Imagine that your biggest concern today was deciding whether to have cream cake for breakfast while looking out over the Atlantic or hop on the yellow tram on your way to work. It sounds like an influencer’s dream, but it’s exactly what thousands of workers in the United States are considering. It turns out that when asked where they would like to start a new chapter in their lives, fewer and fewer are looking to the Statue of Liberty and more to the Clérigos Tower.
A macro survey by Expatsi—with no fewer than 116,363 participants—confirms the suspicion: Portugal has become the number one destination for moving abroad. And we’re not just talking about surfers looking for waves; retirees, digital nomads, and skilled professionals have also put a circle on the Portuguese map. The reason? A cocktail of adventure, better quality of life… and the opportunity to save some money while escaping the eternal political debate across the pond.
What are the favorite destinations and why is Portugal in the lead?
The first thing that stands out is Portugal’s overwhelming popularity compared to its more famous neighbors. But the full list reveals some interesting nuances.
- Portugal
- Spain
- United Kingdom
- Canada
- Italy
- Ireland
- France
- Mexico
- New Zealand
- Costa Rica
As you can see, Portugal has slipped in ahead of tourism and economic giants. According to the survey, 56% of respondents consider the United States to be “too conservative,” while 53% perceive it as “too divided.” As if that weren’t enough, almost half admit that they are looking for “more or different freedoms” and to escape armed violence, and 41% openly admit that they hope to save money by moving. In short, the cream cake not only tastes good, it can also be cheaper than brunch in New York.
What motivates more than 116,000 Americans to pack their bags?
Ultimately, the answer can be summed up in three words: adventure, growth, and money. The thrill of a new experience is driving respondents to leave their comfort zone, but there are more pragmatic reasons. Two-thirds plan to make the move before the end of 2026, and 12% are in a hurry: they want to move within the next six months. Among the specific plans, 30% dream of retiring under the Atlantic sun, 18% are considering a digital nomad visa, and 17% aspire to obtain a skilled worker permit. In short, some are looking for peace and quiet for their retirement, while others just need good Wi-Fi to keep earning a living.
On the other hand, the Iberian country offers a friendly culture, a mild climate, and the possibility of communicating in English without too much drama at first, while you pick up the “obrigado” that the locals love so much. Add to that the charm of cities like Porto and Lisbon and a relatively affordable cost of living, and the equation is convincing even to the most cautious.
Steps for those who dream of a new Portuguese postcode
Before selling the barbecue and saying goodbye to the in-laws, it’s a good idea to get a few details in order. First, define your goal: golden retirement, remote work, or a local contract? Each route requires a different type of visa—retired, digital nomad, or skilled worker—and different deadlines that leave no room for bureaucratic mistakes.
Second, calculate your savings: most people move to stretch their dollar, so set aside a cushion to cover the first six months of rent and paperwork.
Third, set a realistic timeline. If you’re one of the 12% in a hurry, start gathering certificates, diplomas, and certified copies now: you don’t want a missing stamp to delay your Atlantic dream. Finally, keep your feet on the ground and your suitcase light; after all, part of the magic of moving is discovering that you need fewer things than you thought… and more space for adventures that don’t fit in a cardboard box.