Portuguese Golden Visa: The Optimal Retirement Plan for US Citizens

Optylon Krea
Sponsor

In a conversation with Christian Nesheim, Founder and Chairman of IMI Daily, Optylon Krea’s chairman Hakan Kodal and CCO Şafak Nervo, unpacked the growing trend of Americans investing in and relocating to Portugal.

What had started as a surprising uptick in interest during the COVID-19 pandemic has since evolved into a broader movement, as Portugal became a preferred destination for Americans seeking a better quality of life, a foothold in Europe, and even citizenship.

This exclusive interview delves into the motivations behind this trend, the unique advantages Portugal offers, and how reputed real-estate firms like Optylon Krea are meeting the needs of these new investors.

The Unexpected Rise of American Investors

Asked when Americans first began to discover Portugal in significant numbers, Şafak Nervo traced it back to the pandemic, the turning point after which Americans became one of the biggest investor groups in the Portuguese golden visa, she explains.

2020 changed everything. “COVID and the elections in 2020 made a lot of difference,” Nervo said. The pandemic disrupted travel, and the divisive political climate in the United States left many Americans looking for a “Plan B.” Portugal’s Golden Visa, through its fund investment option, emerged as a practical and culturally comfortable solution for Americans.

A U.S. Cultural Affinity for Funds

One of the key reasons Americans gravitated toward Portugal’s Golden Visa program was their familiarity with funds. Unlike many other nationalities who prefer the tangible nature of real estate, Americans are accustomed to investing in financial instruments like stocks, bonds, and funds.

“We realized that [Americans] are much more comfortable with the fund investment option than real estate, culturally,” Nervo explained. This distinction became especially important during the pandemic, when travel restrictions made it nearly impossible for investors to visit potential real estate purchases in person.

“You can decide on a fund over a Zoom call after doing your due diligence,” Nervo said. “But a house is sentimental—you want to see how it is, where it is located.”

This shift in decision-making dynamics allowed Americans to invest in Portugal without setting foot in the country, paving the way for a surge in fund-based Golden Visa applications.

From the American Dream to the European Plan B

For chairman Hakan Kodal, the influx of American investors was particularly surprising given the historical context.

“The American dream was real,” he said, referencing the long-held global aspiration to move to the United States. Yet, by 2020, the flow had reversed. “At the same time we saw people trying to get into the U.S., we started seeing Americans trying to get out.”

Similarly, Kodal identified two major drivers behind this shift: the pandemic and political polarization. Faced with a health crisis, Americans quickly realized the healthcare advantage of Europe. “The pandemic highlighted the weaknesses of the American healthcare system,” he said.

Unlike Europe, where public healthcare systems provide a safety net, the U.S. relies heavily on private insurance, which can be prohibitively expensive.

“The cost of taking an ambulance in the U.S. can go up to $10,000,” Kodal noted. “Here in Portugal, it’s far more affordable.” This stark contrast made Americans more aware of the benefits provided by European social states, including access to public healthcare and education.

The second driver, Kodal explained, was the growing polarization in American society. “The politicization between people, the stress, the insecurity—it pushed Americans to think about other options,” he said. Portugal, due to its reputation for safety, inclusivity, and a high quality of life, emerged as an appealing alternative.

The Appeal of Portugal’s Golden Visa

Portugal’s Golden Visa program stands out among similar schemes in Europe for its unique flexibility, which appeals to American investors.

“If you choose Greece or Spain or Italy, you have to live there to get citizenship,” Kodal explained. “Portugal is different. You only need to spend an average of one week per year here, and after five years, you can apply for European citizenship.”

This minimal residency requirement has made Portugal the go-to choice for investors who want the benefits of EU citizenship without uprooting their lives. Whether they are planning for retirement, securing a future for their children, or simply seeking a foothold in Europe, Portugal offers a pathway that is both accessible and practical.

The Broader Lifestyle Appeal of Portugal

For many Americans, the journey doesn’t end with an investment. After visiting Portugal, they are often struck by its charm and decide to spend more time—or even relocate permanently.

“They start with the Golden Visa,” Nervo said, “but then they come, they visit, and they realize it’s a lovely country to live in.”

Portugal’s affordability is a significant draw. “This is probably the lowest-cost country in Western Europe in many respects,” Nesheim, himself a resident of Portugal, remarked – a sentiment echoed by both Nervo and Kodal. From healthcare to education to everyday living expenses, Portugal offers a level of value that is hard to find elsewhere, he says.

The country’s safety, social stability, and welcoming culture are also key factors. “There is no racism,” Nervo said. “People are humble, and compared to other European countries, it’s very open to other cultures. Everyone speaks English, which makes it even more attractive for Americans.”

A Flexible Living Solution: Ando Living

To meet the evolving needs of American investors, Optylon Krea has expanded its offerings beyond traditional Golden Visa investments. Their lifestyle hospitality brand, Ando Living, provides a unique solution for flexible living.

“With Ando Living, you can buy an apartment, live there for two months or six months of the year, and rent it out the rest of the time,” Kodal explained. “You also gain access to other European locations. For example, you could spend one week in Madrid or London, where we’re opening soon.”

This model combines investment with lifestyle benefits, allowing Americans to test the waters of European living without committing to a permanent move. “Americans love this idea of having a foot in Europe,” Kodal said. “It’s not just about the Golden Visa or citizenship—it’s about flexibility and choice.”

Beyond the financial and logistical advantages, Portugal offers something intangible yet deeply important: a sense of peace and belonging.

“There is no polarization here,” Nervo said. “Compared to the U.S. or even Turkey, where I’m from, Portugal is incredibly stable and calm.”

This stability extends to education, which is another draw for American families.

“International schools here are far cheaper than in the U.S. or U.K.,” Nervo noted. “We’re seeing more and more American families enrolling their children.”

Portugal and Optylon Krea: A Winning Combination

For Americans considering European relocation or investment, Portugal presents several advantages.

Optylon Krea has been active in this sector for years, offering fund-based Golden Visa options and helping investors through the application process. Their projects, including Ando Living, aim to address both investment and lifestyle considerations.

“We focus on providing comprehensive solutions,” Kodal explained. “Our goal is to help clients both invest and establish themselves in Europe.”

To learn more, contact Optylon Krea through our website.