Moving to Portugal After Brexit
If you’re planning on moving to Portugal from the UK 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. The Portuguese government has made it relatively easy for the British moving to Portugal after Brexit.
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. Note that the golden visa scheme has now ended.
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.
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.
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.
Helpful Links
- Types of residency and how to apply
- Advice from the UK government on living in Portugal
- The Portuguese Ministry of Foreign affairs website
- Documentation required
- Guidance on applying for residency in Portugal as a worker
- Portugal Consulate in Manchester
- Portugal Consulate in London
- Brits in Portugal
- Living in Portugal guide
- Travel Advice for Portugal
Contact the experts from our panel
- Gavin Scott, Blevins Franks [email protected]
- Paula Meireles [email protected]
