Moving to Portugal

How to Move to Portugal from the UK

A cracked concrete surface displays the juxtaposition of the Union Jack flag on the left and the flag of the European Union with yellow stars on a blue background on the right, symbolizing the divide between the UK and the EU.

Thinking about swapping drizzle for sunshine? You’re not alone. According to the Relatório de Migrações e Asilo 2024 report (AIMA, published October 2025), more than 48,000 British citizens now call Portugal home — a number that continues to grow every year, despite Brexit, bureaucracy, and the occasional cold, damp house. Portugal’s appeal is easy to understand: reliable sunshine, beautiful beaches, safe cities, and a slower, more sociable pace of life. It’s not perfect — no country is — but it’s …

Family of four at the airport together, looking back at a camera.

If you’re a non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen weighing up Spain versus Portugal for a family move, you’re not choosing between good and bad — you’re choosing between two of Europe’s most family-friendly countries. Both offer sunshine, coastal living, international schools, and a slower pace of life. Spanish is a global language; Portugal slightly less so, but it is known for its safety. But before you fall in love with a city, check whether your income type and level actually gets you in. …

A serene beach scene with calm waves gently washing onto the shore. Rocky cliffs covered in patches of greenery rise in the background under a clear blue sky. The smooth sand reflects the surrounding landscape, creating a peaceful and picturesque view.

For Americans, Brits, Canadians, Australians, and anyone else without an EU/EEA or Swiss passport, Portugal’s 90-days-in-180-days Schengen rule is often the first big headache. It’s fine for a short trip, but not ideal if you’re thinking about moving here— or even doing a longer “test-the-waters” stay. The good news? You can stay longer. But the routes differ hugely in cost, commitment, tax consequences, and how much time you’re expected to spend in Portugal. This guide walks you through your options …

A person sits on a white cushion next to a turquoise swimming pool, working on a laptop. They are partially shaded by large green leaves. Two teal pillows are placed by their side, and white pebbles surround the wooden deck area.

Remote work has changed everything. It’s now perfectly possible to keep your job in New York, Toronto, or London while living in a sunny European country with beaches, pastelarias, and a slower pace of life. And for many people, that dream destination is Portugal. Portugal is warm without being extreme, safe without being sleepy, and modern without being overwhelming. It has excellent healthcare, a thriving expat and digital nomad community, and some of the best weather in Europe. And yes …

A close-up image of two flags side by side. The flag on the left is the Canadian flag, featuring a red maple leaf on a white background with red borders. The flag on the right is the Portuguese flag, showcasing a complex coat of arms on a red and green background.

If you’re a Canadian looking for a warmer climate, better quality of life, or simply a change of pace, Portugal is increasingly on the shortlist. The country offers a mild climate, a slower and more communal pace of life, stunning coastlines, and generally lower day-to-day expenses compared to many parts of Canada—especially major cities like Toronto and Vancouver. According to the Relatório de Migrações e Asilo 2024, there were 2,876 Canadian citizens residing in Portugal as of 31 December 2024. …

A picturesque public square in Portugal with a large ornate fountain featuring statues, surrounded by historic buildings under a clear blue sky. Purple jacaranda trees are in bloom, and pedestrians walk leisurely on the intricate black and white cobblestone pattern.

As you learn about Portuguese visas and residency requirements, you’ll hear terms like temporary residency, permanent residency, and Portuguese citizenship used a lot. Trying to understand the differences can be confusing, particularly if it’s your first time moving abroad. In this article, we’ll break down one of those terms, permanent residency, and what it means to have it. Can I Get Permanent Residency Straight Away? One of the most common misconceptions is that you can obtain permanent residency in Portugal …

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Planning a scouting trip to Portugal takes serious preparation. This isn’t just a vacation—you’re on a reconnaissance mission to figure out if Portugal is right for you, where you want to live, and potentially even secure a property. This comprehensive guide will help you make the most of every precious moment of your time in Portugal. The Three Critical Questions Your Scouting Trip Must Answer When you arrive in Portugal, you’re here to determine three fundamental things: 1. Do I …

Ariel view of the Dom Luis bridge in Porto and the Douro River

Already living in the EU with a long-term residence permit but aren’t an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen? Dreaming of making Portugal your next home? Article 116 of Portugal’s immigration code might be your ticket to Portuguese residency. Let’s dive into what this means for you and how you can make that move to Portugal happen. Overview of Article 116 Think of Article 116 as the EU’s way of saying “Mi casa es su casa” – if you’ve already proven yourself as a …

A person in a beige sweater pours sugar from a packet into a green cup and saucer on a wooden table. The person's face is partially out of frame.

Portugal’s Golden Visa program, long seen as one of Europe’s most appealing residency-by-investment options, may soon become even more attractive. According to a Bloomberg report, the Portuguese government is considering reforms to streamline the application process and introduce improved financial incentives — potentially aligning the Golden Visa more closely with Portugal’s favourable tax regime. In short, Portugal’s new centre-right government appears determined to reinforce its commitment to international investors, talent, and entrepreneurs. Portugalist Insight: A Timely Boost for Golden Visa …

A person wearing a green plaid shirt is crouched down, sealing a cardboard box with clear packing tape using a tape dispenser. Several other cardboard boxes are visible in the blurred background, indicating a moving or packing activity.

Young man packing boxes with stuff, moving from apartment, end of rent contract

One of the big costs of moving to Portugal – both financially but also emotionally and mentally – is the cost of moving all your stuff here. The cost will depend on how much you want to ship, and where you’re located. Naturally, someone located in Spain, for example, would pay a lot less than someone located in the US. As the US is a big place, there are often differences in prices depending on where you’re located. So, prices …

How to Move to Portugal from the UK

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Moving to Portugal as a Remote Worker in 2026

How to Move to Portugal from Canada

Portuguese Permanent Residency: What Changes When You Hit the 5-Year Mark?

The Ultimate Guide to Planning Your PERFECT Portugal Scouting Trip

Can I Move to Portugal Through If I Have Permanent Residency in Another EU Country?

Portugal Looks to Sweeten Golden Visa Incentives — But Will Promises Be Delivered?

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