Portugal is quickly becoming a top destination for Americans relocating abroad. With a lower cost of living (about 30–40% less than the U.S.), a strong sense of safety, and beautiful landscapes, it appeals to retirees, remote workers, and families alike.

But moving to Portugal comes with hidden challenges. Rising housing costs in cities like Lisbon and Porto, low local wages, and underestimating the Portugal visa requirements and setup expenses often catch Americans off guard. Many newcomers make preventable mistakes that lead to stress, financial strain, and delays.

Whether you're planning to retire in the Algarve, work remotely from Lisbon, or start fresh in a Portuguese town, this guide covers the top 7 mistakes Americans make when planning their relocation to Portugal and how to avoid them for a smooth and successful transition.

Mistake 1: Choosing a City Without Visiting First- Before Moving to Portugal

Since 2019, the number of Americans living in Portugal has tripled, but many discover their city of choice is not what they expected. Skipping a scouting trip is one of the biggest mistakes, like buying a house based on photos alone. Different parts of Portugal offer unique lifestyles. Lisbon feels busy and modern, but it costs more. Porto is more traditional and easier to explore on foot. The Algarve comes with beaches and sunny weather, but you need a car to get around. Quieter places like Évora and Coimbra are cheaper but feel less connected. Without visiting in person, you might end up in the wrong spot.

Why a Scouting Trip Matters for a Successful Relocation to Portugal

A proper scouting trip gives you a feel for daily life beyond tourist attractions. You'll be able to explore neighborhoods, test local transport, shop at markets, and visit healthcare centers, all while living like a local. Visit during different seasons to experience weather changes and crowd levels. Talk to locals and expats, and take detailed notes on each area. Stay at least two weeks if possible, and define clear goals for your visit. This upfront effort can prevent disappointment, delays, and costly mistakes in moving to Portugal.

Mistake 2: Not Understanding Portugal Residency Visa Requirements

Not knowing the visa rules before moving to Portugal can lead to big problems. A lot of Americans deal with delays or even denials that could’ve been avoided.

Guide to Portugal D7 D8, and D2 Visas for Americans

D7 Visa (Passive Income): This visa suits people with reliable passive earnings, like retirees. Applicants must show proof of at least €10,440 for themselves and additional funds to cover dependents. The money needs to be in a Portuguese bank account. To know more about the D7 visa requirements, read our blog [here].
D8 Visa (Digital Nomad): This option works for freelancers or remote workers who make at least €3,480 monthly while working outside Portugal. Applicants must provide evidence of their job and meet similar bank deposit requirements as the D7 Visa.
D2 Visa: This is designed to set up or buy a business in Portugal. You do not need to invest a specific amount, but a strong business plan and enough money to take care of your own expenses are required.

All visas include a 4-month entry period. After this, applicants get a 2-year residency visa in Portugal, which can be renewed for an additional three years.

Common Portuguese Visa Mistakes to Avoid When Applying

Submitting forms without all the required information
Providing financial documents that do not meet the standards
Skipping the step to transfer the necessary funds
Not translating official papers to Portuguese
Overlooking the 9-month approval waiting period
Neglecting criminal record checks and visa background screenings

Understanding these details before applying can save time, money, and unnecessary stress when applying for a visa to Portugal.

Mistake 3: Mishandling the Visa Background Check and Apostille Process

One big mistake that a lot of Americans make while applying for a Portuguese visa is not properly handling the FBI background check and the apostille steps. These papers are key to your residency application, whether it’s for a D7 visa, a D8 visa, or a D2 visa. Mistakes in these steps could cause major delays or even get your application denied.

Some people think any background check will be sufficient. A lot of them turn in a local police report or a state-level background check, but then they find out later that Portugal’s immigration office (SEF) accepts the official FBI Identity History Summary. You have to get this straight from the FBI through an approved way, either online or by mail, or using third-party services.

Many people make the mistake of getting their fingerprints done at the wrong place. They might go to nearby unauthorized or cheaper services to save a little money or time. However, these services often don’t meet FBI requirements. If the fingerprints are blurry or done on the wrong card, it might result in rejection, wasting both time and money. To avoid issues, always rely on an authorized fingerprinting service or local police stations.

One of the most common mistakes is skipping the step of getting an apostille with your FBI background check. An apostille acts as a global certification confirming a document's validity for use in Portugal. SEF will deny your FBI report if it doesn't come with this certification, even if the report itself is legitimate. To get this done, you should request the apostille from the U.S. Department of State in Washington, DC.

You can also work with companies like Globeia, which simplify the process of obtaining both the FBI background check and the apostille, helping you get everything done more quickly and without hassle.

Mistake 4: Underestimating the Cost of Living After Your Move to Portugal

Many Americans assume Portugal is cheap everywhere, but that’s a big mistake. While it's about 40% cheaper than the U.S., prices vary a lot by region. Lisbon and the Algarve can be surprisingly expensive, especially for rent and utilities. Tourist areas also have major seasonal price jumps.

Hidden costs like heating in winter (due to poor insulation), large rental deposits, pricey imported goods, and car ownership can strain your budget. To avoid surprises, research your chosen area and build a detailed budget. Live like a local, use public transit, shop at markets, and explore tax programs like NHR to save money during your relocation to Portugal.

Mistake 5: Not Opening a Bank Account Early in Portugal Residence Planning

Many Americans wait too long to open a Portuguese bank account, only to face delays with rent, utilities, and visa applications. To open one, you’ll first need a NIF (Portuguese tax number), which you can get remotely without becoming a tax resident. With your NIF, you can then open a local bank account, even before arriving in Portugal. Third-party services simplify this process, handling paperwork and bank coordination. You’ll typically need a passport, NIF, proof of address, and proof of income. Expect to deposit €150–€300 to open the account. Getting this done early smooths your move to Portugal and proves to Portuguese authorities that you're serious about your Portugal residence.

Mistake 6: Not Apostilling U.S. Documents for Your Entrepreneur Visa Portugal or Other Applications

A lot of people from the U.S. overlook that more than just the FBI background check needs an apostille. Other key U.S. documents also need this for use in Portugal. Missing this step can slow down or even lead to your visa, residency, or Portuguese citizenship application being rejected.

Here are common U.S. documents that must be apostilled for Portugal:

People need birth certificates to apply for residency, register for NIF, or enroll their kids in school.
Marriage certificates help prove a spousal relationship or support family reunification claims.
Divorce decrees come in handy to update legal documents about marital status.
Death certificates are necessary to deal with inheritance or estate issues.
Employers or schools often ask for academic diplomas and transcripts when hiring or recognizing qualifications.
Power of attorney papers allow someone to manage legal tasks in Portugal.
Medical certificates or vaccine records are required to meet health rules for immigration.

You need to get all these documents apostilled by either the U.S. Department of State or the Secretary of State in the state where they were issued. Submitting them without an apostille will likely result in rejection. Globeia helps simplify this process by handling apostille processes on your behalf with the SOS and the US Department. This ensures your documents meet Portugal D2 visa and other requirements without delays.

Mistake 7: Not Translating U.S. Documents Properly for Your Portuguese Visa or Nomad Visa Application

One of the most common mistakes Americans make when moving to Portugal is failing to properly translate their documents. Portuguese authorities do not accept most English-language paperwork, and submitting documents without certified Portuguese translations can delay or derail your visa or residency process.

Documents like birth certificates, marriage licenses, divorce decrees, tax returns, diplomas, medical records, and legal papers must be translated and officially certified. Translations must be completed by a certified translator and validated by a notary, registry office, Portuguese consulate, or the appropriate foreign consulate in Portugal.

Services like Globeia help streamline this step by offering certified translations and apostille services tailored for Portugal's digital nomad visa requirements. Using a trusted translation provider ensures that your documents are legally recognized, saving time, stress, and money.

Conclusion

Moving to Portugal offers Americans an exciting lifestyle upgrade, but only with the right preparation. Avoiding common mistakes can make your relocation to Portugal smoother and far less stressful. Before you commit, take a scouting trip to choose the right city. Learn the differences between the Portugal D7, D8 (nomad visa), and D2 entrepreneur visas, and start gathering required documents early. Open a bank account and get your NIF before you arrive. Portugal’s pace is slower, so patience is essential.

Whether you’re applying for a Portugal residency visa or starting a business, make sure your FBI background check and key U.S. documents are apostilled and properly translated. Getting expert help, like Globeia, will assist in completing your FBI background check, apostille processing, and certified Portuguese translation in one go. Planning ahead can save you time and money. With realistic expectations, your move to Portugal can be the beginning of a rewarding new chapter.

Written by :

We are a background screening and document verification agency in Toronto. While we cover the Greater Toronto Area for in-person appointments, the bulk of our clientele uses our online services from different countries of the world. Globeia makes it simple and cost-effective for companies and individuals to navigate governmental red tape without breaking the bank.

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