AmCham Webinar Series Everything You Need to Know to Live, Work, and Start a Business in Portugal
In Collaboration with Brightman Group
“Reinventing Home: Why a New Generation of Americans is Choosing Portugal”
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.
