Here’s How to Move to Portugal from the UK

Moving to Portugal from the UK has become a dream for thousands of people who want to escape British drizzle, an ever-increasing cost of living, and work towards getting an EU passport again.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about moving to Portugal from the UK in 2025. We’ll cover the visa paperwork, tax implications (yes, it can get a bit complicated), and all the practical stuff that’ll help you actually get settled.

The thing is, most guides only tell you the official requirements. What about the stuff nobody warns you about? Like why Portuguese winters might surprise you, or why you should always carry cash, or how long Portuguese bureaucracy can actually take? We’re covering all of that too.

With the right preparation and a clear understanding of what’s involved, your Portuguese adventure is absolutely within reach. And Portugalist is here to guide you through it.

Step 1: Decide If You Really Should Move to Portugal

Great weather and cheap glasses of vinho isn’t enough. These are great on holidays, but moving to another country is completely different.

Here are a few things to think about before you start filling out a visa application.

• Portugal Isn’t As Cheap As You Think: Yes, wine is cheaper, but property prices have jumped up significantly in the last 10 years. Rental prices in Lisbon and Porto now rival many UK cities. Still better than London, of course, but anywhere is.
• The Bureaucracy Is Pretty Crazy: Moving to Portugal means a lot of paperwork, trying to get appointments, getting appointments and being told you don’t have the right documents even though those documents weren’t listed on the website. The UK system is relatively straightforward in comparison.
• The Weather Isn’t Everything: Sunshine is amazing. Portuguese beaches are genuinely spectacular. But summers can be brutally hot and did you know it rains more in Northern Portugal than in the UK? Winters are mild in the Algarve, but most Portuguese properties lack insulation and central heating.

Portugalist Take: Portugal has a lot of pros (particularly weather and a better quality of life) but that’s not to say there aren’t downsides and differences. Many people move abroad hoping that’ll solve their problems but come to realize the UK isn’t so bad after all.

Step 2: Figure Out if You Can Move to Portugal

Despite Brexit, thousands of Brits still successfully move to Portugal every year. However, this involves qualifying for a visa assuming you don’t an EU passport (or an EEA or Swiss passport).

Before you get your hopes up, double check there’s a visa you qualify for.

Portugal Visa Options

Here are the most popular residency visa options. Note these are based on an individual applying (figures would be different for couples and families).

Visa Type	Monthly Income Required	Savings/Investment Required	Time in Portugal	Best For
D7 (Passive Income)	€870/month	Typically 12 months of savings	Must spend majority of time in Portugal	Retirees, landlords, people with investment income.
D8 (Digital Nomad)	€3,480/month	Typically 12 months of savings	Must spend majority of time in Portugal	High-earning remote workers, freelancers. Employer must approve international remote work.
Golden Visa	None required (investment or donation instead)	€500,000 minimum (or €250,000 donation)	Average of 7 days/year required	High net worth individuals wanting EU citizenship with minimal time commitment or those who only have a lump sum.
D2 (Entrepreneur)	€870/month	Typically 12 months of savings + Startup Capital	Must spend majority of time in Portugal	Entrepreneurs with solid business plans and local market knowledge.
D1 & D3 (Work Visas)	€870/month	None specified	Must spend majority of time in Portugal	People with Portuguese job offers.
D4 (Student Visa)	€870/month For living expenses	Proof of funds for duration of studies	Must spend majority of time in Portugal	Students pursuing Portuguese education. Need separate visa to stay after graduation.

See here for a complete visa comparison

Have an EU/EEA or Swiss passport? See our guide for EU citizens and also for EU citizens with non-EU family members.

Portugalist Take: The most popular visas are the D7, Digital Nomad Visa, and Golden Visa – so start with those. The D2 (entrepreneur visa) is an option, but you need a solid business plan and shouldn’t use it as a fallback. Work visas are becoming more popular, but Portugal has some of the lowest wages in Western Europe and the lower cost of living doesn’t always make up for it. Student visas could work, but they only cover you while studying – you’d need a separate (likely work) visa after graduating. Also check whether you can get the same funding to study abroad as you would in the UK.

Step 3: Work Out Where You Want to Live

You can live anywhere in Portugal, but different areas are particularly popular with Brits. This focuses on some of the main destinations that attract British expats, each with their own character and advantages.

Algarve

Always popular, especially with retirees. The Algarve offers everything from great walking and world-class beaches to excellent golf courses. It’s increasingly popular with families due to the international schools, some of which teach the British A-levels curriculum.

The beaches here are genuinely spectacular, the weather is warm most of the year, and the pace of life is properly relaxed. It’s growing in popularity with younger people and remote workers (particularly around Lagos and Portimão), though some find the towns too small for long-term living.

What makes the Algarve special is the variety. You’ve got everything from the party atmosphere of Albufeira to the upmarket luxury of Quinta do Lago and the Golden Triangle, plus rural mountain towns like Monchique and the unspoiled coast around Aljezur.

The downside? It can feel a bit like “Little Britain” in some coastal areas, prices have risen significantly, and the summer tourist crowds are intense.

Lisbon

For those who want proper capital city vibes. Rent is still below London prices but now in line with most medium-sized UK cities. You get all the cultural attractions and urban amenities you’d expect from a European capital.

The city has excellent public transport, a growing tech scene, and fantastic food culture. Milder winters than northern Portugal, though watch out for those apartments without heating – you’ll still need those electric heaters (and the heating bill will make you wince!).

Perfect for people who want city life but at a more relaxed pace than the UK. The downside is that it’s becoming increasingly expensive and touristy in the popular neighborhoods.

Madeira

Popular with retirees because it genuinely has year-round good weather – the “island of eternal spring” reputation is well-deserved. It’s also attracting digital nomads and some families looking for a unique lifestyle.

The scenery is absolutely beautiful, and it’s fantastic for walking. The island has a distinct culture that’s Portuguese but with its own unique character.

However, it starts to feel small after a while, everything needs to be imported so costs are higher, and island life isn’t for everyone. Great if you want a close-knit community feel, less great if you need variety and stimulation.

Cascais

Near Lisbon but with a completely different vibe. Upmarket and popular with well-heeled retirees who want the best of both worlds – close enough to Lisbon for culture and services, but with a refined coastal lifestyle. It also attracts plenty of expat families, thanks to the international schools nearby.

Great weather, excellent sailing, tennis, and golf, beautiful beaches, and a sophisticated international community. Cascais and nearby Estoril is where many wealthy Portuguese live, so the infrastructure is better and the streets cleaner.

The catch? It’s expensive. This isn’t budget living – it’s premium Portuguese coastal life with prices to match. And even though the train into Lisbon is only 40 minutes or so, it can feel that little bit too far away.

Silver Coast

For those who want a more affordable, more authentic version of the Algarve. You’ll find lots more Brits and other English-speaking nationalities (Americans and Canadians mainly) who’ve discovered this area offers much better value for money.

The region includes some lovely small cities like Coimbra (historic university town) and Aveiro (sometimes called the “Venice of Portugal”). It’s particularly popular with retirees and families who want coastal living without Algarve prices.

The beaches are excellent, the towns feel more Portuguese than touristy, and property prices are significantly lower. The trade-off is cooler weather than the south but for many, it’s worth it.

Central Portugal & Alentejo

We’re bundling too regions here together – inland Central Portugal and the Alentejo. Both are popular because they’re rural, traditional, and affordable.

Inland Central Portugal gets cheaper the closer you get to the Spanish border (and further from the coast, unfortunately). Here and the Alentejo region offer proper rural living – much more so than anything you’ll find in the Algarve.

This is popular territory for those wanting to live off-grid, renovate ruins, or achieve a much lower cost of living. You can buy a house with land for the price of a small apartment elsewhere.

The weather can be extreme – very hot in summer, quite cold in winter – and it can get genuinely isolated. But if you want authentic rural Portugal, stunning landscapes, and rock-bottom living costs, this is your area.

Porto & Northern Portugal

Colder and damper winters make this less popular with Brits seeking sunshine, but it’s more authentically Portuguese as a result. Porto is a big enough city to satisfy most people’s urban needs, with excellent food, culture, and a growing international community.

There are lots of attractive smaller cities nearby like Braga and Guimarães, and you’re close to Spain if you want weekend trips. Property prices are lower than Lisbon, particularly once you exclude Porto, and the region has serious character.

The weather is the main drawback – it rains more here than in Manchester, and winters are genuinely cold and damp. But if you’re not chasing sunshine and want to experience “real” Portugal, the north offers excellent value and authentic culture.

Portugalist Take: This isn’t a complete overview – we’ve left out the Azores, for example. It includes the most popular locations, particularly for British people. You can live anywhere, but this is often a good place to start as there’s usually a reason they’re popular.

See a guide to all of the different locations in the UK

Step #4: Investigate Taxes and Cost of Living

This section is tricky because everyone’s cost of living is different (some people eat at Michelin star restaurants and others prefer hole-in-the-wall joints). Also, it’s hard to estimate everyone’s taxes since that’s also different – some are married while others are single, some work as freelancers while others are retired, etc.

But here’s a practical approach to figure out if your finances will actually work.

1. Start with Your Income

What money do you actually have coming in? Make a realistic list including things like pensions, rental income, remote work, and savings.

Be honest about what’s guaranteed versus what’s hopeful and variable. That idea you have for an Etsy store or career in teaching English online? Don’t factor it in unless it’s realistic.

2. Figure Out the Tax Situation

Unless you’re on the Golden Visa and spending less than 183 days per year in Portugal, you’ll typically become a Portuguese tax resident (not a UK tax resident, although some things might be taxable in the UK).

While UK taxes can feel high, Portuguese taxes can be higher (although the exact amount will depend on your income). Be sure to get professional help as the Portuguese tax system isn’t immediately as straight-forward as the UK system.

3. Work Out Your Living Costs

Start with the biggest expense: somewhere to live.

Use sites like Idealista.pt to get realistic estimates of rental or purchase costs in areas you’re considering.

Other major costs to research:

• Utilities: Electricity (€40-80/month), water (€20-35), internet (€30-60)
• Groceries: €250-400/month for two people depending on shopping habits
• Transport: Car costs, fuel, public transport, flights back to UK
• Healthcare: Private insurance (€100-150/month for couples)
• Miscellaneous: Eating out, entertainment, household items, clothing

The Reality Check Questions:

• After taxes, is your income enough to cover these costs comfortably?
• Are you cutting it too fine? What if unexpected costs arise?
• Is there enough buffer for emergencies, home repairs, or medical expenses?
• Should you consider a different part of Portugal with lower living costs?
• What happens if the pound weakens against the euro?

Portugalist Take: Don’t move to Portugal hoping you’ll somehow spend less than you do in the UK. Yes, some things (like eating out and wine) are cheaper, but others (like cars and toiletries) cost more, and you’ll have new expenses you never considered. If your budget only works if everything goes perfectly and you live like a monk, reconsider. Portugal should improve your quality of life, not stress you out financially. Better to wait another year and have a proper buffer than arrive underfunded and miserable.

Step #5: Research Healthcare Options

This is typically more of a concern for those who are older, thinking about having children, or dealing with ongoing health conditions. But it’s a good idea for everyone to familiarize themselves with their healthcare options.

Like the UK, Portugal has two healthcare systems: public and private. Understanding both is crucial for planning your move.

Public Healthcare (SNS)

The Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS) is Portugal’s public health system – think of it as Portugal’s NHS. It’s good quality healthcare, but like the NHS, it suffers from backlogs, particularly for non-urgent issues.

Key differences from the NHS:

• Small user fees: Unlike the free NHS, you’ll pay modest charges (€5 for GP visits, for example)
• Additional costs: You might be charged for things like bandages and certain supplies

Private Healthcare

Private hospitals are growing in popularity, with both expats and Portuguese increasingly using them for faster service and shorter waiting times.

Private healthcare benefits:

• Much shorter waiting times
• Often English-speaking doctors in major cities
• Modern facilities and equipment
• More convenient appointment scheduling

The Mixed Approach (Most Popular)

Many people use a combination – just like in the UK where people have private insurance but still rely on the NHS for major issues.

For most visas, private health insurance is a requirement initially, although you can switch to only the public system later. However, more and more people keep their private insurance.

Wondering how much private health insurance will cost? It’s a good idea to get a quote, not only so you know how much everything will cost but what will be covered.

Common strategy:

• Private insurance for routine check-ups, minor procedures, and getting referrals to specialists
• Public system for emergencies, major surgeries, and serious conditions

Research Your Local Options

Before choosing where to live, research the healthcare facilities in that area:

Questions to investigate:

• Where’s the nearest public hospital?
• Are there private hospitals or clinics nearby?
• Are there specialists available for any ongoing conditions you have?

Portugalist Take: Don’t assume Portuguese healthcare is worse than the UK – it’s different, but often very good. The combination approach works well: private insurance for convenience and peace of mind, public system for serious issues. Research healthcare options before choosing where to live, especially if you have ongoing medical needs.

#Step 6: Research Nearby Schools

This section only applies to families. If you have kids, you’ll need to figure out where they’ll go to school. There are four main options to consider, and whichever you pick will effectively decide where you can live.

1. Public Schools

Easy option – they’re everywhere. Portuguese public schools are free (with some small costs). Use ranking tables to work out which are the best in areas you’re considering.

Your children will be taught in Portuguese, which means they’ll become fluent quickly but might struggle initially. Most schools offer support for non-Portuguese speaking children, though this varies by location.

Best for: Families committed to full Portuguese integration and language learning.

2. Private Schools

These are typically taught in Portuguese but offer smaller class sizes and better facilities than public schools. Fees are usually manageable – often €200-500 per month depending on the school and location.

The curriculum is similar to public schools but with more individual attention and often better extracurricular activities.

Best for: Families wanting Portuguese education with better resources and smaller classes.

3. International Schools

These typically teach A-levels or the International Baccalaureate (IB) and often operate in English. Fees are much higher – usually €8,000-25,000 per year depending on the school and age group.

English A-levels Schools in Portugal:

• International School of Lisbon (Lisbon area) – British curriculum, ages 3-18
• Oporto British School (Porto) – British curriculum and A-levels
• International School of the Algarve (Lagoa, Algarve) – British curriculum
• Nobel International School Algarve (Almancil, Algarve) – British curriculum, ages 3-18
• St. Peter’s International School (Palmela, near Lisbon) – British curriculum
• Carlucci American International School (Lisbon) – American system but offers some British qualifications

Best for: Families wanting continuity with UK education system and planning possible return to UK or university elsewhere.

4. Homeschooling

Growing in popularity among expat families. It’s not typical in Portugal but can be done legally. You’ll need to register with Portuguese education authorities and follow certain requirements.

Best for: Families with experience in homeschooling, very specific educational philosophies, or those who don’t want to be limited by location.

Key Questions to Ask Yourself:

• Do you want your children to become fully Portuguese or maintain British educational continuity?
• Can you afford international school fees (potentially €15,000+ per year per child)?
• Are you prepared for the initial challenge of children adapting to Portuguese-language education?
• How important is it that your children maintain native-level English?
• Are you planning to stay permanently or might you return to the UK?

Portugalist Take: International schools sound appealing, but they’re expensive and limit where you can live. Portuguese public schools are genuinely decent, and kids adapt to new languages much faster than adults expect. Many expat families successfully use local schools and supplement with English tutoring or online resources. Don’t automatically assume you need an international school – visit some local schools first and see what you think.

Step #7: Decide What to Bring

This typically comes down to a few key decisions that’ll affect both your moving costs and your first few months in Portugal.

Pets

Of course they’re coming! (Although some people do struggle with the decision if they have older pets who might find the journey stressful.)

You will need to get vaccinations up to date and get them microchipped, but it’s definitely possible to bring pets from the UK to Portugal. The process involves some paperwork and planning (covered in detail later), but thousands of pets make this journey successfully every year.

Your Car

This is where it gets tricky. Cars are more expensive in Portugal, even second-hand ones. But is it worth importing (which costs money) a right-hand drive car into a left-hand drive country? Should you buy a left-hand drive in the UK before leaving?

Some people do bring their UK cars, but it does make driving more challenging – overtaking, navigating roundabouts, and parking can all be trickier when your steering wheel is on the wrong side.

Your Belongings

This is probably the most important decision. Will you downsize significantly or try to bring everything? Some people do a mixture of both.

The good news is that the UK isn’t far from Portugal, so you have several shipping options:

Shipping methods:

• Full container: Most expensive but handles everything
• Shared truck/container: More affordable for partial loads
• DIY with van: Rent a van and drive it yourself
• Extra suitcases: Bring smaller valuable items on flights
• Ship later: Move with basics, ship more stuff once settled

Portugalist Take: Most people bring too much stuff and wish they’d been more selective. Focus on bringing things that are either sentimental or genuinely expensive to replace in Portugal. As for cars, unless you have something special or valuable, selling in the UK and buying in Portugal usually makes more financial sense, even with higher Portuguese car prices.

Step #8: Start Learning the Language

Learning Portuguese isn’t a legal requirement for moving to Portugal – you won’t need it for your visa application. It’s also not a cultural requirement in the sense that lots of people live in Portugal without learning Portuguese (particularly in places like the Algarve where English is widely spoken).

However, you will absolutely improve your quality of life by learning some Portuguese.

Why Start Now?

• For citizenship: If you want to apply for Portuguese citizenship – and most people do – you’ll need to show a basic level of Portuguese (A2 level).
• Hit the ground running: You want to be able to establish Portuguese relationships from day one. If you start off speaking English with your local cashier at the supermarket, the person at the bakery, your neighbors, you’ll likely continue in English forever. Starting with basic Portuguese, even if it’s terrible, sets the right tone.
• Beyond tourist areas: If you’re planning to live anywhere outside the main expat zones, Portuguese becomes essential rather than optional pretty quickly.

Step #9: Start Gathering The Essentials

This will vary depending on the visa you’re applying for. For example, if you’re applying for the Golden Visa, you’ll need to make your investment first. Going for the Digital Nomad Visa and planning to work remotely? You’ll need permission from your employer.

Get Professional Help

Speak with a lawyer. You don’t have to work with a lawyer, but it’s definitely recommended. Since most offer a free consultation, it makes sense to take advantage of this. They’ll be able to tell you exactly which documents you need for your specific situation and visa type.

A good immigration lawyer can also help you avoid common mistakes that cause delays or rejections.

Documents Most People Need

While requirements vary by visa, most applications require:

• A NIF (Portuguese tax number)
• A Portuguese bank account
• Travel insurance (and later health insurance)
• An address in Portugal (for the D7, you typically need a rental or purchased property before submitting your application)
• A UK police (DBS check)

Start Early

Document gathering takes longer than you think. Some items, like criminal background checks, can take weeks to obtain. Others, like getting a Portuguese address, might require a research trip to Portugal. Some may need to be notarized or apostilled.

Portugalist Take: Don’t try to figure out the document requirements yourself – visa applications get rejected for missing or incorrect paperwork all the time. A lawyer’s free consultation can save you months of delays and frustration. Start with getting your NIF and criminal background check, as these take time and are needed for almost every visa type. Book a consultation with a relocation expert now and get the ball rolling.