Since the United Kingdom left the European Union (EU), the freedom of movement rights for British citizens within the EU have significantly changed.
Before Brexit, as EU citizens, Britons could live, work, study, and travel freely in any EU member state without needing visas or permits. However, when the UK officially left the EU on January 31, 2020, and the transition period ended on December 31, 2020, these rights and freedom of movement ceased.
But all isn’t lost for UK citizens, as countries like Portugal welcome UK nationals, allowing them to apply for the popular Portugal Golden Visa scheme. Introduced in 2012, the Portuguese Golden Visa allows foreigners to live, work, and study in Portugal and travel freely across the Schengen Area in exchange for qualifying investment in the country.
This guide walks you through the practical steps to consider when acquiring a Golden Visa in Portugal for UK citizens.
You’ll also find out about:
⚠️ Portugal Nationality Law Changes 2025
On June 23, 2025, the Portuguese Government announced plans to amend the Nationality Law and the legal framework governing immigration. The proposals have passed the plenary vote on October 28, 2025, which marks a significant step forward in the legislative process.
Among the measures under discussion are an increase in the residence requirement for nationality from five years to ten years – seven years for nationals of CPLP and EU countries – and a change to how residency time is calculated, so that the clock would start when residency is issued rather than when the application is submitted.
These changes are not yet law. They must still undergo Presidential review. At that stage, the President may promulgate the law, issue a veto, or request a review by the Constitutional Court. The final text may still be amended, including any transitional provisions or possible grandfathering rules, but they might not be enacted because the law is not final until its promulgated.
For the latest information regarding these changes, read Portugal Nationality and Citizenship Changes 2025
Key Aspects of the Portugal Golden Visa for UK Citizens
The Portugal Golden Visa program allows UK citizens to obtain a residence permit and potentially citizenship after five years by investing in Portugal. 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, which includes fund subscription, creating jobs, or investing in certain national or cultural heritage projects
- Residence requirements: To maintain your residence permit, you must spend a minimum of 7 days in Portugal each year, on average
- Potential citizenship: After five years of holding a Golden Visa and meeting other requirements, such as language proficiency and legal residency, you can apply to become a permanent resident and/or for Portuguese citizenship
- 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.
Officially, the UK left the EU on 31 January 2020, but the transitional phase of leaving concluded at the end of December 2020.
UK citizens who want to apply for the Portugal Golden Visa, Brexit has caused certain restrictions for Brits who want to live or work in an EU member state or move to Portugal from the UK:
Travel and Holidays: British citizens can still visit EU countries for short trips without a visa, but there are new rules. Passports need to be valid for at least six months, and stays are 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. They now need to apply for visas or work permits according to each country’s rules, which can involve more paperwork and fees.
Healthcare Abroad: The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) has now been replaced by the UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). It covers necessary medical treatment, ensuring that UK residents can receive healthcare without facing exorbitant costs while abroad. However, it’s crucial to emphasize that the EHIC is not a substitute for comprehensive travel insurance. Travel insurance is highly recommended to cover other potential expenses, such as trip cancellations.
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. As of 1 January 2021, UK citizens can apply for Portugal’s Golden Visa.
Before Brexit, UK nationals could not apply for the Golden Visa in Portugal. However, following Brexit, UK nationals can apply for Portugal’s Golden Visa program—and many 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.
With its high quality of life, excellent healthcare, and stunning locations, the Algarve is particularly popular, and Portugal is especially popular among retirees. Young professionals and families from the UK have also been heading to the sunny shores of Portugal for years.
Portugal has a huge expat community, and British expats comprise a significant proportion. In fact, the number of UK nationals residing in Portugal has reached 42,000.
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 five years of maintaining your Golden Visa, you’re eligible for Portuguese permanent residency and citizenship. 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 unconditioned access to the EU and also qualifies individuals for Portugal’s citizenship through naturalization if they fulfill all the necessary legal requirements. Direct and indirect benefits of the Portugal Golden Visa 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 172 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 172 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 13th 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 countries to live in for those looking for a high quality of life in an affordable country, and a valid passport from Portugal has a wide array of benefits.
Obtain a Portuguese passport to live, work, and study in EU countries
The Portuguese Golden Visa grants investors temporary residency in Portugal for two years. Then, they can renew the Portuguese residence permit for an additional two years.
After five years of obtaining the Portuguese residence permit, Golden Visa holders can apply for Portuguese citizenship (an EU citizenship). During their five years of residence in Portugal, they have the option to live in Portugal or still live in the UK while maintaining their old lifestyle. However, investors are required to stay in Portugal for at least seven days every year, on average.
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 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, is excellent, and you will need to register at your local health center.
Public hospitals in Portugal offer 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.
According to the World Health Organization’s Global Health Expenditure report, Portugal spent about 9.53 percent of its GDP on healthcare and the Portuguese National Health Service annually. You will also find different health insurance policies in Portugal that offer different 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 over the Atlantic Ocean with its beautiful coasts and the mild climate around the year 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 the population in Portugal is around 10.3 million, while in the UK, it’s around 67.3 million.
If you are moving to Portugal, you should also be aware of the fact 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 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 (such as 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 in research carried out by public or private scientific research institutions.
- Creation of ten jobs: Creation and maintenance of ten jobs during the required period.
- Share capital and job creation: Incorporation of a commercial company in the national territory or reinforcement of a company’s share capital (this company must have its head office in the national territory), in either case with an investment of €500,000, combined with the creation of five or maintaining ten jobs (including five permanent jobs)
The minimum investment amounts for options 2 and 3 may be reduced by 20 percent 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 five 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 you to spend an average of 7 days in the first year, and 14 days in the subsequent two years in Portugal, totaling 14 days during the validity of each residence card (issued with a validity of two years).
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 five 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 is valid since the 29th of October, as follows:
- Online application submission – €618.60
- Granting the permit – €6,179
- Per renewal – €3,090
All government fees listed above are payable per person, whether a main applicant or a family member.
Legal fees
- Golden Visa application legal fees: Range from €5,000 to €8,000 for single applicants. Dependents younger than 18 years old can be included in the application free of charge.
- Additional Portugal Golden Visa application fees: For dependents aged 18 years and older, this will cost between €500 to €2,000. Note that children are free of charge.
Golden Visa renewal fees
- Renewal legal costs for a single applicant: €1,000 to €2,500.
- Additional fees for dependents aged 18 and above: €500-€2,000. Children are free of charge.
Note: Additional fees may apply depending on the investment you wish to make.
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. |
| 2. 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 by us remotely and the Global Citizen Solutions will help you. |
| 3. Make the investment: We can begin securing your investment and will guide you through the necessary paperwork required to ensure a successful investment. |
| 4. Online application: Lodge your application online. |
| 5. Pre-approval: Your application will be pre-approved on the basis that you fulfill the necessary requirements. |
| 6. 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. |
| 7. 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. |
Portuguese Passport for UK Citizens on a Golden Visa
The Portuguese Golden Visa grants UK nationals temporary residency for two years, which you can further renew to a Portuguese residence permit.
During the five years of residence in Portugal, you can live in Portugal or still live in the UK and maintain your old lifestyle.
You must be in Portugal for at least seven days every year with a residence permit. You will not need to relinquish your British passport if granted Portuguese citizenship and a Portuguese passport, as both countries recognize dual nationality.
Additionally, to obtain Portuguese citizenship after your five-year investment period has ended, you must have a basic understanding of the Portuguese language (A2 level), either through a language course or the Portuguese language test.
⚠️ Update on Portugal's Nationality Law Changes
On 28 October 2025, Portugal's parliament approved key amendments of the Nationality Law, including increasing the residency requirement for citizenship from 5 to 10 years, and 7 years for CPLP nationals and EU citizens. This will significantly impact how visa holders and residents acquire citizenship.
However, these changes are not yet law. They must still undergo Presidential review where the President may promulgate the law, issue a veto, or request a review by the Constitutional Court. The final text may still be amended but they might not be enacted because the law is not final until its promulgated.
For the latest information regarding these changes, read Portugal Nationality and Citizenship Changes 2025
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?
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