Moving to Portugal FROM THE UK

Why Move to Portugal?

Portugal is an appealing destination for many British citizens looking for a new life in the sun. Not only is the climate attractive, but the relaxed lifestyle, low levels of crime, high quality of life and comparably lower cost of living are all factors which can influence a relocation. 

There are over 48,000 Brits with official Portuguese residency, which means British citizens make up one of the largest expat communities in the country.

What To Know About Portugal

• Language: Portuguese is the official language, English is widely spoken
• Visa: Non-EU citizens often need a visa
• Climate: Mediterranean

Entry Requirements & Visas for Portugal

Now that the United Kingdom is not in the European Union, Portuguese visas are a little more complex. A valid passport is, of course, required, with an expiry date further than 3 months after your planned leaving date. Visitors will need a visa if they want to remain for more than 90 days in a 180-day period.

Visa for Moving to Portugal

There are a few options for UK citizens looking to move to Portugal. The option you choose is dependent on more specific circumstances, like the length of time you wish to stay and your income situation. Here are the most popular options for moving to Portugal:

Portuguese Culture

Steeped in history, the culture in Portugal centres around the arts, folklore, food, literature and sport – mainly football. There is no official religion in the county, however, Christianity is the most dominant, with Roman Catholicism being the most common denomination.

Traditional Portuguese cuisine often features meat, fish, olives, garlic, onions and cheese. Perhaps one of the most famous delicacies is the Pastel de Nata, or the Portuguese custard tart, closely followed by Bacalhau A Bras, a dish created with salted cod, onions, fried potatoes and scrambled eggs. 

There are lots of festivals to enjoy in Portugal, including Festa de São João – a colourful celebration of St. John, and Easter Holy Week in Braga. 

Healthcare in Portugal

Whilst not free for everyone, the healthcare system in Portugal is heavily subsidised for most people living in the country. Depending on the treatment or service, there is usually a small fee to be paid, known locally as ‘taxas moderadoras’, this fee tends to range between 5 and 20 Euros. There is also a charge for prescriptions. 

To access the state healthcare system, you must first be registered as a resident and then be registered at a local healthcare centre. Children under the age of 18 and pensioners aged 65 and over who are Portuguese residents are exempt from fees. Some residents may opt for private health insurance; however, this is not a requirement. 

Working in Portugal

Following Brexit, the restrictions for working in Portugal mean that British citizens first need to secure a job. Your employer will then need to apply for a work permit, which will allow you to apply for a work visa at a Portuguese embassy. 

Other visas which can be suitable for those looking to work in Portugal include the Startup visa for entrepreneurs, the Tech visa for those looking to work in the tech industry and the D2 visa, which is also for startups and entrepreneurs.

Retiring in Portugal

The lifestyle offered in Portugal means that pensioners often dream of settling there after retirement. The most popular way to obtain Portuguese residency for retirees is via the Golden visa. This can be granted to those who can invest in the country in some way, such as by purchasing real estate or investing towards a qualifying research and development activity. 

Where To Live in Portugal

Once you’ve taken the plunge and decided to move to this wonderful Iberian nation, you’ll need to think about the towns or cities that are most able to offer the lifestyle you are looking for. You will then be able to shortlist precisely where you want to live. Some of the most popular destinations include:

Lisbon

The capital city of Portugal is extremely popular for expats looking to relocate to a vibrant European city. This family-friendly city boasts great infrastructure and a thriving atmosphere, whilst still being close to picturesque, sandy beaches. 

Porto

A quiet city in the North of Portugal, offering a lower cost of living than Lisbon. Porto is renowned for its vibrant streets, delicious gastronomy and real estate investment opportunities.

Aveiro

A pleasant, small town near Porto that is particularly popular with pensioners. The slower pace of life makes Aveiro particularly attractive; however, it is worth noting that English is less widely spoken here than in other Portuguese destinations. 

Following Brexit, moving to Portugal from the UK requires a residency permit. First, a residency visa will grant you four months in the country to get settled and work. During this time, you will need to apply for a residency permit with Immigration and Border Services.

Steps For Your Portugal Relocation

Not sure where to start? Here’s how to kick off your move to Portugal from the United Kingdom.

1. Check visa qualification: Research which visa option is best for your circumstances, if you qualify for the D7 or Golden Visa, etc.

2. Apply for Portuguese tax number: To own property, have a job, or open a bank account, you’ll need to apply for a NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal).

3. Find accommodation in Portugal: To support a visa application, you’ll need to have a local address, so this is an essential early step.

4. Open a local bank account: Another essential for visa applications, also useful for when you find a job locally for paying rent.

5. Submit application & secure residence meeting: Submit your visa at the consulate in the United Kingdom before booking an appointment in Portugal with the SEF (Immigration & Borders Service) to procure residency.

Moving to Portugal FAQs

Can I work in Portugal as a UK citizen?

Yes, UK citizens can work in Portugal with the correct visa in place. You’ll need a long-term visa and a residence permit in order to work here, which will require you to have a job offer from a local company first. Securing a job offer from a Portuguese company should be your first step.

How long can I stay in Portugal without a visa?

Without a visa, you can only stay in Portugal as a UK citizen for 90 days within any 180-day period. In order to remain longer, you’ll need to explore visa options.

How much does it cost to live in Portugal compared to the UK?

In general, living expenses in Portugal are significantly lower than in the United Kingdom. In fact, Portugal is one of the most affordable places to live in Europe. This goes for accommodation, bills, groceries and transport. If you choose to live in large cities like Lisbon, you will find that prices increase, but smaller towns and more rural areas will be considerably more affordable. 

Do I need to learn Portuguese before moving?

Portuguese is the official language of Portugal, but English is widely spoken. Cities and large towns will be relatively easy with English; however, more rural life or more bureaucratic processes will be easier with some Portuguese knowledge. If you want to settle permanently and quickly into local life, then learning at least some local phrases will be beneficial. 

Can I drive in Portugal with my UK licence?

Yes, if you are a resident in Portugal and you have registered with the Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes (IMT) within 60 days, you can drive with a full UK driver’s license. 

Why Choose Bishop’s Move for Your Relocation?

At Bishop’s Move, we’ve been moving clients from the UK to Portugal for over 185 years. Our expertise and experience are second to none, meaning that we can make your move seamless and simple. Our removals to Portugal service is tailored to your specific requirements because we know that no move is the same. If you’d like more information, you can get in touch with our friendly team on +44 (0)208 391 8234.