More Americans moved abroad in 2025 than ever before, and even more are expected to do so in 2026.
If you have investment capital, Portugal’s Golden Visa is still the most reliable and straightforward way to get European residency.
Let’s look at why Portugal stands out and what steps you can take now.
Things have shifted in America. While it’s tough to name one turning point, the numbers are clear. In 2025, at least 180,000 Americans moved abroad, the highest number in recent years. Client questions, online searches, and news coverage all show that this trend is only growing in 2026.
This isn’t just a trend for a small group. People from all walks of life are making the move: retirees seeking stability, entrepreneurs wanting to protect their wealth, families hoping for a better life for their kids, and professionals tired of the fast-paced American work culture. Their reasons differ, but the choice is the same: they are leaving.
So, where are Americans choosing to go? And for those who can invest, why is Portugal often their top pick?
The Numbers Behind the Exodus
A Wall Street Journal analysis of immigration records across 15 destination countries found that at least 180,000 Americans relocated abroad in 2025. The Brookings Institution reported in January 2026 that the United States saw negative net migration for the first time in at least half a century. More people have left than arrived. That fact has not happened since the time of the Great Depression.
These numbers are significant. They reflect pressures that more and more Americans are finding very difficult to look past:
- The rising cost of housing, healthcare, and everyday necessities
- Political polarisation and a deepening sense of social instability
- Healthcare costs that consume an incredible amount of the share of household income
- A work culture that leaves many professionals drained and feeling under-rewarded
- Retirement planning concerns, as traditional pension security feels increasingly fragile
These are not abstract grievances. They are the real lived experiences of a growing segment of the American middle and upper-middle class, precisely the people who are now actively considering options abroad, such as the Portugal Golden Visa.
Why Choose Europe Now?
The reasons to move are just as important as the reasons they choose to leave. Europe offers something the US struggles with now: stability. There’s steadier politics, universal healthcare, affordable education, visa-free travel across 27 European Schengen countries, and a daily life that feels different.
Global wealth is becoming more and more mobile every day. Investors and high-net-worth individuals are no longer treating their country of residence as fixed. Jurisdictions are actively competing for internationally mobile families and the capital that they bring. Portugal understood this trend earlier than most and built the legal, financial, and logistical infrastructure to accommodate that demand before it peaked. The result is a market that is tested, efficient, and deeply familiar with American clients.
If you’re wondering what European residency offers beyond lifestyle perks, our article on European residency as a financial asset explains the investment benefits, including diversification, legacy value, and how fund investments work.
Why Portugal Specifically
Portugal isn’t the only European country with a residency-by-investment program. Greece, Malta, and Italy offer very similar options. But as our Why Portugal guide shows, Portugal stands out in both the data and client feedback for reasons that go beyond just the visa.
- Cost of living is roughly 30 to 40 percent lower than comparable US cities (see our full cost of living comparison)
- World-class healthcare available to residents at a fraction of US private insurance costs
- Ranked first in the 2025 Global Retirement Index
- English is widely spoken, with Portugal ranking sixth globally in the EF English Proficiency Index
- Safe, walkable cities with established expat communities
- EU residency and Schengen travel access from day one of permit approval
The number of Americans living in Portugal jumped by 239 percent from 2017 to 2023, reaching nearly 15,000. By 2024, it was close to 20,000. As the community has grown, so have international schools, English-speaking healthcare, and expat networks. New arrivals aren’t starting from scratch—they’re joining a strong, established community.
For Americans with investment capital, the Portugal Golden Visa is the most reliable and straightforward way to get European residency. Unlike the D7 (for passive income) or D8 (for digital nomads), the Golden Visa is made for investors and doesn’t require you to move or stay in Portugal during the application process.
Key Golden Visa features for US investors:
- Qualifying investment from EUR 500,000 in approved funds
- Minimum physical presence: just 7 days per year
- Spouse and dependent children included on the same application
- Full access to public healthcare and education for all family members
- Path to permanent residency after 5 years
- Citizenship eligibility after 10 years of legal residence (Lei Organica n.o 1/2026)
The citizenship timeline is worth noting. Under Lei Organica n.o 1/2026, which came into force on 19 May 2026, US nationals now generally require 10 years of legal residence before applying for Portuguese citizenship. Permanent residency remains available at the 5-year mark. For investors whose primary motivation is European residency, Schengen access, and long-term optionality rather than a fast passport, this distinction matters less than it might seem at first. The AIMA processing timeline typically runs to 12 months or more from initial investment, which means the investors who move in 2026 are the ones with confirmed residency in 2027.
What This Means If You Are Considering the Move
If you’ve been following the news, noticing rising costs in your city, or just wondering if there’s a more stable place for your family or your money, you’re not alone. The real question now isn’t if Americans are leaving—it’s whether this is the right time and path for you.
The Portugal Golden Visa isn’t a last-minute option. It’s a thoughtful, well-planned choice for investors who want European residency, a better quality of life, and the flexibility that comes with having a legal base in the EU.
If you want to understand what the numbers actually look like day to day, our cost of living comparison between Portugal and the US covers rent, healthcare, groceries, and transport using real 2026 figures.
