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Guide · Moving from the UK

Moving to Portugal from the UK? The post-Brexit guide.

Portugal is still a top choice for British families — but since Brexit the route has changed. Here is what moving from the UK now involves: visas and residence, the admin sequence, and the UK-specific things (pets, driving, healthcare) to plan for.

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The post-Brexit reality

Can UK citizens still move to Portugal?

Yes — but since Brexit, UK citizens are treated as non-EU. That means no more freedom of movement: to live in Portugal long-term you now need a visa and a residence permit, just like other non-EU nationals. The common routes are the D7 (passive/stable income, retirees) and the Digital Nomad / D8 visa. See our visas guide, and a qualified immigration lawyer for your case.

The admin sequence

The order to do things in

Each of those has its own guide above. Calma can run the whole sequence in Portuguese on your behalf — see relocation help.

UK-specific

Things Brits especially need to plan

  • Healthcare. The NHS doesn’t come with you. Once resident you register with the SNS; many keep private cover too. Check current UK–Portugal healthcare arrangements before you travel.
  • Pets. Post-Brexit pet travel from the UK uses an Animal Health Certificate rather than the old pet passport — plan the timing with your vet.
  • Driving. UK licences generally need to be exchanged for a Portuguese one within a set period of becoming resident.
  • Tax. Get UK–Portugal tax advice on residency, pensions and any NHR/IFICI eligibility before you move.
  • Schools. Public school is free; British curriculum and other international schools are well established around Lisbon and Cascais.
How Calma helps

One bilingual local for the whole move

Brexit added paperwork, but the move is very doable. Calma handles the Portuguese-language admin — NIF, bank, AIMA interpreting, NISS, SNS, schools and the hundred phone calls — often starting before you arrive. See relocation help. Planning the tax side? Our sister site Portugal Tax Calculator covers IRS and the NHR/IFICI regime.

Common questions

FAQs

Can UK citizens still move to Portugal after Brexit?+

Yes, but as non-EU citizens Brits now need a visa (commonly the D7 or Digital Nomad/D8) and a residence permit — freedom of movement no longer applies.

Which visa do I need to move from the UK?+

Usually the D7 (passive or stable income, retirees) or the Digital Nomad/D8 (remote workers and self-employed). An immigration lawyer can confirm the right route.

What happens to my healthcare?+

The NHS doesn't transfer. Once resident you register with Portugal's SNS; many British families keep private insurance as well. Check current UK–Portugal arrangements before travelling.

Can I bring my pet from the UK?+

Yes, using a post-Brexit Animal Health Certificate (the old EU pet passport no longer applies for UK pets). Plan the timing with your vet.

How does Calma help British families?+

We handle the Portuguese-language admin — NIF, bank, AIMA interpreting, NISS, SNS and schools — and coordinate the move end to end.

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