Over 34,000 registered UK citizens live in Portugal, here’s why…
According to the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF) via Portugal Resident, more than 40’000 UK citizens were living in Portugal in 2022. With a country seemingly in crisis and rules set to change shortly in line with Brexit, Brits might be considering their options regarding a potential move abroad.
We’ve seen the Portuguese tourism campaign: “Brelcome”, which calls Britain “part of our history” and promises that the country will “continue to welcome British travellers no matter what happens.”
So, should you be keen to explore the appeal of the country more deeply, and consider why over 40’000 registered UK citizens live in Portugal, then here are 8 reasons why.
Fewer People, More Sunshine
Portugal’s weather is a major attraction for UK citizens who spend the majority of the year suffering through weather which would generously be described as ‘dreary’.
Compared to the UK, Portugal offers a temperate, pleasant climate with residents getting hundreds of days of sunshine annually. In fact, Lisbon is one of the sunniest capital cities in Europe, getting an average of 2799 hours of sun a year. Wow! In comparison, London sees under 1500 hours. What’s the opposite of ‘wow!’?
What’s more, though Portugal is around a third of the size of the UK (92’000 km² compared to 240’000 km², if you’re asking), the populations of the two nations are far more disparate; 10.3 million and 66.5 million, respectively. More room to spread out on the beach, then.
Tax Reductions
A study published last year by Accountancy Daily suggested that UK high earners pay significantly more tax than their European counterparts.
Interestingly, the UK has signed Double Taxation Agreements (DTA) with more than 130 countries, including Portugal. This means that as a British citizen, you’ll be exempt from taxation on your UK-sourced income in Portugal.
Furthermore, Portugal has introduced a recent law regarding foreign pensioners. According to this law, foreign pensioners in Portugal must pay only a 10% tax on their foreign-source pension. This will be available for non-habitual residents…
NHR & Golden Visas
There is a Non-Habitual Residency (NHR) program in Portugal, too. Citizens of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland can all avail themselves of this and obtain the right to be resident in Portugal, as long as they reside in Portugal for at least 183 days of the year or have a permanent home in the country. This tax system allows for breaks or even total exemption on income tax of expats new to the country.
This is particularly pertinent for UK citizens; after Brexit comes into effect, application for residency in Portugal is going to be significantly more complicated. This scheme, however, is a way to circumnavigate a loss of EU citizenship.
Another way to do this is through one of the most popular residency programs in the country to expats; the Golden Visa program in Portugal.
This type of visa can be achieved via a €350,000 property purchase or passport through investment in the country, which will lead to potential permanent citizenship after five years of complying with residency requirements.
The Algarve
Portugal’s southernmost region, the Algarve, needs little in the way of introduction. Blessed with idyllic scenery, and intoxicating and alluring in equal measure, the Algarve has put itself firmly on the map as Portugal’s flagship tourist destination. Stunning beaches, azure blue waters and picturesque fishing towns combine to make it the ideal holiday (or second home) destination. Which begs the question, why be a tourist when you could live there?
It should be noted that tackling the Algarve via public transport alone is costly and time-consuming, and you will, in all likelihood, need your own wheels to make the most of the region’s illustrious landscapes. Fortunately, there are plenty of options for cheap car hire in Portugal, both on a short term and more long term basis.
Read: 5 stops on your Algarve road trip
Healthcare Benefits
In recent years, Portugal’s healthcare system has consistently ranked as similarly efficient as in the UK, with life expectancy in the country now higher, too. The similarities don’t end there; there are many British speaking doctors and dentists in Portugal, especially in Lisbon, and the national health service in the country works in a broadly similar manner to the UK’s NHS.
Named the Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS), accidents and emergencies, consultations and standard treatments are generally free, or at least, heavily subsidised.
For those under 18 and over 65, the service is completely free of charge, but a small fee is required for GP appointments and prescriptions. Dental work is generally free, too. You’ll have to register at your local medical centre in Lisbon once you’ve confirmed residency. For temporary stays, a European Health Insurance Card, which you can apply for via the NHS for free, can be used to gain access to healthcare.
It should be noted that Brexit will likely affect UK citizen’s access to The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Via the aforementioned NHR or Golden Visa, however, you will still be able to carry that card.
Lisbon
Oh to be sitting on the banks of the Tagus somewhere in Baixa, with cerveja in hand and sun on face. And if you moved here, you could do this nearly every day. For us, Lisbon is perhaps Europe’s most alluring city. The socialist identity of the country and the openness of its citizens lends itself to a convivial way of life which welcomes in remote workers with enthusiasm.
Lisbon as a place to settle down has it all; a laid back yet exciting disposition, superb, proudly local cuisine (see more below), cobbled streets and attractive architecture, as well as pulsing confidence and an energetic, 24/7 nightlife. Moreover, it’s got a variety of beautiful apartments and villas to rent across the city… all the ideal ingredients which make Lisbon one of the finest European cities to live in.
A Safe, Peaceful Country
Speaking of socialism…
The 2023 Global Peace Index shows that Portugal is the seventh safest country to live in the world and the fifth safest in Europe. The UK ranks 37th.
Portugal has recently introduced a raft of progressive policies which will likely improve the serenity of the country further, with the left wing alliance leading the country and working on reversing painful austerity measures, reforming drug policy (decriminalization has seen a huge reduction in drug deaths) and levelling up the country. Long may it continue.
The Cuisine
Portugal’s cuisine is diverse, affordable and downright delicious, with a rich culinary heritage, fascinating regional dishes and some of the finest seafood on the planet. Rather than carp on (we’re making ourselves hungry here), we’ll point you in the direction of these tips on what to eat in Lisbon, Portugal for a flavour of some of the country’s most iconic dishes.
Should you be wondering where to settle in Portugal and which region will best suit your needs, then check out our guide to 5 IDEAL Portuguese city breaks for some inspiration.