Why So Many Americans?
Immigrating to Portugal
We had dinner with our realtor/friend Elizabeth the other night. She said there was a dramatic increase in the number of Americans moving to Portugal. I wonder why?
Antecode or Fact
Of course, I couldn’t be certain that Elizabeth was right. Perhaps she is talking to more Americans than normal because I recommend her whenever someone contacts me. So I went in search of a site. One that could provide “official statistics”. And I found this:
When I originally looked at this data, I took America to mean the USA…in fact it reflects North and South America. In doing further research it appears that folks from the USA represent about 8,000 of the total. However, while this number is small in comparison to the total, there would appear to be an increase year over year in the number of U.S. citizens migrating to Portugal.
The Progressive in Me
I must admit my first thought when looking at these statistics was to focus on the “Trump Effect”. Certainly, we never thought we would move out of the country until he was elected.
Of course, prior to 2016, we knew we would travel … perhaps renting a place in Prague for three months and using it as a base to explore Europe in a slow, relaxed way. Perhaps we would leave for a year, hopping from place to place without worrying about a visa. But move out of the U.S. permanently? No. (As an aside, in 2016 we were living in Florida as was my mother. She was also living in the center of Trump country, The Villages, in a Brookdale independent living facility. I believe the only TV stations Brookdale residents could access were Fox and Villages TV. I told her if “he” was elected we were leaving the country. I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised when my mother voted for Trump. I knew she liked my brother better than me. But I digress…)
I wonder if there were others like us that were pushed over the edge. Certainly, when I speak to readers who contact me with questions or when they are visiting Portugal for the first time the change in the social fabric of the States is often discussed. But then again, we all tend to inhabit a comfortable place with like-minded people. I know this blog is followed by mostly progressives…I see it in the “unsubscribe” rate every time I write a controversial post.
More Americans Leaving
I also thought I would try to find statistics on the total number of Americans leaving the US. Official statistics were not readily available:
The U.S. government doesn’t formally track how many Americans leave the U.S. but the most recent estimate puts the figure at nearly nine million. — Aetna International
I suppose there are a number of reasons more Americans are moving abroad. Certainly, technology has enabled people to work from just about any place in the world. Why not explore the world when you are still young? Or live in a place where one feels safer? Or where one can live more cheaply…work less or save more?
And certainly, many retirees worry about their financial future:
As of May 2021, the average social security check is $1,430.73 according to the Social Security Administration.
And the median savings of an American aged 65-74 is $164,000 (figure for 2019). Applying the 4% rule to that amount only offers an additional $547/month.
Combined, this is less than $24,000 a year which may explain why only 48% of Americans over the age of 60 think they have saved enough for retirement.
Moving to Portugal
So while I can’t be certain, my gut tells me Elizabeth is right. More Americans are leaving the US, and more are choosing Portugal. I’ll admit, Portugal was not on our radar until the past two years. And while a lower cost of living was not one of our criteria, it certainly doesn’t hurt! It got on our list primarily because it was so often listed among the top places to retire. While I am not a fan of International Living, I must admit reading it put Portugal on our list.
And Portugal has made it pretty easy. The D7 process really isn’t that difficult. Becoming a resident is a breeze. While the language can be challenging there are so many Portuguese that speak English that one can easily survive. The country has even provided tax incentives.
Finally, there is the recommendation of others. There seem to be more blogs, YouTubers, and Facebook groups shouting the praises of this small country. And I am among them. What do you think? Are more Americans leaving the US? If so, why? And why do they seem to be choosing Portugal more often?
Editor’s Note: Since publishing this post this morning I have received several emails providing statistics from SEF regarding the number of Americans in Portugal. I always strive to provide accurate info…so I apologize for my mistake. I have corrected the original post above, with bolded text.
I am grateful you've written about this as it as been uppermost in my thoughts as I plan my own permanent move to PT which I have never visited or considered until rather recently. For me, it is DEFINITELY the Trump effect and where I believe the US is headed as a nation, that has motivated me to leave for good.
Wonderful post and of course your perspective. The readers who provide “negative” comments clearly would never leave the US. Those who have are “like” minded, courageous and willing to adapt to a different culture, lifestyle and social-economic environment. Congratulations on your decision.