Last updated: 22 October 2026
Portugal has become one of the favourite destinations for Britons moving abroad. It offers mild winters, a lower cost of living than the UK, friendly people, excellent food and a long, sunny Atlantic coast. Since Brexit, UK citizens need a visa to live there, but the routes are well established.
| Visa | Who it suits | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| D7 (passive income) visa | Retirees and people with pensions, rental or investment income | Must show regular income above a set threshold |
| D8 digital nomad visa | Remote workers for foreign employers or clients | Higher income threshold; temporary stay or residency options |
| D2 entrepreneur visa | People starting a business in Portugal | Business plan and funds needed |
| Work visa | People with a Portuguese job offer | Employer involvement |
| Family reunification | Family of legal residents | Sponsor must qualify |
Portugal’s golden visa still exists, but property purchases no longer qualify. Apply at the Portuguese consulate or through VFS in the UK, and check current income thresholds before applying.
The old Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) regime closed to most new applicants in 2024. It was replaced by a narrower scheme, often called “NHR 2.0” or IFICI, aimed mainly at certain professions such as research and tech. Pensioners no longer get the old flat rate, so take advice from a cross-border tax adviser before moving.
| Method | Typical time | Typical cost (2–3 bedroom home) |
|---|---|---|
| Road (via ferry or the Channel Tunnel and Spain) | 4–8 days | £3,000–£6,000 |
| Shared load (part van) | 1–3 weeks | £1,200–£3,000 |
| Sea freight to Lisbon or Leixões (Porto) | 1–2 weeks at sea plus handling | Varies |
| Madeira and the Azores | Sea freight required | Extra costs and customs steps |
Used household goods are generally duty-free when you move your residence to Portugal, provided the paperwork is in order. See our international removals guide.
Importing a UK car means paying vehicle tax (ISV) unless you qualify for a transfer-of-residence exemption, which normally requires you to have owned the car for a minimum period and lived outside Portugal for at least a year. Right-hand-drive cars are legal, but they can be harder to sell later. Get a quote before you decide.
Day-to-day costs such as food, transport and eating out are generally lower than in the UK. Rents in Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve have risen sharply, though. Inland towns and the Silver Coast often offer better value.
Ferries to northern Spain followed by a short drive make Portugal easy to reach by car. Read holidays without flying from the UK.
Yes, with a residence visa such as the D7, D8 digital nomad or a work visa.
Portugal’s passive income visa, for people with regular income such as pensions or rental income above a set threshold.
The original NHR closed to most new applicants in 2024. A narrower scheme now applies to certain professions.
Typically £3,000–£6,000 for a 2–3 bedroom home by road, depending on volume and access.
Yes, but you may pay ISV vehicle tax unless you qualify for transfer-of-residence relief.
Ask us about sea voyages and freighter routes from the UK to southern Europe.
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