With major immigration changes looming in Portugal, including a possible 10-year wait for citizenship, delays in family reunification, and higher visa income requirements, 2025 may be the last year to relocate under the current, more flexible rules.

If you’ve been thinking about moving to Portugal, now is the time to turn plans into action. This guide will show you how to fast-track your relocation and get ahead of the rule changes before it’s too late.

 

Why You Need to Act Now

The Portuguese government is reviewing legislation that could significantly alter the immigration landscape. Proposed changes include:

• Increasing citizenship eligibility from 5 to 10 years of residency
• Introducing a 3-year waiting period for family reunification
• Raising minimum income requirements for the D7 and Digital Nomad visas

If these changes pass (some expected as early as late 2025), new applicants will face longer waits and tougher standards. But those who apply before the laws are enacted are likely to be grandfathered into the current system.

 

Your Fast-Track Relocation Checklist

✔️ Step 1: Choose Your Visa Type
Most Americans moving to Portugal use one of the following:

• D7 Visa – for retirees or those with passive income (pensions, investments, etc.)
• Digital Nomad Visa – for remote workers with active income (currently ~€3,280/month minimum)
  Pick the visa that suits your income and lifestyle, then begin gathering documentation.

✔️ Step 2: Get Your NIF (Portuguese Tax Number)
This is required for everything from banking to signing a lease. It’s the first official step in your relocation. Brint can help you obtain your NIF remotely in a matter of days.

✔️ Step 3: Open a Portuguese Bank Account
You’ll need this to apply for a visa. Brint partners with banks familiar with expat clients and will streamline the process.

✔️ Step 4: Secure a Long-Term Rental or Property
Your visa application must include proof of accommodation. Brint’s exclusive buyer’s agents and rental support team help you find the right property quickly, without language barriers or local confusion.

✔️ Step 5: Submit Your Visa Application
With the right paperwork (proof of income, insurance, bank statements, housing contract), you’re ready to apply at your nearest Portuguese consulate. Brint ensures every detail is in place to avoid delays.

 

Brint: Your Fast-Track Partner

At Brint, we don’t just guide expats—we accelerate their success. Our team of relocation specialists, real estate advisors, and legal partners works in sync to help Americans start their Portugal journey quickly and smoothly.

 

Final Thought: The Clock Is Ticking

Immigration rules are changing, and waiting could mean longer timelines, more paperwork, and fewer opportunities. If Portugal is calling, there’s still time to answer confidently, but the moment to move is now.

Let Brint be your guide and help you land in Portugal before the rules change.