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Immigration & Visas

Moving to Portugal after Brexit: visa and residency options for UK nationals

Post-Brexit, UK citizens no longer have automatic EU residency rights in Portugal; you now need a specific visa or residency permit to live here legally.

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After Brexit, UK nationals lost the right to live, work, and retire in Portugal without a visa. You now need to apply for a specific residency permit, just like any non-EU citizen. The options depend on your situation: employment, self-employment, retirement income, or family reunification.

If you're employed by a Portuguese company, you'll need a work visa. If you're self-employed or running a business, you'll apply for a self-employment visa. Retirees typically use the passive income route, proving a monthly income (currently around €1,260 for a single person) from pensions or investments. Family members of Portuguese citizens or residents may qualify for family reunification visas. All require proof of health insurance, accommodation, and financial means.

UK citizens now need a visa to live in Portugal—plan ahead and choose the right residency category.

The application process is now longer and more formal than it was under free movement. Start early, gather documents carefully, and consider working with an immigration lawyer if your situation is complex. Many UK expats have successfully navigated this; you can too, but it requires planning.

Source: original report ↗

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