Golden Visa
The Cost of Staying vs. the Value of Going
Americans are increasingly doing the emotional and financial mathematics of healthcare and drawing a compelling conclusion: relocating to Portugal offers not just cost savings but a fundamental life upgrade. Between healthcare expenses alone, a typical American family saves $15,000-$35,000 annually—enough to offset most or all relocation costs within two years.
Yet the true value lies beyond the spreadsheet calculations. Former Phoenix resident Michael Turner perhaps puts it most eloquently: "I'm not just adding years to my life; I'm adding life to my years by removing the shadow of healthcare insecurity. The mental bandwidth freed up by not managing the complexity of American healthcare has allowed me to rediscover joy."
For those open to adventure, Portugal beckons with a compelling proposition: world-class healthcare at a fraction of American prices, wrapped in a lifestyle that naturally promotes better health, all set against the backdrop of ancient cobblestone streets, Atlantic beaches, and some of Europe's warmest sunshine.
Then comes the contrast: an emergency room visit in Lisbon for €38 ($41). A hip replacement for €6,500 instead of $68,000. Identical for insulin - €40 ($44), not $750.
These aren’t outliers - they’re the norm. In Portugal, public hospitals charge nothing at the point of service. Private care is available to all, with transparent prices and no hidden billing. And medical bankruptcy? Virtually unheard of.
Michael’s health improved almost immediately. Daily walks, stress reduction, and a Mediterranean diet - within months, his blood pressure normalized, and his pre-diabetes reversed.
This emotional shift is echoed by hundreds of American families. In Portugal, they seek care early, not late. They sleep better. Marriages grow stronger. Retirement plans recover.
One couple, Robert and Linda Cohen, faced spending $35,000 a year managing her MS, despite “good” insurance. Now in Porto under the Golden Visa program, their total healthcare costs are under €3,000 annually. “We didn’t just save our retirement,” Robert says. “We upgraded it.”
Unlike real estate investments, mutual funds like the 3CC Portugal Golden Income Fund - managed by 3 Comma Capital and supervised by the Portuguese regulator (CMVM) - offer daily liquidity, no lock-up period, diversification, and no property headaches. With 70% of assets in Portuguese investment-grade corporate bonds, plus exposure to U.S. equities (S&P 500 ETF) and digital assets (Bitcoin ETF), it’s a conservative-yet-modern option for Golden Visa applicants.
"In San Diego, I could go weeks only speaking to baristas and checkout clerks," says retired teacher Paul Matthews. "Here in my small town outside Porto, I have daily conversations with neighbors. People notice if they haven't seen me for a few days. My blood pressure has dropped 15 points simply from having a human connection again."
Interested in exploring a move-through investment? Learn more about the Portugal Golden Visa and funds like the 3CC Portugal Golden Income Fund at www.3commacapital.com.
You can find the register of 3 Comma Capital at the Portuguese Securities and Exchange Commission (CMVM) website here, and our Golden Visa eligible fund here.
The Portuguese Golden Visa is widely regarded as the best Residency by investment program in Europe. With a €500,000 investment in an approved fund and only 7 days of annual presence in Portugal, you can secure your European Residency (and after 5 years apply for Permanent Residency or Citizenship) without relocating - check our blog.
Yet the true value lies beyond the spreadsheet calculations. Former Phoenix resident Michael Turner perhaps puts it most eloquently: "I'm not just adding years to my life; I'm adding life to my years by removing the shadow of healthcare insecurity. The mental bandwidth freed up by not managing the complexity of American healthcare has allowed me to rediscover joy."
For those open to adventure, Portugal beckons with a compelling proposition: world-class healthcare at a fraction of American prices, wrapped in a lifestyle that naturally promotes better health, all set against the backdrop of ancient cobblestone streets, Atlantic beaches, and some of Europe's warmest sunshine.
Escape the Healthcare Nightmare: Why Americans Are Moving to Portugal
For many, the journey begins with a single crushing medical bill. A $32,400 appendectomy. A $4,300 monthly prescription. A $1,100 specialist visit. Even with insurance, the numbers are unsustainable.Then comes the contrast: an emergency room visit in Lisbon for €38 ($41). A hip replacement for €6,500 instead of $68,000. Identical for insulin - €40 ($44), not $750.
These aren’t outliers - they’re the norm. In Portugal, public hospitals charge nothing at the point of service. Private care is available to all, with transparent prices and no hidden billing. And medical bankruptcy? Virtually unheard of.
Financial Clarity, Emotional Relief
Behind the savings is a deeper transformation. “The constant background hum of anxiety just stopped,” says Michael Turner, who moved to Portugal after a $68,000 surgery quote in Phoenix. “I realized I’d been bracing for disaster for 30 years.”Michael’s health improved almost immediately. Daily walks, stress reduction, and a Mediterranean diet - within months, his blood pressure normalized, and his pre-diabetes reversed.
This emotional shift is echoed by hundreds of American families. In Portugal, they seek care early, not late. They sleep better. Marriages grow stronger. Retirement plans recover.
One couple, Robert and Linda Cohen, faced spending $35,000 a year managing her MS, despite “good” insurance. Now in Porto under the Golden Visa program, their total healthcare costs are under €3,000 annually. “We didn’t just save our retirement,” Robert says. “We upgraded it.”
A Simple, Powerful Solution: The Golden Visa
Portugal’s Golden Visa program offers residency to non-EU citizens who invest in the country, including through regulated investment funds. After five years of legal residence, applicants may apply for full Portuguese (and EU) citizenship, with no obligation to renounce their original nationality.Unlike real estate investments, mutual funds like the 3CC Portugal Golden Income Fund - managed by 3 Comma Capital and supervised by the Portuguese regulator (CMVM) - offer daily liquidity, no lock-up period, diversification, and no property headaches. With 70% of assets in Portuguese investment-grade corporate bonds, plus exposure to U.S. equities (S&P 500 ETF) and digital assets (Bitcoin ETF), it’s a conservative-yet-modern option for Golden Visa applicants.
The Prescription That Changed Everything
Portugal’s health advantage isn’t just cost - it’s design. A Mediterranean diet based on fresh vegetables, fish, olive oil, and social meals reduces chronic disease. Cities built for walking - not driving - integrate movement into daily life. Communities remain intergenerational, connected, and human."In San Diego, I could go weeks only speaking to baristas and checkout clerks," says retired teacher Paul Matthews. "Here in my small town outside Porto, I have daily conversations with neighbors. People notice if they haven't seen me for a few days. My blood pressure has dropped 15 points simply from having a human connection again."
The Bottom Line
Healthcare costs are pushing American families to the brink. Portugal offers a way out - and a way up. Between direct medical savings, reduced stress, and a path to EU citizenship, the question is no longer “Why go?” but “Why stay?”Interested in exploring a move-through investment? Learn more about the Portugal Golden Visa and funds like the 3CC Portugal Golden Income Fund at www.3commacapital.com.
You can find the register of 3 Comma Capital at the Portuguese Securities and Exchange Commission (CMVM) website here, and our Golden Visa eligible fund here.
The Portuguese Golden Visa is widely regarded as the best Residency by investment program in Europe. With a €500,000 investment in an approved fund and only 7 days of annual presence in Portugal, you can secure your European Residency (and after 5 years apply for Permanent Residency or Citizenship) without relocating - check our blog.
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Alexandre Cunha Elias
Business Development Director
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Alexandre is an experienced professional in the areas of strategic communications, marketing and sales. With over 15 years of experience in business development, he held significant roles at Bluemint Capital Advisors, OFI Asset Management and Kreab. In 2010 Alexandre founded ACE Consulting, specializing in commercial and residential real estate investment advisory.
