22nd of 192 countries in the Sovereo Index, and 18th of 46 in Europe.
Pillar scores
Europe average. Scores run from 0 to 100. How the Index is built.
Who Portugal suits
Portugal scores 79.6 out of 100 and ranks 22nd of 192 countries in the Sovereo Index. Health and Longevity (92.5), Lifestyle and Belonging (83.7) and Legacy and Sovereignty (81.9) all beat the Europe average. Education (80.9) is its one pillar below the regional average of 85.4.
For a US retiree, the D7 visa asks for income equal to the Portuguese minimum wage, about $1,030 a month in 2026, which the average Social Security check clears about twice over. Consulates often expect more and ask for savings as well. Lisbon rents are high; smaller towns cost far less.
Retirement visa: does the average Social Security check qualify?
D7 residence visa (retirees and people living on their own income). Income equal to 100 percent of the national minimum wage, EUR 920 a month in 2026, about $1,031 at 1.1208 dollars per euro (October 15, 2026).
The average US Social Security retired-worker benefit ($2,085.98, July 2026) covers it 2.02 times. Rises every January with the minimum wage and moves with the euro. Consulates often expect more than the minimum plus about a year of savings.
Source: DGERT, guaranteed minimum monthly wage for 2026. Confirm the current minimum with the consulate before you act.
Cost of living
One person needs roughly $1,000 to $2,150 a month for rent, food and transport; a couple about $1,350 to $2,700, before private health insurance (October 2026 estimate). Full answer with sources.
Nearby alternatives
| Country | Score | Rank | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ireland | 84.0 | 8th | Europe |
| Malta | 81.7 | 16th | Europe |
| Portugal | 79.6 | 22nd | Europe |
| France | 78.9 | 23rd | Europe |
| Spain | 78.8 | 24th | Europe |
| Greece | 78.4 | 26th | Europe |
| Italy | 76.6 | 30th | Europe |
Deciding whether Portugal fits your retirement?
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See the Lab and join the waitlist →Answers about Portugal
- How much does it cost to live in Portugal in 2026?
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Go deeper on Portugal
The Portugal Country Dossier runs the full research: rules, institutions, costs and risks, verified and dated. Or get the free daily SITREP.
Get the Portugal Dossier →Questions about Portugal
How does Portugal score in the Sovereo Index?
Portugal scores 79.6 out of 100, 22nd of 192 countries. Its highest pillar is Health & Longevity and its lowest is Environment.
Can the average Social Security check qualify for Portugal's retirement visa?
D7 residence visa (retirees and people living on their own income): Income equal to 100 percent of the national minimum wage, EUR 920 a month in 2026, about $1,031 at 1.1208 dollars per euro (October 15, 2026). The average US Social Security retired-worker benefit ($2,085.98, July 2026) covers it 2.02 times. Rises every January with the minimum wage and moves with the euro. Consulates often expect more than the minimum plus about a year of savings.
How much does it cost to live in Portugal?
One person needs roughly $1,000 to $2,150 a month for rent, food and transport; a couple about $1,350 to $2,700, before private health insurance (October 2026 estimate).
Cite this page
Educational research, not legal, tax, immigration or financial advice. Index scores are built from public datasets; see the methodology for sources and dates.