Moving to Portugal From the UK: A 2025 Comprehensive Guide

Why move to Portugal from the UK?

What makes Portugal so appealing to UK citizens? Well, there are plenty of reasons that have made British expats Portugal-bound over the years, each contributing to an overall upgrade in their quality of life. The top reasons to move to Portugal from UK cities include:

• The warm climate: With over 300 days of sunshine a year, especially in the south, Portugal offers a warm, outdoor-friendly lifestyle (quite a contrast to the UK’s colder weather).
• Safety: Consistently ranked as one of the safest countries in Europe (ranked seventh on the 2025 Global Peace Index)
• Welcoming locals: The Portuguese are known for their friendliness, making it easier for newcomers to feel at home.
• Quality healthcare: Portugal ranked 23rd globally in the 2025 Numbeo Health Care Index. Its healthcare system outperformed Germany, which ranked 25th. Portugal’s healthcare is both high-quality and affordable.
• Education: Portugal offers solid public education and 51 high-quality international schools featuring a range of curricula (including the British IGCSE curriculum). Some of the best international schools in Portugal catering specifically to British learners are: The British School of Lisbon, IPS Cascais, Nobel International School Algarve, Oporto British School in Porto, and St. Julian’s School in Carcavelos (just outside of Lisbon).
• Retirement-friendly: Portugal is a firm favorite with retirees. It offers a warm climate with an affordable yet high-quality of life. The excellent healthcare, abundance of top golf courses, and relaxed pace of life add to its appeal. You will also find world-class retirement homes in Lisbon, Portugal.
• Tax incentives: The Tax Incentive for Scientific Research and Innovation (IFICI) offers reduced tax rates for eligible professionals, including those in tech or science fields. Also, the UK-Portugal Double Taxation agreement ensures that British citizens will not pay tax twice on the same income.
• Lower cost of living: Everyday expenses, from housing to healthcare, are significantly more affordable than in the UK.

Cost of Moving & Settling in Portugal

To move to Portugal from the United Kingdom, you will need enough money to cover the initial costs like visas, housing deposits, travel, and ongoing monthly expenses. It is difficult to say exactly how much money you will need, but a good starting point for a single person is €870 on a D7 Visa or at least €2,000 a month if you plan on settling in Portugal’s major cities.

When renting, expect to pay a deposit for one to three months in advance. For example, to rent a one-bedroom apartment in the Lisbon city center, you can expect to pay €1,404 per month or €1,055 outside the city center. Those who live alone usually spend about €731 on monthly expenses and €2,644 for a family of four, without rent.

If you plan on shipping a whole household from the UK to Portugal, you will need around €1,700 to €4,600, based on the size of your property and the amount of furniture. If you have more belongings, a family, and choose to live in a more expensive area, like Lisbon, Porto, or the Algarve, you can spend well over €11,000.

Cost of living in UK vs Portugal

For Brits, moving to Portugal often gives them a double advantage: a better quality of life and spending less money. Overall, the cost of living in the United Kingdom is 37.4 percent higher than in Portugal. Compared to the UK, Portugal offers a more affordable cost of living in almost every category, from housing to groceries.

Here’s how they stack up, based on Numbeo:

• Housing: Renting or buying is significantly cheaper in Portugal. Renting in Portugal can decrease your housing costs by up to 28.5 percent, and if you’re buying, you could pay up to 60 percent less per square meter compared to the UK.
• Utilities: Electricity, water, and gas can be 50-100 percent cheaper in Portugal, depending on where you choose to stay.
• Groceries: In the UK, grocery prices at local markets are 30.6 percent more expensive compared to Portugal, especially for fresh produce.
• Dining out: Prices in restaurants in the UK are 60.1 percent more expensive than in Portugal.
• Transport: Public transport in Portugal is affordable, with monthly passes costing around €40, compared to €82.93 in the UK.
• Healthcare: Public healthcare is low-cost in Portugal, and private insurance is more affordable than in the UK.

Can you move to Portugal from UK after Brexit?

Moving to Portugal from UK after Brexit looks a little different to what it was before. Prior to 2021, UK nationals could relocate without visas due to EU membership.

However, to move to Portugal from the UK after Brexit, UK citizens now require visas and permits for long-term stays (longer than 90 days) as freedom of movement is no longer automatic. You also don’t get rights by default for work, healthcare, or residency.

Healthcare for UK Citizens in Portugal

Portugal offers excellent healthcare through the Portuguese National Health Service, the Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS), and a robust private health insurance sector.

Once you’ve received residency in Portugal, you can access the public system by registering at your local health center with your Portuguese residence permit, NIF (Portuguese tax identification number), and proof of address.

Public healthcare comes at a very low cost and is free for those under 18 or over 65 years old. The public system provides comprehensive services, though waiting times for non-urgent care can be long.

UK citizens moving to Portugal can also use the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which replaced the European Health Insurance Card after Brexit. For retirees receiving a UK state pension, the S1 form allows you to transfer healthcare entitlements to Portugal, granting access to the SNS at reduced or no cost.

Many expats from European countries also choose private insurance for quicker access to specialists and treatments, with policies starting at around €50 per month, depending on the level of coverage. For retirees moving to Portugal who require additional care, you will also find retirement homes for assisted living in Portugal.

Moving to Portugal from UK: Opening a Portuguese Bank Account

Opening a bank account in Portugal is a crucial step for expats. A local bank account is a practical option for managing your finances, paying rent, collecting rental income, or using any other services without paying hefty transaction fees. It can be very useful for those with a foreign pension income or a stable passive income.

Most banks require the following documentation:

• A valid passport or photo ID
• Proof of address
• Portuguese tax number (NIF or Número de Identificação Fiscal)
• Proof of income
• A minimum deposit to get your account started

Renting or Buying Property in Portugal

Buying property in Portugal after Brexit has changed for UK nationals. Although the process remains the same, they often have higher down payments since they are no longer members of the EU.

Portugal is increasingly on the radar of UK and Irish property buyers. With rental prices rising, owning a home can protect you from escalating costs, providing stability and predictability. Additionally, Portugal’s property market has seen consistent growth, with rising demand from international buyers making real estate a solid investment.

That said, renting is a practical choice for those who want to test the waters before committing to a specific area. It also allows for flexibility if you’re unsure about your long-term plans. However, with rents climbing in popular cities and tourist hotspots, monthly costs can quickly add up. For example, renting a one-bedroom apartment in Lisbon city center can cost €1,404 per month or more without the long-term benefit of owning the home.

Tax Implications for Moving From UK to Portugal

When you move to Portugal and become a tax resident, you start paying taxes on your worldwide income in Portugal. Since the UK and Portugal have a tax treaty or Double Taxation Agreement (DTA), you don’t get taxed on the same income twice.

How to become Portuguese tax residents?

The Portuguese authorities consider you a tax resident after you spend more than 183 days in Portugal, or you have a permanent residence there. If you are liable to pay tax, you must also apply for a tax number (or NIF). To get a NIF, you can visit a local tax office in Portugal with a passport and proof of address. You can also have a legal representative apply remotely on your behalf.

It is mandatory for non-residents to have a tax representative. To find out more, check out our ultimate guide to taxes in Portugal.

Top Places for UK Expats to Live in Portugal

Curious about where to live when moving to Portugal from the UK? Here are some of the most popular locations among expats:

• Lisbon: Moving to Lisbon from the UK is perfect for professionals, families, and anyone who loves a rich cultural scene. Think cobblestone streets, a thriving food scene, and endless cultural events—all with international schools and global connections right on your doorstep. The average property price in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area in 2024 was €4,935 per square meter. Check out our article on Lisbon real estate for more information.
• The Algarve: Picture golden beaches like Marinha Beach, world-class golf courses like Quinta do Lago, and expat-friendly communities. It’s a dream for retirees or anyone chasing year-round sunshine and a laid-back lifestyle. The average property price in the Algarve region in 2024 was €4,385 per square meter, but prices will vary per neighborhood and city. Read our Algarve, Portugal, real estate guide for the latest insight.
• Porto: A picturesque city with a thriving wine industry and a lower cost of living than Lisbon, Porto appeals to families, entrepreneurs, and creatives. The average property price in the Porto Metropolitan Area in 2024 was €3,937 per square meter. You can read more about Porto, Portugal, real estate in our guide.
• Cascais: A luxurious seaside town near Lisbon, bringing you the ultimate mix of seaside luxury and city convenience. You’ve got beaches, stunning homes, top-notch schools, and you’re just a quick train ride from Lisbon. The average property price in Cascais in 2024 was €7,260 per square meter. Our Cascais, Portugal, real estate article provides all the details.

Finding a Job for UK Citizens in Portugal

Portugal’s job market is steadily growing, with opportunities in tourism and hospitality, tech and IT, healthcare, and education. English-speaking roles are available, but learning Portuguese can put you ahead of the competition.

UK qualifications are generally well-recognized, but competition may still be tough in some sectors.

For insider advice on finding a job in Portugal, our guide on working in Portugal has all you need to know.

Adapting to Life in Portugal: Language, Culture, and Lifestyle

Once you’ve made your journey from the UK and started to settle in, one of the best ways to start adapting and integrating into the Portuguese culture is to learn the language.

Learning Portuguese is invaluable for integrating into local communities and can help you find a job. You may want to learn Portuguese via free or low-cost language courses, which are also widely available to help you along the way.

Embrace Portugal’s relaxed lifestyle, vibrant festivals, and delicious cuisine, and you’ll feel like a local in no time. Many expat social events and communities can help ease the transition. You can also consult the Portuguese tax authorities if you have problems paying taxes.

Driving in Portugal: Converting Your UK Driving License

The driving process for UK residents in Portugal is straigthforward because of a mutual recognition and exchange agreement signed between the two countries.

If you are a resident in Portugal, you can keep driving with your valid UK licence until it expires. But first, you must register the UK license with Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes (IMT) in the first 60 days of obtaining residency.

When your UK licence is about to expire, you must apply to exchange it for a Portuguese one. Although you have up to two years from gaining residency to complete the exchange, it is best to start the application within 90 days of establishing residency.

You begin by completing an onling application form via the IMT portal. After the application is approved, you will be asked to come for an in-person appointment and provide your original documents, biometrics, and pay a fee of around €30.

These documents often include:

• Your valid UK license
• Proof of identity
• A medical certificate
• Proof of your Portuguese residency

The best part? You don’t need to take a driving test to convert your license.

Final Thoughts: How to Move to Portugal from UK

Moving to Portugal from the UK requires careful planning, and you’ll need to follow several steps to get set up, such as securing residency. When preparing for the move, make a list of things you will need to consider – money, accommodation, exchanging your UK driving license, and so on. When you are in Portugal, you will need to register with the public health system and set up a bank account, but with expert assistance, you’ll find the process to be quite straightforward.

Moving to Portugal from the UK involves securing a visa, finding your ideal place to live, and adapting to a different culture, but the reward for your efforts is well worth it. UK citizens can enjoy Portugal’s high-quality yet relaxed way of life, affordable cost of living, and welcoming environment. So, what’s stopping you?

Goldcrest: How We Can Help You 

Goldcrest is a buyer’s agent that is based in Lisbon. We provide expert, impartial advice on real estate investments and how to buy property in Portugal. From scouting out the perfect property through to property acquisition, we have you covered throughout the process.

If you are looking to purchase property in Portugal, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team of skilled experts is available to solve all your real estate doubts, helping you with the property search and offering insightful expertise and strategic advice.

Why choose Goldcrest?

• Local knowledge: With offices located across Portugal, our presence nationwide allows us to assist you personally across the country.
• Independent service: As an independent buying agent, we do not represent any development or project. Our service is entirely tailored toward each individual client, providing you with everything you need to secure the perfect property at the best possible price. As an impartial advisor on the market, we work solely on behalf of our client and provide a service tailored to your needs and requirements.
• Streamlined process: Our real estate agents speak English and Portuguese, and our service is completely focused on providing you with a hassle-free buying experience, saving you time.
• Experienced team: Our expert real estate team has a vast local knowledge of the Portuguese property market. We have cutting-edge technology and metasearch tools at your disposal to provide full market coverage, ensuring the best investment choices and negotiated prices.
• Network of partners: We have a close network of partners, including lawyers, property management services, builders, architects, designers, and landscape gardeners, again saving you time and hassle by providing you with trusted experts in their field of work.