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

Visa and residency applications are the responsibility of the Portuguese Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA – Agência para a Integração, Migração e Asilo).

If you were living in Portugal before 1 January 2021

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

Check AIMA’s website for more information on who can benefit under the Withdrawal Agreement.

If you have not done so already, you should apply for a Withdrawal Agreement residence card now. This is important, as this card:

• shows that you have the rights defined in the Withdrawal Agreement
• proves your right to enter and remain in Portugal as a resident
• exempts 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 requirements

How to apply

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

• send an email to AIMA at brexit@aima.gov.pt asking to exchange your current residency documentation for a Withdrawal Agreement residence card
• attach copies of the documents listed on AIMA’s website, as relevant

If you or your close family member were not registered as a resident but lived in Portugal before 1 January 2021

• send an email to AIMA at brexit@aima.gov.pt asking to be registered for a Withdrawal Agreement residence card
• attach copies of the documents listed on AIMA’s website, as relevant

If you receive an email from AIMA requesting additional documentation, make sure you respond within 10 working days.

Check AIMA’s website for more information on how to regularise your status in Portugal under the Withdrawal 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.

What happens after you have applied

Once AIMA is satisfied that you meet the criteria for registration under the Withdrawal Agreement, an appointment will be made for you to go to an AIMA office to give your biometric data.

When you go for your appointment, take:

• your valid passport
• proof of address
• the original of your EU residency documentation, if you hold this. This will be cancelled and returned to you.
• your fiscal number (NIF)
• your health number (NNU – número nacional de utente)
• your social security number (NISS) (if you have one)

If you have not yet registered with the health or tax authorities, or you are still waiting for your health number or fiscal number, you should still go to your appointment.

There is a fee for issuing the new residence card, which you must pay after your appointment. You will pay 15 euros for a card with up to 5 years’ validity and 18 euros for a card with more than 5 years’ validity.

Appeals

If you or your family member do not agree with the Portuguese immigration authority’s decision on your registration request under the Withdrawal Agreement, send an email to AIMA at brexit@aima.gov.pt asking how you can lodge an appeal.

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.

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.

If you came to Portugal after 1 January 2021 or are planning to live in Portugal in the future

You will not benefit under the Withdrawal Agreement, unless you are joining a close family member who was living in Portugal prior to 1 January 2021.  You may qualify for residence in Portugal under the general immigration rules. 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 must meet all visa requirements before you travel.

You must tell the UK government offices that deal with your benefits, pension and tax if you are moving or retiring abroad.

Lost/stolen residence cards

If you have been issued with a residence card, including under the Withdrawal Agreement, you should report any loss or theft to the police. Ask the police for a copy of their report and apply to AIMA for a replacement document by completing the relevant sections of this form  (chose: 2a via, Extravio/Furto/Outro) and sending it to AIMA at geral@aima.gov.pt. Alternatively, you can call AIMA on +351 217 115 000 (Monday to Friday from 0800 to 2000). 

Updating the details on residence cards

If you have been issued with a residence card, including under the Withdrawal Agreement, and your details have now changed, for example, you have moved house or changed your name, apply to AIMA to amend the details on your card by completing the relevant sections of this form (chose: 2a via, Alteração de Dados) and sending it to AIMA at geral@aima.gov.pt.  Alternatively, you can call AIMA on  +351 217 115 000 (Monday to Friday from 0800 to 2000).

Non-receipt of residence cards

If you have completed the process of  applying for a residence card, including under the Withdrawal Agreement, and the card has not arrived in the post, go to the AIMA office that collected your biometric data and ask whether they are holding it.  You do not need an appointment for this.  If they do not have your card, you will have to report it to the police as lost in the post and apply to AIMA for a replacement.  See the paragraph above on replacing lost/stolen cards.

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

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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 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

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.

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 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 expires
• 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 would normally be required to register your driving licence with the IMT. This should 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

We 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
• follow the steps under “What do I need to do to exchange my driving licence?”
• fill out the form and submit with the documents listed.

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 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, 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. Go to IMT’s Portal for information on what you need to do to apply to exchange your licence.

Renewing or replacing a Portuguese 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.