Living in Portugal

This guide sets out essential information for British citizens moving to or living in Portugal. Read about how our embassy in Lisbon and consulate in Portimão can help.

Some parts of this guide only apply if you were living in Portugal before 1 January 2021. You should read these in addition to the rest of the guidance in each section. You should also read our Living in Europe page for detailed guidance about citizens’ rights under the Withdrawal Agreement. 

This information is provided as a guide only. You should get definitive information from the Portuguese authorities. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is not liable for any inaccuracies in this information.

Read general guidance on moving or retiring abroad.

To stay up to date:

• sign up for email alerts for this guidance
• follow the British Embassy Lisbon on Facebook and Twitter
• sign up for Portugal travel advice email alerts for updates

Visas and residency

VisaIf you were living in Portugal before 1 January 2021, you and residencyyour applicationseligible areclose family members have rights under the responsibilityWithdrawal ofAgreement. Read the guidance below to find out what you need to do to get a Withdrawal Agreement biometric residence permit.

On 29 October 2023, Portugal’s Immigration and Borders Service (SEF) was closed, and its functions were transferred to other law enforcement and migration agencies. The Portuguese Agencyauthorities forhave Integration,confirmed Migrationthat the contacts listed below remain operational and Asylumare (AIMAthe –correct Agênciacontact pararoutes afor Integração,enquiries Migraçãorelated eto Asilo).the Withdrawal Agreement residency card process.

If you were not living in Portugal before 1 January 2021

and are not covered by the Withdrawal Agreement  and are planning to live in Portugal, read:

• more information about visas on the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ page
• the Portuguese Immigration authority’s website for information on residency, working and studying in Portugal (in Portuguese) and contact details

You andmust meet all visa requirements before you travel.

You must tell the UK government offices that deal with your eligiblebenefits, closepension familyand memberstax haveif rightsyou underare moving the Withdrawalor Agreementretiring abroad.

Check

If AIMA’syou websitewere forliving morein informationPortugal onbefore who1 canJanuary benefit2021

You and your eligible close family members have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.Agreement.

If you have not done so already, you should applyget for a Withdrawal Agreement biometric residence cardpermit now.from the Portuguese immigration authority. This is important, as this card:new permit will:

• showsshow that you have the rights defined in the Withdrawal Agreement
• provesprove your right to enter and remain in Portugal as a resident
• exemptsexempt you from the requirements of the Schengen Entry/Exit System (EES) and European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), once they are introduced, as well as from visa requirementsrequirements.

How

The toprocess apply

If you orneed yourto closefollow familydepends memberon werewhether:

• you registeredhad asan aEU residentresidence indocument Portugalissued to you before 1 January 2021

• send an(a emailRegistration toCertificate AIMAissued atby brexit@aima.gov.ptthe askingtown tohall, exchangeor youra currentCertificate residencyof documentationPermanent forResidence aissued Withdrawalby Agreementthe residenceimmigration cardauthority), or
• attachyou copiesdid ofnot theregister documentswith listedthe onauthorities, AIMA’sbut website,can asprove relevant

If you or your close family member were notliving registered as a resident but lived in Portugal before 1 January 2021

• send2021, an email to AIMA at brexit@aima.gov.pt asking to be registered for a Withdrawal Agreement residence cardor
• attachyou copiesare of the documentsclose listedfamily onmember AIMA’sof website,a asUK relevantnational.

IfFollow youthe receivesteps anbelow emailfor frommore AIMAinformation requestingon additionalwhat documentation, make sure you respondneed withinto 10 working days.do.

CheckPortugal AIMA’sconsiders websitedual fornationals more information on how to regularisebe your status in Portugalscope underof the Withdrawal Agreement,Agreement. or call the Brexit helpline on +351 214 236 709 (Monday to Friday from 0800 to 1400).

If you are a dual citizen of the UK and an EU country, you should register your residency with your European nationality. You still have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.

WhatIf happensyou afterwere youliving havein appliedPortugal before 1 January 2021 and had an EU residence document

OnceYou AIMAshould isregister satisfiedon thatthe youBrexit meetportal to exchange your EU residence document (Registration Certificates issued by the criteriatown forhalls registrationor underCertificates of Permanent Residence issued by the Withdrawalimmigration Agreement,authority) anfor appointmenta biometric residence permit..

After you have registered on the portal, you will be madecontacted forby youthe toPortuguese goimmigration authority to make an AIMAappointment officefor tobiometric givedata yourcollection. biometricSee data.more information below.

When

If you gowere forliving yourin appointment,Portugal take:

before 1 January 2021 and did not have an EU residence document

• You should email brexit@aima.gov.pt to begin your validregistration passport

• proofto ofget address
• thea originalWithdrawal ofAgreement yourbiometric EUresidence residencypermit.

  Your documentation,email ifmust youinclude:

  • a holdscanned this.copy Thisor willphoto beof cancelledthe anddetails returnedpage toof you.your passport
  • yourproof fiscalof numberyour (NIF)address
  • yourproof healthyou numberwere (NNUliving –in númeroPortugal nacionalbefore de1 utente)
  • January 2021, which could be your socialproperty securityrental numberagreements, (NISS)utility (ifbills, youevidence haveof one)employment, etc.

  If you havereceive notan yetemail registeredfrom with the healthimmigration orauthority taxrequesting authorities,additional ordocumentation, you aremust stillrespond waitingwithin for10 working days.

  When your healthrequest numberis orapproved, fiscalthe number,immigration youauthority shouldwill stillemail goa topersonalised yourdigital appointment.

  Theretoken isthat awill feegive foryou issuingaccess theto the Brexit newportal. residenceYou card,should whichactivate youyour mustaccount payas aftersoon youras appointment.you Youreceive willthe paytoken. 15You eurosmust forthen:

  • check ayour carddetails withon upthe Brexit toportal
  • download 5the years’certificate validitywith andthe 18QR euroscode. forThis ais cardyour withofficial moreproof thanof 5residency years’in validity.

    Appeals

    IfPortugal, valid until you orreceive your familynew memberbiometric docard

  Once notyou agreehave withobtained the PortugueseQR immigrationcode authority’scertificate, decisionyou ondo yournot registrationneed requestto undertake thefurther Withdrawalaction Agreement,until sendyou receive an email tofrom AIMAthe at brexit@aima.gov.pt askingimmigration howauthority asking you canto lodgemake an appeal.appointment for biometric data collection. See more guidance below.

  Family members

  If you are covered by the Withdrawal Agreement, your eligible close family members can join you and settle in Portugal at any time in the future. Read more information on who this applies to in the Living in Europe guidance.

  Eligible close family members who lived with you in Portugal before 1 January 2021, or who move to Portugal to join you after this date, should also get a Withdrawal Agreement biometric residence permit.

  The process to follow will depend on whether your family member is documented.  

  If your family member already has an EU family member residence document in Portugal, you can register them for a new Withdrawal Agreement biometric residence permit via your account on the Brexit Portal.

  If your family member does not have an EU family member residence document in Portugal, they should register by sending an email to brexit@aima.gov.pt with ‘Withdrawal Agreement Undocumented Family Member’ in the subject line. In the body of the email, they must include your name and date of birth so the immigration authority can locate your Withdrawal Agreement registration. They should attach:

  • a copy of their passport or ID card, and
  • proof of their eligibility to join you under the Withdrawal Agreement.

  Once the immigration authority has checked your family member’s documentation, they will provide further information on how to complete the registration process and obtain the Withdrawal Agreement residence card.

  Watch the Portuguese immigration authority’s informative video for non-documented family members on the Brexit Portal.

  If you do not have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement, read the Portuguese government’s guidance on how to apply for residence as a family member. Nationals of certain non-EU countries may need a visa before they travel to Portugal.

  IfAfter you cameregister 

  Once toyou Portugalhave aftercompleted 1your Januaryregistration 2021and orit arehas planningbeen toverified liveby inthe PortugalPortuguese inimmigration theauthority, future

  Youyou will notbe benefitasked underto themake Withdrawalan Agreement,appointment unlessfor youbiometric aredata joiningcollection. aYou closemay familybe memberprompted whovia wasemail livingto inbook Portugalan priorappointment toyourself 1on Januarythe 2021. Brexit YouPortal, or you may qualifybe forcalled residenceto inbook Portugalan underappointment over the generaltelephone.

  If immigrationyou rules.are Read:notified via email:

  • morego informationto aboutthe visasBrexit onportal the Portugueseand Ministrylog ofin Foreignwith Affairs’your page credentials
  • use the Portugueseschedule Immigrationicon authority’sto websitechoose for informationa ondate residency, working and studyingtime infor Portugal (inyour Portuguese) and contact details appointment

  You mustcan book meetan allappointment visaat requirementsany beforecentre where youthere travel.

  Youis mustavailability, telleven the UK governmentif officesthis thatis dealoutside with your benefits,local pensionarea. andIf taxyou ifare youcontacted are movingvia ortelephone, retiringthe abroad.

  Lost/stolenPortuguese residenceimmigration cards

  authority representative will explain the booking slots that are available. 

  IfWhen you havego beenfor issuedyour withappointment, atake:

  • your residencevalid card,passport
  • proof includingof under address
  • the Withdrawaloriginal Agreement,of youyour shouldEU reportresidency anydocumentation, lossif oryou thefthold tothis. theThis police.will Askbe thecancelled policeand forreturned ato copyyou.
  • your offiscal theirnumber report(NIF)
  • your andhealth applynumber to(NNU AIMA– fornúmero anacional replacementde documentutente)
  • your bysocial completingsecurity thenumber relevant(NISS) sections(if ofyou thishave form one)

  If (chose:you 2ahave via,not Extravio/Furto/Outro)yet andregistered sendingwith itthe tohealth AIMAor attax geral@aima.gov.pt.authorities, Alternatively,or you canare callstill AIMAwaiting onfor +351your 217health 115number 000or (Mondayfiscal tonumber, Fridayyou fromshould 0800 still tomake 2000). your appointment.

  Updating

  There theis detailsa onfee for issuing the new residence cards

  Ifcard, which you havemust beenpay issuedafter withyour aappointment. residenceYou card,will includingpay under15 theeuros Withdrawalfor Agreement,a andcard yourwith detailsup haveto now5 changed,years’ validity and 18 euros for example,a youcard havewith movedmore housethan or5 changedyears’ yourvalidity.  name,To applyarrange topayment, AIMAyou tomust amendfirst thedownload detailsa onpayment yourdocument card(‘Payment byDocument completingDUC’) from the relevantBrexit sectionsportal.  ofThis this form (chose:will 2acontain via,a Alteraçãopayment dereference Dados)number. andTo sendingdownload itthe topayment AIMAdocument atyou geral@aima.gov.pt.should:

  • go  Alternatively,to youthe canBrexit callportal AIMAand log on  +351with 217your 115credentials
  • click 000on (Mondaythe topayment Fridayicon
  • click fromon 0800your toname
  • click 2000).

    Non-receipton the date of residenceyour cards

    appointment

  IfThe youpayment havedocument completedmay thenot processbe ofavailable  applyinguntil for48 ahours residenceafter card,your includingappointment. underAfter downloading the Withdrawaldocument, Agreement,you andmust thewait cardanother has48 nothours arrivedbefore inyou thecan post,pay goat toan theATM AIMAor officevia thatonline collectedbanking. yourYour biometricnew datacard andwill askbe whethersent theyto areyou holdingby it. post Youafter doyou nothave needpaid.

  If anyou appointmentcannot fordownload this.the  Ifpayment theydocument door not have yourproblems card,making youthe willpayment, havecontact tothe reportimmigration itauthorities tousing the policedetails ason lostthe Brexit inportal

  Appeals

  If theyou postor andyour applyfamily tomember AIMAdo fornot aagree replacement.with  See the paragraphPortuguese aboveimmigration authority’s decision on replacingyour lost/stolenregistration cards.request, send an email to brexit@aima.gov.pt asking how you can lodge an appeal.

  Passports and travel

  You can apply for or renew your British passport from Portugal.

  Check the Portugal travel advice for passport validity requirements.

  Always carry your passport and evidence of your residency status in Portugal when entering, leaving or travelling within the Schengen area. If you have citizenship of an EU or European Free Trade Association (EFTA) country, in addition to your British citizenship, you should enter and leave Portugal using your EU or EFTA passport.

  Different rules apply if you are travelling to other EU and Schengen countries as a resident of Portugal. Check each country’s travel advice page for information on entry requirements.

  If you have a Portuguese residence permit or long stay visa, the time you spend in Portugal does not count towards the 90-day visa-free period you are allowed to spend in  the Schengen area. Any time you spend in other Schengen area countries outside Portugal will count against the 90-day visa-free limit. Make sure you do not exceed the visa-free 90 days in any 180-day period. You are responsible for counting how long you stay under the Schengen visa waiver, and you must comply with its conditions.

  If you were living in Portugal before 1 January 2021

  If you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement, you can enter and exit Portugal with a valid passport. You do not need any additional validity on the passport beyond the dates on which you are travelling.

  When you travel, carry your Withdrawal Agreement biometric residence permit or frontier worker permit, in addition to your valid passport.

  You must proactively show your residence document, or other evidence of residence status, if you are asked to show your passport at border control. If you were living in Portugal before 1 January 2021 but have not yet got a new Withdrawal Agreement biometric residence permit, carry evidence that you are resident in Portugal. This could include your QR code certificate, a tenancy agreement or a utility bill in your name, dating from 2020.

  If you cannot prove that you are resident in Portugal, you may be asked additional questions at the border to enter the EU. Your passport may be stamped on entry and exit. This will not affect your rights in the country or countries where you live or work. If your passport is stamped, the stamp is considered null and void when you can show evidence of lawful residence.

  Entry/Exit System

  TheIn EUautumn is2024, preparingthe toEU  introducewill introduce a new digital border, called the the Entry/Exit System (EES). . TheIt exact date that EES will berequire introduced has not yet been confirmed. Once EES is introduced, non-EU nationals, including UK nationals, visitingcoming to the EU countriesfor willshort needvisits to registercreate a digital record and provide their biometric data (fingerprints and facial image) at the border when they enter the EU’s Schengen Zone. This willreplaces replace the current method of passport stamping.

  If you hold a residence permit or long-stay visa in Portugal, you will be exempt from EES registering,registration ifat the border, provided you can show the correct documentation:documentation (see below)   .

  • if

    If you are a UK national living in Portugal withas rightsa underbeneficiary of the Withdrawal Agreement,Agreement (you were lawfully resident in the EU before 1 January 2021), or an eligible close family member, you will need to show your uniform-format Withdrawal Agreement biometric residence permit issued by the Portuguese immigration authority.

    If This also applies to your eligible close family members

  • if you have not yet registered for your new Withdrawal Agreement biometric residence permit, we strongly urge you to do so, to avoid difficulties at the border. Old EU residence documents forpreviously issued to UK nationals and their family members do not exemptallow youexemption from EES.EES You– you must exchange these for a Withdrawal Agreement biometric residence permit
  • ifpermit.

    The youBritish Embassy Lisbon is in contact with the Portuguese authorities about their plans to ensure that UK nationals and close family members who have registered for yourtheir new biometric residence permit, andbut haveare onlywaiting receivedto acomplete temporarythe QRprocess codeor documentreceive fromtheir thecard, Brexitare Portal,able thisto willdo exemptso youbefore from EES registrationis onintroduced. aIf temporaryyou basis.have Weregistered arefor, inbut contactnot withyet thereceived, Portugueseyour authoritiesnew aboutbiometric howresidence theypermit, willand ensurewere UKissued nationalswith anda closetemporary family“QR memberscode” whodocument havefrom registeredthe willBrexit bePortal, ablethis towill completeallow thefor process,exemption andfrom receiveEES theirregistration cardon beforea EEStemporary isbasis.

    If introduced

  • if you moved to Portugal after 1 January 2021 and have a a biometric residence permit issued under the general immigration regime, you you will also be exempt from EES
  EES.

  The British Embassy Lisbon is seeking more information on the process atthat the border for UK nationals exempt from EES requirements.requirements Wewill need to follow at the border in Portugal. This page will updatebe thisupdated as more information becomes available.

  Resident children leaving Portugal

  A child aged 17 and under who is resident in Portugal must carry a letter of authority from their parent or guardian if they’re travelling out of the country alone or in the company of a person who is not their parent or legal guardian. The letter of authority can be issued by:

  • one of the child’s parents (if the parents are married)
  • the parent the child lives with (if the parents are separated or divorced)
  • one of the adoptive parents (if the child is adopted)
  • the child’s legal guardian

  The parent/guardian’s signature must be witnessed by a notary or solicitor.

  Healthcare

  Read our guidance on healthcare in Portugal and make sure you are correctly registered for your circumstances.

  Travel insurance is not intended to cover healthcare costs if you live overseas.

  If you are registered as a resident, you should register with the Portuguese national health service (SNS) for state healthcare. You will have the same rights to treatment as a Portuguese citizen.

  When you are registered as a resident in Portugal, ask for a healthcare user number (Número Nacional de Utente ) at your local health centre (centro de saúde). You will need to show your residence certificate,your passport and your fiscal number (NIF). Read the Portuguese government guidance on access to healthcare for residents.

  Read and download the leaflet from the British Embassy and Portuguese health authorities on how to access healthcare as a resident in Portugal.

  You can get private health insurance but you do not need to, and it is not a substitute for registering for state healthcare.

  State healthcare: S1

  You may be entitled to state healthcare paid for by the UK if you live in Portugal and you:

  *are receiving a UK State Pension *are receiving some other exportable benefits *are a frontier worker who lives in Portugal and commutes to work in the UK * have been sent to Portugal temporarily by your UK employer

  Read our guidance on using an S1 form in Portugal to ensure you are correctly registered for healthcare.

  European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)

  If you are resident in Portugal, you must not use your UK-issued EHIC or GHIC to access healthcare in Portugal, unless you are a student or a detached (posted) worker. Current EHICs will remain valid until the expiry date on the card.

  If you are living in Portugal, you may be eligible for a new UK-issued EHIC or GHIC if you’re:

  • a UK student in Portugal
  • a UK State Pensioner with a registered S1
  • a frontier worker with a registered S1

  The card you receive will depend on when you moved to Portugal.

  Apply now for a new UK EHIC or GHIC.

  You should apply for a Portuguese-issued EHIC for visits outside of Portugal if you are either:

  • registered with Portuguese Social Security and have a social security identification number (NISS – Número de Identificação da Segurança Social), or
  • resident in Portugal and do not have healthcare cover from the UK or another EU country (i.e., you are not entitled to an S1), but have a healthcare user number (Número Nacional de Utente )

  Read the Portuguese government information on how to apply for a Portuguese-issued EHIC (in Portuguese). Download and complete the application form and hand it in at your nearest Social Security office. Your Portuguese-issued EHIC will be sent to you by post.

  Working in Portugal

  If you are planning to move to Portugal and work, you may need a visa.

  Read the Portuguese Border and Immigration Agency’s guidance on working in Portugal as a foreign national and how to get a visa.

  To apply for a job you may need to provide a:

  • Portuguese criminal record certificate (Certificado de Registo Criminal) (in Portuguese)
  • UK police certificate

  Read:

  • working or providing services in Portugal
  • working in Portugal – your rights
  • working in an EU country
  • EU guidance on working in an EU country

  If you work in Portugal, even if you work for a UK-based company, this may affect where you pay National Insurance-type contributions. Read the National insurance and social security contributions section for more information.

  If you were living in Portugal before 1 January 2021

  You have the right to work under the Withdrawal Agreement, if you have a biometric residence permit, or have applied for one.

  If you live in Portugal and were regularly commuting to work in another EU or EFTA country before 1 January 2021, read our guidance for frontier workers.

  Professional and academic qualifications

  You may need to get your professional qualification recognised if you want to work in a profession that is regulated in Portugal.

  Read guidance on:

  • recognition of professional qualifications
  • how to get your qualification recognised in Portugal

  If you were living in Portugal before 1 January 2021

  If the relevant regulator in Portugal officially recognised your professional qualification before 1 January 2021, or you started the recognition process by this date, make sure you understand the terms of your recognition decision.

  If you’re not sure, you should get advice from the relevant regulator (NARIC and/or E-Portugal).

  Recognition and legalisation of UK academic documents

  If you are studying, you may need to have your UK qualifications recognised in Portugal. You can read our guidance on the recognition of UK educational qualifications.

  You will need to contact:

  • National Academic Recognition Information Centre for bachelors, masters and PhD degrees
  • Direção-Geral da Educação (in Portuguese) for primary, secondary, further education or similar school certificates or diplomas

  You can get your diploma or school report officially certified by the UK Legalisation Office.

  You can get a local notary (in Portuguese) to authenticate the translation of your diploma or school report.

  Studying in Portugal

  If you plan to study in Portugal, you must meet all visa requirements before you travel.

  Contact the relevant higher education provider in Portugal to check what fees you may have to pay.

  Read our guidance on:

  • studying in the European Union
  • Portuguese Border and Immigration Agency’s guidance on applying for residence as a student
  • healthcare for students in Portugal

  If you were living in Portugal before 1 January 2021

  The studying in the European Union guidance includes information if you were already living in Portugal before 1 January 2021.

  Tax

  The UK has a double taxation agreement with Portugal so that you do not pay tax on certain income in both countries.

  If you are liable to pay tax in Portugal, you should apply for a tax number (Número de Identificação Fiscal or NIF). You will also need a NIF if you intend to buy or sell property, open a bank account or sign long-term rental agreements.

  You should get professional advice on paying tax in Portugal. Consult with a financial advisor or find an English-speaking lawyer in Portugal.

  The British Embassy in Portugal does not provide advice on tax issues. You should contact the Fiscal Authority (Autoridade Tributária) if you have questions on tax in Portugal (in Portuguese).

  If you live in Portugal

  If you live in Portugal, you must declare your total income to the Portuguese authorities, no matter which country it comes from. Ask the relevant tax authority about double taxation relief (in Portuguese) before 30 June 2022. You can appoint a tax representative, but this is not mandatory.

  If you are resident in the UK but have property or business in Portugal

  You must :

  • Register at the Portuguese government’s Portal das Finanças (in Portuguese) to receive notifications by email. Log in to your account, and follow: ‘Notificações e Citações’ - ‘Gerir Canais’ - ‘Canais de Notificação’ - ‘Portal das Finanças’ - ‘Ativar’, and/or

  • Appoint a tax representative

  This is a legal requirement.

  If you are not resident in Portugal, you only pay tax on income made in Portugal.

  We recommend you get professional advice on paying tax in Portugal. Consult with a financial advisor or find an English-speaking lawyer in Portugal.

  Read guidance about:

  • paying income tax in Portugal (in Portuguese)
  • appointing a tax representative in Portugal
  • tax if you leave the UK to live abroad
  • tax on your UK income if you live abroad
  • tax if you get a pension and live abroad 
  • EU guidance on paying income tax in Portugal
  • EU factsheet on buying goods online from UK websites

  National insurance and social security contributions

  National Insurance-type contributions (NIC) are called ‘social security contributions’ (contribuições para a Segurança Social) (SSC) in Portugal. Find out if you need to pay National Insurance in the UK or social security contributions in Portugal.

  If you plan to move to Portugal and work, even if you continue working for a UK-based company, you and your employer may need to pay social security contributions in Portugal. These social security contributions may entitle you to certain benefits, such as sick pay, in Portugal.

  Read guidance on National Insurance for workers from the UK working in the EEA or Switzerland.

  You can also check your UK National Insurance record.

  Portuguese social security identification number (NISS)

  If you are resident in Portugal, you can apply online for a Portuguese social security identification number (NISS). You do not have to be paying social security contributions to get a NISS, but you may not be entitled to benefits unless you are making contributions.

  Benefits

  UK benefits

  Read guidance on entitlement to UK benefits and pensions while you are living in Portugal.

  Check which UK benefits you can claim while abroad and how to claim them.

  Many income-related benefits such as Pension Credit and Housing Benefit cannot be paid if you’re abroad for more than 4 weeks.

  Portuguese benefits

  To check if you are entitled to Portuguese benefits, contact Segurança Social (the public social security system).

  Pensions

  Read our guidance on entitlement to UK benefits and pensions while you are living in Portugal.

  Read State Pension guidance if you have lived in Australia, Canada or New Zealand and you are claiming or waiting to claim your UK State Pension.

  If you retire in Portugal, you can claim:

  • your UK State Pension or new UK State Pension. Contact the International Pension Centre to claim
  • your Portuguese and UK State Pension from the Instituto de Segurança Social (in Portuguese) if you have worked in Portugal
  • pensions if you’ve worked in other EU countries

  Read the Money and Pension Service’s MoneyHelper guidance on pension and retirement for more information on cross-border pensions.

  Life certificates for UK State Pensions

  If you get a ‘life certificate’ from the UK Pension Service, you must respond as soon as possible. Your payments may be suspended if you do not.

  Money and banking

  Whether UK banks can provide services to customers living in the EEA depends on local laws and regulation.

  Read the Money and Pension Service’s MoneyHelper guidance on banking, insurance and financial services for more information on cross-border banking.

  Accommodation and buying property

  Read guidance on how to buy a property abroad.

  If you are buying property in Portugal, consider taking advice from a lawyer who is experienced in land law and property transactions. Make sure that they are registered with the law society, Ordem dos Advogados (in Portuguese).

  Some notaries, , who are trained lawyers in Portugal, offer an independent property purchasing service known as Casa Simples, Casa Segura. (in Portuguese).

  If you are thinking of buying a coastal, river or lakeside property, ensure it’s not affected by the 2005 water resources law (in Portuguese).

  If you buy rural property, make sure you comply with the law on preventing forest fires

  Importing personal belongings to Portugal

  If you are transferring your permanent residence to Portugal and want to bring your personal belongings and used household goods, you may need a baggage certificate from the Portuguese Consulate in your current country of residence. For information on how to apply for a baggage certificate from the UK, see the Portuguese Consulate-General’s website.

  Driving in Portugal

  A new bilateral agreement between the UK and Portugal on the mutual recognition and exchange of driving licences entered into force on 31 December 2023.

  This means that if you are resident in Portugal and hold a full and valid driving licence issued in the UK or Gibraltar, you can:

  • drive in Portugal on your current licence until it expiresexpires, provided you have registered your licence with IMT (see below)
  • exchange your licence for a Portuguese one without needing to take a test (see exception below)

  You can exchange a lost or stolen licence on presentation of a police report. You can also exchange a licence up to 2 years after it has expired. However, you cannot drive on an expired licence until you receive a temporary driving permit, which IMT will issue after you have started the exchange process.

  You do not normally need to take a test to exchange your licence. However, if your licence was originally issued in another country and then exchanged for a UK licence, check with IMT whether there are any  requirements to take a driving test.

  Registering your UK or Gibraltar driving licence

  To continue driving in Portugal on your current licence as a resident, you wouldmust register normally be required to register your driving licence with the IMT.IMT. This should normally be done within 60 days of the issue date on your residence certificate, or immediately if you have already been in Portugal for more than 60 days. At present, however, IMT’s database does not allow for the registration of some foreign licences, including from the UK and Gibraltar.  When the system becomes operational, we will update this page

  Exchanging your UK or Gibraltar driving licence

  WeTo are aware that there is no information on IMT’s Portal about the exchange of UK and Gibraltar licences following the implementation of the bilateral agreement. We understand the Portal is in the process of being updated.

  In the meantime, to exchange your UK or Gibraltar driving licence for a Portuguese one:

  • go to the IMT portal
  • followfill out the stepsform underand “Whatsubmit dowith Ithe neednecessary todocuments dolisted

  We toare exchangeaware mythat drivingthe licence?”

• fillinformation outon this page is not currently correct for the formUK and submitGibraltar withfollowing the documentsimplementation listed.

of the new bilateral agreement.  We understand this is in the process of being updated.

As part of the exchange process, you will need to show proof that your licence is genuine. You can get a certificate of authenticity from DVLA or provide IMT with  a  a check code For licences issued by Northern Ireland, use the NI Direct website. For licences issued by Gibraltar, check with the DVLD.

Once your application to exchange your driving licence has been approved,approvedaccepted, you will be invited to go to your nominated IMT office to give your biometric data and hand in your licence. You will be issued with a ‘guia’ (temporary driver’s permit) which you can use to drive in Portugal until your new licence arrives.  If the guia expires before you receive your new licence, you can renew it online at “A minha carta de condução”.  You will need your tax number (NIF) to access the portal.

There is a fee for exchanging your licence which you must pay at an ATM or via online banking after your appointment.  You will receive the payment reference to enable you to do this by email.  Check you inbox regularly and make sure you pay within 10 days of receipt.

If you have any questions about the exchange process, check the IMT website or contact IMT.

Exchanging your Jersey, Guernsey or Isle of Man licence

If you have a licence from Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man, IMT advise that you must exchange it within 90 days of the issue date on your residence certificate. GoYou tocan IMT’sapply Portalto forexchange informationcategories onAM, whatA1, youA2, needB1, toB doand to apply to exchange your licence.BE.

Renewing or replacing a PortugueseUK driving licence

If you already have a Portuguese licence, you will need to renew it in accordance with Portuguese law.  You can start the renewal process 6 months before the licence expires.  Check the expiry date of your licence, and information on how to renew it, on IMT’s  “A minha carta de condução” portal.

Disabled drivers

If you have a UK Blue Badge and live in Portugal, you must return it to the original UK issuing authority. You can apply for a new Portuguese disabled parking card (in Portuguese)

Read the EU guidance on the EU parking card for people with disabilities

Other documentation

If you own a vehicle in Portugal, make sure you carry with you:

• vehicle logbook (documento único automóvel)
• insurance
• road tax (imposto único de circulação)
• MOT certificate (certificado de inspeção periódica), as appropriate

You should be prepared to show the originals of these documents, in addition to your original passport and driver’s licence, to the Portuguese authorities, if they request it.

Bringing a UK-registered vehicle to Portugal

Read guidance on:

• taking a vehicle out of the UK
• how to import your vehicle into Portugal
• tax (in Portuguese)

Driving outside Portugal with a Portuguese licence

You can use your Portuguese licence when visiting the UK. Keep up-to-date with the UK Highway Code

If you go to live in the UK, you can exchange your Portuguese licence for a UK one without taking a test, provided your licence was obtained by taking a test in an EU country or the UK.

To drive in another country, in addition to your Portuguese licence, you may need to apply for an IDP (in Portuguese). You cannot apply for an IDP with your ‘guia’ (temporary driver’s permit).

Read the EU guidance on:

• EU driving licences and insurance
• driving licence exchange and recognition in the EU

Voting

Voting in Portugal

If you were living in Portugal on or before 31 January 2020, you maintain the right to vote and stand in local elections.

If you moved to Portugal after 31 January 2020, you can register to vote in local elections after 3 years’ residence. After 5 years’ residence, you will be able to stand and be elected for local office. To register as a voter, go to your local parish council (Junta de Freguesia).

You cannot vote in Portuguese General or European Parliament elections.

Voting in the UK

You may be eligible to register to vote in UK general elections if you have previously lived in the UK or been registered to vote in the UK at some point, regardless of how long you have been living abroad.   You can:

• Check if you can register to vote
• Register as an overseas voter

Your overseas declaration is valid for 3 years.  You will need to confirm your personal information every 3 years.

Births, deaths, marriage and civil partnerships

If your child is born in Portugal, you must register their birth with the local authorities. You can also register the birth with the UK authorities but this is not mandatory. If your child has British nationality, you do not need to register the birth with the UK authorities to apply for a British passport.

If someone dies in Portugal read our guidance on:

• what to do after someone dies abroad
• bereavement information for Portugal
• finding English-speaking funeral directors in Portugal

For information relating to marriage, see getting married abroad. You will not need a certificate of no impediment (CNI) for marriage in Portugal. If you are asked for a CNI, you can show the registrar the Notice on marriage in Portugal (PDF, 177 KB, 1 page)You may also need:

• English-speaking lawyers in Portugal
• Translators in Portugal

Pets

If you’re moving to Portugal with your pet, read the guidance and ensure you comply with the regulations:

• taking your pet abroad
• moving to EU countries with your pet

A GB-issued EU pet passport is not valid for travel to the EU or Northern Ireland.

To visit other countries with your pet, check the rules for the country you’re travelling to. Contact your vet to get the travel documents your pet needs. If you have a pet passport issued by Portugal or another EU member state, you can use it to travel with your pet to Great Britain and elsewhere in the EU.

Read guidance on:

• bringing your pet to Great Britain. Check that your pet’s rabies vaccinations are up to date. Vets in Great Britain cannot enter rabies vaccination details in non-UK issued pet passports
• travelling to Ireland with your pet
• travelling with your pet in the EU

Emergencies

Dial the European emergency number 112 in Portugal for the police, ambulance and fire brigade. This is the only emergency number in Portugal.

Dial the EU 116 000 hotline to report a missing child in the EU country where you live or in another EU country.

If your child is at risk of being, or has been, abducted, read the guidance on international parental child abduction; the EU guidance on child abduction and EU guidance on child abduction to another EU country.

Read our information if you are a victim of rape or sexual assault in Portugal.

If you’re the victim of crime, have been arrested, or are affected by a crisis, contact the British Embassy Lisbon.

Returning to the UK

Tell the Portuguese and UK authorities if you are returning to the UK permanently.

If you get healthcare in Portugal through the S1 form, you must contact the Overseas Healthcare Team on +44 (0)191 218 1999 and your local social insurance organisation to make sure your S1 is cancelled at the right time.

To move your pension to the UK, contact the International Pension Centre.

Read the guidance on returning to the UK permanently which includes information on, amongst other things, bringing family members, tax and access to services.

Useful information

Support for British nationals abroad: a guide sets out how to stay safe abroad, and explains how the FCDO can support you if you get into difficulty.