Americans have itching to move and have their vision in a small and impressive country full of beach on the west coast of Europe: Portugal.
Portugal surpassed the recent survey of the expatriate resource group where the North -Americans expect to move, to flee what they say is political divisivity, a high cost of life and too much daily stress.
The coastal country has become so popular that even Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have meant that there is a house where the Harry Eugenie cousin also lives.
“Portugal was starred in offering friendly tax and visas programs for foreigners, including that it allows them to gain residence through the purchase of houses,” says Exati co -founder Jen Barnett.
“The country has eliminated many advantages, but now people are more aware of what it offers most: lower cost of living, better quality of life, more security and warm and welcoming people.”
Right behind Portugal where the North -Americans would like to move are Spain, the United Kingdom, Canada, Italy, Ireland, France, Mexico, New Zealand and Costa Rica.
The North -Americans dream of Portugal
Elizabeth Burke of Washington, DC, is one of the many that dreams of Portugal. He has been visiting the country annually since 2016 and plans to retire there for the next five years.
“It does not matter where to go to Portugal, there is a sense of calm,” he tells Realtor.com. “Choose to Faro and feel you can breathe. There is a feeling in the air of happiness and peace.”
This is far from the atmosphere of the city driven by the politics in which it resides, especially these days.
The Expati Survey found that about 56% of respondents believe that the United States has become too conservative, while around 53% they think it is too politically divided, and that is why they would like to leave it back.
Burke also points to how the country is small enough that can be reached from the wine region to the expansive beaches to the green mountains to the bustling Lisbon nucleus, all in a few hours.
You can easily drive to Spain or take a ferry to Gibraltar, and there is also the island of Madeira and its famous wines.
From Porto with his ports producing port to Sintra with their colorful castles, the various regions offer a very different attraction, but they are all nearby, so you can make a day’s excursion.
Let’s not forget the locals.
“They are the most pleasant people,” says Burke. “They want to assure you have everything you want.”
It even praises the forces of the law, not only to maintain the crime rate of the low country, but also because of its good appearance.
“They are some of the most beautiful men I’ve ever seen,” he says, laughing.
“No matter where you go to Portugal, there is this feeling of peace, enjoyment and excitement for tomorrow.”
Obtaining Residence in Portugal is not as easy as before
With all this, it is not uncommon for Portugal to be almost too popular.
By 2024, the country eliminated its golden visa through real estate investment. But if you have the capital, you can still get residence through another qualified investment.
Visa -rated investments include funds, donations to the arts or sciences or job creation. Minimum amounts vary, so you talk to an immigration lawyer or do your due diligence.
The country’s D7 retirement visa is still an option, which requires sufficient passive revenue test (about $ 980 monthly to current currency conversion rates), a place to stay and the minimum stay requirements. You also need to pass a criminal background control and have care coverage tests.
Global Citizen Solutions says that Portugal is the second most convincing place for U.S. retirees behind Spain. Its main advantages include a pleasant climate throughout the year, good public health services and affordable private health options. It is also known for the high quality of its educational institutions.
Although Portugal may seem like a paradise for now, it is the call that promoted property prices, making the locals complain to the point where the real estate golden visa was revoked.
A bedroom in Lisbon can easily get $ 600,000 or more, which can be difficult to live in New York City or Los Angeles.
Other countries, such as Panama, Malta and Cyprus, offer much more affordability when it comes to real estate. However, for Europe, Portugal is still relatively reasonable.
And what do the premises think of all this attention?
Family and cozy, though they are, some begin to entertain the dirty on the new popularity of their hometown.
“There is a risk that newcomers will increase the price of housing, swarms in all local restaurants and clubs, and insist on driving SUVS everywhere,” says consumption issues.
Burke is taking Portuguese lessons and plans to assimilate the best he can, provides that he can mark a visa when the time comes.
While Mexico is your backup plan, Portugal is still your choice number 1.
“If I can’t get a visa, I’ll be devastated,” he says. “But I will still visit every year.”
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Image Source : nypost.com