Updated: February 7, 2025
Yearning for sun-kissed landscapes, stunning coastlines, and a more relaxed
way of life? A move to Portugal from the UK could be the breath of fresh
air you’ve been searching for. Portugal has emerged as a favorite
destination for UK citizens eager to embrace a new beginning. In fact,
UK citizens rank among the top three nationalities obtaining a Portugal
Golden Visa for residency, as highlighted in the 2023 Portuguese
Migration and Asylum Report.
If you’re contemplating a relocation from the UK to Portugal, this
in-depth guide is your roadmap to success. We’ll navigate you through
essential steps, provide invaluable tips, and outline key requirements.
From exploring visa options to acclimating to the Portuguese way of life,
we’ll equip you with everything you need to seamlessly integrate and live
like a true local.
Understanding the Impact of Brexit on UK Citizens Moving to Portugal
The landscape of relocating to Portugal post-Brexit has shifted compared
to the pre-2021 era. Before Brexit, UK nationals enjoyed visa-free
relocation thanks to EU membership. Now, UK citizens planning a long-term
move to Portugal must secure the necessary visas and permits. Crucially,
the automatic rights to work, access healthcare, and obtain residency no
longer apply.
While Brexit has redefined the rules, it hasn’t shattered the dream of
Portuguese living. Despite UK citizens losing the automatic rights enjoyed
by EU nationals, exciting new avenues have opened up for Brits to make
the move and establish a fulfilling long-term life in Portugal.
As non-EU citizens, UK nationals now require a residency permit for stays
exceeding 90 days. But fear not, the paperwork shouldn’t deter you!
These adjustments have paved the way for exciting possibilities, including
pathways to permanent residency and even citizenship. Though Brexit has
reshaped the rules, Portugal still extends an opportunity for UK citizens
to embark on a thrilling new chapter. However, proactive planning is
paramount for a seamless transition.
While moving from the UK to Portuguese cities now involves visa
applications, Portugal has thoughtfully crafted visa options to cater to
diverse lifestyles and aspirations. For UK citizens, the Portugal
Golden Visa and the D7 Visa stand out as prime choices, although many
other visa pathways exist that could perfectly align with your
circumstances.
We highly recommend reaching out to the migration experts at
Global Citizen Solutions
for an in-depth assessment of your objectives to identify the optimal
route for you. In the meantime, here’s a breakdown of the visa
requirements.
Portugal Golden Visa
The Golden Visa program is designed for investors and high-net-worth
individuals seeking a residency-by-investment route to relocate from the
UK to Portugal. It mandates a substantial financial investment through
one of the following avenues:
-
€500,000 investment in non-real estate Portuguese investment funds or
private equity funds - €500,000 donation towards scientific research
-
€250,000 donation to the development of Portuguese arts and culture or
the recovery or maintenance of national cultural heritage -
Creation and maintenance of ten jobs in Portugal during the required
period -
€500,000 share capital investment plus the creation of five jobs or
maintenance of ten jobs
A key advantage of this visa is the minimal physical presence required,
averaging just seven days per year in Portugal to maintain residency.
This makes it ideal for frequent travelers or those with ongoing
international obligations.
D7 Visa
If you envision a tranquil life sustained by passive income, the D7 Visa
– also known as the Portugal retirement visa – might be the perfect fit.
This option caters to retirees or individuals with a reliable passive
income stream from sources such as pensions, rentals, or investments.
To qualify, you must demonstrate sufficient income to support yourself
(and your dependents, if applicable) while residing in Portugal. This
entails proving a passive income equivalent to at least the Portuguese
minimum wage, set at €870 in 2025.
Unlike the Golden Visa, this visa necessitates spending the majority of
your time in Portugal, making it ideal for fully embracing a new
lifestyle. Both the D7 Visa and Golden Visa offer full residency, access
to healthcare, and the opportunity to apply for permanent residency or
citizenship after five years.
Other visa options for UK citizens
Beyond the Golden Visa and D7 Visa, Portugal offers a variety of other
visas customized to specific needs. Here’s a glimpse at some other
popular choices:
-
D8 Visa (Digital Nomad Visa): Ideal for remote workers and
freelancers, this visa enables you to reside in Portugal while working
for clients or companies located outside the country. -
D6 Visa (Family Reunification Visa): If you have family members
already residing in Portugal, the D6 Visa provides a pathway to join
them. -
D2 Visa (Entrepreneur Visa): For entrepreneurs and business
owners, the D2 Visa presents an opportunity to launch or relocate your
business to Portugal.
Comparing Portugal’s most popular visas:
|
Passive income from sources outside Portugal of at least |
Low minimum income requirement |
Income must come from passive sources, like investments |
|
|
Investment of at least €250,000 in qualifying |
Minimal time in Portugal required—perfect if you’re a |
High upfront investment compared to other option |
|
|
Self-employed individuals or remote workers earning at |
Opportunity to live and work in Portugal |
Requires detailed documentation, including proof of |
|
|
Innovative start-up business idea with a detailed |
Support the Portuguese economy while growing your |
Competition is tough, and not all start-ups succeed |
|
|
Close family members of Portuguese citizens or residents |
Allows family members to live in Portugal with their |
Your application depends on your family member’s status |
Opening a bank account in Portugal is a crucial step for expats towards
settling in. It offers a convenient way to manage your finances, make
payments for property or rent, and sidestep the hefty transaction fees
that come with using a foreign bank account.
Most banks require a valid passport or photo ID, proof of address,
Portuguese tax number (NIF or Número de Identificação Fiscal), proof of
income, and a minimum deposit to get your account started. Many expats
choose banks like Millennium BCP or Santander Totta for their
English-friendly services, but you could also look at other popular
banks in Portugal
for one with online banking in English. Consider opening an account before
arriving in Portugal, as some banks offer online services for foreigners.
Grasping Portugal’s tax system is vital for UK expats contemplating a
long-term move, particularly given the recent regulatory changes. The
Non-Habitual Residency (NHR) program, previously known for its generous
tax exemptions on foreign income and pensions, has been superseded by “
NHR 2.0”, Portugal’s new tax regime.
While the new system still offers advantages, such as a flat 20 percent
tax rate for professionals in specific industries like science and
technology, the previous sweeping exemptions for foreign income, including
pensions, have now been retired. Put simply, retirees and individuals
relying on foreign income will no longer reap the same level of tax
efficiency that once transformed Portugal into a tax haven. Despite the
amendments, the Double Taxation Agreement between Portugal and the UK
ensures you’re not taxed twice on income earned in the UK – a valuable
benefit for UK expats.
Portugal’s progressive tax system is applicable to worldwide income if you
are a Portuguese tax resident, along with property and capital gains
taxes. To leverage the new Portuguese tax laws and avoid unwelcome
surprises, we highly recommend consulting with a qualified tax advisor who
possesses a deep understanding of the evolving tax environment.
Retiring to Portugal
Portugal stands out as a premier retirement destination due to sunshine, a
superior, yet reasonable, quality of life standard, and a thriving
cultural scene. The presence of excellent healthcare, the wealth of
first-rate golfing venues, and a slower-paced lifestyle makes it all the
more appealing.
If you are a lover of culture and history and looking to retire in one of
the most beautiful capitals in Europe, Lisbon may be the perfect place.
You will find world-class
retirement homes in Lisbon, Portugal. Some of the
best retirement villages in Portugal
can be found in the capital, with
retirement communities in Portugal
being a good way to meet fellow expats and establish a close network.
With this said, the Algarve, with its glorious beaches, and Porto, the gem
in the north, are also excellent options.
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