Move to Portugal
from the UK
Around 48,000 British citizens call Portugal home - nearly triple the number a decade ago. From the golden beaches of the Algarve to the culture-rich streets of Lisbon and Porto, Portugal offers a laid-back lifestyle without sacrificing modern comforts.
At a Glance
- Capital
- Lisbon
- UK Expats
- ~48,000
- Local Time
- Lisbon
- Flight Time
- 2h 30m direct
- Temperature
- 14°C now
GBP → EUR · 12 months
↓ -1.9%£1 = €1.16
26%
Cheaper than UK
cost of living
70%
English Spoken
6/10
Visa Ease
A
Safety
Large
Expat Community
Good
Healthcare
Overview
A wonderful combination of sun, beaches, impeccable cuisine and friendly people make moving to Portugal from the UK an attractive decision for many Brits.
Around 40-50,000 Brits now live in Portugal, and that number has quietly tripled over the past decade since Brexit.
On the far western tip of Europe, serving as a gateway to both Africa and the Americas, Portugal is rightfully seen as one of the best places to escape the everyday drudgery and to start living life the way you want to live it.
The weather is absurdly good, the cost of living is still meaningfully lower than the UK in the areas that actually matter to us.
Nearly half of all British residents - around 23,000 - live in the Faro district (the Algarve), where an established community has built up over decades with English-speaking doctors, British schools, and - of course - pubs showing the Premier League.
Lisbon accounts for roughly 9,600, with growing pockets in the Silver Coast, Madeira, and Porto. The demographic has shifted dramatically since 2017: it's no longer primarily retirees. Younger families and remote workers now make up a significant slice of new arrivals.
Day-to-day life runs on a different rhythm in Portugal.
Mornings start with a proper espresso at a café for under €1 - not a £4 panic-buy on the way to the train. Lunch is a sit-down affair, often with wine, and can easily stretch past an hour. Dinner rarely happens before 8pm. Shops still close on Sundays. The word devagar (slowly) is the way here.
Culture shock, when you arrive, comes in unexpected forms.
Only 14% of Portuguese homes have central heating(!), and older buildings have zero insulation at all. There’s a good chance you’ll feel colder indoors in Lisbon in January than you did in Manchester, because at least in Manchester you had a boiler.
Then there’s admin. Lots of admin. Portugal’s immigration system has improved, but delays and backlogs are still part of the experience.
The immigration agency AIMA inherited a backlog of 400,000 cases and had a customer satisfaction score of 17.8 out of 100 last time we checked.
If you have the patience to get through it all, Portugal is undoubtedly one of the trendiest locations in the world for British expats. A real hotspot.
For sunshine, space, and a slower pace of life, it could be one of the best moves you’ll ever make…
Who is Portugal for? Retirees with solid pensions. Remote workers earning £40k+ in GBP. Families with primary-school-age children looking for outdoor lifestyle and safety. Couples seeking better quality of life on modest budgets. Freelancers and digital nomads wanting a European base with low costs. Portugal has a TON going for it - and it’s reflected by the massive increase in Brits moving here since Brexit.
Watch: Life in Portugal
Hand-picked videos from expats and creators on the ground.
Top 12 Places To Live In Portugal
Why Moving to Portugal Could Be Your Best Decision ever
From Struggling in the UK to Thriving in Portugal (Same Pension)
Visas & Immigration
Since January 2021, British citizens are treated as third-country nationals in Portugal. You can’t just show up and stay anymore… if you want to live here, you’ll need a visa and a residence permit.
Every possible route involves paperwork (thank you Brexit!), a good chance of delays, and admin. Expect to deal with criminal record checks, proof of income, accommodation, and various appointments along the way.
A Portuguese NIF (tax number) and bank account aren’t legally required for every visa - but in practice, they make the entire process (and your life once you arrive) significantly easier.
Our advice? Start early.
Many Brits underestimate how long the process can take.
Tourist Entry (90/180 Schengen)
Tourist Entry (90/180 Schengen)
Visa-free up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period across the entire Schengen Area - not just Portugal. Passport must be valid 3 months beyond departure and issued within 10 years. ETIAS (€20 fee) expected late 2026. The 90-day clock applies to ALL Schengen countries combined.
90 days
Free
D7 Visa — Passive Income / Retirement
D7 Visa — Passive Income / Retirement
Seen as the workhorse visa for British retirees and anyone living on pension, rental, or investment income. The current VFS UK D7 checklist uses the 2026 Portuguese monthly minimum salary (€920) as its benchmark for means of subsistence, with +50% for a second adult and +30% for each child or dependent adult child. It also asks for a recent Portuguese bank statement showing at least €11,040 for a single applicant. Processing 3–6 months. The most popular route for British retirees by far.
2 years (renewable for 3)
~£96 (visa) + ~£144 (permit)
D8 Visa — Digital Nomad / Remote Worker
D8 Visa — Digital Nomad / Remote Worker
Launched October 2022. Requires proof of average monthly income over the last 3 months equal to at least four times the Portuguese monthly minimum wage - from employment or freelance work for clients outside Portugal. The income threshold is surprisingly high = if you earn less than ~£38k remotely, the D7 may be a better fit.
Up to 1 year or 2-year permit
~£65–96 (visa) + ~£144 (permit)
D1 Visa — Employment (Sponsored Work)
D1 Visa — Employment (Sponsored Work)
Requires a job offer from a Portuguese employer with a 12+ month contract. Position must pass a labour market test through IEFP. A separate D3 visa exists for highly qualified professionals in tech, engineering, medicine, and academia with faster processing. Unless you have specialist skills, getting sponsored is said to be very difficult.
1 year (renewable)
~£96 (visa) + ~£144 (permit)
D2 Visa — Entrepreneur / Investor
D2 Visa — Entrepreneur / Investor
For starting or investing in a Portuguese business. Requires a viable business plan demonstrating economic benefit, proof of investment or financing, and "minimum bank savings" (amount unspecified when we last checked). No fixed minimum investment amount. You need to convince the authorities your venture is real.
2 years (renewable for 3)
~£96 (visa) + ~£50–138 (permit)
Golden Visa (ARI)
Golden Visa (ARI)
The property purchase route was eliminated in 2023. Remaining options: investment in qualifying venture capital or PE funds (€500,000 minimum), scientific research, or cultural heritage support (€200,000–250,000). Main attraction is minimal physical presence - just 7 days in year one, 14 days per subsequent two-year period. Big processing backlog here.
2 years (renewable)
~€806.80 for analysis plus €8,060.20 (permit)
Family Reunification (D6)
Family Reunification (D6)
The sponsor must already hold a valid Portuguese residence permit and show they have enough income and suitable accommodation to support their family. In most cases, you can only apply for family reunification after the sponsor has been legally resident in Portugal for 2 years. This can be reduced to 15 months for spouses or partners who can prove at least 18 months of cohabitation before moving to Portugal. Important: the process usually starts in Portugal, with the sponsor applying to AIMA for approval first.
Matches sponsor's permit
~£96 (visa) + ~£144 (permit) per person
Important: the residence visa issued by the consulate is typically valid for 4 months and two entries. The longer periods shown above refer to the residence permit obtained in Portugal after arrival, not the visa sticker itself.
What about staying permanently in Portugal?
Permanent residency becomes available after five years of legal residence in Portugal. For this, you’ll need basic Portuguese (A2 level), a clean criminal record, and evidence that you’re financially stable.
Citizenship follows a similar path.
After five years of legal residence, you can eventually apply for Portuguese nationality, as long as you pass an A2 Portuguese language test and meet the standard requirements.
Portugal allows dual citizenship, so you won’t need to give up your British passport.
The current application fee is €250, and processing times are slow - often 1-3 years, sometimes longer depending on backlog. It’s certainly not a quick process.
Ignore the noise about a “10-year rule” for now.
As things stand, the official requirement remains five years of legal residence. If that changes, it will be widely publicised - useful to keep in mind, but don’t plan your move around laws that aren’t actually in force.
General visa process: For most British expats, the D7 is still the default route. It has the lowest income threshold and works well for retirees, passive income earners - and even some remote workers if your setup fits. That said, it’s not the only option. If you’re earning a strong remote income, the Digital Nomad route may be a better fit. Don’t just blindly default to D7 without checking both.
Cost of Living
Below we’ve compared the cost of living between Portugal and the UK, using the latest Numbeo data as our benchmark. It’s not perfect, but it’s a pretty good marker of expected costs.
The Portugal column uses national averages - but there is obviously a lot of regional variation. Lisbon is typically 30-50% higher for rent, and the Algarve and Silver Coast are 15-40% cheaper.
| Category | Portugal | UK avg | London |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed flat, city centre | £784/mo | £1,019/mo | £2,367/mo |
| 3-bed flat, city centre | £1,323/mo | £1,680/mo | £3,810/mo |
| Meal out (for 2, mid-range) | £39 | £65 | £80 |
| Beer (pint, restaurant) | £2.18 | £5.00 | £6.50 |
| Monthly transport pass | £35 | £75 | £200 |
| Utilities (85m², monthly) | £101 | £240 | £286 |
| Gym membership (monthly) | £33 | £35 | £60 |
| International school (annual) | £9,221 | £16,593 | £22,597 |
Source: Numbeo, March 2026. Exchange rate: £1 = €1.15.
Where Portugal saves you money
The real savings aren’t everywhere - they’re in a few key areas, and they add up fast.
Rent is the big one.
Outside Lisbon (and even in parts of it if you’re smart), housing is noticeably cheaper than the UK… and dramatically cheaper than London’s eyewatering prices. This is where most people feel the difference in their pocket; month-to-month.
Eating out in generally cheaper in Portugal, too.
A proper sit-down meal with wine can cost what you’d pay for a sad Deliveroo back home.
Public transport - especially in Lisbon - is ridiculously good value compared to the UK. You can get around an entire city for what London charges you to sit in a sweatbox for three stops in Zone 6.
And yes… drinks are cheaper. If the data suggests Brits are flocking here, it wasn’t really in doubt, was it?!
Where Portugal doesn't save as much
Groceries… and imported stuff.
Basic supermarket staples are only 10-15% cheaper than the UK. Fresh local produce from markets is excellent value, but imported goods and branded products can cost more.
If you want your preferred UK brands, you’ll certainly be paying a premium for them.
Electronics and cars are 20-30% more expensive. There's no Portuguese Amazon, either… you'll have to order from Amazon Spain or France.
Ordering from the UK post-Brexit can mean VAT, customs fees, and handling charges. Sometimes it’s fine. Sometimes it’s a nasty surprise…
Realistic monthly budgets
These are all based on some primitive Numbeo number-crunching.
Your actual costs may vary considerably…
- Single person, outside Lisbon: £1,300-1,500/month - one-bed flat, groceries, eating out twice a week, transport, utilities, health insurance, phone, gym
- Single person, Lisbon: £1,700-2,000/month - same lifestyle, higher rent
- Couple, outside Lisbon: £1,800-2,200/month - shared one-bed or small two-bed, eating out regularly, car costs if outside the capital
- Couple, Lisbon: £2,500-3,200/month
- Family of four, with international school (Lisbon): £3,500-4,500/month - three-bed flat, school fees, car, family health insurance
- Family of four, state school (outside Lisbon): £2,200-2,700/month - knock £600-800/month off without international school fees
To summarise…
Portugal is cheaper than the UK, but it isn't cheap in the way Thailand or Mexico are cheap.
The savings come from specific categories - rent, eating out, transport - not from across-the-board discounts. If you're earning a UK salary remotely, you'll live very well. If you're trying to survive on the Portuguese minimum wage of €920/month, you'll struggle.
Live like you’re in Portugal, not the UK: Shop local, eat seasonal, and don’t default to imported brands… that’s where the real savings are on your grocery shop. Local habits = cheaper life. Imported habits = UK prices.
Climate
Weather data for Lisbon, Portugal. 30-year averages from Open-Meteo (1991–2020).
Average Monthly Temperature (°C)
Average Monthly Rainfall (mm)
Right Now in Lisbon
Overcast
Feels Like
14°C
Humidity
72%
Wind
4 km/h
Hottest Month
Aug (28°C)
Coldest Month
Jan (9°C)
Wettest Month
Nov (96mm)
Driest Month
Aug (2mm)
Annual Rainfall
606mm
Avg Temperature
14–20°C
Where to Live
If you’re moving to Portugal from the UK, chances are that you’ll be keen to live in an area which is home to a few familiar faces.
Straddling the southern coast of Portugal, The Algarve - with Faro as its pseudo-capital - is one of the country’s most popular places for live.
There’s a very well established Spanish and Irish presence here, which mixes in easily with the friendly, local Portuguese community.
Elsewhere, as the capital of Portugal, Lisbon is another popular location for Brits to bed down in, and is the place to be for people looking to work or be near the centre of industry.
Beyond these hot spots, you’ve got the Silver Coast for affordable authenticity, Cascais for schools and sophistication, or Madeira for subtropical weather year-round.
We’ll shortly be adding city guides for Portugal to give you a complete picture of the best locations for Brits.
Cascais & Estoril
Where wealthy Lisboetas, diplomats, and expat families converge — a sophisticated coastal town 30km west of the capital with pristine beaches, world-class golf, and the highest concentration of international schools in Portugal (St. Julian's is here).
214K municipality
£2,250–3,500/mo
Lisbon
The capital is cosmopolitan, well-connected, and the only Portuguese city with a truly diverse job market. Over 100 coworking spaces, a booming tech scene (Web Summit's home), world-class food, and direct flights to everywhere. The €40 Navegante pass makes a car unnecessary.
545K city / 2.8M metro
£2,500–3,500/mo
Madeira
Subtropical weather year-round (16–25°C, never really cold, never scorching) and dramatic volcanic landscapes. Funchal is a proper functioning city with hospitals, restaurants, broadband, and direct UK flights. Portugal's first Digital Nomad Village launched here.
250K island / Funchal 105K
£1,900–2,800/mo
Porto
Porto is the choice for expats who find Lisbon too polished. UNESCO World Heritage centre, port wine cellars, emerging tech hub, excellent restaurants, and 30% cheaper than the capital. The trade-off: it rains. A lot.
238K city / 1.7M metro
£1,900–2,800/mo
Silver Coast
The 240km stretch between Lisbon and Porto is where budget-conscious Brits are increasingly landing. Caldas da Rainha has a full-service hospital and property prices that make Algarve expats weep. Costs are 30–50% below Lisbon.
Caldas da Rainha ~52K / Peniche ~28K
£1,550–2,400/mo
The Algarve
The largest British expat community in Portugal by a huge margin — roughly 23,000 in the Faro district alone. Established infrastructure: English-speaking doctors, British schools, Premier League pubs, 30+ golf courses. Weather is the best in Europe.
470K region / Faro 65K / Lagos 35K
£2,100–3,000/mo
Healthcare
Portugal's public healthcare system is generally better than you might expect - with a few catches.
The SNS (Serviço Nacional de Saúde) covers all legal residents.
Once you’ve got your residence permit, you register at your local health centre (Centro de Saúde) and get a Número de Utente.
Conceptually you can think of the system like the NHS, but Portuguese: tax-funded, universal, and mostly free at the point of use.
Public system
On paper, it’s excellent.
In practice… your satisfaction depends on timing (and patience).
GP appointments and routine care are either free or come with small fees (often just a few euros), and many charges have been reduced or scrapped in recent years. Emergency visits might cost a small fee if you bypass primary care, but it’s still very affordable.
Outcomes are strong, too - Portugal has high life expectancy (82 and rising) and generally good standards of care.
The trade-off are the waiting times - a familiar story for those of us coming via the NHS.
Specialists and non-urgent procedures can take a while, especially outside Lisbon and Porto. If you’ve dealt with the NHS backlog, this will all feel painly familiar - but that doesn’t make it any more enjoyable.
Private healthcare
Good. Really good.
This is where Portugal’s healthcare shines.
Private care is widely available, relatively affordable, and fast.
- GP appointment: €50-120
- Dental check-up: €30-75
- MRI scan: €250-300
Appointments are often same-day or next-day, clinics are modern, and many doctors work across both public and private systems… so you’re not trading quality, just paying for speed and convenience.
A lot of expats end up using a hybrid approach: SNS for the big stuff, private for anything where time matters (and for ultimate peace of mind).
Health insurance
For visa applications, you’ll typically need private health insurance covering medical expenses and repatriation for your initial stay.
Once you’re registered with the SNS, insurance becomes optional — but most expats keep it for faster access and English-speaking care.
Ballpark costs:
- Individual under 50: €30-100/month
- Couple in their 60s: €120-300/month
Some of the main local providers include Multicare, Médis, and AdvanceCare.
The big international options like Allianz, Cigna, and Bupa are also widely used by expats.
Dental, mental health, and prescriptions
There are a few gaps in the system.
- Dental care: remains mostly private for adults
- Mental health: limited in the public system - expect long waits or go private (€40-80/session)
- Prescriptions: subsidised on a sliding scale (it’s not a flat fee like the UK)
Pharmacies are excellent - well-stocked, helpful, and often your first stop for minor issues. You’ll find some medications available over the counter that would require a GP visit in the UK.
- Emergency number: 112 (English usually spoken)
- Health advice line: SNS 24 - 808 24 24 24
Budget for healthcare: Most expats use a mix of public and private care. Private health insurance typically costs €30-100/month for an individual, rising to €120-300/month for older couples or more comprehensive plans. If you’re relying mainly on the public system (SNS), it’s still sensible to budget €50-150/month for occasional private appointments, prescriptions, dental work, etc.
Tax
Portugal’s famous Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) regime - which offered a flat 20% rate on qualifying income and exemptions on many foreign earnings for 10 years - closed to new applicants on 1 January 2024.
If you weren't already registered, it's gone.
This is the biggest change to Portugal's appeal for British expats in a decade… and let’s be honest, it’s a big one.
Here’s what we’re left with:
Standard Portuguese income tax (IRS)
New arrivals now fall under Portugal’s standard progressive tax system.
As of 2026, rates go from 12.5% on income up to €8,342, climbing through multiple bands to 48% on income above €86,634. A solidarity surcharge adds 2.5% between €80,000-€250,000 and 5% above that, taking the effective top marginal rate to around 53%.
(As always, thresholds and bands can shift slightly year to year… check current rates when planning. The numbers may have changed!)
Compared to the UK, like for like, headline rates are higher - but how much you actually pay depends heavily on structure, deductions, and your household setup.
Married couples can file jointly, splitting income between spouses, which can reduce the overall tax burden if one partner earns significantly more.
The IFICI regime
The replacement regime (often referred to as IFICI) is far more limited.
It’s clearly aimed at highly qualified professionals working in specific sectors - typically science, tech, R&D, healthcare, or startups - and it usually requires the following:
- A relevant degree
- Several years of experience
- Employment linked to a Portuguese-based entity with real economic activity
Most retirees, remote workers, and generalist professionals won’t qualify.
New UK-Portugal Double Taxation Agreement
A new double taxation agreement came into effect on 1 January 2026, replacing the old 1968 treaty.
Some key points:
- Private pensions (including the UK state pension) are taxed in your country of residence (Portugal if you live there)
- Government service pensions (civil service, military, etc.) remain taxable in the UK
- UK rental income can be taxed in both countries, with credits to prevent double taxation
Remote workers earning in GBP
If you become tax resident in Portugal, you’re taxed on your worldwide income under Portuguese rules.
If you’re working remotely for a UK employer, well, things can get rather nuanced and complicated:
- In many cases, income is taxed in Portugal if the work is physically performed there
- UK PAYE treatment (including NT codes) depends on your specific setup - it’s not automatic, and HMRC will assess your situation.
Social security is another layer.
Without an A1 certificate, Portuguese contributions can apply (roughly 11% employee + 23.75% employer, as a guide).
This is one area where getting proper advice is definitely worth it.
Capital gains and property
- Property gains: 50% of the gain is added to your income and taxed at progressive rates (so around 6-24% depending on your bracket)
- Main residence exemption: applies if you reinvest in another primary home within the required timeframe
- IMI (annual property tax): typically 0.3-0.45% of assessed value
- AIMI (additional property tax): applies above €600,000
Portugal doesn’t have a traditional inheritance tax - but stamp duty (generally 10%) can apply to transfers, with close family members (spouse, children, parents) usually exempt.
UK State Pension
Good news here for retirees.
Your UK state pension is fully payable in Portugal and receives annual uprating under the triple lock, thanks to the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement.
Families & Schools
Portugal is consistently ranked as one of the safest countries in the world - but more importantly, it feels safe.
Kids are part of everyday life here. Restaurant staff will fuss over your toddler, strangers will chat to your children, and the whole culture is family-first in a way that feels very different from the UK where you’re likely to get evil glares if your toddler kicks off at the restaurant table…
Lifestyle is the real win for the kids.
Beaches, parks, outdoor cafés, mild weather most of the year - it’s a noticeably better setup for raising kids than grey suburbia and screen time, right?!
International schools
If you want a British or international curriculum, Portugal has solid options - especially around the Brit enclaves in Lisbon/Cascais, Porto, and the Algarve.
A few of the main ones:
- St. Julian's School (Carcavelos, near Lisbon/Cascais): Founded 1932, and considered by many to be the gold standard. English National Curriculum through IGCSE, then IB Diploma. Around 1,130 students from 59 nationalities. Beautiful campus near Carcavelos beach. From €8,000-19,000/year + additional first-year and capital fees.
- Oporto British School (Porto): The oldest British school in mainland Europe, founded 1894. British curriculum through IB Diploma - the only IB school in northern Portugal. Intimate community w/ 45+ nationalities. €9,500-17,500/year, depending on year group and extras.
- Nobel Algarve British International School (Lagoa/Almancil): English National Curriculum with IGCSE, A-Levels, BTEC, and IB Diploma. Roughly €6,500–16,500/year. V Strong at primary level.
- British School of Lisbon: Newer, growing fast, purely English National Curriculum. €12,000–20,000/year range.
(Fees vary by year group and change regularly - always check the latest schedule before planning around them!)
State schools
Portuguese state schools are free for legal residents, including expats.
But there’s a good chance you won’t use them because everything is taught in Portuguese.
True, there is support for non-native speakers (PLNM programmes), and younger children usually adapt quickly - often picking up conversational Portuguese within months - but for older kids, we’d really think twice about taking the state school option.
Childcare
Portugal's highly sought Creche Feliz programme provides free nursery places for children born after 1 September 2021, with the state reimbursing crèches directly.
Over 126,000 children are enrolled, but waiting lists are fierce - register during pregnancy to be in with any chance of securing one.
Where free places aren't available, private crèche costs are typically in the ballpark of €200-400/month.
Public preschool (ages 3–6) is free but again… places are limited.
Practicalities
It shouldn’t be hard to make friends if you’re moving to Portugal from the UK, simply because there are so many British people who already live here.
The large expat community makes Portugal one of the easiest countries for British expats to settle.
Here are some extra things to consider before you make the move:
Driving
Portugal drives on the right.
As a UK licence holder, you can drive in Portugal and exchange your licence without a test. The current rule gives you up to 2 years after becoming resident to do the swap.
The exchange itself is straightforward (around €30 + medical certificate), but like everything here… it can take time.
Motorways are tolled (usually electronic - Via Verde is the standard), and costs can stealthily add up on longer drives.
Lisbon to Algarve is roughly €20-25 in tolls.
Uber and Bolt work well in cities (Bolt is usually slightly cheaper), but outside Lisbon, Porto, and a few hotspots - you’ll definitely want a car to get around.
Phone and internet
Internet in Portugal is excellent.
Roughly comparable to the UK, maybe even slightly better.
Fibre is widely available and speeds are strong. The main providers are MEO, NOS, and Vodafone, and most people just go with whichever has the best deal in their building.
Bundles (internet + TV + phone) are typically available from around €30-60/month, which is not bad compared to Sky!
Mobile is simple: prepaid SIMs from €10-20/month.
Banking
You’ll need a Portuguese bank account for most things: rent, utilities, direct debits, and generally functioning like a normal human whilst moving across an entire continent.
To open one, you’ll need a NIF (tax number) - this is step one for almost everything in Portugal.
ActivoBank is a popular expat choice (no fees, decent app, English support).
Millennium BCP is another safe and traditional option (with more branches).
For moving money from the UK, Wise is the go-to - low fees, decent rates, and it just works.
One thing to know:
International cards (Wise, Revolut…) do work in Portugal, but you’ll still want a local bank card for things like MB Way, local payments, and certain services.
Language
Portugal ranks 6th globally for English proficiency (EF EPI).
So it’s no surprise that English is widely spoken in Lisbon, Porto, the Algarve, and expat-heavy areas. Day-to-day life is manageable without Portuguese in these areas.
But as always, there’s a ceiling with stubbornly clinging to English.
If you want to properly integrate - deal with bureaucracy, understand contracts, make local friends - you’ll need Portuguese. Aim for B1 level as a realistic target.
It’s not the easiest language. Spoken Portuguese sounds very different from how it looks written, and it takes time to tune your ear.
The good news: there are free or subsidised language courses for residents, and most people get there eventually - it just requires effort.
Buying property
Foreigners can buy property in Portugal with no restrictions.
You’ll need a NIF, Portuguese bank account, and a lawyer. Legal fees typically come to 1–2% of the purchase price (which is about the par for other Euro hotspots we’ve covered).
For transaction costs… add roughly 7-10% on top, including:
- IMT transfer tax (progressive, up to 7.5%)
- Stamp duty (0.8%)
- Notary + registration
Mortgages are available to non-residents (usually with higher deposits at 65–75% LTV).
It’s fair to say Portugal isn’t a bargain property market anymore - but compared to the UK (especially London), it can still look reasonable.
Pets
Bringing your best friend(s)?
Moving pets to Portugal is straightforward, just admin-heavy.
You’ll need:
- Microchip
- Rabies vaccination (with a 21-day wait after the first jab)
- Animal Health Certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Keep in mind: UK pet passports are no longer valid post-Brexit.
No tapeworm treatment is needed to enter Portugal (but you’ll need it for the return to the UK). Maximum 5 pets per person.
Once in Portugal, dogs must be registered locally.
The country changes. The expat questions don't.
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