How to move to Portugal from the United Kingdom
Are you seeking a fresh start in a place with a lower cost of living and a warm, sunny climate? Portugal could be the perfect destination for those leaving the UK, offering a lifestyle that combines affordability with beautiful weather and rich cultural experiences.
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Did you know that UK citizens need a visa to live in Portugal? You can apply for various visa options at a Portuguese Embassy or Consulate, catering to different categories such as students, entrepreneurs, investors, remote workers, and retirees.
Even if you have dual citizenship from any EU country, you have the right to live in Portugal without a visa. Your EU citizenship will grant you the right to live and work here. You will only need to request a simple document at the local town hall where you intend to establish residency, stating that you are now a resident of that area in Portugal.
As a UK citizen, you don’t need a visa to visit Portugal as a tourist for up to 90 days.
Index
- Portugal rating from AnchorLess
- Your Life in Portugal as a Brit
- Geographic and Demographic Overview
- Where to Apply for a Portuguese Visa in the UK
- Preparing Your Documents for the Visa Application
- After Receiving Your Portuguese Visa
- Driving in Portugal as a Brit
- Taxes in Portugal for Brits
- International Schools in Portugal
- Finding Accommodation in Portugal
- Comparing Portugal to the UK
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Portugal rating from AnchorLess
⭐️ Overall Living
💶 Cost of living
💻 Internet
👍 Safety
👥 Community score
Your Life in Portugal as a Brit
Number of Brits living in Portugal:
🇬🇧 Over 46,000 Brits currently residing in Portugal.
Cost of living:
👨 Average monthly cost for a single person: €1,500 (£1,280)
👨👩👧👦 Average monthly cost for a family: €3,000 (£2,560)
☕️ A cappuccino in London costs around €3.50 (£3.00), while in Lisbon, it’s €1.83 (£1.56)!
Quality of Life:
👍 Portugal ranks 6th on the Global Peace Index, offering a tranquil and safe environment
🚑 Average cost of healthcare plans in Portugal: from €30 to €150 per month (£26 to £128)
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Portugal, a charming and compact country, is roughly the size of Wales, providing a familiar sense of scale for those considering relocation. It ensures a high quality of life with a wide range of activities available, making it a wonderful place to explore and enjoy your time abroad.
Geographic and Demographic Overview
The Atlantic Ocean borders Portugal to the south and west, while Spain borders it to the north and east. Despite its size, it has a population of about 10 million.
Cultural and Natural Attractions
Portugal is world-renowned for its rich cuisine and stunning locations, including diverse beaches, mountains, and national parks.
Language and Communication
While the official language is Portuguese—a Latin language similar to Spanish or Italian—it is common to find English-speaking inhabitants, especially given the country’s high tourist rate.
Portuguese Quality of Life
Portugal's quality of life is renowned for its tranquility, even in urban areas. A low cost of living, affordable or free healthcare, accessible services, and a prime geographic location support the high quality of life.
Portugal Benefits for British Citizens
There are several compelling reasons for British citizens to consider moving to Portugal, from the welcoming culture to the economic advantages and international community.
List of the Portuguese Visas
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🎓 Qualification: Income from remote or freelance work
🔍 Pros:
- 🌐 Contracts or clients outside Portugal
🚫 Cons:
- 📈 Proof of monthly income of approximately €3400
Visa D8
D8 Visa in Portugal: Live as Digital Nomad
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Where to Apply for a Portuguese Visa in the UK
Depending on your location, some consulates delegate this service to VFS Global offices. You must find the one closest to you that will suit your area. Below is a guide on where to apply for a Portuguese visa in the UK.
Important Notice: VFS Global is a company that specializes in visa processing. The Portuguese government uses it as the official office for visa procedures in the UK, and it is a primary choice for designated consulates.
Make sure you visit the office assigned to your location.
Preparing Your Documents for the Visa Application
Your first steps will be to search and gather your documents to start your visa application. Here's a checklist to help you timeline your Portuguese visa application as a Brit:
- Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid and up-to-date. It must be valid for at least three months after entering Portugal.
- Translation and Notarization: If your documents are not in English or Portuguese, they will need to be translated and notarized according to the Hague Apostille.
- Criminal Record: Request your criminal record. In the UK, you must obtain a certificate of criminal record from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). This document has a 90-day validity. You'll need to visit your local police station to retrieve your fingerprints, a process that can take up to a week, and they will request a fee.
Appointment Information
Embassies may request different documents. Be ready to provide extra documents if requested.
- Flight Booking: Portuguese visas can be granted according to your arrival date in Portugal. Have a ticket booked before your appointment.
- Preparation Tips: Follow these tips to ensure your visa process is ready for submission! Visa processes can be lengthy, but your main focus should be on ensuring everything is prepared for your case.
Visa Fees
The exchange rate influences the monthly updates of visa fees. As of the second semester of 2024, national visa fees are 90 euros, which can be around £78. Children under six are free of charge.
Payment Methods: When scheduling your appointment, pay close attention to the payment methods accepted at each location. Some locations may only accept cash for processing fees.
Additional Fees: If applying through VFS Global, you'll need to pay their processing fee for each visa. Currently, it ranges from £52 to £57, depending on local taxes.
Postal Services: Some offices may request payment for postal services to deliver your passport. Be ready for that!
After Receiving Your Portuguese Visa
- Initial Contact with SEF: Upon receiving your visa and arriving in Portugal, your first step should be to contact a SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras) office. SEF is the official government agency responsible for managing foreign nationals, similar to the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
- Scheduling an Appointment with SEF: All long-term visa holders have 120 days to establish residency in Portugal. Schedule an appointment with SEF as soon as possible upon arrival due to high demand and busy schedules.
- Requesting an EU Residence Permit: During your SEF appointment, you will request your EU residence permit. This permit functions similarly to a permanent resident card in the UK, allowing you to live and travel freely within the Schengen Area and granting unlimited entries into Portugal.
Documents Required for SEF Appointment:
- The same documentation required for your visa application
- Proof of your current residence in Portugal, even if it differs from the address used for your visa application
- Your Portuguese NIF number
- Your Portuguese bank account showing sufficient funds
- Health insurance in Portugal
Note: For the SEF appointment, you no longer need your Portuguese travel insurance.
Path to Portuguese Citizenship
After holding your initial permit for five years, you are eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship.
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Driving in Portugal as a Brit
Using Your UK License: If your driver's license was issued less than 15 years ago and you are younger than 60 years old, you can use your UK driver's license to drive in Portugal without needing any additional permits.
For Those Who Do Not Meet the Criteria: If you do not meet the above criteria, you will need to:
- Access the IMT portal (Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes), similar to the DVLA in the UK, and check where your license fits.
- Request a transfer of your driver's license via the online form after acquiring the requested documents on the portal.
Purchasing a Car in Portugal: All cars circulating in Portugal must have third-party protection insurance. This is the minimum insurance requirement in place.
Taxes for Cars: You'll need to pay the yearly IUC (Imposto Único de Circulação). Prices for these taxes are based on the motor, gas, and car fabrication years, generally ranging from €30 to €50 (£26 to £43).
Early Inspection: Additionally, you must complete an early inspection in designated workshops, which will provide the car with a green seal to circulate.
Taxes in Portugal for Brits
Filing Taxes in the UK and Portugal: It's important to remember that as a Brit, you need to file tax returns in both your home country and Portugal. This ensures compliance with local and international tax laws.
Using the Portuguese 'Finanças' Portal: In Portugal, you can file your taxes online via the 'Finanças' Portal.
Hiring an Accountant: To effectively manage your assets and tax obligations, consider hiring a professional accounting service. An accountant who understands both local and expatriate tax laws can be invaluable.
Practical Tips for Daily Expenses:
- Receipt Management: Ask for a receipt for every transaction and ensure your NIF is recorded on it. Categorizing these receipts correctly can help lower your overall tax burden.
- Tax Deductions and Refunds: Expenses such as entertainment, healthcare, and education can be categorized for tax deductions or refunds.
International Schools in Portugal
Portuguese Educational System
Portugal's public education system places children in schools according to their location and age group. The curriculum is extensive, with students typically graduating fluent in at least one foreign language, despite the primary language of instruction being Portuguese.
International Schools
Numerous international schools across Portugal can accommodate British families, catering to a diverse international student body. Some of the most renowned include:
- In Braga:CLIB Braga International School
- In Porto:Oporto British School
- In Leiria:Leiria International School
- In Lisbon:Prime School
- The British School in Lisbon
- Astoria International School
International Schools in Portugal
- In Lisbon:Prime School
- The British School in Lisbon
- Astoria International School
- St. Dominic's International School
- United Lisbon International School
- International Christian School
- The Carlucci American International School of Lisbon
- In Loulé:Nobel Algarve International School
- Aspire International School
- Vilamoura International School
Higher Education: Colleges in Portugal offer lower tuition rates compared to many other countries. For those applying through the Portuguese National Exam, the annual tuition for most universities does not exceed €800 (£690).
Finding Accommodation in Portugal
Long-term Accommodation:
- Secured Services: Consider using secure and inclusive housing services like Spot-a-Home and Flatio. These platforms act as mediators with landlords and ensure the quality of listings through physical inspections, though they may be more expensive.
- Direct Listings: If you're having trouble settling on your initial rental, check out properties on websites like Idealista and Imovirtual. These platforms allow direct interactions with landlords or real estate agencies, giving you the opportunity to visit and assess properties personally.
Caution Against Scams: During your house hunt in Portugal, be vigilant to avoid scams. Common scams include requests for down payments before property viewings. Make sure to make any payments only after securing a rental contract. AnchorLess offers the discount code ANCHOR20 at Spot-a-Home for those looking for housing in Portugal.
Purchasing a Home in Portugal
Advantages of Buying a Home: Buying a home in Portugal can be significantly more affordable than in many parts of the UK. Owning property not only provides stability but also serves as proof of accommodation when dealing with Portuguese authorities.
Options to Purchase a House:
- Realtor: For those unfamiliar with the local real estate market and practices, it's advisable to purchase through a realtor. This guarantees accurate handling of all legalities and provides you with expert guidance throughout the process.
- Privately: If you prefer to handle the purchase yourself, ensure you're familiar with all the necessary legal and procedural details to avoid common pitfalls.
Financing a House:
- Mortgage with Millennium Bank: As one of the largest private banks in Portugal, Millennium Bank offers competitive mortgage rates and terms, making it a solid option for financing your home purchase.
- Cafimo for Brokerage Services: These include finding suitable properties, negotiating deals, handling legal paperwork, and providing after-sale support. They specialize in catering to the specific needs of international buyers, ensuring a smooth transition to property ownership in Portugal. Cafimo also facilitates mortgage arrangements by comparing different lenders and finding the best rates and conditions for their clients.
House Conditions in Portugal: Be aware that due to laws only recently implemented in the last decade, issues with humidity and heating can be common. Ensure any property you consider has adequate insulation.
Comparing Portugal to the UK
Perception of Distances: In Portugal, distances are perceived differently. A 30-minute drive may seem lengthy due to the country's small size. This perception extends to class sizes, local shows, and retail spaces compared to UK standards.
Similarities:
- Southern Portugal: Reminiscent of Southern Spain with its sandy beaches and lifestyle, particularly appealing to golf enthusiasts.
- Climate of Alentejo: Similar to that of central Spain, being hot and less populated, but not as arid.
- Lisbon: A vibrant mix that compares to cities like Brighton, with nearby areas like Cascais and Estoril drawing parallels with seaside towns.
- Central Portugal: Resembles parts of the Scottish Highlands with its mountains and green spaces.
- Porto and Nearby Regions: Echo the lifestyle of northern England, combining historical significance with the daily hustle of people commuting for work.
Cultural Differences:
- Portuguese Cuisine: Focused on fresh, often seafood-based meals rather than processed foods.
- Family Structure: Family ties are strong in Portugal, with it being common for many adults and their families to live together, and children often return home after university.
- Work-Life Balance: Portuguese workers typically make full use of their 22 business days of paid leave, often spending this time at the beach.
- Wine Culture: Despite its size, Portugal is a significant wine producer, ranking 10th globally, with wine becoming a staple at meals.
- Safety: Portugal is one of the safest countries in the world, with low crime rates and very low rates of violent mortality.
Is Portugal Really for You?
Many people agree that Portugal is one of the best places to live. However, not everyone finds Portugal suitable.
Considerations for Your Move from the UK:
- Urban Life: For those accustomed to a vibrant, party-centric lifestyle, Portugal might seem quieter compared to cities like London or Manchester. Even Lisbon and Porto, while lively, may not meet the expectations of someone from a more bustling urban environment.
- Bureaucracy: Navigating services in Portugal can be challenging, especially for foreigners. Institutions like IMT (the equivalent of the DVLA), Social Security, and Finanças (the tax office) have systems in place to facilitate processes, but they can still be complex and stressful to deal with.
Government Structure:
- Political Structure: Portugal’s governance involves a parliament, a prime minister, and a president. The country’s small size can expedite decision-making and legal processes, including those related to nationality and foreign laws.
- Taxation: While the cost of living is relatively low, the tax obligations are not the lowest, though not the highest either. This could be a significant consideration, depending on your financial and personal beliefs.
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Before deciding to move to Portugal, it is crucial to consider how well the country's lifestyle, bureaucratic challenges, and tax system align with your expectations and needs. This consideration will help ensure that your experience in Portugal matches your lifestyle preferences and requirements.
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