Are you considering living in Portugal?

Famous for its stunning beaches, warm climate, welcoming locals and relaxed pace of life, Portugal continues to grow as a favoured destination for Britons seeking a fresh start.

Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant city life of Lisbon, the tranquil countryside in the Alentejo, or the golden shores of the Algarve, living in Portugal has something unique to offer everyone.

This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of everything you’ll need to know before packing your bags and starting your Portuguese adventure.

Understanding Post-Brexit Visa Regulations

Since Brexit, the freedom to live and work in the EU no longer applies to UK citizens.

To move permanently to Portugal, you now require the correct visa.

Popular Portuguese Visas for UK Expats:

• D7 Passive Income Visa: Suitable if you have sufficient passive income or savings, such as pensions, property income, or investments.
• Golden Visa: Allows residency through significant investment (typically property purchase above €500,000).
• Work Visas: Including highly skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and tech/digital nomads.

Ensure you research visa specifics and application processes via the Portuguese Immigration website.

Mastering the Portuguese Language

Although many Portuguese residents speak English, especially in tourist regions, learning Portuguese will significantly enrich your experience.

Portuguese is not as difficult as it initially appears; however, immersing yourself in local life will speed up fluency.

Take advantage of affordable language schools or local courses offered in most towns and cities, or use online resources like Memrise or Portuguese Lab.

Cost of Living in Portugal

Portugal consistently ranks among the most affordable Western European nations.

Below are some typical daily expenses you can expect living in Portugal:

• Rent: Average one-bedroom flat in a large city centre is around €936.52 per month. Outside major cities, you can pay around €738.78.
• Groceries: Cheaper than the UK. For instance, milk costs around €0.94, bread about €1.37, and fresh fruit and vegetables tend to be affordable and high-quality.
• Dining out: A decent meal at a typical Portuguese restaurant is usually between €10-€15.
• Utilities: Monthly bills, including electricity, gas, water and internet, average €114.49 per month for a mid-sized apartment.
• Public Transport: Monthly passes in Lisbon or Porto cost around €40, significantly cheaper than equivalent services in major UK cities.

For detailed and regularly updated costs, use Numbeo.

Finding Work in Portugal as a British Expat

Employment options in Portugal depend largely on your skills, qualifications, and language proficiency.

Key industries popular among British expats include tourism, technology, finance, and education (particularly TEFL roles).

Salaries can be lower than UK equivalents; however, Portugal’s cost of living balances out overall finances effectively.

Portuguese employers value formal qualifications and experience.

Online platforms like LinkedIn, Net-Empregos and Indeed are useful resources.

Financial Considerations

Opening a local bank account streamlines daily financial tasks, such as receiving your salary or paying bills.

Top Portuguese banks include Millennium BCP, Caixa Geral de Depósitos, and Banco Santander Totta, all of which offer expat-friendly services in English.

Taxation is also a crucial factor. New residents may qualify for Portugal’s favourable Non-Habitual Residency (NHR) tax regime.

This scheme provides significant tax advantages for the first ten years of residency, including reduced income tax rates or exemptions.

Seek specialist advice from PricewaterhouseCoopers Portugal or local tax advisers for personalised guidance.

Healthcare in Portugal

Portugal boasts a high standard of healthcare accessible to expats.

EU citizens hold a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), but UK citizens now require private insurance or registration in the National Health Service (SNS).

Most expats utilise private health insurance to reduce wait times.

High-quality private hospitals include Hospital da Luz and CUF Hospitals, with English-speaking medical staff widely available.

Check detailed guidance on healthcare at Expatica Portugal.

Education in Portugal

Families considering relocating will appreciate Portugal’s extensive schooling options.

The public education system is robust, providing free schooling from age 6 until 18.

Many international schools exist across Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve region, offering British or international curriculums, such as St. Julian’s School, Lisbon and the Nobel International School, Algarve.

Check out the comprehensive directory at the International Schools Database.

Buying or Renting Property in Portugal

Portugal remains highly attractive to foreign property buyers, especially those from the UK.

Popular destinations such as Lisbon, Porto, the Algarve, and Silver Coast see consistent demand.

Average property prices currently stand around €3,700 (£3,180) per square metre in Lisbon city centre but drop significantly outside major cities.

Popular property portals include Idealista, Imovirtual, and Rightmove Overseas, enabling easy comparison and research of properties and locations.

Getting Around – Transport and Driving in Portugal

Portuguese public transport is reliable and affordable, including efficient buses, trains, and trams, particularly in urban areas.

If you’re driving, UK licences remain valid short-term. However, residents must exchange UK licences for Portuguese ones after establishing residency.

Portugal has well-maintained motorways with tolls (portagens), especially in the Algarve.

Useful information on Portuguese driving rules can be found at ACP and Gov.UK Driving Abroad.

Moving to Portugal with Pets

Relocating your pets to Portugal is straightforward but requires planning:

• Pets must have microchips and rabies vaccinations.
• Animal Health Certificates (AHC) must be obtained within 10 days before travel.
• Detailed guidelines available at GOV.UK pet travel.

Getting Your Belongings to Portugal

Hiring a reputable removals company is recommended when moving to Portugal from the UK.

Experienced companies offer door-to-door services including customs documentation.

Leading providers like Barnes of Lincoln ensure your belongings arrive safely and securely, making the transition as stress-free as possible.

Ready to Start Living in Portugal?

Barnes of Lincoln offers expert European removal services tailored to your specific requirements.

With years of experience, we handle everything from packing and transport to customs paperwork.

We offer two main services:

• Full Load Service – A dedicated vehicle for faster, direct delivery with a set arrival date.
• Part Load Service – A cost-effective option where your belongings share space with others, ideal for those with flexible dates.

Our professional team manages large furniture, parking permits, and secure packing, ensuring your possessions arrive safely and on time to your new home in Portugal.

Contact Barnes of Lincoln today at 01522 254262 for a free quote, and let us make your move to Portugal as easy as possible.