How Long Can US Citizens Stay in Portugal?

Portugal has become one of the most popular European destinations for American travelers, retirees, and digital nomads alike. The good news is that US citizens can visit for up to 90 days without a visa. Here's everything you need to know about the entry requirements and your options for staying longer.

Like Spain, France, and most of Western Europe, Portugal is part of the Schengen Area. This means the same 90-day limit applies across 29 countries, and understanding how it works will help you plan your trip without running into problems at the border.

The Short Answer: 90 Days Visa-Free

According to the Portuguese Embassy in Washington, US citizens do not need a visa for tourism, business, conferences, or visiting relatives for stays up to 90 days. The only requirement is a valid passport.

This 90-day allowance follows the Schengen Area's standard rule: you can stay for 90 days within any rolling 180-day period. Time spent anywhere in the Schengen zone counts toward this limit, so if you've already spent a month in Spain or Italy, you'll have less time available for Portugal.

Entry Requirements for Portugal

The US State Department lists the following requirements for entering Portugal:

• Valid US passport with at least 3 months validity beyond your planned departure date
• Two blank pages in your passport for entry and exit stamps
• Proof of accommodation and return travel (if asked by border officials)

Currency Declaration

If you're carrying €10,000 or more (or the equivalent in other currencies), you must declare it when entering or leaving Portugal.

Items You Cannot Bring

The EES and ETIAS Changes

If you've traveled to Europe before, you'll notice some changes at the border.

As of October 2025, the EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) started rolling out at Schengen borders. This system collects biometric data (fingerprints and facial image) from non-EU visitors and automatically tracks how long you stay. The old method of manually stamping passports is being phased out.

Looking ahead to late 2026, Americans will also need to register through ETIAS (the European Travel Information and Authorization System) before traveling. This is a simple online process that costs €20 and lasts for three years. It's not a visa, just a pre-screening system.

Tracking Your Days Across Schengen

The trickiest part of the 90/180 rule is keeping track of your days, especially if you're visiting multiple countries or making several trips throughout the year.

Remember:

• Days in Spain, France, Germany, Italy, and other Schengen countries all count toward your 90
• The 180-day window is "rolling," meaning you look back 180 days from any given date
• Time in the UK, Ireland, or Cyprus does NOT count (they're not in Schengen)

If you're planning multiple trips to Europe, use our free Schengen calculator to figure out how many days you have available. For ongoing tracking, the Days Monitor app automatically calculates your remaining days based on your travel history.

Staying Longer: Portugal's Popular Visa Options

Portugal has become a top destination for American expats, thanks to its affordable cost of living, pleasant climate, and welcoming visa policies. If you want to stay beyond 90 days, you'll need to apply for a long-stay visa before you arrive.

D8 Digital Nomad Visa

Portugal's Digital Nomad Visa (officially the D8 visa) is designed for remote workers who earn their income from outside Portugal.

You'll need proof of remote employment or freelance work, a clean criminal record, and documentation of accommodation in Portugal for at least 12 months.

D7 Passive Income Visa

The D7 visa is popular with retirees and those living off investments. Unlike the D8, this visa is now primarily for people with passive income sources like pensions, rental income, or investment returns.

Other Options

Student visas are available for those enrolled in Portuguese educational institutions, and work visas require a job offer from a Portuguese employer. Note that Portugal's Golden Visa program (residency through investment) has undergone significant changes and no longer allows real estate investment as a qualifying path.

The Path to Portuguese Residency

One of the appeals of Portugal's visa programs is the pathway to permanent residency and citizenship. After five years of legal residence on most visa types, you can apply for permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship.

There is a language requirement: you'll need to pass an A2-level Portuguese exam. It's worth noting that there are proposals under consideration that could extend the residence requirement to 10 years in the future, though these changes haven't been finalized.

Planning Your Portugal Trip

For most American tourists, 90 days is more than enough time to explore Portugal's beaches, cities, and wine regions. If you're considering a longer stay or relocation, start the visa application process early, as it can take 2-4 months and requires applying through VFS Global service centers.

Keep track of your time if you're combining Portugal with visits to other Schengen countries. Our free Schengen calculator can help you plan, and the Days Monitor app makes ongoing tracking simple.