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.
For all of the reasons you listed, many more US citizens seem to be looking to move abroad. I was traveling full time overseas from 2014-2018, looking to eventually move to some other country, before “t” was elected. In fact, was in Thailand when he announced he was running, and thought it was a prank! The reasons I’m looking to move: I found other cultures more interesting, people more open and less paranoid, felt much safer (far less gun violence!), and a big one, many other countries are much more affordable. With my SS estimated at less than $1000 a month, and coming out of a bad divorce, it appeared that I’d be able to survive overseas, while in the US, prospects were pretty grim. Savings would get used up at a very fast rate, especially when taking US health care costs into account. The election of “t” made the prospect of moving even more inviting! (Then my first grandchild was born, and the pandemic struck, and so far, I’m still here, but with one foot still out the door…) Portugal has so many aspects that make it top of the list, and your blog confirms them, and more!
I appreciate you taking the time to compile this data. For many reasons the interest in Portugal seems to have skyrocketed of late. The groups of interested WOMEN traveling solo and/or emigrating to PT astounds me. What on earth is driving this mass exodus? the numbers of women quickly overtook the numbers of men, and now seem to hover around 20,000 MORE women emigrate/move/expat to PT per year than men. Why? Is it women historically earn less therefore have less to live on in retirement? Men die younger leaving widows to......? Women feel more threatened by the political climate percolating in the US and want the hell out? Interesting interesting....things that make you say "hmmmmm.....". This is a good starter conversation for any social gathering..... I hope to be there soon !!! Write on !!
Last January, my wife and I bought a house in the Algarve remotely while still living in the USA. This was difficult and daring because it was hard to evaluate our risks. We finally moved into our new home in May and then quickly sold our American home also remotely. At some points I thought we were nuts for taking a big chance. At the heart of it, however, were several previous trips to Portugal that were magical. We had already fallen in love with this country. It wasn't that we wanted to leave the USA and were looking for the best option. It was that we preferred to be in Portugal as opposed to anywhere else. Now that we are here, we love it more because of the lifestyle, economics, sense of freedom, and many other factors. The language is the biggest challenge and must be attended to. Thank you Nancy for your wisdom and hard work!
Next month it will be 25 years that we have lived in Portugal. We moved to get out of the American corporate world, it was making us both very unhappy. All the expats we met, mostly British, assumed that we were leaving because of the perceived high crime rates in American. And, frankly, we moved for an international life, away from America and Americans. I get a bit nervous when I hear of all the Americans moving here . . . I expect that some, or many, will leave. Portugal is not paradise, it is what you make of it, just like anywhere else. It works well for me and there is no reason for me to ever leave. And, it is really not so cheap here . . .
I fear Americans (and I write as a Canadian who has just emigrated to Portugal three weeks ago, but who is a keen observer of our neighbours to the South) have decided that anti-intellectualism somehow makes them superior, and that attacking the media in all of its forms as biased makes them clever. Americans are taught exceptionalism from an early age, and I fear it has resulted in a population that simply pounds its chest claiming to be #1, without understanding that being exceptional requires championing education, a free press, etc.
Unfortunately, while I agree with your post, many will discount it due to the misunderstanding of the SEF statistics. Rather, people should carefully read what you wrote and perhaps engage in some self-reflection. Whether Trump was the the vanguard of a new uglier America, or simply a mirror held up to expose a peoples' pre-existing vile tendencies is beside the point. America could and should do better. Isn't that the point?
Wow! Lots of feedback. Let's face it: this is not the USA of our youth. At least when W, the decider, was elected, we were not afraid he'd pull the switch and bring on the annihilation of mankind. Trump was a whole other case. For starters, he was probably the first American president who DID NOT READ. He was certainly the first who spoke with a third grade vocabulary. He was not the first hate monger. We had those in WWII and throughout our history. But he was the only one I can remember who actively used and promoted hate speech. And he was probably not the first to know absolutely nothing about his own professed religion - Christianity. But "so called" Christians embrace him specifically because he defied the basic principles of Christianity - do unto others. He was, and still remains, a disgrace. And shame on all of our elected representatives who follow him in lockstep. This is the first time in our history that so many have lost all sense of morality. If we cannot live by a basic moral code, we are lost indeed.
Hey there, just a quick note. I love your blog. I think there’s a misreading of the stats here. The pie chart calling out “America” as a percentage of immigrants I believe actually refers to “the Americas” including Brazil, US, Canada. No way are US Americans 28% of immigrants! It’s more like 8k in 2020. See p. 22 of this document https://sefstat.sef.pt/Docs/Rifa2020.pdf
In a rush to get out the door so excuse my lack of niceties lol 😂
Newsflash: we have a new president, and he is far worse than the previous one, but no one has the heart to tell you that. Odd that one would think that the effects of a previous president would make them leave this country when he is no longer in office. It probably should be called the Voldemort effect. Meanwhile he really wasn't the source of the division; that role is being played by the democrats that make racism a topic in every speech and policy. That is what is truly dividing this country, the constant drumbeat of racism, whether real or imagined. Signing off from the echo chamber, bye bye.
I can report that people tell me exactly what you suggested nearly everyday. Yes, I will admit that many of the folks that comment agree with my views. But not all. In addition to comments, I see unsubscribed stats every time I write a post suggesting that for many America is not living up to its full potential. Others choose to email me. It is utterly amazing what some people will write. Words they would never say to my face but feel comfortable typing using anonymous monikers. Clearly our perceptions of current events differ. Clearly I spent too much time reading the 1619 project.
I think people are moving for a variety of reasons … the pandemic has given us all an opportunity to view things through a different lens, and certainly our current cultural and political climates contribute. For many people, it may simply be that Portugal’s immigration process for Americans is the easiest among the western European countries, the cost of living is lower, tax rates generally lower than other western European countries, and they offer tax incentives such as the NHR program. I became enamored with Portugal while on holiday there a couple of years ago, and all of these factors moved it to the top of my list of possible locations.
Please be aware that, in all likelihood, you will pay more taxes in Portugal than the U.S. Even under the NHR you will pay 10% on any pension income (Social Security, IRAs, 401K, etc) and that is only for 10 years. After you will pay the going PT rate which is between 23-37%. In the U.S. the first $25k of your SS is exempt from taxes. Capital gains in PT are taxed at a flat 28% (if you are married filing jointly in the U.S. your first $80k in cap gains is not taxed, after that up to $496k is taxed at 15% and above that the max is 20%)
I think it is the division that politics has caused and Trump isn't the cause, he is the consequence of loud mega phones to many American that won't or can't hear anything else. This happened before, at least in my voting lifetime, I lost a few friends during 2003-2004 Bush era and his Majesty the king VP!
Armin, I agree with you that divisions existed before Trump was elected. Though I would argue he did quite a bit to further divide us. This weekend I read the remarks of Former President Bush (who I was never a huge fan of) during a 9/11 remembrance. And I will recall he went out of his way not to demonize Islam or Muslims living in America at that time.
I totally agree, with him, everything went to over-drive and it is noticeable everywhere. Nowadays the only way to maintain any relationship, professional or personal, is to either agree on everything or don't discuss anything!
The coming civil war. The over throw of Roe. Replacing black democratic poll workers with Q people. Who wants to stay. Don’t know if I have them energy to move that far and start over.
Hi Barbara, I know it is hard...especially for someone like you that is so involved and has always tried to help the causes you care about. 3 choices: a. fight, b. flee, or c. disengage. Do whatever makes you happiest.
Why are you not a fan of International Living especially considering it played a big role in Changing your life? I admit some of what they do is annoying but I love it when the latest edition arrives in my mailbox. It’s great reading about other countries and the experiences the writer’s have in them.
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.
For all of the reasons you listed, many more US citizens seem to be looking to move abroad. I was traveling full time overseas from 2014-2018, looking to eventually move to some other country, before “t” was elected. In fact, was in Thailand when he announced he was running, and thought it was a prank! The reasons I’m looking to move: I found other cultures more interesting, people more open and less paranoid, felt much safer (far less gun violence!), and a big one, many other countries are much more affordable. With my SS estimated at less than $1000 a month, and coming out of a bad divorce, it appeared that I’d be able to survive overseas, while in the US, prospects were pretty grim. Savings would get used up at a very fast rate, especially when taking US health care costs into account. The election of “t” made the prospect of moving even more inviting! (Then my first grandchild was born, and the pandemic struck, and so far, I’m still here, but with one foot still out the door…) Portugal has so many aspects that make it top of the list, and your blog confirms them, and more!
I appreciate you taking the time to compile this data. For many reasons the interest in Portugal seems to have skyrocketed of late. The groups of interested WOMEN traveling solo and/or emigrating to PT astounds me. What on earth is driving this mass exodus? the numbers of women quickly overtook the numbers of men, and now seem to hover around 20,000 MORE women emigrate/move/expat to PT per year than men. Why? Is it women historically earn less therefore have less to live on in retirement? Men die younger leaving widows to......? Women feel more threatened by the political climate percolating in the US and want the hell out? Interesting interesting....things that make you say "hmmmmm.....". This is a good starter conversation for any social gathering..... I hope to be there soon !!! Write on !!
Last January, my wife and I bought a house in the Algarve remotely while still living in the USA. This was difficult and daring because it was hard to evaluate our risks. We finally moved into our new home in May and then quickly sold our American home also remotely. At some points I thought we were nuts for taking a big chance. At the heart of it, however, were several previous trips to Portugal that were magical. We had already fallen in love with this country. It wasn't that we wanted to leave the USA and were looking for the best option. It was that we preferred to be in Portugal as opposed to anywhere else. Now that we are here, we love it more because of the lifestyle, economics, sense of freedom, and many other factors. The language is the biggest challenge and must be attended to. Thank you Nancy for your wisdom and hard work!
Next month it will be 25 years that we have lived in Portugal. We moved to get out of the American corporate world, it was making us both very unhappy. All the expats we met, mostly British, assumed that we were leaving because of the perceived high crime rates in American. And, frankly, we moved for an international life, away from America and Americans. I get a bit nervous when I hear of all the Americans moving here . . . I expect that some, or many, will leave. Portugal is not paradise, it is what you make of it, just like anywhere else. It works well for me and there is no reason for me to ever leave. And, it is really not so cheap here . . .
Thanks for your perspective!
I fear Americans (and I write as a Canadian who has just emigrated to Portugal three weeks ago, but who is a keen observer of our neighbours to the South) have decided that anti-intellectualism somehow makes them superior, and that attacking the media in all of its forms as biased makes them clever. Americans are taught exceptionalism from an early age, and I fear it has resulted in a population that simply pounds its chest claiming to be #1, without understanding that being exceptional requires championing education, a free press, etc.
Unfortunately, while I agree with your post, many will discount it due to the misunderstanding of the SEF statistics. Rather, people should carefully read what you wrote and perhaps engage in some self-reflection. Whether Trump was the the vanguard of a new uglier America, or simply a mirror held up to expose a peoples' pre-existing vile tendencies is beside the point. America could and should do better. Isn't that the point?
I agree with your perception regarding "American exceptionalism" and I have learned that those that are most superior are also the most humble.
My friend, you made a good decision, enjoy the ride.
Wow! Lots of feedback. Let's face it: this is not the USA of our youth. At least when W, the decider, was elected, we were not afraid he'd pull the switch and bring on the annihilation of mankind. Trump was a whole other case. For starters, he was probably the first American president who DID NOT READ. He was certainly the first who spoke with a third grade vocabulary. He was not the first hate monger. We had those in WWII and throughout our history. But he was the only one I can remember who actively used and promoted hate speech. And he was probably not the first to know absolutely nothing about his own professed religion - Christianity. But "so called" Christians embrace him specifically because he defied the basic principles of Christianity - do unto others. He was, and still remains, a disgrace. And shame on all of our elected representatives who follow him in lockstep. This is the first time in our history that so many have lost all sense of morality. If we cannot live by a basic moral code, we are lost indeed.
Hey there, just a quick note. I love your blog. I think there’s a misreading of the stats here. The pie chart calling out “America” as a percentage of immigrants I believe actually refers to “the Americas” including Brazil, US, Canada. No way are US Americans 28% of immigrants! It’s more like 8k in 2020. See p. 22 of this document https://sefstat.sef.pt/Docs/Rifa2020.pdf
In a rush to get out the door so excuse my lack of niceties lol 😂
Just thought you might want this info.
Thanks again, after reading the SEF documentation provided I have updated the post.
Great! I think that there is definitely a surge in Americans coming over, and it will be interesting to see how it all shakes out!
And I believe that 8k is total, not new arrivals in 2020
Newsflash: we have a new president, and he is far worse than the previous one, but no one has the heart to tell you that. Odd that one would think that the effects of a previous president would make them leave this country when he is no longer in office. It probably should be called the Voldemort effect. Meanwhile he really wasn't the source of the division; that role is being played by the democrats that make racism a topic in every speech and policy. That is what is truly dividing this country, the constant drumbeat of racism, whether real or imagined. Signing off from the echo chamber, bye bye.
I can report that people tell me exactly what you suggested nearly everyday. Yes, I will admit that many of the folks that comment agree with my views. But not all. In addition to comments, I see unsubscribed stats every time I write a post suggesting that for many America is not living up to its full potential. Others choose to email me. It is utterly amazing what some people will write. Words they would never say to my face but feel comfortable typing using anonymous monikers. Clearly our perceptions of current events differ. Clearly I spent too much time reading the 1619 project.
I think people are moving for a variety of reasons … the pandemic has given us all an opportunity to view things through a different lens, and certainly our current cultural and political climates contribute. For many people, it may simply be that Portugal’s immigration process for Americans is the easiest among the western European countries, the cost of living is lower, tax rates generally lower than other western European countries, and they offer tax incentives such as the NHR program. I became enamored with Portugal while on holiday there a couple of years ago, and all of these factors moved it to the top of my list of possible locations.
All great points!
Please be aware that, in all likelihood, you will pay more taxes in Portugal than the U.S. Even under the NHR you will pay 10% on any pension income (Social Security, IRAs, 401K, etc) and that is only for 10 years. After you will pay the going PT rate which is between 23-37%. In the U.S. the first $25k of your SS is exempt from taxes. Capital gains in PT are taxed at a flat 28% (if you are married filing jointly in the U.S. your first $80k in cap gains is not taxed, after that up to $496k is taxed at 15% and above that the max is 20%)
Thanks, yes, I am fully aware, and have done the numbers.
I think it is the division that politics has caused and Trump isn't the cause, he is the consequence of loud mega phones to many American that won't or can't hear anything else. This happened before, at least in my voting lifetime, I lost a few friends during 2003-2004 Bush era and his Majesty the king VP!
Cheers :-)
Armin, I agree with you that divisions existed before Trump was elected. Though I would argue he did quite a bit to further divide us. This weekend I read the remarks of Former President Bush (who I was never a huge fan of) during a 9/11 remembrance. And I will recall he went out of his way not to demonize Islam or Muslims living in America at that time.
Hi Nancy,
I totally agree, with him, everything went to over-drive and it is noticeable everywhere. Nowadays the only way to maintain any relationship, professional or personal, is to either agree on everything or don't discuss anything!
The coming civil war. The over throw of Roe. Replacing black democratic poll workers with Q people. Who wants to stay. Don’t know if I have them energy to move that far and start over.
Hi Barbara, I know it is hard...especially for someone like you that is so involved and has always tried to help the causes you care about. 3 choices: a. fight, b. flee, or c. disengage. Do whatever makes you happiest.
Same. When half a country is armed to the teeth and believes science and civil rights are bad, I don't see a future for myself here.
Why are you not a fan of International Living especially considering it played a big role in Changing your life? I admit some of what they do is annoying but I love it when the latest edition arrives in my mailbox. It’s great reading about other countries and the experiences the writer’s have in them.
I wrote about why I don't trust it, though I noticed in the most recent issue (our subscription ends this month) that they started showing the local currency as well as USD. A big improvement. But you can read more here. https://expatinportugal.substack.com/p/3-reasons-not-to-trust-international