Moving to Portugal from the UK in 2026: Visas, Tax and the Practical Steps
By Claire Lawrence, who moved to Portugal and now helps others do the same. Last updated June 2026. Figures are indicative and sourced; always confirm current rules before you rely on them.
Since Brexit, UK citizens are non-EU, so moving to Portugal means a visa, usually the D7 for pension or passive income, or the D8 for remote workers. You will also deal with the EU entry-exit system, getting a NIF and bank account, and the UK-Portugal double-tax treaty. Plan for roughly nine months from deciding to landing.
Do UK citizens need a visa?
Yes. Since Brexit, UK citizens are non-EU nationals, so you can visit for up to 90 days in any 180 under the Schengen rules, but to live in Portugal you need a residence visa. The usual routes are the D7 for pension or passive income, the D8 for remote workers, or the D2 for business.
Which visa fits you?
Most UK movers use the D7 or the D8. The D7 vs D8 comparison walks through the income each needs and who they suit. If you are unsure, that is exactly what the Fit Plan call is for.
Tax: the UK side and the Portuguese side
Tell HMRC you are leaving (the P85), and understand that as a Portuguese tax resident you are generally taxed here on worldwide income, including most pensions. The UK and Portugal have a double-tax treaty so you should not pay twice. The old NHR break has closed; see the NHR and IFICI page. Get a cross-border accountant before you move.
The practical order
- Get your NIF (tax number), then open a bank account
- Gather documents and apply for your visa at the consulate or VFS in the UK
- Travel to Portugal, passing through the EU entry-exit system (EES) now in operation
- Complete your AIMA appointment for your residence permit
- Register for healthcare and sort your tax position
Pets, driving and shipping
Bringing a pet needs an up-to-date microchip, rabies vaccination and an official health certificate; the rules changed in 2026, so confirm the current requirement before you book travel. You must exchange a UK driving licence for a Portuguese one within 90 days of becoming resident, and the process moved online in 2026. Removals from the UK typically run from about 1,300 to 5,000 pounds depending on volume.
Frequently asked questions
Can UK citizens still move to Portugal after Brexit?
Yes. You now need a residence visa rather than free movement, usually the D7 or D8, but the route is well trodden and thousands of Britons make the move each year.
How long can I stay in Portugal without a visa?
As a visitor, up to 90 days in any 180-day period under the Schengen rules. To live there you need a residence visa.
Will I be taxed twice, in the UK and Portugal?
No. The UK and Portugal have a double-tax treaty, so the same income is not taxed twice, but you must file correctly and tell HMRC you have left.
Can I drive on my UK licence in Portugal?
For a while, but once resident you must exchange it for a Portuguese licence within 90 days. The exchange process moved online in 2026.
Can I bring my pet from the UK?
Yes, with a microchip, current rabies vaccination and an official health certificate. The rules changed in 2026, so check the current requirement before booking.
Moving from the UK has a lot of moving parts. The Discovery Plan lays them out in order, in plain English, so nothing catches you out.
See the Discovery PlanSources
- Official Portuguese visa portal: vistos.mne.gov.pt
- UK leaving guidance and the P85: gov.uk
- EU entry-exit system: travel-europe.europa.eu
- Figures and rules indicative for 2026; confirm before you rely on them