How to Move to Portugal from the UK

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 a lifestyle many Brits now crave after years of rising costs, political fatigue, and relentless busyness back home.

Brexit has made moving here a little more complicated, but it’s still absolutely possible. If you’re prepared for slower paperwork and the odd curveball, Portugal offers one of the most liveable, welcoming, and attainable options in Europe for British citizens.

Visas for UK Citizens Moving to Portugal

Since Brexit, British citizens are classed as third-country nationals. That means you can still visit Portugal for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa, but for anything longer — whether you’re retiring, working remotely, or starting a business — you’ll need a residency visa. If you have an EU/EEA or Swiss passport you can normally move to Portugal without needing a residency visa (and you can bring close family members, like a spouse or dependent children).

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With the exception of the Golden Visa (which only requires you to spend an average of seven days per year as a minimum), this does mean moving to Portugal on a full-time basis.

Here are the main options available in 2025.

D7 Visa — Passive Income or Retirement

The D7 visa remains one of the most popular choices for Brits moving full-time to Portugal. It’s designed for people who earn a regular passive income — such as pensions, rental income, or dividends — rather than a salary. This option is particularly popular with British retirees as even a UK state pension would meet the requirements (for an individual). It is also more attainable than Spain’s equivalent visa, the non-lucrative visa.

Requirements (approximate):

• Minimum income: €920 per month for the main applicant
• Add 50% for a spouse or partner and 30% per dependent child
• Proof of savings (often 12+ months of income) in a Portuguese bank account — a common practice, though not written into law
• Proof of accommodation (e.g., 12-month lease or property ownership)
• UK criminal record certificate

You’ll first apply through VFS Global or the Portuguese Consulate in the UK. If approved, you’ll receive a four-month visa to enter Portugal and attend your AIMA (Agência para a Integração, Migração e Asilo) appointment for biometrics. After that, you’ll receive a two-year residence card, renewable for three more years.

Residency obligations:
You can’t be outside Portugal for more than six consecutive months or eight months total during the first two-year period and the three-year period that follows. After five years, you can apply for permanent residency, and citizenship after ten.

Read more about the D7

Digital Nomad Visa (Remote Work)

This visa (sometimes called the D8, sometimes called the D9) is aimed at remote workers or freelancers who earn their income from abroad. It allows you to live in Portugal while working for foreign clients or employers.

Requirements (approximate):

• Monthly income: €3,680 (four times the minimum wage)
• Add 50% for a spouse or partner and 30% per dependent child
• Proof your work is remote, not tied to Portugal, and that you are able to work from Portugal (contracts, invoices, employer letter)
• Evidence of savings (often around 12 months’ income)
• Health insurance and clean criminal record
• Proof of accommodation

Like the D7, you’ll apply in the UK, receive a four-month visa, and finalise residency with AIMA. There are two tracks:

• Temporary stay visa (up to one year, renewable)
• Residency visa (two-year permit, renewable)

This visa is especially popular with freelancers, tech workers, and consultants who can maintain foreign contracts while living in Portugal. However, the monthly requirements are high, even by UK standards—and especially if you add a partner or child onto your application.

Read more about the Digital Nomad Visa

Golden Visa — Investment Route

Unlike the D7 or Digital Nomad visas, the Golden Visa doesn’t require you to live in Portugal full-time. You only need to spend an average of seven days per year in the country to maintain your status. If you prefer, you can spend the entire year here — but it isn’t required.

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In many ways, it’s the reverse of Portugal’s other residency visas.

It’s ideal if you:

• Don’t want to move to Portugal immediately
• Want a long-term Plan B in the EU
• Have a high-earning job or business you don’t want to leave
• Want your family to have future EU rights
• Prefer to keep your current tax residency in the UK

If that sounds like you, the Golden Visa offers exactly that flexibility.

Even with the citizenship timeline now extended to 10 years, Portugal’s Golden Visa remains one of Europe’s most attractive residency-by-investment programs. While some countries grant citizenship faster or include real estate, Portugal stands out for its minimal physical stay requirements and continued access to the Schengen Area.

Read more about the Golden Visa

Minimum Investment (Post-2023 Rules)

D2 Visa — Entrepreneur Route

The D2 Visa is Portugal’s residency pathway for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and small business owners. It’s one of the more flexible visa types, and while it requires more effort upfront, it can be an excellent fit for the right person.

This visa works if you:

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• Have a business idea you want to launch in Portugal
• Plan to transfer an existing UK business to Portugal

Many Brits have successfully used the D2 route to open everything from B&Bs and boutique hotels to web design agencies, yoga studios, and tech start-ups.

That said, the obvious English-speaking niches — things like dog kennels, expat-focused real estate, and handyman services — are already competitive. If you want long-term success, think about serving the wider Portuguese market, which usually means learning at least conversational Portuguese.

It’s important to realize that, compared to the D7 or Digital Nomad visas, the D2 involves more scrutiny. You’ll need to present a detailed business plan, realistic financial projections, and proof that your business can support you (and any dependents).

Read more about the D2

D1 & D3 Work Visas

These are Portugal’s traditional employment visas, designed for people who’ve already secured a job offer with a Portuguese company before moving. They’re less common among British expats, but they can be a good fit in certain industries — especially for those who want a clear, employer-backed path to residency.

The D1 Visa: Standard Employment

The D1 Visa applies if you have a job offer from a Portuguese employer for any standard role — full-time, ongoing employment that meets at least the national minimum wage (currently €920 per month in 2026).

However, while the cost of living in Portugal is lower than in the UK, wages are also significantly lower. Entry-level or mid-tier jobs often pay €900–€1,500 per month, which can make living in Lisbon, Cascais, or the Algarve expensive without supplemental income or shared accommodation.

That said, in smaller cities or rural areas, where rent and daily expenses are lower, a Portuguese salary can stretch further.

Read more about the D1

The D3 Visa: Highly Qualified Professionals

The D3 Visa targets people in specialist or senior roles, such as:

• Engineers, architects, or IT professionals
• Scientists or researchers
• Doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals
• University lecturers or academic staff

The main advantage of the D3 visa is that it recognises your professional qualifications and offers a smoother path to permanent residency and citizenship. It’s also recognised under the EU Blue Card system, which can make it easier to live and work elsewhere in the EU later on.

To qualify, your salary must meet or exceed a set threshold — usually 1.5× the Portuguese minimum wage.

The main hurdle isn’t paperwork — it’s finding a Portuguese employer willing to sponsor you. Since the UK is now outside the EU, companies must prove they couldn’t fill the role with an EU citizen first. This makes employers more cautious, as the process involves extra bureaucracy, costs, and sometimes long wait times.

Read more about the D3

D4 Visa: Study in Portugal

The D4 Visa is Portugal’s student visa, designed for anyone accepted onto a long-term study programme — typically a university degree, master’s, or PhD.

It’s a great option for British students who want to study in the EU post-Brexit, as tuition fees in Portugal are often lower than in England and Wales, and living costs are generally more affordable.

Portugal also offers a few standout universities:

• University of Coimbra – one of the oldest universities in Europe, known for its history and architecture.
• NOVA University Lisbon (Nova Lisboa) – well regarded internationally, particularly in economics, law, and business.
• University of Porto – strong in science, engineering, and arts.

While Portuguese universities tend to rank lower than the UK’s top institutions, they offer something different — a chance to learn the language, experience Southern European culture, and gain EU residency while you study.

The main challenge comes after graduation. The D4 visa only covers your study period, so if you want to stay in Portugal afterwards, you’ll need to transition to another residence permit.

Read more about the D4

Where to Live in Portugal

Portugal isn’t large — you can drive from top to bottom in about six hours — but the lifestyle, weather, and costs can vary dramatically depending on where you settle. Most British expats start with the Algarve, but there’s no shortage of alternatives if you’re looking for something quieter, cheaper, or more authentic.

The Algarve

The Algarve remains the top choice for British expats, thanks to its reliable sunshine, beaches, and relaxed pace of life. English is widely spoken, the infrastructure is excellent, and you’ll even find British supermarkets, golf courses, and pubs if that’s your thing.

That said, it’s not the bargain it once was. Rents and property prices have climbed sharply, especially in popular towns like Lagos, Albufeira, and Tavira. Many people are now heading inland — around Silves, Monchique, and Alcoutim — in search of more affordable housing. Even so, prices have risen there too as more remote workers and retirees discover these quieter areas.

If you want convenience, good weather, and a built-in expat network, the Algarve is hard to beat. Just expect to pay for it.

The Silver Coast

The Silver Coast was long seen as the affordable alternative to the Algarve, offering coastal living at lower prices. Stretching from roughly Lisbon to Porto, this region includes towns like Nazaré, Caldas da Rainha, and Peniche, all of which have growing expat communities.

While prices have increased here too, they’re still generally lower than in the south. The beaches are wild and beautiful, and the towns feel more Portuguese and less touristy. Winters are noticeably cooler and wetter, especially the further north you go, but the trade-off is a more local, less resort-like atmosphere.

For many, it’s the best of both worlds — coastal living, good value, and authentic Portuguese culture.

Lisbon

Portugal’s capital, Lisbon, has become a magnet for digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and professionals. It’s modern, walkable, full of culture, and has great transport links. There’s a thriving international community and an ever-growing number of co-working spaces, cafés, and tech start-ups.

The downside is cost: Lisbon rents are now among the highest in Portugal, often comparable to mid-sized UK cities. But if you’re earning a foreign income, the lifestyle — sunny terraces, easy access to beaches, and incredible food — is hard to beat.

Cascais

Just 30–40 minutes by train from Lisbon, Cascais offers the best of both worlds — close enough to the capital for work, shopping, and nightlife, yet with its own relaxed, coastal identity. It’s an elegant seaside town with leafy streets, boutique shops, and an international feel that attracts retirees, families, and professionals alike.

Cascais has a lovely town beach and quick access to some of Portugal’s most dramatic coastline, including Praia do Guincho, famous for its windsurfing and wild Atlantic views. The area is home to excellent schools (including several international ones), golf courses, and a strong expat community.

On the downside, it’s one of Portugal’s most expensive places to live, both for renting and buying property. Prices are high, and competition for good housing is strong. But for those who can afford it, Cascais delivers luxury coastal living without giving up city convenience.

Porto

Portugal’s second city, Porto, has a very different feel from Lisbon — more traditional, more compact, and in many ways, more Portuguese. It’s built along the Douro River, famous for its wine cellars, tiled facades, and steep cobbled streets.

Porto is increasingly popular with expats who want city life at a lower cost. Housing and dining are still more affordable than Lisbon, though prices are rising here too. It’s also less tourist-saturated, and while English is widely spoken in the centre, life here feels more local and less international.

The climate is cooler and wetter, particularly in winter, but the region is lush and green, with easy access to the Douro Valley wine region, northern beach towns, and even Spain just a few hours away.

For those who value culture, affordability, and authenticity over endless sunshine, Porto makes an excellent base.

Madeira

For those seeking year-round spring-like weather, Madeira is a fantastic choice. The island has become increasingly popular with retirees and digital nomads alike, especially around Funchal and Ponta do Sol.

The scenery is breathtaking — mountains, forests, and ocean views at every turn — and the climate is mild and stable all year. It does, however, feel small after a while, and imported goods can be pricey. But if you want warm winters and a peaceful island lifestyle, Madeira delivers.

Going Inland

More and more people are heading inland to the Alentejo, Central Portugal, and the north. Here, property prices drop dramatically, and it’s still possible to buy a house with land — or even a ruin to restore — for the price of a small flat on the coast.

This is rural Portugal at its most authentic: quiet towns, traditional markets, and a slower, community-based way of life. Some expats live off-grid, growing their own food and enjoying a level of space and independence that would be unthinkable in the UK.

The trade-offs? Hot summers, cold winters, and fewer services. But for those seeking peace, authenticity, and value for money, inland Portugal can be magical.

Healthcare in Portugal

Portugal’s healthcare system is excellent overall, and like the NHS, it’s built around a strong public service backed up by private options. In fact, the Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS) — Portugal’s public healthcare system — was modelled on the UK’s NHS, which makes it familiar to most Brits.

Once you become a legal resident, you can register with your local Centro de Saúde (health centre) to access the public system. You’ll be given a Número de Utente (health number), which allows you to book appointments, receive prescriptions, and access hospital care.

Public healthcare is high-quality and affordable, but it isn’t free. Expect small co-payments (usually a few euros per visit) and, like the NHS, backlogs for non-urgent treatments or specialist referrals.

That’s why many British people living in Portugal choose to combine public and private care. Private hospitals and clinics are modern, efficient, and often have English-speaking doctors — particularly in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve. You can pay out of pocket, but most residents take out private insurance to reduce costs and get faster access to specialists.

Private insurance typically costs between €50–€150 per month, depending on your age and coverage level. Many expats keep private insurance even after registering with the SNS, using it for convenience and quicker appointments.l.

Taxes in Portugal

Portugal taxes residents on their worldwide income. If you spend 183 days or more per year in Portugal, or have a permanent home here, you’re likely to be considered a tax resident.

For most people moving from the UK, this means you’ll pay more tax in Portugal than you did back home — especially if you’re from England or Wales. For Scots, the difference is smaller due to Scotland’s higher tax bands.

That said, there are exceptions and nuances worth understanding.

Golden Visa Holders

If you’re on the Golden Visa and spend fewer than 183 days per year in Portugal, you may avoid Portuguese tax residency altogether. In that case, you could still pay tax in the UK (or wherever your primary residence is). However, this depends on how your income is structured and your personal circumstances — it’s essential to speak with a cross-border tax specialist.

Pensions and the UK-Portugal Tax Treaty

Portugal has a double taxation treaty with the UK, which means you won’t pay tax on the same income twice. Some pensions, particularly state or public sector pensions (like police or military pensions), remain taxable in the UK even after you move. Others — such as private or company pensions — are typically taxable in Portugal.

Professional advice is strongly recommended before transferring or drawing down any pension, as tax treatment can vary significantly.

The End of NHR (Non-Habitual Residency)

Portugal’s Non-Habitual Residency (NHR) regime was once a major draw for expats, offering reduced tax rates on foreign income and pensions. However, it was abolished at the end of 2023. Those already in the system can continue to benefit, but it’s closed to new applicants.

In its place, Portugal introduced IFICI — the Incentive for Scientific Research and Innovation — sometimes dubbed “NHR 2.0.”

IFICI is far narrower in scope. It primarily benefits:

• Researchers
• University staff
• Engineers, scientists, and highly qualified professionals in innovation-related sectors

It generally does not benefit retirees or remote workers, but if you work in a qualifying field, it’s worth exploring with a tax advisor.

Conclusion

For most Brits, the motivation to move to Portugal comes down to one thing: quality of life. The sunshine, the food, the slower pace, and those easy afternoons by the sea are a world away from British drizzle and rising living costs. Add in a glass of local wine that costs less than a coffee back home, and it’s easy to see the appeal.

Portugal also offers a range of visas that make it one of the most accessible countries in Europe for relocation — whether you’re retired, working remotely, or investing for the future. For many, it’s not just about lifestyle; it’s about regaining a foothold in the EU. And for those who want flexibility without committing full-time, the Golden Visa provides exactly that — a long-term Plan B with minimal time on the ground.

That said, Portugal isn’t perfect. The bureaucracy can be maddening, integration can take effort, and the pace that feels relaxing on holiday can feel painfully slow when you’re trying to get paperwork approved. But if you can handle the frustrations, the rewards are real: a safe, sunny country where life feels simpler, warmer, and more human.

In the end, moving to Portugal is about trade-offs — fewer conveniences, perhaps, but more time, more light, and more life. For many Brits, that’s a trade worth making.