home.