Explore the process of moving to Portugal after Brexit. Learn about visa options, residency rules, costs of living, and essential steps for Brits relocating to Portugal.
Portugal remains one of the most attractive destinations for British expats who move to another country. Despite the difficulties caused by Brexit, this country continues to attract hundreds of thousands of expats due to its warm climate, affordable housing, and high quality of life. For many British expats, living in Portugal is an opportunity to improve their living conditions, enjoy nature, European culture, and relatively low costs.
In this article, you will find a detailed guide to immigration to Portugal from the UK, including visa requirements, the relocation process, and the peculiarities of life after moving. It is an essential guide for individuals relocating to Portugal from the UK, which will help them understand the complexities of the current migration process.
The freedom of movement for British citizens within the EU was restricted as one of the main consequences of Brexit. In the past, British citizens were allowed to live and work in Portugal without needing visas or other special permits. However, the situation has changed since January 2021.
When Brits moving to Portugal, they must apply for a visa or obtain another type of legal status that allows them to stay long term. For those already living in Portugal before Brexit, new rules were introduced for legalization and confirmation of their status, which had to be completed within the established deadlines.
These changes significantly affected migration flows but did not stop them completely. Many Brits living in Portugal after Brexit, and they continue to move, taking advantage of the country's various visa schemes for foreigners. The transition from free movement to stricter controls forced the British to plan their moves and consider bureaucratic aspects carefully.
Portugal offers a wide range of visas, allowing you to reside and work there legally. Those planning to live in Portugal long-term should be aware of the importance of choosing the right type of residency after Brexit. Below are the main options, among which every Briton can find a suitable choice.
The Golden Visa is a program for investors willing to invest at least €250,000 in the country's cultural heritage, €500,000 in a local business that creates at least 5 new jobs, or in some other areas. This visa provides an opportunity to obtain a residence permit and, subsequently, citizenship. It is especially popular among UK citizens living in Portugal who want to combine comfortable living with investment activity.
A startup visa is a permit intended for entrepreneurs launching innovative projects in Portugal. Portugal Entrepreneur Visa, which is issued based on submitted documents, stimulates the development of new businesses and allows entrepreneurs to attract talent worldwide.
Employees with an official job offer in Portugal receive this type of permit. It is the best option for specialists who have received employment in the country.
This permit suits small business owners and freelancers who want to work independently in Portugal. They can apply for a Portuguese Business Visa without going through the country's official process.
The D3 visa is a choice designed for professionals with exceptional qualifications, particularly those in the IT and healthcare fields. It is these circumstances that will help specialists move to Portugal legally. They have access to social and labor rights equal to those of residents. In addition, having an HQA Visa Portugal simplifies the process of subsequently obtaining a residence permit and citizenship.
This is one of the options that will enable you to live and work legally in Portugal for an extended period of time. This type of visa is intended for family reunification. Individuals residing abroad with a family member residing in Portugal are eligible to apply. To be sure of the correct collection of documents and the full package, you can use the services of the Migrun company.
This option is for those with a stable passive income or a pension. The D7 Visa Portugal is quite common among the British. It is a unique option for those who want to live in Portugal without working.
This new category is created specifically for Digital Nomad Visa Portugal and remote workers who can work from anywhere worldwide. With its mild climate, quality infrastructure, and attractive lifestyle, Portugal is becoming an increasingly popular destination for such professionals. The D8 visa also opens access to local services and facilitates integration into Portuguese society.
If you want to move to Portugal from the UK after Brexit, it requires careful document preparation. You should collect a complete package in advance to avoid delays and visa refusals. Your application will be processed more efficiently if all the papers are completed correctly and meet the requirements of the Portuguese authorities.
To successfully obtain a visa and legally move to Portugal after Brexit, you need the following package of documents:
Translation into Portuguese and notarization are required for all documents. Use professional translators and notaries to avoid mistakes and delays.
Now, the review process will be much easier. You have a better chance of successfully obtaining a visa when you provide a complete set of documents. Do not forget to promptly update your health insurance and certificate of no criminal record, as expired documents may result in refusal.
If you want to move to Portugal after Brexit, pay maximum attention and ensure thorough preparation. You should understand all the stages and deadlines in advance to avoid unnecessary delays and problems. Correctly filling out the documents and following the procedure significantly increases the chances of a favorable decision.
Many applicants face difficulties due to ignorance of the process's details, so it is helpful to familiarize yourself with each step in advance. Below is a step-by-step scheme that will help you navigate and complete the procedure:
If you are living in Portugal as a British citizen but need to renew your permit, you must contact your local SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras) office. Avoid common mistakes such as incomplete documents, inaccurate information on the application form, or late submission of applications.
Portugal offers many places to live, and British expats choose them based on their preferences, goals, and lifestyle. Many value not only the climate and infrastructure but also the cultural characteristics of each region, as well as the level of comfort and opportunities for recreation.
Interestingly, different cities offer different experiences even within one country — from bustling metropolises to quiet corners of nature. Brits living in Portugal choose different towns. Some want to be alone with nature and escape the noise of big cities, while others, on the contrary, dream of immersing themselves in the active Portuguese life.
Among the most popular places that the British choose for moving are:
Each of these places offers British citizens its advantages and suits different lifestyles. It is essential to carefully study the features of the chosen region and evaluate which lifestyle is preferable for you.
Moving and adapting to a new country is always associated with challenges, but Portugal is becoming increasingly attractive to British immigrants thanks to its diversity and hospitality.
Lisbon is the capital of Portugal, where historical architecture and modern business centers combine. The IT sector, startups, and creative industries are actively developing in this city, which makes it ideal for young professionals and entrepreneurs.
In addition to work opportunities, Lisbon is known for its rich cultural life — it hosts international festivals, exhibitions, and concerts. The city is located on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, and its picturesque hills offer incredible views. If you're into city living and nature, Lisbon is an excellent option.
The Algarve is a region that embodies sunny relaxation and serenity. When you visit this place the beautiful white beaches catch your eye, where you can take a plunge into the crystalline waters. Numerous golf courses attract retirees and families looking for peace.
The climate in the Algarve is mild and warm even in winter, because the temperature rarely drops below 15 degrees. The region is also known for the hospitality of the locals and a high level of safety. Many British people choose the Algarve for holidays and permanent residence, appreciating the opportunity to spend time outdoors all year round.
Porto is the cultural capital of northern Portugal. It is famous for its port wine and historic center, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This city perfectly combines ancient architecture with a modern rhythm of life. It attracts specialists from different spheres and tourists who want to see something special.
If you are an art lover and want to be in a calm atmosphere, Porto is a real paradise. The presence of prominent universities and business centers provides promising prospects for employment and development.
Madeira is an island pearl known for its green landscapes, terraced gardens, and mild year-round climate. If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and fully connect with nature, you should definitely choose this region.
Madeira is considered one of Europe's healthiest and most environmentally friendly places. This region is famous for its developed infrastructure and high level of security. With its unique natural beauty and comfortable conditions, Madeira attracts retirees and digital nomads seeking inspiration and tranquility.
Moving to a new country is always an exciting and responsible process that requires attention to detail. To ensure that your settlement in Portugal goes as smoothly as possible, it is essential to start preparing the necessary documents immediately and setting up your daily routine.
A proper start will help you avoid many problems and quickly feel at home in this sunny country. After arriving, you need to complete several key actions that will become the foundation for your comfortable living in Portugal post-Brexit:
These steps will secure your official status and provide easy access to the country's primary services. In addition, opening a bank account and health insurance will significantly simplify your everyday life and make your stay in Portugal comfortable and safe.
Enrolling in school is the first step for families with children to integrate into the local community. Following these recommendations will help you quickly adapt and confidently begin a new chapter in your life.
Many Britons who move to Portugal are attracted to the significantly lower cost of living. This is especially noticeable compared to prices in the UK, where housing, food, and services are often much more expensive. Living in Portugal offers tangible financial advantages. Your quality of life will improve significantly thanks to these indicators.
Renting or buying a home in Portugal is 30–50% cheaper than in large UK cities, especially if you consider smaller towns and rural areas. This makes the country ideal for those who want spacious and comfortable housing without unnecessary expenses. In addition, food and household goods in supermarkets are much cheaper here.
Portugal's transport system, including public transport and petrol, is cheaper, and utilities (electricity, water, gas) are available at more favorable rates. The healthcare system deserves special attention. State healthcare in Portugal is free or provided with strong support and subsidies.
Portuguese residency for British citizens is an excellent opportunity to live in a warm and sunny climate. You can immerse yourself in beautiful surroundings and live for your pleasure. The virtual assistant from Migrun will help you get closer to your dream and not lose the chance to live in Portugal.
Portugal offers an attractive, transparent tax system that benefits new residents and foreign investors. One of the key advantages for Brits is the agreement between Great Britain and Portugal. It aims to avoid double taxation.
For residents of Portugal, taxation is based on the principle of taxation of global income. That is, all income earned both within the country and abroad is considered. Taxes are only levied on income earned within the borders of Portugal by non-residents.
Portugal’s new IFICI (NHR 2.0) regime presents a compelling tax-efficient framework tailored for highly skilled professionals. It offers a 20 % flat tax on qualifying Portuguese-sourced income and near-complete exemption for foreign-sourced earnings—excluding pensions. The scheme is open to individuals relocating post-2024 who can demonstrate expertise in R&D, science, tech, innovation, exports or higher education. Strict eligibility criteria and timely application are key, but for those who qualify, IFICI provides a robust, long-term fiscal advantage in Portugal.
In addition to income tax, Portugal has a property tax (IMI), which usually ranges from 0.3% to 0.8% of the property's cadastral value per year.
It is important to remember that when planning taxes, you should consult with local experts, as the rules may be updated. They depend on the individual situation — residency status, type of income, and the specific region of Portugal.
Moving to another country is always an important step, and before making a final decision, it is helpful to weigh up all the pros and cons. Portugal attracts many Brits with its many advantages, but it is also worth considering the possible difficulties immigrants face.
Let's start with the positive aspects that make life for Brits in Portugal after Brexit attractive to many:
These advantages create comfortable living conditions and help quickly adapt to a new country. However, as in any country, moving to Portugal has its difficulties that should be taken into account in advance:
Knowledge of these features will help you better prepare and overcome the adaptation period, making your move to Portugal as comfortable and successful as possible.
Moving to Portugal post-Brexit still one of the most attractive and reasonable options for many Britons looking for a change of scenery and a better quality of life. Portugal offers a variety of visa programs, a high level of comfort, relatively low costs, and a favorable climate, making it an ideal place to live, work, and invest.
If you approach the preparation with all responsibility, the risk of doing something wrong or forgetting about an important certificate is reduced to a minimum. To be 100% sure of a positive result, you can use the services of the Migrun company, whose specialists will help you do everything correctly.
In addition, Portugal opens the door to new opportunities — business, startups, freelancing, or a quiet retirement life by the sea.
Yes. For UK citizens living in Portugal for a long time, they need a visa. The most popular options are the D7 visa for those with passive income and the Golden Visa for investors.
The Golden Visa program is for non-EU citizens willing to invest in Portugal. The investment size ranges from 250,000 to 500,000 euros. It gives the right to a residence permit and, eventually, citizenship.
Professionals choose Lisbon and Porto, while retirees and families who value peace and nature choose the Algarve and Madeira.
Overall, residency in Portugal after Brexit is more affordable in terms of housing, food, transport, and healthcare, which is especially beneficial for retirees and families.
Residents with a residence permit have access to the state healthcare system, which provides quality and affordable medical care. Private medicine is also available for additional comfort.
