Last Updated on May 3, 2026 by Emily Hopkins
Portugal is one of the most sought-after destinations not only by people from the EU but also by those from across the globe. It is relatively easy to move to Portugal from the UK, because individuals can take advantage of the lower cost of living.
Like any other person from anywhere in the world, the British chose to relocate to Portugal for different reasons. For some, it is because of the good weather and beautiful scenery, while for others, the lower cost of living and a relatively slower-paced life is a major draw for them.
Nonetheless, regardless of your reasons for moving to Portugal from the UK, there’s no denying this beautiful country has plenty to offer everyone. So, how do you move to Portugal from the UK? Is it worth the time and effort? Be sure to tag along to find answers to these questions and more.
How to move to Portugal from the UK
After the Brexit transition, moving to Portugal from the UK was more complex than it used to be. In fact, most of the privileges of being a member of the EU were lost after this move. However, this does not mean that moving to Portugal from the UK is impossible.
How you move to Portugal from the UK depends on how long you plan to stay. First off, it is necessary to mention that the British don’t need a Visa to stay in Portugal for 90 days or less within 6 months. However, if you plan to stay longer, you must apply for a Visa.
British citizens don’t need to apply for a short-term Visa. Instead, they can apply for a temporary stay Visa that allows them to stay for up to 1 year. However, if you plan to stay longer in Portugal, you will need to apply for a residency Visa, which is only valid for 4 months. The good news is that you can make further arrangements for a Residence Permit.
- Read Also: Living Abroad: Expat Interview with Bruce Joffe.
How can I apply for a Portugal Residence Visa from the UK?
There are several types of residence visas that you can apply for. Here are some of the reasons that may qualify you for a residence Visa in Portugal:
- Work
- Study and research
- Professional training, internship, or volunteer work
- Family reunification
- Fixed residency
Nonetheless, most visa types in Portugal follow a similar application process. Start by visiting the Portuguese consulate in the UK to obtain and complete the registration form. Depending on the visa you choose, you will need to submit supporting documents, such as proof of identity and other required paperwork.
What are the types of Portugal Residence Visas that the British may apply for?
As mentioned earlier, the British can apply for different types of visas depending on the reason for their stay.
- Golden Visa: British nationals did not qualify for this program before Brexit. However, it is an option anyone from the UK can explore when considering immigration to Portugal.
- D7 Visa: To be eligible for this Visa, you need an income of at least €1,000 per year. Nonetheless, you will be required to stay in Portugal for at least 16 months.
- D2 Visa: This particular type of Visa is exclusive to anyone looking to set up a business or who already has a business in Portugal.
- Tech Visa: This new type of visa allows companies in the tech and innovative field with offices or a headquarter in Portugal to hire skilled Non-EU personnel to live and work in the country.
Documentation needed in general
Different types of visas also come with specific documentation requirements. Take a look at the following general documentation requirements that cut across the different types of Visas you can apply for according to Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras.
- A valid passport or any other identification document;
- Two passport-size photographs;
- Valid travel insurance;
- Clear criminal record from the UK from the last 1 year;
- Proof of income;
- Permission for checking criminal records.
Obtaining a Residence Permit to live in Portugal from the UK
After obtaining your residency Visa and making your way successfully into Portugal, you will need to schedule a visit to the Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (Immigration and Borders Service) and apply for a Portugal Residency permit.
The Portuguese residency permit grants you access to live and also work legally in Portugal. This particular document is only valid for one year and can be renewed twice for two years extension at a time. Fortunately, after living in Portugal for 5 years, you can apply for Portuguese Citizenship and a Permanent Residency Permit.
Before applying for a permanent residency permit, you will need to show proof of sufficient funds and accommodation. Here are some of the documents that you will need to produce during the application:
- Social security number
- ID card
- Tax number
- Proof of address
- Passport
What do the British need to do to apply for the Portugal Golden Visa?
If you’re planning to move to Portugal from the UK, the Golden Visa is one option you can consider. Unlike other visas, this one is based on investment rather than full relocation. As a British citizen, you can apply and enjoy benefits like visa-free travel across the Schengen Area. You can also include your family members in the same application, which makes it a flexible choice if you’re not moving alone.
The Golden Visa is especially useful if you travel often, since you only need to spend about 7 days per year in Portugal on average. To qualify, you’ll need to make a valid investment, starting from €250,000 for specific cultural options, although €500,000 investment funds are now the most common route. You’ll also need a clean criminal record to apply.
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What is the cost of living in Portugal compared to the UK?
A major draw for people from around the globe to Portugal is the relatively lower cost of living. While that is true, it’s also worth mentioning that despite having a lower cost of living, Portugal also promises a better quality of life compared to many other countries. It goes without saying that the cost of living in Portugal is lower than in the UK.
According to Numbeo, consumer prices in the UK are 39.1% higher than in Portugal. It is, of course, true that the local purchasing power in the UK is 82.4% higher than in Portugal. However, the cost of living is also relative to the specific region you choose to live in and your spending habits.
Nonetheless, living in the UK is generally significantly more expensive than living an average life in Portugal. The rent is 29.5% higher in the UK, costing nearly €300 more for a one-bedroom apartment.
How much is the rent in Portugal?
For anyone choosing to move to a different country, renting is the easiest way to get accommodation as you adapt to the new environment and find your footing. The cost of rent in Portugal is relative depending on specific regions.
Of course, choosing to live in the popular cities like Lisbon or the Algarve will be more expensive than in the smaller villages in the country. The cost of rent in bigger cities like Lisbon is around €1,000 and €560 monthly for three-bedroom and one-bedroom apartments, respectively.
What are the best places to live in Portugal?
Right from the bat, it’s important to mention that there is no good or bad destination in Portugal. However, some destinations are more popular and preferred than others, especially among expats.
Many foreigners prefer living in the popular cities in Portugal like Lisbon, Algarve, or even Porto. However, other hidden gems like Cascais are also good but don’t have the recognition just yet.
Where do the British usually live in Portugal?
There is a considerably large UK foreign presence in Portugal. With about 48,000 British living in Portugal, their community in Portugal is the second largest. This goes to demonstrate just how popular Portugal is among UK nationals.
When moving to a new country, joining an expat community can help you settle in faster and navigate daily life more easily. Many British expats choose to live in the vibrant capital, Lisbon, which has a well-established UK community. You can also find UK nationals in other popular destinations across Portugal, including the Algarve and Porto.
How is the Portuguese economy?
According to the 2022 Index of Economic freedom, Portugal is ranked 31st with a score of 70.9. Over the past 10 years, the Portuguese economy has been doing better progressively. However, since tourism activities predominantly drive the economy, Portugal experienced an economic decline during Covid-19, which is also true for most countries around the globe.
However, the resilience of the real estate industry was witnessed even as the pandemic hit hard. While Portugal hasn’t fully recovered from the effects of the pandemic 2 years down the line, there is a strong rebound in the tourism sector and great sentiments as far as employment status is concerned.
Is Portugal Safe?
The safety of any country is a huge contributor to the overall quality of life. Regarding safety, it is safe to acknowledge that Portugal is among the safest countries not only in Europe but also in the world. To put this into perspective, Portugal ranks fourth on the Global Peace Index ranking.
The locals are very tolerant and accommodating to foreigners and will go out of their way to help. Also, there are very few cases of violent crimes reported in the country, thanks to the strict laws against gun ownership in the country.
Nonetheless, there are petty crimes in popular tourist destinations. Be sure to keep your items safe while visiting these destinations.
What is public healthcare like in Portugal for Immigrants?
Healthcare in Europe ranks among the best in the world, and Portugal is no exception. The country offers a strong public healthcare system that serves both locals and foreigners effectively. Legal residents can register with the Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS and access comprehensive public healthcare services in Portugal.
Public healthcare in Portugal is largely free, although some services may require small fees if they fall outside standard coverage. The Portuguese government also continues to improve accessibility by encouraging both public and private hospitals healthcare providers to communicate in English.
Private healthcare in Portugal is also available but is not a requirement for locals or expats. However, you will need to have private medical insurance.
What is the weather like in Portugal?
Besides the low cost of living, Portugal is also known for having one of the best weather in Europe. While the whole of Portugal is predominantly warm, the weather conditions are different from region to region.
The northern region has the coldest weather in the country, with cold and wet winters. As expected, summer is hot in Portugal, with temperatures soaring to 28 °C. Spring, on the other hand, is arguably the best time to visit.
There is significantly less tourist action, and the weather is moderate, not too hot or cold. Generally, the weather in Portugal is warm, perfect for outdoor activities like swimming, sunbathing, and hiking, just to mention a few.
What are the benefits of moving from the UK to Portugal?
No doubt living in the UK has its fair share of perks; however, for those looking to immigrate to Portugal from the UK, there are plenty of advantages that come with this move. To begin, the cost of living is significantly lower than in the UK, meaning every pound goes a long way in Portugal.
Beyond its practical benefits, Portugal ranks among the most beautiful countries in the world, offering diverse landscapes and stunning scenery. The country is also known for its safety and reliable healthcare system, making it an attractive destination for expats. There are many reasons to consider moving to Portugal, but some of its greatest advantages are best experienced firsthand once you arrive.
When are you moving to Portugal from the UK?
There you have it, everything you need to know about making a move to Portugal from the UK. So when are you making this bold move to Portugal? We acknowledge that the process of moving to an entirely new country is often overwhelming for anyone new to the process.
So if you’re ready to make a move, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our experts at Viv Europe for further direction.
Also, be sure to join our Facebook Group – All About Portugal For Expats, to connect with like-minded enthusiasts!
