Following Brexit, UK citizens no longer have the automatic right to live in Portugal. However, Portugal remains one of the most popular destinations for Britons seeking sun, security, and a slower pace of life in Europe. Fortunately, there are several visa options that make long-term relocation possible and relatively straightforward.
In this guide, we’ll explain the top visa pathways, the required documents, and how Borderless Lawyers can help you relocate legally and confidently.
🌟 Why Britons Are Moving to Portugal
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✅ Access to affordable healthcare
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✅ Warmer weather and relaxed lifestyle
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✅ Lower cost of living than the UK
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✅ English widely spoken in Lisbon, Algarve, and Porto
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✅ Visa options tailored to remote workers, retirees, and business owners
🛂 Visa Options for UK Citizens Post-Brexit
UK nationals are considered non-EU citizens and must apply for a residence visa to live in Portugal longer than 90 days.
Here are the most relevant visa types for British citizens:
💼 1. D7 Visa – Passive Income or Remote Work
Perfect for UK residents with stable monthly income (e.g. pensions, rental income, dividends, or remote work).
Requirements:
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Minimum monthly income: ~€820
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Lease agreement or property in Portugal
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Portuguese NIF (tax ID)
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Health insurance valid in Portugal
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UK police certificate (apostilled & translated)
Best For: Retirees, remote workers, and financially independent individuals.
🌍 2. Digital Nomad Visa
Designed for remote workers employed by or contracted to companies outside Portugal.
Requirements:
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Monthly income: at least €3,280
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Proof of employment or freelance clients
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Accommodation in Portugal
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Private health insurance
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Clean criminal background check (apostilled)
Best For: Tech professionals, freelancers, consultants, and online business owners.
🧳 3. D2 Visa – Entrepreneur Visa
For Brits wanting to launch or move their business to Portugal.
Requirements:
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Clear business plan
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Proof of capital/investment
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Portuguese NIF and bank account
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Health insurance
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Apostilled UK criminal background check
Best For: Startup founders, consultants, and small business owners.
🎓 4. Student Visa
For UK citizens enrolled in full-time studies at a Portuguese institution.
Requirements:
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Enrollment letter from the institution
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Proof of sufficient funds and accommodation
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Apostilled background check
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Health insurance
Best For: Undergrad, postgrad, and language course students.
👨👩👧👦 5. Family Reunification
UK nationals with family legally residing in Portugal can apply to join them.
Eligible family members:
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Spouse or registered partner
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Dependent children
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Dependent parents
📍 Best Cities in Portugal for UK Expats
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Lisbon – Cosmopolitan and full of opportunities
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Cascais – Safe and family-friendly, great for retirees
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Algarve (Lagos, Faro) – Sunny, relaxed, large British expat population
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Porto – Affordable, artsy, and historic
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Coimbra – Great for students and academics
📄 Step-by-Step Guide to Moving from the UK to Portugal
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Choose the right visa (D7, Digital Nomad, etc.)
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Gather required documents and have them apostilled
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Apply through the Portuguese Consulate in the UK
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Attend your visa interview and biometric appointment
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Receive visa and relocate to Portugal
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Attend SEF appointment to receive your residence card
⚖️ How Borderless Lawyers Helps UK Citizens Move to Portugal
Borderless Lawyers provides expert legal support to UK citizens relocating to Portugal. Our team ensures your visa strategy is correct from the start and all legal requirements are met.
We help with:
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✅ Selecting the right visa
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✅ Preparing apostilled & translated documents
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✅ NIF and Portuguese bank account setup
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✅ Accommodation and relocation advice
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✅ SEF appointment scheduling
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✅ Post-arrival legal guidance
✅ Start Your Move from the UK to Portugal Today
Portugal offers a legal, safe, and scenic new home for Brits seeking change. Whether you’re working remotely, retiring, or investing in a business, Borderless Lawyers makes the transition smooth and stress-free.