7 Things American Expats Wish They Had Known Before Moving to Portugal in 2025

Golden Visa Explorer Investments Editorial Team
Mon, 15 Dec 2025 09:00:00 GMT
Americans in Portugal, Portugal Golden Visa, Expats

Practical guide for Americans moving to Portugal in 2025: weather, taxes, residency costs, language, cultural quirks, walkability and cost of living – plus when it can make more sense to use the Portugal Golden Visa fund route instead of, or before, a full relocation.

Portugal has become one of the most popular destinations for American expats, but the reality of day-to-day life can be very different from the online dream. This article highlights seven things US citizens wish they had known before moving to Portugal in 2025 – from winter weather, tax surprises and residency expenses to language difficulty, cultural quirks, steep hills and the mixed picture on cost of living.

Alongside lifestyle insights, the piece also explains why some American families choose to secure EU residency via the Portugal Golden Visa fund route first, and only later decide whether to relocate full-time. For readers exploring this route, the article links to our dedicated resources including the guide to trending retirement & Golden Visa destinations for Americans, the Portugal Golden Visa Fund Route Application Checklist for 2026 and our global comparison of Golden Visa options with a focus on Portugal’s fund route.

The result is an honest, SEO-optimised resource for Americans weighing a move to Portugal, a Golden Visa fund investment, or a combination of both.