Moving from the UK to Portugal: Comprehensive 2025 guide

• Written by: LawSentis
• November 25, 2025
• Comments: (0)

Many people choose to move from the UK to Portugal for sunshine, a slower pace of life, and a lower cost of living compared to major British cities. However, the post-Brexit landscape makes the journey more complex, and you must plan carefully while following new legal frameworks.

Portugal no longer allows UK nationals free movement; instead, it treats them as third-country citizens. As a result, you must apply for a specific visa and then obtain a residence permit if you plan to stay longer than 90 days. Furthermore, the government closed the NHR tax regime and ended the real estate Golden Visa route, so newcomers need to fully understand Portugal’s 2025 legal and financial rules. Consequently, anyone planning a move should prepare thoroughly before taking any next steps.

Ultimately, this guide walks you through every part of the relocation process, including visas, the new tax regime, housing, healthcare, and practical logistics, so that you can move smoothly and confidently.

The Post-Brexit legal & Regulatory landscape

Since the UK’s departure from the European Union, British citizens’ ability to move freely across the Schengen Zone, including Portugal, has ended.

Third-country citizen status

Today, UK nationals are treated as third-country citizens. This means you can visit Portugal visa-free for a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period. For any long-term intention—such as working, studying, retiring, or family reunification—a residency visa application must be successfully completed before arriving in Portugal, followed by obtaining a formal residence permit once there.

AIMA replaces SEF: The new Immigration Authority

In 2023, Portugal dissolved its former immigration and borders agency, SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras). Its responsibilities were transferred to a new body: AIMA (Agência para a Integração, Migração e Asilo). AIMA now oversees all visa approvals, residence card issuances, renewals, and biometric appointments. While intended to streamline processes, delays are still common, meaning applicants must factor in significant waiting times (e.g., 9–18 months for certain residency types) when planning their move.

EU-UK withdrawal agreement residents

If you established legal residence in Portugal before 1 January 2021, your rights are protected under the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement. You should have already exchanged your old residency document for a biometric residence card issued by AIMA. Holders of this specific card are exempt from the 90/180-day rule and the upcoming EES system.

Entry/Exit System (EES) rollout

From 12 October 2025, the EU will implement the Schengen Entry/Exit System (EES). This digital border system will replace traditional passport stamping. UK travellers entering Portugal will have their biometric data recorded (fingerprints and a facial scan) upon their first entry. This is a one-time, free registration, but it formalises and strictly monitors the short-stay period.

The new tax regime: from NHR to IFICI

For over a decade, the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) program attracted thousands of expats with its substantial tax breaks on foreign-sourced income, including pensions. This program is now closed.

NHR closure and Transitional period

The government officially closed NHR to new applicants on 1 January 2024. A transitional grace period was established for those who had already taken specific steps (like signing a property contract) before the cut-off, but this window also officially closed on 31 March 2025.

Introducing IFICI (incentivo fiscal à investigação científica e inovação)

Anyone moving to Portugal after the NHR closure now falls under the new regime, sometimes called “NHR 2.0,” officially named IFICI (Incentivo Fiscal à Investigação Científica e Inovação).

• Focus: IFICI is far narrower than NHR, specifically targeting scientists, researchers, and highly qualified professionals in strategic sectors (e.g., technology, medicine, engineering, higher education).

• Benefits (10 Years):

  • A 20% flat tax rate on eligible Portuguese-sourced professional income (a significant reduction from the normal top rate of up to 48%).

  • A 0% tax rate on most foreign-sourced income (e.g., dividends, royalties, foreign salary), provided a double taxation treaty is in place.

Residency visa pathways for UK Nationals

The correct visa pathway depends entirely on your financial situation and your intent for moving. All routes lead to permanent residency and potential citizenship after 5 years, provided the residency obligations are consistently met.

D7 passive income Visa

This route is ideal for retirees and financially independent individuals with stable, non-employment passive income streams (pensions, dividends, rental income).

D8 Digital Nomad Visa

Launched in 2022, the D8 is for remote workers and freelancers who earn an active income from outside Portugal.

Golden visa (investment route)

The Golden Visa is for high-net-worth individuals seeking EU access with minimal physical stay requirements. The previous real estate option is gone, and the focus is now on investments that directly benefit the Portuguese economy.

• Current Qualifying Options (Minimum Investment):

  • Fund Investment: €500,000 into a regulated venture capital or private equity fund (non-real estate).

  • Cultural Donation: €250,000 to support arts or cultural heritage.

  • Scientific Research: €500,000 contribution to research institutions.

  • Business & Jobs: Create 10 new jobs, or invest €500,000 into a company that maintains 5 jobs for 3 years.

• Minimum Stay Requirement: Holders only need to spend an average of 7 days per year in Portugal.

• Timeline: Eligibility for permanent residency or citizenship is after 5 years, which now starts from the date of application submission.

D6 family reunification visa

This visa allows a UK national who already holds a valid Portuguese residence permit (e.g., D7, D8, Golden Visa) to bring their family members to join them.

• Who Qualifies: Spouse/partner, dependent children, and dependent parents.

• Financial Requirements: The resident sponsor must prove they can financially support the family (+50% of minimum wage for a spouse, +30% for each child).

• Rights: Approved family members receive a residence permit with the same rights to live, work, and access healthcare as the primary resident.

Healthcare access for UK citizens in Portugal

Once you become a legal resident, you are entitled to use the Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS), Portugal’s public healthcare system, on the same terms as Portuguese citizens.

Registering with the SNS

After receiving your formal residence permit card from AIMA, you must register at your local Centro de Saúde (health centre).

1. Bring your passport, residence permit, and NIF.

2. You will be issued a Número de Utente (healthcare user number).

3. Most services are heavily subsidised, though small co-payments (taxas moderadoras) are required for many visits.

S1 Form for UK pensioners

If you are a UK state pensioner or receive certain long-term benefits, you should apply for an S1 Form before leaving the UK. Registering this form in Portugal means the UK government covers your SNS healthcare costs, making it the most valuable route for retirees.

Private health insurance

Private health insurance is mandatory for your visa application, as you cannot register for the SNS until you are a resident. Many expats retain private cover even after registering with the SNS for:

• Faster access to specialists.

• Access to English-speaking staff and modern private hospitals.

• Costs are generally affordable (€50-€150/month).

Finding accommodation: renting and buying

Portugal still offers good property value, but prices are rising, especially in key areas.

Renting

• City Hotspots: Rents in Lisbon and Porto are high (often €900-€1,500+ for a one-bedroom), approaching levels seen in mid-sized UK cities.

• Upfront Costs: Landlords frequently ask for a fiador (Portuguese guarantor). Without one, expect to pay 6-12 months’ rent upfront plus a deposit, making the initial move costly.

• Leases: Long-term leases usually start at 12 months minimum.

Buying

• Foreign Ownership: UK citizens face no restrictions on buying property.

• Prices: Prices in Lisbon average €3,500-€5,200 per square metre. The Algarve and Porto are also high-demand areas.

• Mortgages: Banks typically finance up to 70-80% of the property value, requiring a Portuguese NIF and proof of income.

Practical & cultural integration

Language and Culture

Although many people speak English in tourist and expat hubs such as Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve, you should learn European Portuguese to integrate fully. Additionally, life moves at a slower pace than in the UK, with long lunches, family-focused weekends, and a relaxed approach to punctuality. Therefore, actively participating in local communities and embracing traditions plays a crucial role in settling successfully.

Employment opportunities

• Work Eligibility: Once you hold a valid work-permitting residence permit (e.g., D8, D2, or post-residency D7/Golden Visa), you gain full access to the Portuguese labour market.

• Sectors in Demand: Technology and Startups (Lisbon/Porto tech hubs), Tourism, Healthcare (nursing, elderly care), and Education (international schools).

• Salaries: Wages are generally lower than in the UK, with the minimum wage around €870 per month. Senior specialist roles are paid competitively, but the average is lower.

How Lawsantis can help with your move

Lawsantis is a specialist relocation partner dedicated to simplifying the complex process of moving from the UK to Portugal, ensuring you meet all legal requirements efficiently.

Our services include:

• Visa Strategy and application: We provide expert advice to help you choose the correct visa (D7, D8, Golden Visa, D6) and manage the entire application process with the Portuguese Consulate and AIMA.

• NIF and Bank account opening: We fast-track the mandatory requirement of obtaining your Portuguese NIF (tax number) and opening a local bank account, which are necessary before applying for any visa.

• Tax Residency and IFICI guidance: We provide up-to-date consultation on the new IFICI tax regime, assessing your eligibility for the 10-year flat tax and ensuring you comply with all Portuguese tax residency requirements from day one.

• Document legalisation and translation: We handle the necessary notarisation, legalisation, and certified translation of critical UK documents (like criminal record certificates, marriage, and birth certificates).

• AIMA appointment management: We monitor and manage your follow-up appointment with AIMA for biometrics and the issuance of your final residence card, navigating the backlogs and bureaucratic delays.

Getting started with Lawsantis

Lawsantis helps remove the complexity and uncertainty of the post-Brexit move. We ensure you are fully prepared for every step, from the UK application to receiving your residence permit in Portugal.