Your pathway to EU residency and eventual citizenship with minimal time commitment
Live, work, and travel freely across 27 EU countries plus Schengen zone. No visa applications, no restrictions.
Just 7 days per year in Portugal. Keep your US life while building EU residency and citizenship pathway.
After 5 years, apply for Portuguese citizenship. No need to renounce US citizenship—hold both passports.
Portugal's healthcare system ranks highly globally. Access public SNS or affordable private healthcare.
Lisbon costs 40% less than major US cities. Stretch your dollars further in Western Europe.
300 days of sunshine, Atlantic beaches, world-class wine and cuisine, safe cities.
5-8 hours ahead of US East Coast. Morning overlap makes remote work with US clients practical.
Review your goals, investment capacity, and timeline for EU residency.
Choose from qualifying Portuguese venture capital or private equity funds.
Complete fund subscription and gather required documents (background check, proof of income, etc.).
Submit complete Golden Visa application to Portuguese immigration (AIMA).
Application review and biometrics appointment. Brief Portugal visit required.
Receive 2-year residence permit. Maintain with 7-day annual presence.
Most popular option. Invest in qualifying Portuguese VC funds. 5-8 year typical holding period.
Higher threshold but potentially stronger returns. Portuguese PE market growing.
Simple bank deposit option. No investment risk but capital locked in Portugal.
| Factor | 🇺🇸 US Passport | 🇲🇹 Malta Passport |
|---|---|---|
| Schengen Access | 90 days per 180 | Unlimited |
| EU Work Rights | ❌ Requires visa | ✅ Full access |
| Healthcare Cost | High (insurance-based) | Low (public + affordable private) |
| Cost of Living (major city) | Baseline (NYC/SF) | 40-60% lower (Lisbon) |
| Safety Ranking | Varies by city | 7th safest globally |
| Parental Leave | 0 weeks federal | Up to 6 months |
| Time to EU Citizenship | N/A | 5 years |
| Visa-Free Countries | 186 | 186 (similar) |
| Dual Citizenship | Allowed | Allowed |
Use portfolio-backed lending to fund your Golden Visa investment.
US citizens face worldwide taxation regardless of residence. You'll file US taxes annually even living abroad.
Portugal taxes residents on worldwide income. However, US-Portugal tax treaty and Foreign Tax Credit prevent most double taxation.
Yes. After 5 years of maintaining Golden Visa residency (just 7 days/year in Portugal), you can apply for Portuguese citizenship. You do not need to renounce US citizenship—Portugal allows dual nationality.
Yes. The US taxes citizens on worldwide income regardless of where they live. However, the Foreign Tax Credit and Foreign Earned Income Exclusion can offset most or all double taxation.
Yes. The Golden Visa grants full work and business rights in Portugal. You can be employed by Portuguese companies or run your own business.
Your 401(k), IRA, and other US retirement accounts remain intact. Portugal generally doesn't tax unrealized gains in these accounts. Withdrawals are taxable in both countries but treaty relief applies.
Not for residency. English is widely spoken in Lisbon and Porto. For citizenship after 5 years, you'll need to pass a basic A2 Portuguese language test.
Yes. Your spouse, dependent children under 26, and dependent parents over 55/60 can be included in your Golden Visa application with no additional investment required.
Medicare doesn't cover you abroad. Most Golden Visa holders get Portuguese private health insurance (€100-300/month) or use the public SNS system once tax resident.
The €250K is the investment amount, which you retain (subject to fund performance). Additional costs include government fees (~€5,000), legal fees (~€10,000-15,000), and fund management fees.
Our team specializes in helping United States citizens obtain Portugal citizenship. Schedule a confidential consultation to discuss your specific situation.