About 48,238 British citizens live in Portugal, placing the United Kingdom among the top 10 foreign resident nationalities, based on data from Portugal’s immigration authorities (AIMA).
The Portugal Golden Visa for UK citizens offers the right to work, study, and live in Portugal. It also provides a pathway to regaining all the EU free movement rights, which were taken away by Brexit.
As of 1 January 2021, UK nationals can apply for the popular Portugal Golden Visa scheme. In exchange for a qualifying investment, Britons can become Portuguese residents, and by maintaining their legal residency (on top of other requirements), you could qualify for Portuguese citizenship.
But a lot has changed since its launch back in 2012. On 7 October 2023, real estate investments were removed from the Golden Visa, and Portugal approved revisions to the Portuguese Nationality Law in 2026.
In this guide, we will walk you through all you need to know when acquiring a Golden Visa in Portugal for UK citizens, from the recent changes to the processing times, costs, and the entire application process.
Portugal Golden Visa for UK Citizens: Key Takeaways
Key Aspects of the Portugal Golden Visa for UK Citizens
Portugal is often a popular choice for UK citizens because of its coastal lifestyle, affordability, and sunny climate, which is a welcome change when you compare it to even the warmest counties in the UK, such as Cornwall, Devon, Hampshire, Kent, and Sussex.
The Portugal Golden Visa for UK citizens allows British nationals to obtain a permanent residence permit after 5 years by investing in Portugal.
For the Portugal Golden Visa in 2026, the investment must be of a specific amount and type, and there are requirements for spending a certain amount of time in Portugal per year. Below is a short overview of what this article covers in more detail.
- Eligibility: UK citizens are eligible to apply for the Golden Visa program
- Investment requirements: You need to invest a minimum amount of €250,000 in a qualifying investment option. But the thresholds are different for each route, such as fund subscription, creating jobs, or investing in certain national or cultural heritage projects.
- Residence requirements: To maintain your residence permit, you must spend at least 14 days in Portugal, which is an average of 7 days per year.
- Permanent residency: After 5 years of holding a Golden Visa and meeting other requirements, such as language proficiency and legal residency, UK citizens can apply to become a permanent resident.
- Benefits of Portugal’s Golden Visa for UK citizens: The Golden Visa grants the right to live, work, and study in Portugal and allows free travel within the Schengen area.
How did Brexit impact British citizens?
“Brexit” is the unofficial nickname for the British exit from the EU, which the UK has been a member of since 1973. Before Brexit, British citizens had EU citizenship rights, which meant they could work and live in Portugal (or any EU member state) without a visa or a residence permit.
If you wanted to move to Portugal from the UK after staying for 90 days, all you had to do was register for a Certificado de Registo de Cidadão da União Europeia (CRUE) and obtain permanent Portuguese residency.
When the UK officially left the EU on 31 January 2020, and the transition period ended on 31 December 2020, these rights and freedom of movement ceased. But with a residency-by-investment program, such as the popular Portugal Golden Visa, UK citizens can qualify for EU residency in exchange for a qualifying investment in Portugal.
Here is a compilation of all the changes Brexit caused for Brits, and how those changes affect UK citizens who want to apply for the Portugal Golden Visa:
Travel and holidays: British citizens can still visit EU countries for short trips without a visa, but there are new rules. Passports must meet the EU entry requirements, which means you need to be valid for a minimum of 3 months after your planned departure date. Your stays are also limited to 90 days within a 180-day period. Some additional checks at borders may cause delays.
Living and working in the EU: It has become more complicated for British citizens to live, work, or study in the EU. You now need to apply for visas or work permits according to each country’s rules, which means you have to do more paperwork that comes with extra fees.
Healthcare abroad: The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) has now been replaced by the UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). It can cover the necessary medical treatment, which makes sure UK residents get the healthcare they need without exorbitant costs while abroad. However, we would like to point out that EHIC is not a substitute for comprehensive travel insurance. We often recommend that you get travel insurance to cover any other potential expenses, for example, in case you cancel your trip.
Immigration: New immigration rules mean that EU citizens moving to the UK and British citizens moving to the EU are subject to stricter controls, affecting families and workers.
However, there are some exceptions to this rule. Certain EU member states and the UK have a withdrawal agreement that safeguards the residency rights of EU nationals and their family members residing in the UK, and vice versa.
It’s important to note that this protection for EU nationals and British citizens is not automatically extended to other countries in the EU or the UK.
Additionally, many countries have a UK national support fund in place to assist British citizens already living in the country with understanding the necessary steps to continue residing in their EU country of residence.
Portuguese Golden Visa for UK Citizens
The Portuguese Golden Visa is one of the most popular and accessible residency-by-investment programs in the world.
Portugal Golden Visa statistics show huge demand, with over 15,000 investors securing legal residency in Portugal.
Portugal’s Golden Visa program, also known as the residence permit for investment activity (ARI), was introduced to attract international capital. Since 2012, the program has offered the right to live and work in Portugal and travel freely across the EU in exchange for a qualifying investment in the country.
In 2023, the program collected more than €7 billion from 12,718 applicants.
Before Brexit, UK nationals could not apply for the Golden Visa in Portugal. Since 1 January 2021, UK citizens are eligible to apply for Portugal’s Golden Visa program – and with Brexit in full effect, many British nationals have been doing so.
In a post-Brexit climate, Portugal’s Golden Visa program is an extremely popular option for UK nationals, as it provides them with free movement across the Schengen Area and the potential to obtain Portuguese citizenship. Naturally, after Brexit, interest in ‘Portugal Golden Visa Brexit’ increased among UK citizens seeking a path back to EU residency.
Portugal has a huge expat community. In January 2025, Portugal’s resident population was 10,749,635, based on Eurostat data.
That being said, British expats comprise a significant proportion. In fact, the number of UK nationals residing in Portugal has reached 48,238 on 31 December 2024, according to the latest statistics by the AIMA (Agência para a Integração Migrações e Asilo).
With its high quality of life, excellent healthcare, and stunning locations, many expats are moving to the Algarve, especially retirees. Young professionals and families from the UK have also been heading to the sunny shores of Portugal for years.
There are several appealing investment options for the Portugal Golden Visa program. While purchasing real estate property is no longer eligible for the program, several attractive avenues remain. Keep in mind that there are no restrictions on foreigners buying real estate in Portugal; it just can’t be used to pursue the real estate investment route.
A popular Portugal Golden Visa investment option is the investment funds for the Portugal Golden Visa. As well as the venture capital fund, there are opportunities to invest in a Portuguese business and job creation, or in the national heritage or scientific research.
Whatever investment route you decide, the Portugal Golden Visa program can be an excellent solution for Brits looking to reside in a European country or simply travel visa-free around Europe’s Schengen Area. However, it’s essential to do due diligence on your chosen investment before you commit.
After 5 years of maintaining your Golden Visa, you’re eligible for Portuguese permanent residency. A significant advantage of the Portuguese Golden Visa is that residence permit cards can also be granted to family members alongside the main applicant.
Benefits of the Portuguese Golden Visa for British Citizens
The Portuguese Golden Visa is a great opportunity that assures unconditional access to the EU and also qualifies individuals for Portugal’s citizenship through naturalization if you fulfill all the necessary legal requirements. The most important requirement is having held permanent residency in Portugal for 10 years (or 7 years for EU/CPLP citizens) as of 2026.
Direct and indirect benefits of the Portugal Golden Visa for British citizens include the following:
Opportunity to reside in Portugal
Successful Golden Visa applicants will be able to live in a stunning Mediterranean country with a high quality of life, top healthcare and education facilities, and an excellent climate.
Visa-free travel to 187 countries in the world
With Portugal being part of the European Union (EU), this means that once you obtain a Portuguese passport, you will enjoy the benefits of being a citizen of Portugal.
Portuguese European passport holders have the right to travel visa-free to 187 countries in the world.
At Global Citizen Solutions, our Global Intelligence Unit has developed a new Global Passport Index. We take into account not only visa-free access to other countries but also investment opportunities and quality of life. In our Quality of Life Index, Portugal ranks in the 11th position.
This takes into account the cost of living alongside levels of freedom, happiness, environmental performance, sustainable development, and migrant acceptance.
This highlights that, as countries go, Portugal is one of the best places to live in for those looking for a high quality of life in an affordable nation, and a valid passport from Portugal has a wide array of benefits.
Portugal Passport Rankings
Obtain a Portuguese passport to live, work, and study in EU countries
Portugal is the only EU country that offers its Golden Visa holders a pathway to citizenship without having to relocate or reside in Portugal full-time. This flexibility is a major advantage for non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals who want to travel between countries.
While other EU Golden Visas, like Greece or Italy, have 0 days of minimum residency requirements to keep the visa, you need a full-time residence there before you can qualify for citizenship through naturalization.
The Portuguese Golden Visa grants UK investors temporary residency in Portugal for 2 years. Then, they can renew the Portuguese residence permit every 2 years. After 5 years of having a temporary residence permit, Golden Visa holders can apply for Portuguese permanent residency.
During your 5 years of residence in Portugal, you have the option to live in Portugal or still live in the UK while maintaining your old lifestyle. However, investors are required to meet Portugal’s minimum stay requirement to keep their visa.
Based on recent updates to the Portuguese Nationality Law, Portugal no longer has one of the fastest citizenship timelines in Europe. On 3 May 2026, the Portuguese president, António José Seguro, signed the citizenship law (Lei Orgânica n.º 1/2026), ultimately affecting those who applied after 19 May 2026.
Portuguese citizenship through naturalization is now available after 10 years of legal residence for most foreigners, including British nationals (or 7 years for EU/CPLP citizens). After you become a Portuguese national, you can apply for a Portuguese passport.
Family reunification
One of the main perks of having a Portuguese residence permit through the Portuguese Golden Visa is the family reunification option, and family members can be included in the Golden Visa application. By obtaining a residence permit as a British citizen, you can apply for your family members to have a residence permit too.
Family reunification covers your spouse and children under 18 years of age. It may also include children older than 18 years of age if they study full-time and are dependent on you. Yes, your family is entitled to residence permit cards alongside you, the Golden Visa holder.
Low cost of living and healthcare
Portugal offers an affordable cost of living compared to other countries in Europe.
As a British citizen, you will definitely notice the difference in prices while living in Portugal. And this price difference doesn’t only include food or transportation, but also includes education and healthcare.
Healthcare for foreigners in Portugal is quite affordable compared to that of the UK and offers a variety of high-quality options and good services. The Portuguese National Health Service, known as the SNS (Serviço Nacional de Saúde), is excellent, and you will need to register at your local health center.
According to Statistics Portugal (INE), in 2025, Portugal spent €31,877.7 million on healthcare, which is about 10.4% of the country’s GDP (Gross Domestic Product).
Public hospitals in Portugal offer relatively free medical care for both citizens and residents of the country. Private clinics, however, offer medical care with fees, where you will get an appointment faster than the public ones, and very high-quality services, so having private healthcare is also an option.
You will also find health insurance policies in Portugal that offer various packages for different prices, and most of them cover a good part of the full cost of treatment. Some private clinics offer video consultations, which can be quite helpful.
If you live in Portugal, you will have access to high-quality healthcare. Additionally, if you are covered or insured under a statutory social security scheme in an EEA country or Switzerland, you can obtain the European Health Insurance Card free of charge. This card allows you to receive medical care in member countries.
International schools with British and international curricula
International schools in Portugal are a great option for UK expats. These schools offer a multicultural environment that provides students with international skills and the ability to engage more with different curricula, including international and British curricula.
Other international schools in Portugal offer alternative curricula for UK expats other than the British curriculum. Here are the best international schools in Portugal:
- British School of Lisbon (with a British curriculum)
- Astoria International School (with both a British and a Portuguese curriculum)
- Redbridge School (with British, French, and Portuguese curriculums)
- International College of Porto (CLIP) (with a British curriculum)
- International Preparatory School (IPS) (with a British curriculum)
- St. Julian’s School (with both a British and a Portuguese curriculum)
- Nobel International School Algarve (with both a British and a Portuguese curriculum)
- Peter’s International School in Setúbal
- Oporto British School in Porto
To get to grips with schooling in the country, you can read more about the education system in Portugal and the available options for your children as expat parents living in Portugal.
Attractive investment options
One of the foremost advantages of the Portugal Golden Visa is its array of attractive investment options. Although purchasing real estate is no longer an option, the program has diversified its investment routes, providing flexibility and profitability.
Golden Visa investors can opt for profitable routes such as fund investments or make qualifying donations to invest in the arts, as well as contribute to the reconstruction or refurbishment of national heritage projects in Portugal.
These alternative investment pathways not only align with diverse interests and preferences but also present UK nationals with the opportunity to actively contribute to Portugal’s cultural and economic landscape while securing their residency status through the Portuguese Golden Visa program.
Favorable tax treatments in Portugal for British citizens
Taxes in Portugal are known for their flexibility, which attracts many expats from all over the world who are willing to live, study, invest, and work in Portugal.
Portugal has a Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) with many countries, and luckily, the UK is one of them.
In a few words, the DTA agreement is great for included citizens because it prevents them from paying double taxes on the same income in two different countries.
For example, if you are a UK citizen and you pay taxes on your income already, you won’t need to pay again while staying in Portugal or after becoming a Portuguese tax resident.
Also, alongside opening a Portuguese bank account, one of the first things that you’ll need to do when making any financial transaction in the country is to apply for a NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal or the Número de Contribuinte, in Portuguese), which is your tax identification number in Portugal.
To do so, you’ll need an identity document such as your passport; an updated utility bill will also suffice in some cases. You can appoint a legal representative to apply on your behalf.
Less crowded and better weather compared to the UK
One of the main pros of living in Portugal is enjoying the lovely location overlooking the Atlantic Ocean with its beautiful coasts and the mild climate year-round, with more than 300 days of sunshine. Portugal is also known for its tranquility and slow pace of life.
This is one of the reasons why British citizens adore living in Portugal, or at least love to spend their summer vacations here. It’s worth mentioning that the population in Portugal is 10,749,635 million, while in the UK, it was 69,551,332 million in 2025.
If you are moving to Portugal, you should also be aware that the further you live away from the big cities like Lisbon and Porto, the more you will enjoy a quiet lifestyle.
English is widely spoken
The Portuguese speak extremely good English, particularly the younger generations. You should have few communication issues in the country, and there are many expats living in Portugal. If you learn some Portuguese words then this will impress the locals and make it easier to settle when moving to Portugal.
Portugal Golden Visa Requirements for UK Citizens
Portugal Golden Visa eligibility criteria
- Have a clean criminal record
- Be either a non-EU, non-Swiss, or non-EEA national
- Minimum investment of €250,000, with a range of investment routes (the minimum investment is €200,000 for arts and cultural projects in areas that are sparsely populated or have a low GDP)
- Golden Visa residents must spend an average of 7 days in the first year, and 14 days in the subsequent two years in Portugal, guaranteeing a total of 14 days during the validity of each residence card (issued with a validity of two years)
Portugal Golden Visa minimum investment requirements
Following the significant changes made by the Portuguese government, capital transfers and real estate investment options no longer qualify as Golden Visa investments. However, there are many other exciting investment opportunities for UK nationals to consider for their Golden Visa application, such as investing capital into Portuguese investment funds, supporting national heritage, and supporting an existing Portuguese business.
Here are the Portugal Golden Visa investment routes:
- Fund subscription: Contribute to a qualified investment fund (for example, private equity funds or venture capital funds) worth at least €500,000.
- Investment or donation in the arts or reconstruction of national cultural heritage with a capital transfer donation of at least €250,000 (the minimum investment amount is €200,000 in ‘low-density areas,’ which are sparsely populated or have a low GDP).
- Scientific research: Invest at least €500,000 (or €400,000 in low-density areas) in research carried out by public or private scientific research institutions.
- Creation of 10 jobs: Create and maintain 10 full-time (permanent) jobs for Portuguese citizens or residents (no minimum capital investment required). In low-density areas, it drops to 8 full-time jobs.
- Share capital and job creation: This is a separate route that requires a capital transfer of at least €500,000 plus creating at least 5 full-time jobs (dropping to 4 jobs in low-density areas).
The minimum investment amounts for options 2 and 3 may be reduced by 20% when the investment activity is carried out in low-density areas, which are regions with fewer than 100 inhabitants per square kilometer or GDP per capita of under 75 percent of the national average.
To apply for Portugal’s Golden Visa program, you are also required to present supporting evidence that you have met the minimum investment threshold. A declaration of honor compromising to maintain the investment for 5 years is also needed.
Can you take out a loan or mortgage to pay for your investment?
A very common question among Golden Visa applicants is whether you can use a loan or a mortgage to pay for your Golden Visa investment in Portugal. Simply put, you cannot take out a loan or mortgage from a Portuguese financial institution to pay for your investment.
Minimum stay requirement
To be eligible for the Golden Visa program, you must meet other requirements besides the Portugal Golden Visa investment.
The Portugal Golden Visa requires UK citizens to spend at least 14 days in the country during each 2-year residence card validity period (which is an average of 7 days per year) to maintain and renew their Portuguese residence permit.
Portugal Golden Visa required documents
The following Golden Visa Portugal documents can change at the discretion of the Portuguese government.
Golden Visa applicants must submit the documents for the initial application and each renewal.
- Golden Visa application form
- Copy of a valid passport and travel documents
- Declaration from your bank in Portugal confirming the transfer of funds from abroad
- Proof of medical insurance in Portugal (only required if the investor resides in Portugal)
- A background check or a police clearance letter from your country of legal residency or origin
- A declaration of honor compromising to maintain the investment for 5 years
- Documents showing a good standing with the Portuguese Tax and Customs Authority
- Document showing non-enrollment or a good standing with the Social Security
- A receipt showing that you already paid the application processing fee
- A clean criminal record certificate. Note that the certificates of criminal records or police clearance letters must have been issued no more than 90 days before submitting your application.
Important Note: Portugal Golden Visa documents and the Portugal Golden Visa application form must be legalized and translated into Portuguese, English, Spanish, or French and then certified. Documents can be legalized by the Portuguese Consulate or apostilled according to The Hague Apostille Convention, where applicable.
Portuguese Golden Visa Cost
Below is the complete breakdown of the Portugal Golden Visa cost.
Government fees
The new Government Fees involved with the submission, granting, and renewal of the residence permit as of 2026 are as follows:
- Online application submission – €842.80
- Granting the permit – €8,418.90
- Per renewal – €4,210.30
To put it into perspective, for a single applicant, the total government fees over a course of 5 years are €17,682.30.
| Application | Permit Issuance | Per Renewal *Expect to renew twice in a five-year period | Total Over 5 Years | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Applicant | €842.80 | €8,418.90 | €4,210.30 | €17,682.30 |
| Couple | €1,685.60 | €16,837.80 | €8,420.60 | €35,364.60 |
| Family of Four | €3,371.20 | €33,675.60 | €16,841.20 | €70,729.20 |
Additional costs
- Qualifying investment: Minimum donation or investment based on the route you choose
- Fund-related costs: These include performance fees, management, or subscription (if applicable)
- Legal fees: These include legal support, document review, and application handling. The costs are different for each case based on the complexity of the visa application, the number of family members involved, and the law firm that handles the matter.
- Documentation costs: These include courier, certification, apostille, and translation.
How to Get the Golden Visa in Portugal: A Step-by-Step Guide
To obtain the Golden Visa in Portugal, you must make a qualifying investment and keep the respective investment for five years. To submit your application, it is advised to consult with a Portugal Golden Visa lawyer.
While the Golden Visa application is relatively straightforward, there are quite a few steps to take toward a successful Golden Visa process.
| 1. Onboarding: Initial discussions with the onboarding and legal teams covering the process as a whole, answering questions, helping you choose one of the qualifying investment options, and completing the process according to the regulations. |
| 2. Documentation: Gather all necessary documents for yourself and any family members. Ensure that all documents are translated, notarized, or certified. |
| 3. Bank account and NIF: In order to obtain the tax identification number (NIF) in Portugal, we will appoint a fiscal representative for you. After obtaining your NIF, we can help you open a bank account in Portugal. This can be done remotely, and our team at Global Citizen Solutions will help you. |
| 4. Make the investment: We can begin securing your investment and will guide you through the necessary paperwork required to ensure a successful investment. |
| 5. Online application: Lodge your application online. |
| 6. Pre-approval: Your application will be pre-approved on the basis that you fulfill the necessary requirements. |
| 7. Biometrics visit: From the time you book your interview, it takes around two months until you can attend a Portugal Golden Visa biometrics appointment in person |
| 8. Golden Visa issuance: After your biometrics, your Golden Visa has to be approved by AIMA (which replaced SEF as the Portuguese Immigration and Border Service). Pay the government permit issue fee. We’ll then collect the residence cards on your behalf and send them to you. |
Why choose Global Citizen Solutions for your Portugal Golden Visa?
- Global approach by local experts: A team of experienced local case executives, immigration lawyers, and investment specialists based in Portugal.
- Independent service:We are not a marketing agency for any projects. You will access all eligible routes for the Golden Visa, with over 40 vetted qualifying investment options, so you can decide on the best option for you.
- 100% approval rate: We have the unique distinction of never having had a Golden Visa case rejected and have helped hundreds of clients from more than 35 countries.
- All-encompassing solution: Our dedicated onboarding and immigration teams will assist you throughout the process and beyond with a single channel of communication.
- Transparency: Our fees are clear and detailed, covering the entire process with no hidden costs.
- Privacy: Your personal data is stored within a GDPR-compliant database on a secure SSL-encrypted server.
To see the full list of reasons why to work with Global Citizen Solutions for your Portugal Golden Visa, you can find out more here: Why Work with Global Citizen Solutions for Your Golden Visa Portugal Application?
