Canonical: https://portugalhqacitizenship.com/hqa-visa-for-americans

# Portugal HQA Visa for Americans: What US Investors Should Know

The Portugal HQA visa for Americans works the same way as for any other non-EU applicant, with one big difference: the United States taxes its citizens wherever they live. US citizens can apply for the highly qualified activity route, move to Portugal and, after 10 years of legal residence, apply for Portuguese citizenship. You will still file US tax returns every year.

Last verified: 20 October 2026

This page is general information, not legal or tax advice.

## Key facts

1. **Same Portuguese rules.** Americans follow the same visa, permit and residence rules as other non-EU nationals.
2. **10 years to citizenship.** The US is not an EU country, and Portuguese is not an official language there, so the 10-year rule applies.
3. **US tax does not stop.** US citizens must file US tax returns while living abroad.
4. **Dual citizenship is possible.** Both the US and Portugal allow it.

The 10-year rule for US citizens is explained in the [citizenship guide](https://portugalhqacitizenship.com/guides/hqa-visa-citizenship-10-year-rule).

## How Americans apply

1. Choose a provider and sign the package contract, with your own Portuguese lawyer reviewing it.
2. Get a Portuguese tax number (NIF) and open a Portuguese bank account, usually with your lawyer's help.
3. Gather your documents: passport, degree certificates, FBI background check, proof of funds and accommodation. US documents usually need an apostille.
4. Apply for the D3 visa through the Portuguese consulate that covers your US state.
5. Travel to Portugal and attend your AIMA appointment for the residence permit.

[Requirements and documents](https://portugalhqacitizenship.com/hqa-visa-requirements)

## US tax while you live in Portugal

These US rules continue after you move:

| US rule | What it means for you |
| --- | --- |
| Annual tax return | You file a US return every year, wherever you live |
| Foreign earned income exclusion | You may exclude up to $132,900 of foreign earned income for 2026 if you qualify |
| FBAR | You report foreign bank accounts if their combined value goes over $10,000 at any time in the year |
| FATCA (Form 8938) | You report foreign financial assets above set thresholds |
| US–Portugal tax treaty | Helps avoid double taxation, but has limits for US citizens |

Your Portuguese company, its shares and any research rights may also create US reporting duties. Get advice from a tax adviser who handles both US and Portuguese tax before you invest.

### What we don't know yet

How Portugal's IFICI regime and the US foreign tax credit work together depends on your income type and amounts. There is no general answer. A cross-border tax adviser should model your case.

[HQA visa and IFICI tax](https://portugalhqacitizenship.com/guides/hqa-visa-ifici-tax)

## Can I keep my US citizenship?

Yes. The United States does not require you to give up your citizenship when you become Portuguese, and Portugal allows dual citizenship. You can hold both nationalities.

## Living in Portugal from the US

- Absence limits apply.
  A temporary permit may be cancelled after more than 6 consecutive months, or 8 non-consecutive months, outside Portugal during the permit's total validity, unless the absence is justified.
- Time zones.
  Lisbon is 5 hours ahead of New York and 8 hours ahead of San Francisco for most of the year.
- Health insurance.
  US health plans rarely cover you in Portugal. You need cover that is valid there.

[Presence rules](https://portugalhqacitizenship.com/guides/hqa-visa-presence-requirements)

## Frequently asked questions

**Q:** Can Americans apply for the Portugal HQA visa?

**A:** Yes. US citizens follow the same rules as other non-EU applicants.

**Q:** How long until an American can get Portuguese citizenship?

**A:** 10 years of legal residence under the law in force since 19 May 2026.

**Q:** Do I still pay US taxes if I live in Portugal?

**A:** You still file US returns. Whether you owe US tax depends on your income, exclusions, credits and the US–Portugal tax treaty.

**Q:** Where do Americans apply for the visa?

**A:** At the Portuguese consulate that covers your US state of residence.

**Q:** Do I need an FBI background check?

**A:** Yes. Portugal asks for criminal record certificates, and for Americans that usually means an FBI check, often apostilled.

## Disclaimer

This page gives general information, not legal or tax advice. Speak to a Portuguese lawyer and a US–Portugal tax adviser before you commit money.