Cross-border relocation guide
Moving from the UK to Portugal: Complete Guide
— In short
Climate, EU residency, accessible visas, lower cost than Spain in many areas.
Why people make this move
Climate, EU residency, accessible visas, lower cost than Spain in many areas.
Key visa routes from the UK
- D7 Passive Income Visa
- Digital Nomad Visa (D8)
- Golden Visa
See our visa & immigration support →
What changes for the UK citizens specifically
UK citizens are third-country nationals post-Brexit. Plan visa first — and note NHR tax regime has been replaced for new arrivals.
Cost of living comparison
| Item | the UK | Portugal |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bed city centre rent | £1,400 | €1,200 |
| Monthly groceries | £300 | €220 |
Typical timeline for this move
- Months 6–4: Research, country shortlist, visa selection
- Months 4–3: Document gathering, apostilles, translations
- Months 3–2: Visa application submitted, housing shortlist
- Months 2–1: Approval, flights, shipping booked
- Month 1: Notice given, utilities cancelled, banking arranged
- Arrival week: Local registration, accommodation, SIM, banking
- First 30 days: Tax ID, doctor, school enrollment, integration
Frequently asked questions
Last reviewed: April 2026 — Relocation Assist Editorial Team