Past Sessions:
1st Webinar | D2, D7, D8 Visas – which Visa do you need to live in Portugal?In collaboration with Assessoria Migratória.
During the session, the speakers explained the key requirements and benefits of each visa:
D2 Visa – For Entrepreneurs and Independent Professionals – This visa is divided into three categories and applies to individuals who want to: Work as an independent professional (requiring a service contract, minimum income, and professional qualifications); Start a business in Portugal; Develop an innovative business project with clear objectives.
D7 Visa – For Passive Income Holders: Aimed at retirees or individuals with income from property, investments, or religious activities. Main requirements include: Minimum passive income of €870/month; Total savings of €50,000 (at least €20,000 in Portugal); Portuguese tax ID (NIF), local bank account, proof of accommodation, and health insurance.
D8 Visa – For Digital Nomads and Freelancers – Requirements: Active income from employment or self-employment;Clients based outside Portugal; Tax residency outside Portugal.
Golden Visa – For Investors: This program offers five main investment routes:
-Creation of at least 10 jobs over 5 years;
-Investment of €500,000 in scientific research;
-Investment of €250,000 in artistic production or cultural heritage;
-Investment of €500,000 in investment funds (non-real estate);
-Investment of €500,000 in establishing a company headquartered in Portugal with at least 5 permanent jobs.
2nd Webinar | Starting a Business in Portugal. In collaboration with Macedo Vitorino.
Key topics discussed included:
✔ The main legal structures available for investment in Portugal, with emphasis on the most commonly used options by foreign investors;
✔ The company incorporation process, from initial administrative steps to commercial registration and commencing business activity;
✔ Legal and tax obligations for businesses, including accounting requirements, auditing, invoicing, and tax payments;
✔ The importance of working with local legal and accounting experts — particularly for U.S. investors, whose fiscal and regulatory frameworks differ significantly from the European context.
3rd Webinar | Everything You Need to Know to Live, Work, and kick-start your life in Portugal. In collaboration with Global Citizen Solutions and Goldcrest
The 3rd webinar in this series, aimed at U.S. citizens and international investors, explored the essential steps to living, working, and investing in Portugal. Experts shared valuable insights to help participants make informed and confident decisions.
Key topics covered:
– Visa types and requirements: an overview of the different visas available (e.g., work, passive income, business/entrepreneurship) to help attendees select the most suitable option.
– Essential documents: Tax Identification Number (NIF) and Social Security Number (NISS) – necessary for opening bank accounts, signing contracts, accessing healthcare, employment, benefits, and fulfilling fiscal obligations.
– Residence permit process: the application starts in the applicant’s country of nationality or legal residence, followed by a meeting with the Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum (AIMA); initial validity of 2 years, renewable for 3 more.
– Living in Portugal: highlights of quality of life – climate, safety, healthcare, cost of living, and language; overview of regions (Lisbon, Porto, Algarve, Interior, Central Portugal); expat communities, international schools, and cultural offerings.
– Real estate market: strong demand, particularly in coastal areas and major cities; property appreciation and ROI for international investors; buying and rental processes – from reservation agreement, promissory contract, final deed, to land registry; emphasis on due diligence to ensure legitimacy.
The session confirmed that Portugal remains one of the most attractive destinations for relocation or investment, offering a combination of quality of life, stability, and growth opportunities.
4th Webinar | Accounting – Self-Employed & Companies: Tax and Accounting. In collaboration with Finpartner.
The 4th webinar of this series addressed one of the most important aspects of setting up or working in Portugal: navigating the country’s tax and accounting framework, both for companies and for self-employed professionals.
With the expertise of João Carvoeira (Key Account Manager) and Claudiu Vancea (Key Account Assistant) from Finpartner, the session guided participants through the essential steps and obligations that ensure legal and fiscal compliance.
Main topics covered:
– Companies: from choosing the legal structure and registering the company, to meeting incorporation deadlines and appointing a Certified Accountant.
– Independent workers: overview of the Simplified Regime vs. Organized Accounting, declarative obligations (IRS, VAT, IES, Model 30, etc.), and the different categories of deductible expenses.
– Tax regimes: insights into the Non-Habitual Resident status, the Return program, and incentives for research and innovation.
– Social Security: rules for self-employed workers, including quarterly declarations and applicable contribution rates.
– Key recommendations included the importance of reliable professional support, complying with deadlines, keeping documentation organized, and monitoring legal and fiscal updates to make the most of Portugal’s tax framework.
The session reinforced that understanding tax and accounting rules is a crucial step for anyone looking to successfully establish and grow a business activity in Portugal.
5th Webinar | Immigration Legislation in Portugal: What Has Changed?. In collaboration with Assessoria Migratória.
Three major changes were highlighted:
1st: Job Seeker Visa
– Applicants can now apply for this visa directly from their home country without the need for a prior work contract, allowing them to stay in Portugal for four months (extendable for an additional two) while searching for a job;
– A key change is that this visa now applies exclusively to highly qualified professionals: those with a university degree, or with at least five years of proven experience in their sector, or earning a minimum monthly income of €1,570;
– Once employment is secured, applicants may apply for a residence permit. However, if no job is found within the allotted period, they must return to their country of origin and wait one year before reapplying.
2nd: Residence Permit for Citizens of Portuguese-Speaking Countries
– The new legislation introduces clearer requirements and stronger protection for nationals from CPLP countries (Portuguese-speaking nations), ensuring more structured pathways and legal safeguards.
3rd: Family Reunification
– Applicants can now plan accompanying visas from the start, allowing families to relocate together instead of waiting two years. If the request is not submitted jointly, however, family members must wait two years to apply – except for children;
– Moreover, the official decision period for family reunification applications has been extended from 90 days to 9 months, and authorities are now conducting a more detailed assessment of the family’s economic situation as part of the reunification evaluation.
The speakers also highlighted a new window of opportunity for bilateral agreements between Portugal and other countries, designed to attract qualified talent and investment, contributing to the country’s economic growth.
6th Webinar | From Compliant Team Setup to Visas: Setting Up in Portugal as an Individual or a Business
In collaboration with Bridge In & Relocate Now.
The 6th session of AmCham Portugal’s webinar series focused on the practical and legal aspects for those who wish to live, work, or invest in Portugal, from team structuring and employment models to obtaining visas and residence permits.
In the first part, led by Álvaro Araújo and Francisca Baptista from Relocate Now, the main residence permits and visas, their requirements, and timelines were analyzed:
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D1 to D8 visas, including the Golden Visa;
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General requirements: proof of accommodation, criminal record, travel insurance, tax identification number (NIF), and social security number (NISS);
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Conditions for maintaining or renewing residence permits;
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New tax residency rules, double taxation agreements, and the framework of the new IFICI+ regime (“NHR 2.0”);
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Eligibility criteria: not having resided in Portugal for the past five years, performing qualified activities, and, in the case of freelancers or companies, earning more than 50% of income from foreign clients.
In the second part of the session, Pedro Henriques, CEO of Bridge In, addressed the main aspects of building teams and establishing companies in Portugal:
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Employment contract types: permanent, fixed-term, and uncertain-term contracts, with trial periods of up to six months;
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Challenges in terminating permanent contracts and related legal implications for employers;
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Correct classification of independent contractors, with warnings about misclassification risks that can lead to fines of up to €60,000;
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Employer of Record and subsidiary setup as flexible solutions for international companies starting operations in Portugal.
The speakers also highlighted Portugal’s competitive advantages, safety, stability, English proficiency, and strategic position in Europe, as key factors for attracting talent and investment.
This session provided a practical and comprehensive overview of how to live, work, and build a business in Portugal legally, safely, and efficiently.
7th Webinar – American Citizen Services (ACS) & Federal Benefits Unit Informative Session
In Collaboration with: U.S. Embassy in Lisbon
The 7th session of AmCham Portugal’s webinar series featured an informative session with the U.S. Embassy in Lisbon, dedicated to American Citizen Services (ACS) and the Federal Benefits Unit. The session provided official and practical guidance for U.S. citizens living in Portugal, as well as those planning to relocate.
In the first part of the session the main consular services available to U.S. citizens abroad were addressed:
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Enrollment in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), a free service that allows U.S. citizens to receive security alerts and updates from the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate;
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Passport renewal procedures, including required documentation: completed application form, 5cm x 5cm photo (white background, no glasses), current or most recent passport, and printed confirmation of payment via Pay.gov;
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Notarial services and their limitations, clarifying that U.S. embassies and consulates cannot notarize or authenticate certain documents issued by U.S. state or county authorities;
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Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) procedures for U.S. citizen parents, including documentation requirements;
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Voting from overseas and the ability of U.S. citizens residing abroad to participate in U.S. elections.
In the second part of the session, was addressed key aspects related to federal benefits:
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How to create and manage a “my Social Security” account;
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Filing for Social Security benefits or Medicare;
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Reporting a death;
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Applying for a Social Security number or requesting a replacement card.
The session provided clear and practical information directly from official sources, offering valuable guidance to the American community in Portugal and to those planning to live, work, or invest in the country.
8th Webinar | Reinventing Home: Why a New Generation of Americans is Choosing Portugal
In Collaboration with Brightman Group
The 8th session of AmCham Portugal’s webinar series explored why an increasing number of Americans are choosing Portugal as a destination to live, work, and invest. The panel discussion featured David Doll (Founder, Rota Única), Joseph Gonzales (Founder, Move Me to Portugal), Sheree Mitchell (Founder & CEO, Immersa Global), and Steven Whyte (Founder, Home Miners Property Investment), moderated by Anne Brightman (CEO, Brightman Group).
The conversation began by exploring the motivations behind relocation. Many Americans are asking themselves: “What does our Plan B look like?” Portugal has emerged as a top choice due to its quality of life, business opportunities, and welcoming environment.
Key takeaways from the discussion:
– Resilience and determination are vital: Sheree Mitchell, who has lived in Portugal since 2015, emphasized that navigating bureaucracy, daily life, and business operations requires resourcefulness, a solutions-oriented mindset, and a sense of humour. “Even though I’ve been here for 10 years, you constantly need to adapt,” she noted.
– Embrace the slower pace of life: Panelists agreed that life in Portugal moves at a different rhythm. David Doll explained, “California is a rushed society where people live to work, whereas in Portugal, people work to live. It’s about dreams, aspirations, and relationships.” Anne Brightman added, “Life goes at a slower pace, and it’s going to change you.”
– Opportunities for investment: Steven Whyte highlighted Portugal’s real estate market as attractive for international investors, offering strong yields, lower acquisition costs, and less competition compared to other Western markets. He emphasized the importance of approaching the market with an open mindset and prioritizing relationships over applying a U.S.-style business system.
– Patience and humour help navigate challenges: Joseph Gonzales stressed that visas, schooling, rentals, and family logistics require careful planning. “You have two options: go crazy waiting or enjoy a glass of wine,”. David Doll added that securing the right financing often takes longer than expected, and rushing can lead to suboptimal decisions.
– Cultural integration is key: Understanding local customs, asking questions in multiple ways, and adapting to Portugal’s high-context culture is crucial. Sheree Mitchell noted that Americans often expect direct answers, whereas in Portugal, understanding requires building relationships and contextual awareness.
– Practical insights for property and business: The panel discussed navigating property refurbishment, weighing pros and cons of investments in rural areas, and learning the nuances of Portuguese bureaucracy. Strategic planning, local knowledge, and patience were emphasized as essential.
The session provided clear and practical insights directly from experienced Americans living and investing in Portugal, offering valuable guidance to the American community and to those planning to relocate, live, work, or invest in the country.
