Moving to Portugal from the UK has been quite popular for many years now, whether it’s to enjoy a milder climate, retired life, or even to start a new business. Brits have always considered Portugal a holy grail destination. With the changes brought about by Brexit, the process of moving to Portugal in 2024 requires more careful preparation, with the main add-on being having to get a Portuguese visa.
This guide offers a comprehensive overview of all the necessary steps for Brits wishing to make Portugal their new home. And, if you are considering this move, here you will find all the essential information to make the transition as smooth as possible.
As of December 2022, the number of British residents in Portugal was recorded to be over 45,000, according to statistical data. The Algarve is a favored destination among British citizens, with Lisbon, Porto and Madeira coming in second. But, why is that? Let’s find out some reason behind this migration.
Portugal has a warm subtropical climate with little temperature fluctuations. Coastal regions, such as Lisbon and the Algarve, often experience a mild and sunny climate throughout the entire year, with typical temperatures ranging from 10 to 20 degrees Celsius in winter and 25 to 35 degrees Celsius in summer. It also rains much more rarely than in the UK, a country known for its constant grey skies, with 1123.79 mm of precipitation recorded in 2022, while Portugal’s was just 844.07 mm.
Portugal ranks seventh globally and fourth inside the European Union in terms of safety, as per the 2024 Global Peace Index. This ranking provides a strong sense of security, with low stats of crime.
Plus, Portuguese culture is renowned for its kindness and amicability. The Portuguese are relaxed and hospitable, eager and prepared to initiate a discussion, provide suggestions on places to visit, or express their opinions on the finest cuisine and beverages in any location.
Healthcare coverage is of utmost importance for UK nationals living in Portugal. It is crucial to acquaint oneself with choices such as: EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) and its post-Brexit equivalent, the GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card). These cards grant individuals the ability to obtain essential medical services while they are temporarily residing in a different location.
Nevertheless, anyone seeking to establish permanent residency should strongly consider getting an health number (‘Número de Utente’) in Portugal, in order to be able to enjoy (practically) free healthcare, through SNS.
Besides that, acquiring supplementary private health insurance to use in private medical institutions is recommended.
Portugal offers advantages to those who become tax residents and apply for the NHR (Non-habitual Resident) tax status, which lasts for a period of 10 years and warrants deductions in various sources of income for individuals accepted into the program. If you’re a retiree, be aware that passive income is not included right now (2024). Portugal and the UK have a bilateral agreement known as a double taxation treaty (DTA). The purpose of this regulation is to govern the payment of taxes between countries, to make sure you don’t pay them twice.
The cost of living in Portugal is subject to variation based on the geographical area and individual lifestyle choices. Numbeo reports that the average cost of living in Portugal is 60% lower than in the UK (comparing London and Lisbon), for example. Necessities like rent, groceries and car payments are typically a lot cheaper in Portugal than in the United Kingdom.
Previously, as members of the European Union, British citizens had the freedom to move and reside inside the European Union without any restrictions. However, after Brexit, the rules changed significantly and you must now acquire a visa in order to permanently reside in Portugal.
When planning to move to Portugal, it is now essential for British citizens to be aware of the visa requirements and the steps needed to legally settle in the country.
The specific visa you should apply for will be determined by the purpose of your relocation to Portugal and your unique circumstances. These are the primary visas that UK citizens can apply for:
The D7 Visa, also referred to as the Retirement Visa, is an ideal option for persons who have a consistent income from passive sources such as real estate, pensions, or investments. The D7 Visa provides coverage for more than just the primary applicant, it can include family members. Once approved, the permit remains valid for a duration of one year and has the potential to be extended for two additional two-year periods. Once 5 years have passed, you may apply for Portuguese citizenship.
You can no longer get a Golden Visa through real estate investment in Portugal, but there are other options. The most straightforward is the “Solidarity Golden Visa”, where you basically ‘donate’ 250,000€ to the Portuguese government in exchange for your visa. But investments in non-real estate collectives and companies are also still viable, especially if those investments create or help maintain jobs in Portugal.
The general requirements for obtaining a visa include proof of legal documents, sufficient financial means, health insurance and, in some cases, proof of accommodation. The process usually involves submitting an application to Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA, I.P.), followed by an interview and waiting for approval. Pearls of Portugal helps you with this process.
Naturally, a very important part of moving to Portugal is finding accommodation. If you have the means to and plan on living in here for a long time, you’re probably considering buying a property in Portugal. But if you’re just looking to long-term rent for now, know that there are a lot of different options in the rental market. Areas like the Algarve and Lisbon tend to be more expensive and houses are sold or rented out more quickly than in other areas of the country. But it all depends on what you want.
Luckily, at Pearls of Portugal, we can help you both with buying – through our buyer’s agent service -, and renting, so you won’t have to worry about the search process, the back-and-forth discussions, the contract and etc. Just tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll take care of it for you!
The main areas where UK citizens choose to live include the Algarve, Lisbon, Porto, Cascais and Madeira. Let’s dig into some details behind these locations!
Of course, as the capital, Lisbon boasts a remarkable blend of culture, history, nightlife, and professional prospects. The city is particularly well-suited for individuals in the early stages of their careers, those who work remotely while traveling, and people who love a more city-centric way of life. Although busy, Lisbon is still way quieter than London, for example.
Porto is not just a city with a rich historical background. Throughout the years, Porto has attracted individuals from all parts of the globe, nurturing a substantial international community. This facilitates the process of adapting, as well as combining contemporary work life and a relaxed way of life. It is much more laid back than Lisbon.
The cost of living in Cascais is not the most affordable in Portugal, as it is a city that is highly esteemed. However, the weather in this location is exceptional, as it is near Lisbon and next to the sea, plus it boasts a high level of safety. A growing number of British expats are opting to reside here.
The Algarve is by far the most popular region for UK citizens, with cities like Albufeira, Lagos, and Loulé being major centers of British communities. The numbers prove this: in 2021, the UK became the largest immigrant nationality in the Algarve (19,8% of the foreign population), reflecting its British holy grail destination status.
The British love for the Algarve goes back several decades, with many attracted by the climate, hospitality and relatively low cost of living. Statistics over the years show a consistent growth in British immigration and tourism to this region, especially after the 80s.
Today, the British influence is evident in many spheres, from business, with British-oriented bars and golf courses, to local cultural events and activities.
But, digging deeper in history, back in the medieval days and even towards the end of the XIX century, the British started to establish in the Algarve region because of business. Firstly, maritime, and secondly, in the industrialized world, where Portuguese wine and canning food companies were owned by British lords. Portugal and England have always had close relations throughout history,
Speaking of business, many UK citizens nowadays also move to Portugal to set up businesses, especially in the hospitality and tourism sector. Here are some examples:
Visas, such as the D2, aimed at entrepreneurs, and the D3, for highly qualified professionals, are viable options for those wishing to set up a business in Portugal.
Upon relocating to a foreign country, there are several responsibilities to attend to and a completely unfamiliar culture to acclimate to. After relocating from the UK to Portugal, it is crucial to focus on these primary areas of interest.
Like mentioned, UK residents who possess legal residency in Portugal can utilize the state-funded healthcare system (SNS) by completing the registration process and acquiring a Healthcare User Number (Número de Utente)
British pensioners in Portugal can register for healthcare using the S1 form. In the same way, workers who have been assigned to work in another country and are from the United Kingdom can finalize their registration by utilizing an S1 form provided by the UK.
Although the Portuguese National Health Service (SNS) provides coverage for the majority of healthcare treatments, many services need co-payments referred to as ‘taxas moderadoras’. However, they are quite inexpensive.
If you’re seeking private healthcare facilities, there are numerous options, capable of tending to different medical areas. In this case, you should get private health insurance, because of the different advantages that it covers, as well as thedifferent medical needs. Remember that it is mandatory when applying for the D7 and the D8 Visas.
Like we mentioned, the cost of living in Portugal can vary depending on the region, but is generally lower than in the UK.
In the Algarve, for example, house prices can be significantly more affordable compared to London or other major British cities. An average budget to live comfortably in the Algarve can vary between €1,500 and €2,500 per month, depending on lifestyle and location. These are the major differences between Portugal and the UK:
The British are generally welcome in Portugal, where they are recognized for their education and ability to adapt. However, there are some cultural differences to be aware of. Life in Portugal tends to be more relaxed, with a slower pace, and bureaucracy can be a challenge for newcomers. The cuisine is a plus point, with many Brits enjoying good Portuguese food and wine.
Meeting people and integrating into the local community can be facilitated through events, Facebook groups, WhatsApp and places popular with expats, such as bars in the Algarve and Cascais. Many Brits also take part in community activities, interest groups and sports clubs. Just go up to people and talk to them!
If you are a couple moving to Portugal, you will need to set aside about 2,500 to 3,000€ a month. The cost of living is higher in a city center. This amount will cover your costs of life.
Yes, after five years of legal residence, it is possible to apply for Portuguese citizenship.
Of course! In fact, The D7 visa is the best option for retired people who want to live in Portugal.
There are many international schools in Portugal, including for British students. For example: British School of Lisbon, IPS Cascais, Nobel International School Algarve, Oporto British School in Porto and St. Julian’s School.
Yes, some UK benefits are exportable, like your pension and contribution-based Employment Support Allowance. You must apply for a S1 form through the Department for Work and Pensions’ International Pensions Centre.
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