What are the main reasons for UK citizens moving to Portugal?
Many British people love Portugal for its nice weather, good food, and low cost of living. According to statistics, over 32,000 British citizens lived in Portugal as of June 2022. The Algarve is a popular destination for British citizens, but there are also large UK populations in Lisbon and Porto.
The climate in Portugal is mild subtropical, without extreme temperature variations. Each region is different: the north is colder, while the south and centre of the country have warmer, drier weather.
Summer temperatures in Lisbon and southern Portugal can reach 29 °C during the day. Cooling breezes from the Atlantic Ocean blow off the coast. The average winter temperature is 14 °C, and it can rain and fog.
Safety. Global Peace Index ranked Portugal the 4th safest country in 2021. Crime statistics, the level of respect for citizens’ rights, and firearm availability are among the parameters considered in the assessment.
Portuguese are hospitable to newcomers. The Expat Insider 2021 survey ranked Portugal as the 5th best destination for expats in the world. According to the official statistics, the number of foreign residents in Portugal increased by 40% between 2011 and 2021. Foreign citizens make up 14.7% and 8.9% of the populations of the Algarve and Lisbon Metropolitan Areas, respectively.
Healthcare system. Among 89 countries, Portugal ranks 17th in the CEOWORLD Health Index 2021. The Health Index measures the overall quality of the health system, such as the competence of professionals, the cost per capita per year, and the availability of quality medicines. Additionally, the environment, access to clean water, sanitation, and government policies are considered.
If a UK citizen is planning to move to Portugal, health insurance must be presented when applying for a visa.
Anyone who is registered as a resident can also register to access the Portuguese National Health Service (SNS) on the same basis as a Portuguese citizen. This is the same whether you are employed, self-employed or unemployed. Health services in Portugal are billed according to type at a fixed rate (taxas moderadoras).
Education system. Portugal is one of the cheapest EU countries for higher education. Degrees from Portugal are recognised throughout Europe. Some programs are co-designed with UK universities, so graduates earn double degrees.
Portugal’s schooling and higher education follow the Bologna System standards. It is usually required to have an A-level or International Baccalaureate (IB) qualification to apply to universities.
It is common for undergraduate programmes to include work placements in overseas companies. Students gain the necessary experience in the profession, making it easier for them to pass an interview when they apply for a job.
Higher education in Portugal is free for EU citizens. Universities do not require citizenship for students to obtain degrees. In this case, a Portugal residence permit would be suitable.
Tax optimisation. Portugal provides benefits to new tax residents for 10 years if they apply for Non-habitual Resident status. For example, they do not pay tax on world income. Some new tax residents, like highly qualified specialists, pay a flat 20% income tax.
If a person is a tax resident in the UK but receives income while still in Portugal, they will have to pay income tax twice. In the UK, all income will be taxed; in Portugal, only that which is derived from Portuguese sources, e.g. in the form of dividends from a Portuguese company.
Portugal and the UK have a double taxation treaty (DTA). It regulates the payment of taxes between the countries, so a person or company pays tax in the country of origin and takes a tax deduction in the country of residence. If the tax rate is higher in the country of residence, the difference has to be paid.
Cost of life in Portugal. According to Numbeo, the cost of living in Portugal, on average, is 40% lower than in the UK. You would need about €3,400 in Lisbon to support the same standard of living that would require €5,900 (£5,140) in London, assuming you rent.
Comparative cost of living in the UK and Portugal
| Basic accommodation costs | Portugal, Lisbon | UK, London |
| Property to buy Price per square metre for apartment in city centre | €4,400 | €16,200 |
| Rent 1 bedroom apartment in city centre | €1,100 | €2,600 |
| Utilities, monthly Electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage for 85m2 apartment | €103 | €370 |
| Private preschool or kindergarten, full day, for 1 child, monthly | €480 | €2,000 |
| International Primary School for 1 child, yearly | €9,800 | €24,000 |
| Three-course meal for two people | €47 | €68 |
| Cappuccino | €2 | €3,50 |
| Loaf of bread | €1,50 | €2 |
| Beer | €3 | €4 |
| Milk | €1 | €1,80 |
| Eggs | €2,80 | €3 |
Why is Portugal especially attractive for the retired?
According to Living magazine’s annual Global Retirement Index ranking, Portugal is ranked 4th for retirement living in 2022. Despite its small size, Portugal has much to appeal to people of all nationalities and ages: warm climate, European lifestyle, friendly people, good ecology, safety, quality health services and low cost of living.
UK retirees living in Portugal say they like the beautiful cities, unique architectural style, local cuisine, proximity to the ocean and golden beaches, and easy transport links to the UK and other European countries.
Pensioners receiving a pension from another country who register a preferential non-resident tax (NHR) status pay a tax of 10% instead of 20%. Yet, in 2024, the NHR regime will conclude. Existing Non-habitual residents in Portugal will retain their advantages throughout their 10-year term.
How can a UK citizen get a Portugal residence permit
After Brexit, UK citizens can enter and reside in Portugal for 90 days per half-year. If UK nationals want to stay longer, they need to obtain a residence permit in Portugal.
People wishing to move to Portugal on various grounds can obtain a residence permit:
- Portugal Golden Visa by the purchase of fund units or other investments;
- D7 visa for persons with permanent income outside Portugal;
- A start-up visa for qualified professionals who intend to invest in innovative projects;
- Student visas for those intending to study in Portugal;
- A D1 visa is for individuals who have been invited to work for a Portuguese company.
Most applicants from the UK choose between the Golden visa and the D7 visa.
Portugal Golden Visa for UK citizens: the program overview
The Portugal Golden visa for investment is the easiest and fastest way to obtain a Portuguese residence permit. You do not need to prove your knowledge of the Portuguese language or professional qualifications to participate in the program, unlike work and student visas.
Processing time. It takes 8 to 10 months to obtain a Golden Visa and immigrate to Portugal from the UK. This time includes collection of documents, application, Due Diligence check, fulfilment of investment conditions, and submission of biometric data in Portugal.
The Portugal Golden Visa program provides investors with a choice of five options:
- €250,000 for the development of culture or reconstruction of national heritage;
- €500,000 in investment fund units;
- €500,000 in a business that creates at least five jobs;
- €500,000 in research programs;
- opening a company and creating at least ten jobs in Portugal.
Who can obtain a Golden Visa in Portugal. This type of visa can be granted to investors over the age of 18, with legal income earned outside Portugal, without a criminal record.
The investor can include a spouse, children up to the age of 26, and parents in the application for a Portuguese Golden Visa. For children over the age of 18 and applicants’ parents, it is necessary to prove that they are financially dependent on the investor.
The number of family members does not affect the minimum investment amount. Only the state fees for each family member will increase.
Document requirements for a Portugal Golden Visa:
- Application form.
- Passport.
- Marriage, divorce and birth certificates, if required.
- Two passport-size photos.
- Health insurance policy.
- Criminal record certificate.
- Investment-related documents.
Immigrant Invest attorneys provide the investor with a list of documents required for the application. They fill out the government forms, translate and notarise the documents.
Your residence permit in Portugal needs to be renewed every two years. It is sufficient to spend seven days a year in the country to meet the renewal conditions.
How to obtain Portugal Golden Visa: step-by-step procedure
The process of obtaining the Portugal Golden Visa takes 8—10 months. Immigrant Invest helps the applicants throughout the whole procedure.
A certified Anti-Money Laundering Officer carries out a mandatory due diligence check, which allows identification of all potential issues and reduces rejection risk to 1%.
Immigrant Invest signs an agreement with the investor only knowing the check results. If there are any risks, we offer a solution: for example, investors can choose another program or add some documents.
The preliminary check is confidential.
A unique nine-digit number called NIF is issued to the applicants. It is required to open a bank account in Portugal, buy or rent real estate, register a business, and more.
It is possible to make an investment under the Portugal Golden Visa Program only from an account in a Portuguese bank.
We help open an account and activate it.
Applicants fulfil the investment conditions. They purchase fund units, create a company or make an investment directed at supporting arts or science.
The lawyers collect all the supporting documents to prove the investment made.
Immigrant Invest lawyers provide the investor with an individual list of documents required for a residence permit. They fill out government forms and help translate and notarise documents. The process takes up to two weeks.
E-copies of the documents are sent to the AIMA, Agency for Integration, Migrations and Asylum of Portugal. The application is considered for 4—5 months.
The investor and their family members come to Portugal and submit original documents and fingerprints for residence permit cards. The appointment must be booked in advance in the electronic register.
AIMA checks the documents for up to eight months from biometric data.
After approval, the investor pays the fee for the residence permit cards. They are prepared within two weeks and issued personally to the investor or their lawyers by proxy, who then send the documents to the investor.
The investor and their family members must spend at least seven days a year in Portugal to maintain residency. The residence permit must be renewed every two years.
How to move your belongings from the UK to Portugal
Before moving to Portugal from the UK, investors need to acquire a Baggage Certificate, known as Certificado de Bagagem. It is issued to any person, regardless of their nationality, provided that they have owned their belongings for a minimum of six months, allowing for a duty-free import.
Personal items must be intended to be used for the same purposes as in their national territory. Additionally, investors' goods should reach Portugal within the first 12 months of the validity of their temporary residence permit.
Portuguese D7 visa: best choice for UK retirees
The D7 visa can be obtained by UK citizens who have an income outside Portugal — for example, pensions, freelance work, renting out real estate or entrepreneurial activities.
Income requirements. Applicants prove that they have a regular income not lower than the minimum wage in Portugal.
The minimum income required is calculated as a percentage of the statutory minimum wage in Portugal:
- 100% for the main applicant;
- 50% for a spouse;
- 25% for each child under 18.
In 2024, the minimum income requirement is €820 per month for the main applicant, €410 for a spouse and €205 for each child under the age of 18. It means the minimum annual income must be €9,840.
Processing time. The time for obtaining a D7 visa is from 2 months. Once the visa is granted, the applicant can immediately apply for a Portuguese residence permit for financially independent persons.
Mandatory condition. For a D7 visa application, a home purchase or rent is required for the applicant's family.
The period of validity of a D7 visa is 4 months. As long as the D7 visa is valid, the applicant has to apply for a Portugal residence permit to the AIMA. If the applicant does not manage to obtain a residence permit in 4 months, the D7 visa can be extended by 90 days.
A step-by-step procedure to obtain a residence permit in Portugal for those who are financially independent
- Register with the tax office in Portugal and obtain a tax number (NIF). Registration is available online.
- Open a bank account.
- Buy or rent a property.
- Prepare your D7 visa documents.
- Apply in person at the consulate of your home country.
- Come to Portugal on a D7 visa.
- Apply for a residence permit for financially dependent people at the AIMA of Portugal.
- Obtain a residence permit card.
Permits are valid for two years on the first issuance and three years on each subsequent issuance. To retain residency, one must spend at least 8 months per year in Portugal.
Portugal Golden Visa and D7 visa comparison
It is probably best to consider the D7 visa for UK citizens who wish to move to Portugal without making a substantial investment. Upon obtaining a residence permit in the country, a Portuguese passport is possible after five years.
The Portugal Golden Visa program is designed for investors who intend not only to obtain a residence permit but also to make a profit. Therefore, thanks to the fund investment option, applicants can buy fund units to make money.
Some UK investors choose the Portugal Golden Visa in order to move to a country with comfortable living conditions and a lower standard of living. They rent out their properties in the UK and earn extra income. House prices in the UK continue to rise every year, and demand for properties exceeds supply in many parts of the UK.
| Comparison criteria | Portugal Golden Visa | Portugal D7 visa |
| Condition | €250,000+ minimum investment | Proof of annual income:
|
| Additional cost | €5,812 — the fee for a residence permit card for each family member €582 — an application fee for each family member Health insurance Translation and notarisation | €155 — the fee for a residence permit card for each family member Health insurance Translation and notarisation Rent or purchase property Home purchase taxes if required |
| Processing time | 8—10 months | 2—4 months |
| Obligatory residence in Portugal | 7 days in a year | 8 months a year |
| Duration of residence permit | 2 years for the first and all subsequent residence permits | 2 years for the first residence permit 3 years for subsequent permits |
Portugal citizenship prospects for UK citizens
The UK and Portugal allow their citizens to hold dual citizenship. In other words, a British citizen can obtain a Portuguese passport and enjoy the benefits of EU citizenship while still being a British national.
After five years of legal residence in Portugal on a residence permit, a British citizen can apply for a permanent residence permit or apply directly for Portuguese citizenship by naturalisation.
Processing time. It usually takes 7—12 months to obtain Portuguese nationality. Citizenship applications may be submitted online in person or by post to the Central Registry Office. If any additional documents are required, the applicant will be notified. Additional documents must be submitted within 20 days.
How long does it take to obtain Portugal citizenship for Golden Visa holders
Documents required to apply for citizenship in Portugal:
- An application form in Portuguese.
- Two passport photographs taken no later than 6 months old.
- Passport or its notarised copy.
- Proof of a permanent income sufficient to live in Portugal without state subsidies.
- Proof of residence in Portugal.
- Proof of no criminal record from the UK and other countries where the applicant has been residing continuously for more than one year.
- Proof of residence permit for at least five years.
- Proof of knowledge of Portuguese at A2 level or higher.
Underage children can also obtain Portuguese nationality if their parents have maintained a residence permit in the country for five years. Children under the age of 12 do not need to take a language test.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, they can. The Portugal Golden Visa is available for UK citizens over 18 without a criminal record and with legal income earned outside of Portugal.
A residence permit card can be obtained by investing in one of five options. The purchase of investment fund units and the creation of a company are among them.
After Brexit, UK citizens can enter and reside in Portugal for 90 days per half-year. If UK nationals want to stay longer, they need to obtain a residence permit in Portugal.
People wishing to move to Portugal on various grounds can obtain a residence permit. For example, a Portugal Golden Visa, a D7 visa, a start-up visa, or a student visa. Most applicants from the UK choose either the Golden visa or the D7 visa.
The Portugal Golden Visa is available to UK citizens over 18 without a criminal record and with legal income earned outside of Portugal.
An investor can apply for a Portugal Golden Visa with a spouse, children up to the age of 26, and parents. In the case of children over 18 and parents, it is necessary to prove their financial dependence on the investor.
Minimum investment amounts do not depend on the number of family members. For each family member, only the state fees will increase.
Your residence permit in Portugal by investment needs to be renewed every two years. It is sufficient to spend seven days a year in the country to meet the condition for a permanent residence visa.
British citizens can remain in Portugal for 90 days per half-year after Brexit. UK citizens who wish to stay in Portugal longer must obtain a residence permit.
Following Brexit, British citizens can reside in Portugal for 90 days without a visa every six months. In order to stay longer in Portugal, they must apply for a residence permit from the AIMA, Agency for Integration, Migrations and Asylum of Portugal.
Portugal offers residence permits for the following reasons:
- Portugal Golden Visa by investment;
- D7 visa for those with permanent income or savings;
- Start-up visa for innovative projects;
- Student visas;
- D1 visa for those invited to work in a Portuguese company.
The Golden Visa and the D7 visa are UK applicants’ most popular visa options.
If UK citizens were legal residents in Portugal before January 1, 2021, their rights are protected by the EU Withdrawal Agreement. They still have virtually the same rights to live, work, study and access benefits and services as before Brexit.
For UK citizens who are not residents of an EU country, visa-free travel within the Schengen area is limited to 90 days within 180 days. Passports, residence permits, or work permits are required when travelling for UK nationals.
If you are a UK resident, you should apply through the relevant Portuguese Embassy or Consulate in the UK if:
- Portugal is the only Schengen country you plan to visit;
- you will be in Portugal for the longest time;
- Portugal is the first country you plan to visit.
UK citizens do not need to apply for a visa to Portugal if their stay does not exceed 90 days within 180 days. Over 90-day stays in Portugal require the application of a residence permit, not a Schengen visa.
Portugal is a lot cheaper. Consumer prices in the UK are 40% higher, and rent is almost 50% more expensive than in Portugal. An apartment with one bedroom in the city centre of Lisbon costs around €1,000. You would need about €3,400 in Lisbon to support the same standard of living on €5,900 in London, including rent.
In the case of obtaining a residence permit through the Portugal Golden Visa investment program, one would need a minimum of €250,000 to be eligible.
Where it is better to live depends on many factors. Many British people love Portugal for its nice weather, good food, and low cost of living. According to statistics, over 32,000 British citizens lived in Portugal as of June 2022.
Portugal is a lot cheaper. Consumer prices in the UK are 40% higher, and rent is almost 50% more expensive than in Portugal.
