Moving to Portugal from the UK looks very different than it did before 2021. Brexit ended free movement, so Britons are now third-country nationals — the same category as Americans, Canadians or Australians. That means no more turning up and staying: you need a visa arranged before you move. The good news is that Portugal remains one of the friendliest destinations for British movers, with well-trodden routes and a large existing community. Here’s how it actually works now.
What Brexit changed (and what it didn’t)
Before Brexit, a British passport let you live and work anywhere in the EU. That’s gone. As a third-country national you now:
- can visit visa-free for 90 days in any 180-day period, but no longer;
- must apply for a national visa at the Portuguese consulate (VFS Global handles applications in the UK) before relocating;
- convert that visa into a residence permit through AIMA, the immigration agency that replaced SEF, once you’re in Portugal.
If you were already legally resident in Portugal before the end of the transition period, you fall under the Withdrawal Agreement and have separate, protected rights — that’s a different situation from a fresh move. This guide is for new movers. Our visas pillar covers every route.
Choosing a visa: D7 or D8
The two routes most Britons use mirror what other non-EU nationals apply for:
- D7 (passive income / retirement). For people with steady, largely passive income — a pension, rental income, dividends, investments. You show income at least matching Portugal’s minimum wage (€920/month in 2026) plus savings. This is the classic retiree route.
- D8 (digital nomad). For remote employees and freelancers earning from outside Portugal, needing roughly €3,680/month (four times the minimum wage) plus savings of around €11,040, with uplifts for a spouse and children. Our D8 digital nomad visa guide has the full breakdown.
Both start at the consulate and finish at AIMA. Requirements and appointment slots change often, so confirm current details before applying. For a step-by-step of the whole relocation, see our ultimate relocation handbook.
Get your NIF and a bank account early
Your NIF (Portuguese tax number) is the master key — you can’t sign a lease, open utilities, get a phone contract or open a bank account without it. Many Britons obtain theirs remotely before moving. It comes from the Autoridade Tributária; our NIF guide walks through it, and the tax and NIF pillar explains where it fits. Line up a Portuguese bank account too — you’ll need one to show your savings and receive the visa. See our personal banking guide.
Tax: leaving the UK properly
Unlike Americans, Britons aren’t taxed on worldwide income once they’ve genuinely left the UK — but you have to leave properly. Complete a P85 to tell HMRC you’ve gone, and understand the Statutory Residence Test so you’re clearly non-UK-resident. Once you spend 183+ days a year in Portugal (or keep your habitual home here) you become a Portuguese tax resident and file locally — the IRS window is 1 April to 30 June. The UK–Portugal double taxation treaty prevents you being taxed twice on the same income, and note the old NHR scheme closed to new applicants on 31 March 2025; its successor IFICI only helps qualifying innovation and skilled roles. This is worth an hour with a cross-border accountant — get it right from year one.
Healthcare
As a resident you register with the SNS, Portugal’s public health service, at your local health centre to get a número de utente. If you’re a UK State Pension recipient, you may be entitled to state healthcare via an S1 form issued by the NHS Business Services Authority — this is one of the more valuable post-Brexit carry-overs for retirees, so check your eligibility. A GHIC card only covers temporary visits, not living here, so don’t rely on it. Most movers also take private insurance for speed and English-speaking care. Our healthcare in Portugal guide covers registration and costs.
Driving
You can drive on a valid UK licence for a period after becoming resident, but you’ll eventually need to deal with IMT (the transport authority). UK licences are generally exchanged rather than re-tested, and deadlines apply — don’t leave it until your licence is about to expire. Our driving licence guide explains the exchange. If you’re bringing a car, budget for ISV import tax and IMT registration; there’s a possible exemption if you owned it and lived abroad long enough before moving. See the import a car guide. Portugal drives on the right, so a UK right-hand-drive car is legal but can be awkward on rural roads.
Bringing pets
Post-Brexit, the old EU Pet Passport issued in Great Britain is no longer valid for travel. You now need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) from an official vet, issued within 10 days of travel, plus a microchip and an up-to-date rabies vaccination. Rules can change, so confirm the current requirements with your vet and DEFRA before booking. Portugal has no quarantine for compliant cats and dogs, which makes the move much easier than many countries.
A realistic timeline
- Months 1–2: choose D7 vs D8, get your NIF, open a Portuguese bank account, gather documents (DBS/criminal record check with apostille, income and savings proof).
- Months 2–4: book and attend the VFS/consulate visa appointment; sort pet AHC timing.
- Months 4–6: visa issued, move over, attend your AIMA appointment, receive your residence permit.
- Ongoing: register with the SNS, notify HMRC with a P85, and start counting toward the 10 years of residence now required for citizenship (7 for some categories), plus A2 Portuguese.
FAQ
Can I still just move and find work? No — you need a visa arranged first; free movement ended with Brexit.
Does my State Pension get paid in Portugal? Yes, and it’s typically uprated under the UK–Portugal arrangements — confirm with the DWP.
How long until citizenship? Under the 2026 nationality law it’s 10 years of legal residence for most Britons (7 for some categories) plus A2 Portuguese — the old “five years” figure is out of date.
Is my UK pension taxed in Portugal? Usually in Portugal once you’re resident, subject to the treaty — get advice on your specific pensions.
Planning a move from the UK? GrowIN Portugal helps British movers pick the right visa, sort the NIF and paperwork, and settle in without the guesswork. Explore our services to begin.