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How to move to Portugal post-Brexit
If you’re planning to move to Portugal after Brexit you’ll need to know about the new requirements for becoming a Portuguese resident. UK citizens no longer have an automatic right to live in Portugal, but the good news is that Portugal has some of the most attainable residency requirements of any EU country.
Watch our video to find out more from our expert panel:
How long can I spend in Portugal if I’m not a resident?
If you’re planning to spend extended periods of time in Portugal but aren’t going to become a resident (for example if you own, or are planning to buy, a holiday home in Portugal) you are able to spend 90 days out of every 180 days in the country without needing a visa. It’s worth noting that this time limitation applies to all EU member states – which means that if you were to visit another country for 30 days you would only be able to spend 60 days in Portugal within that same 180 day period.
How can I get residency in Portugal after Brexit?
To become a resident in Portugal you will need to obtain a visa. There are several options available to you depending on your reasons for moving to Portugal and your financial situation. Find out more about the different types of visa below, and you can also take a look at the Portuguese Consulate in London website.
What is a D7 visa?
The D7 is arguably the most accessible visa – it’s available to anyone with a regular, preferably passive, income that is equal to or more than the Portuguese minimum wage (which is €700 per month).
This visa is also known as the ‘retirement’ and ‘passive income’ visa. It’s available to anyone who can prove they meet this minimum income requirement, which could take the form of a pension, salary from remote working for a company based in the UK, rental income or freelance work.
How do I qualify for a Golden Visa?
In order to qualify for the Golden Visa you must make an investment in Portugal. One of the most common ways of doing this is buying a Portuguese property – generally around €500k or more. It’s important to note that a Golden Visa does not make you a tax resident in Portugal, but it only requires you to spend seven days per year in Portugal, and after five years you have the option of applying for citizenship or permanent residency.
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What about a D2 visa?
The D2 Visa is also known as the ‘Immigrant Entrepreneur Visa’. It’s available to anyone who is setting up a small or medium sized business in Portugal (or who already owns a business in Portugal but is not yet a resident). There are no restrictions on the type of business, but you will need to provide proof of your business’ viability and evidence of start-up capital of €5,000. You can also include dependents on this visa. Find out more about applying for this visa and watch a short video here.
What if I have a family member who already lives in Portugal?
You may be eligible to obtain residency via the D6 Family Reunification scheme.
How do I access healthcare in Portugal after Brexit?
Anyone who is a registered Portuguese resident can access healthcare using the Portuguese national health service. You’ll need to make sure that you register at your local health centre with your passport and residency certificate before you’re able to access healthcare services though. Find out more about healthcare and how to register for it here.
- Types of residency and how to apply https://imigrante.sef.pt/en/solicitar/residir/
- Advice from the UK government on living in Portugal https://www.gov.uk/guidance/living-in-portugal
- The Portuguese Ministry of Foreign affairs website: https://vistos.mne.gov.pt/pt/
- Documentation required: https://vistos.mne.gov.pt/pt/vistos-nacionais/documentacao-instrutoria/residencia
- Guidance on applying for residency in Portugal as a worker: https://imigrante.sef.pt/en/solicitar/trabalhar/
- Portugal Consulate in Manchester: https://manchester.consuladoportugal.mne.gov.pt/en/
- Portugal Consulate in London: https://londres.embaixadaportugal.mne.gov.pt/en/consular-services/general-information
- Brits in Portugal: https://www.facebook.com/BritsInPortugal
- Living in Portugal guide: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/living-in-portugal
- Travel Advice for Portugal https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/portugal
Contact the experts from our panel
- Gavin Scott, Blevins Franks [email protected]
- Paula Meireles [email protected]
