Many people have moved from the seemingly year-round gloomy weather of the UK to sunny Portugal. It’s easy to see why, as places like the Algarve get around 300 days of sunshine a year. But how complex is moving to Portugal from the UK?
In this article, we’ll take a look at how Brexit impacted UK citizen’s ability to freely travel across the European Union, residency and visa changes in Portugal and key requirements for British citizens who wish to relocate to the Iberian Peninsula.
Moving to Portugal From UK: Key Takeaways
Can you still move to Portugal from the UK after Brexit?
Yes, many UK citizens are still moving to Portugal after Brexit, but the process is a bit different now. Since the UK left the European Union, British nationals are no longer covered by EU freedom of movement. Instead, they are considered non-EU citizens and need to follow Portugal’s regular immigration rules for third-country nationals.
Therefore, while still possible, moving to Portugal is no longer automatic for UK citizens. If you want to stay for more than 90 days, you’ll need to apply for a residence visa before you move.
The process usually starts at a Portuguese consulate in the UK and is completed in Portugal after you arrive. While there are a few more steps than before, Portugal still offers clear and accessible options for retirees, remote workers, entrepreneurs, employees, and investors.
Why are British citizens moving to Portugal?
Many British citizens choose to live in Portugal for reasons that go far beyond having a beach at their doorstep and pleasant weather—although these are still considerations. Many people want to know what schools are available, how far the pound sterling gets you, and is Portugal safe?
Safety: Portugal is widely considered one of the world’s safest countries. The country has a low violent crime rate and a reputation for being welcoming and peaceful. According to Statistics Portugal, Portugal has one of the lowest homicide rates in Europe, with 89 cases registered in 2024, down from 97 in 2022.
Weather: For many people moving from the UK, the weather is reason enough to choose Portugal. In much of the country, especially the Algarve and the south, you can expect over 300 days of sunshine each year. Winters are mild and far brighter than the damp, grey months back in the UK. Summers are long, dry, and reliably warm.
Healthcare: The Portuguese national health service is a universal healthcare system that delivers affordable, high-quality care to residents with minimal waiting times. However, while the UK’s National Health Service is comprehensive and free, non-urgent care has long waiting times. The service is also often overburdened in urban areas.
Cost of living: Portugal offers a noticeably lower cost of living than the UK, especially if you’re used to London or the South East. Rent, eating out, utilities, and public transport are all more affordable, particularly once you look beyond Lisbon and Porto. Groceries and fresh produce are affordable, with plenty of local options at markets and shops. Eating out costs much less than in most UK cities, and everyday services like haircuts, cleaning, or home repairs are also easier on the wallet.
Expat–friendly: Portugal is known as one of Europe’s most welcoming countries for expats. It’s not just retirees who are drawn here, but also entrepreneurs, digital nomads, freelancers, and young families. English is widely spoken, especially in cities and along the coast. This makes it much easier for UK nationals to settle in. Many government offices, banks, and healthcare providers now offer services in English.
Lifestyle: For many UK citizens, the biggest draw is the lifestyle. In Portugal, a slower and more balanced pace of life is the norm. Work-life balance is part of the culture. Long lunches, late dinners, and plenty of time outdoors are just part of everyday life. Living by the coast is possible without a luxury budget. Beaches, hiking trails, surf spots, and historic town centers are usually close by. Daily life often centers around local cafés, markets, and family gatherings instead of long commutes.
Impact of Brexit on UK Citizens Moving to Portugal
Before exploring the possibility of moving to Portugal from the UK, it’s crucial to understand how border control worked before the UK left the European Union. Until the end of 2020, UK citizens were allowed to travel to Portugal without a visa, as other EU citizens can today.
However, when Brexit took effect in January 2021, UK citizens were treated as third-country nationals. If you are moving from the UK to Portugal and plan to stay longer than 90 days within a 180-day period, you will need to obtain a visa.
UK citizens must apply for a residence permit for extended stays, whether for work, study, or retirement. Common visa options for UK expatriates include the D7 Visa, designed for retirees and individuals with passive income, and the Golden Visa, for those making investments.
Additionally, you will need to register as a resident, enroll in the healthcare system, and possibly exchange your UK driving license for a Portuguese one.
While there are several pros and cons to living in Portugal now, it was slightly more beneficial before Brexit. UK citizens only had to register their residency with Portuguese authorities and were eligible for rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.
Steps for Relocating to Portugal from the UK
Getting a tourist visa to visit Portugal on a summer break is easy. However, there are several administrative tasks that must be handled if UK citizens want to make Portugal their long-term home.
Start by going through all the available visa options and select the one that best suits your needs. Pay careful attention to the criteria and the required documents, as some paperwork can take longer to gather than expected. Once you know which visa you are going to apply for, there are three steps that you must complete before submitting your application:
1. Getting a Portuguese tax identification number
The Portuguese NIF number, commonly referred to as “Número do Contribuinte” or the “Número de Identificação Fiscal,” is your Portuguese tax identification number and is one of the most important documents you’ll need.
Even as a UK citizen, you’ll need a NIF to perform any economic activity in Portugal.
This includes everything from signing a lease and opening a mobile phone contract to accessing public services, such as healthcare, education, or social security benefits.
It is technically free to apply for an NIF online, but procedural fees can cost you money. If you want to get your NIF online using a tax representative, online businesses can charge for this process.
If you would like a Portuguese tax card (a credit card-sized document with all the details on it), Finanças charges €6.80 for this service.
2. Open a Portuguese Bank Account
Non-residents, including citizens from the UK, can open bank accounts in Portugal as long as they have their NIF number. No matter which bank you choose, there are a few required documents you’ll need:
- Proof of ID (e.g., passport)
- Proof of address (e.g., recent utility bill or letter received in the previous three months, with your name and address both visible)
- Confirmation of NIF
- Proof of income or employment (e.g., recent payslip or employment letter). You can still open a local bank account if you are not employed. You must show proof of registration with the Portuguese employment center (Centro de Emprego) or that you have an assured work contract.
- A Portuguese phone number for SMS activation: This may not be required and depends on the bank. Some banks also accept international phone numbers.
It’s also important to remember that most Portuguese banks require a minimum cash deposit of €250, though this may vary by bank.
3. Accommodation in Portugal
For most visa options, UK citizens will need to provide proof of accommodation, usually a rental agreement that’s valid for at least 12 months. So, once you have your NIF and a Portuguese bank account, you can start looking for a place to stay.
Depending on your financial situation, it will be helpful to consider whether you want to buy a property or rent.
Rental prices in Portugal can vary significantly depending on the location, with major cities like Lisbon experiencing higher rates compared to quieter rural areas.
However, rental costs in Portugal remain lower than those in many European countries and the UK. Many expats find it helpful to work with a real estate agent when entering into a rental contract or specific rental agreement to navigate the process effectively.
As for buying real estate, there are no restrictions on British citizens purchasing property in Portugal. Due to demand from foreign buyers and investors, Portuguese property prices are generally on the rise, particularly in popular areas like Lisbon and Porto. It’s essential to verify the AMI license in Portugal for the real estate agent you intend to work with.
For those seeking more sunshine than anywhere else in Portugal, you might want to consider living in the Algarve.
Prices in Lisbon have surged significantly and are much higher compared to other parts of the country. For cheaper properties, your best bet is to look more inland, or you can enlist the help of a reputable real estate agent to find the best property for you.
Visa and Residency Options
While it is no longer possible for British expats to just pack up their belongings and move to Portugal, there are a few temporary stay visa options that aren’t too complex. Once you have your NIF, a bank account, and suitable accommodation in Portugal, you can start looking at Portuguese residence permit and visa options and apply through a Portuguese consulate.
Portugal Golden Visa
The Portugal Golden Visa for UK citizens program is a residency-by-investment program that allows UK citizens to live and work in Portugal if they meet the minimum investment requirement.
A key benefit of this visa is the flexibility in the stay requirement; to maintain your legal residency status, you only need to spend an average of seven days per year in Portugal.
Investment opportunities start at €250,000 for donating to an art project or a project preserving Portugal’s national cultural heritage, reduced to €200,000 in low-density areas.
As with most residency visas, UK citizens can establish permanent residence and become Portuguese citizens and gain a Portuguese passport after five years (for now), provided they meet all the requirements under Portuguese nationality law.
D7 Retirement Visa
The D7 Visa, or the Passive Income Visa, allows UK citizens to retire and live in Portugal if they have passive income from sources such as a pension, real estate investments, intellectual property, or other financial equity.
Additionally, under the EU family reunification scheme, close family of the Passive Income visa holder is eligible for residency in Portugal. After renewing the residence permit for five years, UK citizens can apply for permanent residency and Portuguese citizenship.
D8 Digital Nomad Visa
The Portugal Digital Nomad Visa (D8) is designed for non-EU/EEA/Swiss remote workers and freelancers who earn income from abroad. It allows applicants to live in Portugal while working for foreign employers or serving non-Portuguese clients as self-employed professionals.
The visa is available as either a short-term stay of up to one year or a renewable residence visa valid for up to five years. The residence option can lead to permanent residency and, eventually, Portuguese citizenship.
D2 Entrepreneur Visa
If you want to start a business in Portugal, the Portugal D2 Visa is an excellent choice. It is a residency visa for entrepreneurs who are not European Union citizens, like UK citizens. It is aimed at people who want to contribute to and grow the Portuguese economy by purchasing existing companies or developing startups.
Shipping Your Belongings to Portugal
If all goes according to plan, Portugal’s immigration agency should approve your visa and residency application in a few months. The only thing left for you to do is ship your belongings from the UK to Portugal.
In addition to finding a moving company that can transport your belongings from the UK to Portugal, you’ll need to get a baggage certificate.
This is an official document issued by customs authorities that confirms that personal belongings being transported across international borders have been cleared through customs.
It certifies that the goods are either exempt from customs duties and taxes or that any applicable charges have been paid.
Since Portugal is an EU country, there are no customs duties for the personal belongings of UK expats moving from the UK post-Brexit, provided you follow regulations and your goods qualify for personal use.
You’ll also need to get a Certificate of Change of Residence (Certificado de Mudança de Residência) from Portuguese authorities to avoid VAT on household items.
It is important to note that your belongings must arrive in Portugal within 12 months from the start of the residency permit, and the baggage certificate must be valid.
Cost of Living in Portugal
A common question most people ask before relocating is: is Portugal expensive? Well, Portugal offers a notably lower cost of living compared to the United Kingdom. On average, living expenses in Portugal are approximately 40% less than in the UK.
This difference is evident across various sectors. For instance, restaurant prices in Portugal are about 40 percent lower than in the UK, making dining out more affordable.
Grocery costs also favor Portugal, with prices being roughly 32 percent lower, allowing residents to enjoy a diverse diet without straining their budget. When it comes to housing, rent prices in Portugal are approximately 24 percent lower than in the UK, providing more cost-effective accommodation options.
However, if you choose to live in a city like Lisbon or Porto, rent prices can be relatively high, especially in central areas. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center might cost between €800 to €1,200 per month. In smaller towns or rural areas, rent can be significantly lower, often ranging from €400 to €700 for similar accommodations.
Additionally, transportation expenses, including local transit and fuel, are generally lower in Portugal, contributing to the overall affordability. However, it’s important to note that while the cost of living in Portugal is lower, the average net salary is also lower than in the UK.
Portugal | United Kingdom | |
| Utilities (monthly) | €114.74 | €284.43 |
| 3-Bed apartment in city center | €1,599.51 | €2,050.19 |
| Mobile phone monthly plan | €18.94 | €15.07 |
| White bread | €1.36 | €1.47 |
| Milk (1 liter) | €0.94 | €1.46 |
| Eggs (12) | €2.68 | €3.50 |
| Average monthly net salary | €1,043.25 | €2,872.04 |
Driving in Portugal
Driving in Portugal as a UK driver is relatively straightforward but requires some preparation. Portugal drives on the right-hand side of the road, and speed limits are strictly enforced, especially on highways. The road network is generally well-maintained, with tolls on major highways.
If you are a resident of Portugal, you can use a full and valid driving license issued in the UK or Gibraltar until it expires, provided you have registered it with the Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes (IMT).
You must do this within 60 days of the issue date on your residence certificate or immediately if you have already been in Portugal for more than 60 days. You can also exchange your license for a Portuguese one without taking a driving test, but only before your UK driving license expires.
It is also possible to import a car to Portugal, but the process can be somewhat complicated.
Taxes in Portugal
Portugal’s tax system is comprehensive, with various taxes targeting different income sources and activities. It also provides specific incentives and benefits for new residents and businesses investing in certain sectors.
If you’re moving to (or are already in) Portugal and earning an income, you may have to pay taxes. If you reside in Portugal for 183 days or more a year, you must pay income taxes in Portugal on your worldwide income.
Under Portuguese tax law, the tax year runs from 1 January to 31 December, with a tax return submitted between April and June of the following year. Returns can be completed online via the Portuguese Tax Authorities’ website or printed forms. Whether you are a foreigner or a local, there are several taxes that everybody must pay.
Let’s assume that you bought your first house in Portugal as part of the move from the UK. In that case, you’ll be liable for Portugal’s equivalent of council tax, which is to be paid by property owners.
The IMI (Imposto Municipal Sobre Imóveis) rates are different according to your property’s area and are set by each municipality. The IMI contributes to maintaining public infrastructure, such as bin collections and street cleaning.
Residents with homes valued at more than €600,000 need to pay a higher level of IMI known as AIMI.
If you are in Portugal using pension funds, started a self-employed business, or renting out an apartment, you’ll also pay personal income tax. The IRS rates, ranging from 14.5 percent to 48 percent, apply to the incomes of Portuguese residents and non-residents currently working or employed. Even if you retire in Portugal, you’ll still be subjected to certain taxes.
Tax is automatically deducted from pay slips, but you must complete an annual tax return. Your income tax rates are determined by calculating your taxable income earned and the corresponding tax rate and removing any legal deductions.
Portugal’s Healthcare System
Portugal has universal healthcare through the publicly financed Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS), which provides free healthcare for children under 18 and people over 65. State healthcare provides subsidized medical costs at a low rate for everyone else. Depending on the health center, physicians should administer medication during a procedure or even provide urgent care free of charge.
As a UK citizen now living in Portugal, you are entitled to access the Portuguese healthcare system, which is broadly similar to the National Health Service in the UK. This gives citizens and legal residents access to any public health facility or hospital, but not all health centers offer public coverage.
For example, medical emergency care is free, but all other services incur a fee, sometimes due immediately. This may apply to consultations, medical emergency room visits, and ambulance services.
Private doctors and healthcare facilities are widely accessible through private health insurance. The healthcare system has seen improvements through the introduction of public-private partnerships for new hospitals, modifications to hospital management structures, reforms in pharmaceuticals, reorganization of primary care, and the establishment of long-term care networks.
In Portugal, the costs of private healthcare are relatively low compared to many other countries. Private insurance also allows for quicker access to appointments than the public healthcare system. Additionally, you can be confident that nearly all doctors in the private healthcare sector speak English. You should also register with the Social Security Agency, which can provide social security assistance when needed.
Finding a Job in Portugal
If you’re a native English speaker looking for work in Portugal, you’ll find plenty of opportunities, especially in roles where strong English skills are a must. Teaching English is one of the most popular options. Private language schools are always on the lookout for qualified teachers to lead both general and specialized English classes.
The tourism and hospitality industry is another sector that actively seeks English-speaking staff, given the importance of tourism to Portugal’s economy. Jobs in hotels, resorts, and tour agencies often require strong English communication skills to effectively serve international visitors.
The tech and IT sector is another area where English-speaking talent is in demand. Many tech companies in Portugal work internationally, so English is often the main language in the office. If you have skills in customer support, project management, or software development, you’ll find openings in this field.
The average annual salary in Portugal varies by profession, qualifications, and years of experience. For highly skilled professionals, the average annual salary is around €22,500, while the national minimum wage is €920.00 per month.
When applying for jobs in Portugal, a strong CV and cover letter are essential. Most employers prefer a one-page CV, though you can go up to two pages for technical roles.
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