Moving to Portugal from the UK changed significantly after Brexit. British families are no longer EU citizens for immigration purposes, which means additional steps — but the process is well-trodden and manageable with the right preparation. This guide covers what’s different post-Brexit, what you need, and the honest timeline for a family making the move.
⚠️ Brexit rules, visa requirements, and bilateral agreements change. Always verify current requirements with AIMA or a licensed immigration adviser before applying.
The Key Change Post-Brexit
Before January 2021, British families could move to Portugal and live there as EU citizens under freedom of movement. That ended with Brexit. British nationals are now treated as third-country nationals — meaning you need a visa before moving, rather than being able to arrive and register residency.
The good news: Portugal has actively made itself attractive to British expats. The D7 Passive Income Visa is the most commonly used route and is straightforward for families with stable income from pensions, savings, investments, or remote work.
Visa Routes for British Families
D7 Visa (Passive Income / Remote Work)
The most popular route for British families relocating to Portugal. Requires proof of passive income — pension, dividends, rental income, or stable remote employment income — above a minimum threshold (approximately €760/month for the primary applicant, plus 50% for a spouse and 30% per child, though verify current figures).
You apply at the Portuguese consulate in London before moving. Processing typically takes 2–3 months. Once in Portugal, you attend an AIMA appointment to convert the visa to a residency permit.
D8 Digital Nomad Visa
For British nationals employed by or contracting with non-Portuguese companies. Income threshold is higher than the D7. Suitable for remote workers whose employer or own company meets the criteria.
D1 Work Visa
For British nationals with a confirmed Portuguese employment contract. Less common for relocating families unless one partner has secured a Portuguese job.
The NIF: Get This First
British nationals need a NIF (Portuguese tax number) before almost anything else — signing a lease, opening a bank account, and ultimately the visa application itself. Post-Brexit, British nationals need to appoint a fiscal representative (a Portuguese-resident person or company) to obtain a NIF from outside Portugal.
Services like Anchorless and Bordr handle this remotely. Cost is typically €50–€150. It’s one of the first things to sort. See our full NIF guide.
Driving Licences
A bilateral agreement between the UK and Portugal allows British licence holders to exchange their UK licence for a Portuguese one without retaking the test, within 185 days of becoming a resident. Your UK licence is surrendered to Portuguese authorities. See our driving licence guide for the full process.
Pets
British families can no longer use an EU Pet Passport for their pets. Each trip from the UK requires an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued by an Official Veterinarian within 10 days of travel. Once resident in Portugal, your pet can be registered with a Portuguese vet and an EU Pet Passport issued for future EU travel. See our pets guide.
Healthcare Transition
British nationals in Portugal are no longer covered by the EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) arrangement. For the transition period before SNS registration, you’ll need private health insurance — both for day-to-day cover and as a requirement of the D7 visa application. Once legally resident and registered with the SNS, you’re entitled to public healthcare. Children under 18 pay nothing at point of use.
Tax Considerations
NHR (the favourable tax regime for new residents) ended for new applicants in 2024 and has been replaced by the more targeted IFICI scheme. Most British families moving on a D7 visa will be taxed under Portugal’s standard progressive income tax rates unless they qualify for IFICI. The UK-Portugal double tax treaty prevents double taxation on most income types. See our NHR/IFICI guide and consult a Portuguese tax adviser before moving.
Schools
British curriculum continuity is one of the main reasons British families choose international schools in Portugal. In Porto, the Oporto British School (OBS) offers British curriculum through to A-levels and attracts a high proportion of British expat families. CLIP also offers IB. Both have waiting lists for popular year groups — contact them before your visa application, not after. See our Porto schools guide.
Realistic Timeline for a British Family
- 12+ months before: Get NIF via fiscal representative, contact schools, research visa route
- 9 months before: Apply to schools (for September entry), engage immigration adviser
- 6 months before: Apply for D7 visa at Portuguese consulate in London
- 3 months before: Begin property search, arrange private health insurance
- On arrival: Book AIMA appointment, register at SNS, finalise school enrollment, exchange driving licence within 185 days
The families who have the smoothest moves are consistently the ones who started earlier than felt necessary — particularly on school places and visa applications.
Post-Brexit rules, income thresholds, and bilateral agreements change. Always verify current requirements with AIMA or a licensed Portuguese immigration adviser before making decisions.
Planning your move to Portugal? Our free family relocation checklist covers visas, schools, healthcare, and everything you need for the first 30 days.
For transferring GBP to EUR when setting up in Portugal: Wise gives the mid-market exchange rate with low transparent fees — far better than high-street bank transfers for regular monthly transfers from UK accounts.