PORTUGAL:
Timeless Beauty Meets Modern Opportunity
Your bridge to a life of ease, artistry, and enduring value.
Our seasoned team turns wanderlust dreams into seamless realities, blending firsthand destination knowledge with trusted industry partnerships.
We negotiate exclusive perks, coordinate complex logistics, and stay by your side from scouting your favorite properties to signing on the dotted line.
As Americans living and investing in Portugal ourselves, we understand every nuance and love guiding you through each step toward your new life and investment here.
Why Portugal?
A European lifestyle ranked among the world’s best
With 300 days of sunshine, a thriving international community, and one of Europe’s most favorable residency programs, Portugal offers a rare blend of beauty and opportunity.
Here, investment lingers. It appreciates, endures, and rewards not just your portfolio, but your way of living.
Golden Visa & tax-friendly structures.
Strategic access to EU & Schengen zone.
Real estate growth across coastal + urban markets.
Our Signature Private Portuguese Preview Retreats
A Curated Journey of Discovery and Decisions
Step into a bespoke experience crafted for those ready to turn the dream of living or investing in Portugal into a tangible plan.
Our private scouting retreats blend insider access, local expertise, and effortless sophistication — so every moment feels inspired, not overwhelming.
What to Expect:
• Private curated previews of Portugal’s most desirable coastal and countryside regions
• Introductions & meetings with the top real estate, legal, and lifestyle experts based on your needs.
• Tailored experiences that reflect your vision, from property exploration to cultural immersion
• Elegant accommodations, elevated dining, and concierge-level support throughout your stay
This is more than a scouting trip. It’s your first chapter of living beautifully in Portugal.
Begin Your Journey to a Life Well Lived in Portugal
Whether you’re exploring possibilities or preparing to invest, Europe Awaits offers resources designed to meet you where you are.
THE PORTUGAL BRIEF
Your weekly dispatch on life, opportunity, and investment in Portugal.
DISCOVER YOUR IDEAL REGION.
Take the quiz to uncover which part of Portugal fits your lifestyle, goals, and pace
SCHEDULE A DISCOVERY CALL
Speak with our Portugal specialists about investment, lifestyle, and residency options. Get a tailored plan & info on our upcoming scouting retreats.
What our clients say
Real stories of clarity, confidence, and connection.
“Europe Awaits transformed what felt like a distant dream into a curated plan. Every meeting, every moment, was intentional, and we left feeling at home in Portugal.”
— Sophia M., California
“The retreat felt like stepping into our future life, effortlessly guided, deeply personal, and surprisingly seamless.”
— Jonathan & Elise, New York
“From the moment we arrived, we knew we were in the right hands. The access Emily provided through her vetted network was remarkable, every introduction, every recommendation exceeded our expectations. Europe Awaits connected us with experts who not only met our standards but anticipated our needs. It was an experience defined by trust, taste, and precision.”
— The Harrison Family, San Francisco
Meet Our Founder, Emily K. Thomas
From California’s coast to Portugal’s timeless charm
Born and raised in California, Emily spent her career in corporate sales leadership within the medical industry, building a reputation for precision, people skills, and performance. A trip to Bali changed her path when she met her Portuguese husband, André.
After starting a family, they found themselves drawn to Portugal again and again until they decided to make it home. They bought a property near Porto, André’s hometown, and began the process of relocation—securing their NIFs, setting up a bank account, securing a loan, and overseeing a full renovation. The journey was rewarding but layered with unexpected complexities.
Along the way, they built an exceptional network of trusted local professionals who helped them navigate every detail. Friends began asking for guidance, and soon the idea for Europe Awaits was born.
Created at the end of 2025, Europe Awaits was designed to make the process of moving or investing in Portugal seamless, informed, and deeply enjoyable.
At Europe Awaits, we believe that building a new life abroad should feel as beautiful and effortless as the one you are stepping into.
FAQs
For Americans Considering a Move or Investment in Portugal
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We simplify the process by orchestrating every part of your transition — connecting you with vetted legal, tax, and investment professionals while ensuring every detail aligns with your personal and financial goals.
Our clients get access to our trusted Rolodex, curated experiences, and clarity at every step — from visa selection and property scouting to integration into Portuguese life. -
Expect slower, intentional living balanced with world-class healthcare, international education, and a vibrant cultural scene.
Whether you prefer Lisbon’s cosmopolitan energy, Porto’s authenticity, or the Algarve’s coastal luxury, Portugal offers a blend of old-world charm and modern comfort — with a cost of living often 30–40% lower than major U.S. cities -
The two primary options are the Golden Visa and the D7 Visa.
The Golden Visa allows you to gain residency through an approved €500,000 investment (most commonly via CMVM-regulated investment funds).
The D7 Visa is ideal for retirees, remote workers, and professionals with passive or earned income. It requires proof of steady income rather than a large investment.
Both lead to permanent residency and citizenship eligibility after five years (subject to change), with the key difference being the path you choose, investment vs. income-based.
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While processing times vary, the Golden Visa typically takes 20–30 months from application to residency card, whereas D7 approvals average 3–6 months from submission.
You can reside in Portugal while your D7 application is pending; for the Golden Visa, travel flexibility makes it ideal for those not ready to relocate full-time. -
Yes. Both visas allow family reunification, meaning your spouse, dependent children under 26 (if unmarried and in school), and dependent parents can be included.
Portugal’s family-inclusive immigration structure makes it one of the most appealing programs for Americans planning multi-generational relocation or legacy planning. -
Portugal’s IFICI tax regime (which replaced the NHR program) offers a 20% flat tax on eligible Portuguese income and certain exemptions on foreign income for 10 years.
However, U.S. citizens are still taxed on worldwide income and must file U.S. tax returns annually.
That’s why we coordinate with U.S.–Portugal tax specialists to structure your income, investments, and estate efficiently across both jurisdictions. -
Yes. After ten years of legal residency, you can apply for permanent residency or citizenship, provided you meet basic requirements such as a clean record and A2-level Portuguese language proficiency.
Citizenship gives you access to live, work, and travel freely across the 27 Schengen countries — and it can extend to your family, building a lasting European legacy. -
That’s where our Curated Discovery Experience and Scouting Retreats come in.
We help you explore key regions — from Lisbon and Cascais to Porto and the Douro Valley, or the Algarve, based on your lifestyle goals, schooling needs, and investment preferences.
Each retreat blends expert-led sessions with on-the-ground exploration, so you leave with a 90-day personalized relocation plan. We also have a quiz you can take to discover the best region for you on this homepage. -
As of 2025, the main pathways are:
Investment Fund Subscription (€500,000) — Preferred for Americans seeking regulated, professionally managed investments.
Scientific Research or Cultural Contribution (€250,000–€500,000) — For families drawn to philanthropy and legacy building.
Company Investment or Job Creation — For entrepreneurs wishing to operate a business in Portugal.
We often recommend funds for their transparency, diversification, and defined exit strategies. Investing in which fund is very personal so when you come on our retreats, you get access to our advisors and can meet some funds in person, if you’re interested in going this route.
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For the Golden Visa — no. You only need to spend an average of 14 days per year in Portugal to maintain your residency.
For the D7 Visa — yes, you’re expected to reside in Portugal for at least 183 days per year.
Both lead to the same five-year citizenship track but suit different lifestyles and commitments.
“Every great move begins with a single decision — to believe there’s more waiting for you on the other side of change.”
— Europe Awaits”
More Client Appreciation
Europe Awaits is connected in every region we were interest in exploring. They transformed our vague-idea of investing in Portugal into a perfectly timed purchase and path to residency that we will never forget. Our kids will enjoy the benefits of the legacy we are building for them in Europe and for that we are very grateful.
- Brenda T (Rancho Santa Fe, California)
