Portugal
Since Brexit, British citizens are non-EU nationals, so moving to Portugal from the UK now means applying for a residence visa rather than relying on free movement. You can still visit for up to 90 days in any 180 without a visa, but to live in Portugal you apply for a national visa before you travel. Most Britons use the D7 (passive income or pensions, from about €920 a month), the D8 digital-nomad visa (remote income of roughly €3,680 a month) or the Golden Visa (a €500,000 investment with almost no minimum-stay requirement). This 2026 guide walks through the visa routes, what it costs, where Britons settle and everything else you need to plan the move.
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 period ended on 31 December 2020, British citizens became third-country nationals under EU immigration law. In practice that means the same rules as any other non-EU applicant: to stay longer than 90 days you need a residence visa, arranged before you travel, followed by a residence permit once you arrive in Portugal.
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.
Applying 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.
Portugal residence visas the British can 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: the passive-income route, ideal for retirees and anyone with stable income from pensions, rentals, dividends or savings. The 2026 guideline is about €920 a month (roughly the Portuguese minimum wage), so around €11,040 a year for the main applicant, plus more for a spouse and each child. Read our full D7 Visa guide.
- D2 Visa: for entrepreneurs setting up or relocating a business to Portugal. Our guide covers starting a business in Portugal.
- D8 Digital Nomad Visa: launched in late 2022, this is the route for remote workers and freelancers earning from outside Portugal, with an income guideline of about €3,680 a month (four times the minimum wage). See the D8 Visa guide.
Documentation needed in general
Requirements vary by visa type, but the general documentation set (per AIMA, the immigration authority) usually includes:
- 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 your residence visa is approved and you arrive in Portugal, you book an appointment with AIMA, the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum that replaced SEF in 2023, to collect your residence permit. Bring the documents below and your visa.
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
The Golden Visa for British citizens
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.
Cost of living: Portugal vs 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 (2026), the cost of living in the UK is about 42.5% higher than in Portugal excluding rent, or 38.8% higher once rent is included. Rent alone is roughly 30% higher in the UK, restaurants about 61% higher and groceries about 39% higher.
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.
| Everyday cost | Portugal | UK vs Portugal |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (excl. rent) | Baseline | ~42% higher |
| Rent | Baseline | ~30% higher |
| Restaurants | Baseline | ~61% higher |
| Groceries | Baseline | ~39% higher |
Source: Numbeo, 2026. For the full breakdown, see our guide to the cost of living in Portugal versus the UK.
Rent prices in Portugal (2026)
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.
| Apartment | Average rent (2026) |
|---|---|
| 1-bedroom, city centre | €917 / month |
| 1-bedroom, outside the centre | €725 / month |
| 3-bedroom, city centre | €1,538 / month |
| 3-bedroom, outside the centre | €1,166 / month |
National averages from Numbeo, 2026. Lisbon, Cascais and the Algarve run well above these, while inland and northern towns run below.
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.
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 Britons head for the big names, Lisbon, Porto or the Algarve, but plenty of quieter, cheaper towns offer the same weather and safety with a slower pace. Our guide to the best cities to live in Portugal is a good place to start.
Where the British 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.
More for British movers: what the British need to know about Portugal, 7 reasons the British move to Portugal, Portugal or the UK for expats, and, for retirees, the best countries to retire abroad.
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.
The Portuguese economy
Portugal has a stable, service-driven economy inside the EU and the eurozone, built on tourism, exports and a fast-growing tech sector in Lisbon and Porto. It came through the pandemic more resiliently than many peers, and steady foreign demand, British included, has kept the property market buoyant.
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.
Safety in Portugal
Safety is one of Portugal's biggest draws. It is consistently ranked among the safest countries in the world, placing 7th in the 2025 Global Peace Index. For most newcomers that shows up as ordinary daily life: walking home late, letting children play out and a general sense of calm.
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.
Public healthcare 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.
Weather 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.
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.
Frequently asked questions about moving from the UK to Portugal
Can British citizens still move to Portugal after Brexit?
Yes. British citizens can still move to Portugal, but as non-EU nationals they now need a residence visa (such as the D7, D8 or Golden Visa) to stay longer than 90 days, rather than the free movement they had before Brexit.
Do British citizens need a visa to move to Portugal?
For visits of up to 90 days in any 180-day period, no, travel is visa-free. To live in Portugal, yes: you apply for a national residence visa before you travel, then collect a residence permit from AIMA after you arrive.
How long can a UK citizen stay in Portugal without a visa?
Up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the Schengen area. Beyond that you need a residence visa and permit.
What is the easiest way for a British person to move to Portugal?
It depends on your income. Retirees and those with passive income usually use the D7; remote workers and freelancers use the D8; investors who don't want to relocate full-time use the Golden Visa.
Is Portugal cheaper than the UK?
Yes. In 2026 the overall cost of living is about 42% lower than the UK excluding rent, and rent is roughly 30% cheaper (Numbeo), though Lisbon and the Algarve narrow that gap.
Can I use public healthcare in Portugal as a British expat?
Once you are a legal resident and registered, you can access Portugal's public health service, the SNS. During the visa application itself you'll need private travel or health insurance.
Ready to move 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!
