Why is the Portuguese Golden Visa the right choice for Americans to live in Europe?

Over the past decade, Portugal has quietly transformed into a haven for American citizens seeking flexibility, stability, and a fresh perspective on global living. The number of Americans in Portugal has been growing since 2017, and the reason is the benefits of the Portuguese Golden Visa.

Often seen as a vehicle for the wealthy elite or retirees, the Golden Visa has evolved. Today, it offers Americans of all ages - young professionals, families, and retirees - a gateway to Europe, financial opportunity, and a quiet life with fewer strings attached.

A flexible backup plan for all life stages

Young Professionals and Digital Nomads

For the younger, especially digital nomads and remote workers, Portugal’s low cost of living, warm climate, and tech-forward cities like Lisbon and Porto make it an attractive base. The Golden Visa is an ideal Plan B for those seeking global mobility without giving up their American identity. You only need to spend 14 days every two years in Portugal, allowing young professionals to explore the world with the safety of having a European country to return to.

Moreover, Portugal’s growing startup ecosystem and favorable tax regimes (like the Non-Habitual Resident tax) create fertile ground for those looking to invest in new ventures.

Families Seeking Security and Opportunity

Many American families choose Portugal not just for economic reasons but for quality of life. With top-rated international schools, universal healthcare, safety, and a strong sense of community, Portugal offers a slower, more peaceful lifestyle. The Golden Visa gives families the freedom to maintain U.S. work or business commitments while securing residency and, eventually, EU citizenship for their children’s futures.

This is especially compelling for those concerned with political polarization or instability back home. The Golden Visa works essentially as an insurance policy for your family's long-term security.

Retirees Planning the Next Chapter

According to ‘The Annual Global Retirement Index’, Portugal was considered the 2nd best country in the word to retire in 2025 – being only surpassed by Panama. The main reasons are an overall lower cost of living, a national healthcare system, a welcoming community, and a relaxed pace of life. Retirees can get the Golden Visa by investing €500,000 in a qualifying fund—avoiding the hassle of managing property while still securing their place in the EU.

It’s also a smart estate planning move: after five years, retirees can obtain Portuguese citizenship without entirely relocating. Portugal allows dual citizenship, meaning retirees don’t have to renounce their American passports.

The Golden Visa benefits

Unlike traditional retirement accounts, Golden Visa investment funds often deliver good annual returns and support various industries—from green energy to tech startups and real estate development. After the fund matures (usually within 5–8 years), Americans can use those gains to purchase property, support their children’s education abroad, or reinvest.

Plus, there’s no inheritance tax in Portugal, and Americans can plan their cross-border finances with the help of legal and tax professionals who specialize in both jurisdictions.

One of the most compelling reasons to consider the Golden Visa is that it leads to Portuguese citizenship in just 5 years—faster than nearly every other EU country. And you don’t have to live full-time in Portugal to qualify. You are only required to stay 7 days per year in the country – and you can choose the time of the year.

As an investor, your family, as spouse and children, can also benefit from these conditions, meaning that as a European citizen, the whole family gains:

• Full access to live, work, and study in any EU country
• Visa-free travel to over 180 countries
• The right to healthcare, education, and property ownership across the EU.

Why Portugal, and why now?

Portugal checks all the major boxes: political stability, economic opportunity, lifestyle quality, and welcoming policies. Whether you are young and founding your startup, a family planning a better future, or a 65-year-old ready to live your best life by the beach, the Golden Visa offers the flexibility, growth potential, and peace of mind that Americans seek.

In a world that feels increasingly uncertain, Portugal’s Golden Visa is more than a smart investment, it is a gate to the world and a more secure future. Whether you want help evaluating qualifying funds, understanding tax implications, or planning the timeline to citizenship, at Mercan Properties, we can help you ensure your path to Portugal is smooth and successful.