Moving to Portugal from the UK: Everything That’s Changed Since Brexit

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 …

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What Happens At My AIMA Visa Renewal?

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For those who’ve taken the leap and secured residency through AIMA (previously known as SEF), the time will inevitably come to renew your visa. Previously, this would take place after just one year of residency in Portugal but, these days, it more commonly takes place after two years. According to Sandra Gomes Pinto, a Lisbon-based lawyer and seasoned immigration expert, this process is significantly more straightforward than the initial application for a residence permit. The AIMA Visa Renewal Process: A …

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Yes, You Use an IRA to Invest in Portugal’s Golden Visa? (But There’s A Lot to Consider)

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For Americans interested in Portugal’s Golden Visa, one question comes up again and again: Can I use my 401(k) or IRA to fund the investment — without triggering huge U.S. tax penalties? Technically, the answer can be yes. In practice, the answer is far more complicated. While some advisors present this approach as a clean workaround, the reality is that using U.S. retirement funds for Portugal’s Golden Visa sits in a legally ambiguous and potentially high-risk area of U.S. tax …

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How to Plan a Portugal Scouting Trip That Actually Tells You What You Need to Know

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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 …

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Removals to Portugal: How to Ship Your Stuff to Your New Home

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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 …

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How to Open a Portuguese Bank Account Online Before You Move

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If you’re moving to Portugal, you’ll need a Portuguese bank account — for your visa application, to receive income, pay rent, set up utilities, and access Multibanco (the payment network that runs Portugal). The problem? As a non-resident, opening an account isn’t straightforward. You can’t just sign up online like you would back home, and walking into a branch often ends in rejection — sometimes at multiple banks. The good news: specialist services can open your account remotely, often in 2–4 weeks and for as little …

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Portugal Visas: How to Obtain Residency & Move to Portugal

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Find your visa Can you move to Portugal? Portugal has multiple residency routes — for retirees, remote workers, investors, students and families. Answer a few questions and we’ll show you which ones fit your situation. First things first Do you even need a visa? 🇪🇺 EU / EEA / Swiss No visa needed. Move freely; register at your câmara municipal after 90 days. Non-EU family can qualify via Article 15. How EU citizens move → 🗓️ 90 days or less …

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Portugal Digital Nomad Visa: Who Qualifies, What It Costs, and How to Apply

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Portugal D8 Digital Nomad Visa · Do You Meet the Requirements for Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa? Ideal if you can work remotely or freelance from Portugal. Perfect for those looking for a new home in Europe. Answer a few questions and we’ll tell you in 60 seconds. Free · about 60 seconds · we’ll email your results What is the Digital nomad Visa? Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa (D8) allows anyone with income from outside of Portugal (e.g. from a remote …

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How to Get Your CRUE as an EU/EEA/Swiss Citizen

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If you’re from the EU/EEA/Switzerland, you have the right to move to Portugal under EU freedom of movement rules. There’s no visa, no sponsorship, and no embassy process. You can simply move to Portugal and begin living here. However, once you decide to live here (rather than just visit), you need to register that residence and obtain the CRUE: Certificado de Registo de Cidadão da União Europeia (EU Citizen Registration Certificate) This is the document that formally recognises your residency …

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Portugal’s Golden Visa in 2026: What You Need to Know

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Portugal Golden Visa Requirements in – We Break Down Every Requirement Everything you need to qualify, apply, and maintain Portugal’s Golden Visa — the investment routes, the documents, the stay rules, the costs, and how the path to permanent residency and citizenship actually works. Answer a few questions and we’ll tell you whether you qualify. Free · about 60 seconds · we’ll email a personal assessment What it is What is Portugal’s Golden Visa? Portugal’s Golden Visa — officially the …

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