Portugal Golden Visa for UK Citizens: A Comprehensive Guide

Since the United Kingdom left the European Union (EU), the freedom of movement rights for British citizens within the EU have significantly changed. Before Brexit, as EU citizens, Britons could live, work, study, and travel freely in any EU member state without needing visas or permits. However, when the UK officially left the EU on January 31, 2020, and the transition period ended on December 31, 2020, these rights and freedom of movement ceased.

But all isn’t lost for UK citizens, as countries like Portugal welcome UK nationals, allowing them to apply for the popular Portugal Golden Visa scheme. Introduced in 2012, the Portuguese Golden Visa allows foreigners to live and work in Portugal and travel freely across the EU in exchange for qualifying investment in the country.

This guide walks you through the practical steps to consider when acquiring a Golden Visa in Portugal for UK citizens. 

You’ll also find out about:

• Benefits of a Golden Visa for UK citizens
• Requirements for a Golden Visa
• Golden Visa cost

How did Brexit impact British citizens?

“Brexit” is the unofficial nickname for the British exit from the EU, which the United Kingdom (UK) has been a member of since 1973. Officially, the UK left the EU on 31 January 2020, but the transitional phase of leaving concluded at the end of December 2020.

Now that the UK is no longer in the EU, certain restrictions apply for Brits wanting to live, study, or work in an EU member state, which has had several impacts on British citizens:

Travel and Holidays: British citizens can still visit EU countries for short trips without a visa, but there are new rules. Passports need to be valid for at least six months, and stays are limited to 90 days within a 180-day period. Some additional checks at borders may cause delays.

Living and Working in the EU: It has become more complicated for British citizens to live, work, or study in EU countries. They now need to apply for visas or work permits according to each country’s rules, which can involve more paperwork and fees.

Healthcare Abroad: The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) has now been replaced by the UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). It covers necessary medical treatment, ensuring that UK residents can receive healthcare without facing exorbitant costs while abroad. However, it’s crucial to emphasize that the EHIC is not a substitute for comprehensive travel insurance. Travel insurance is highly recommended to cover other potential expenses, such as trip cancellations.

Immigration: New immigration rules mean that EU citizens moving to the UK and British citizens moving to the EU are subject to stricter controls, affecting families and workers.

However, there are some exceptions to this rule. Certain EU member states and the UK have a withdrawal agreement that safeguards the residency rights of EU nationals and their family members residing in the UK, and vice versa.

It’s important to note that this protection for EU nationals and British citizens is not automatically extended to other EU countries or the UK. Additionally, many countries have a UK national support fund in place to assist British citizens already living in the country with understanding the necessary steps to continue residing in their EU country of residence.

Portuguese Golden Visa for UK Citizens

The Portuguese Golden Visa is one of the most popular and accessible residency by-investment programs in the world. Portugal Golden Visa statistics show huge demand, with over 15,000 investors securing legal residency in Portugal.

Also known as the residence permit for investment activity (ARI), Portugal’s Golden Visa program was introduced to attract international capital.

Before Brexit, UK nationals could not apply for the Golden Visa in Portugal. However, following Brexit, UK nationals can apply for Portugal’s Golden Visa program—and many have been doing so.

And, in a post-Brexit climate, Portugal’s Golden Visa program is an extremely popular option for UK nationals, as it provides them free movement across the Schengen Area and the potential to obtain Portuguese citizenship.

With its high quality of life, excellent healthcare, and stunning locations, the Algarve is particularly popular, and Portugal is especially popular among retirees. Young professionals and families from the UK have also been heading to the sunny shores of Portugal for years.

Portugal has a huge expat community, and British expats comprise a significant proportion. In fact, the number of UK nationals residing in Portugal has reached 42,000.

There are several appealing investment options for the  Portugal Golden Visa program. While purchasing real estate property is no longer eligible for the program, several attractive avenues remain. A popular Portugal Golden Visa investment option is the investment funds for the Portugal Golden Visa. As well as the venture capital fund, there are opportunities to invest in a Portuguese business and job creation or in the national heritage or scientific research.

Whatever investment route you decide, the Portugal Golden Visa program can be an excellent solution for Brits looking to reside in a European country or simply travel visa-free around Europe’s Schengen Area. However, it’s essential to do due diligence on your chosen investment before you commit.

After five years of maintaining your Golden Visa, you’re eligible for Portuguese permanent residency and citizenship. A significant advantage of the Portuguese Golden Visa is that residence permit cards can also be granted to family members alongside the main applicant.

IMPORTANT UPDATE: PORTUGAL GOLDEN VISA – OCTOBER 2023

The Portugal Golden Visa program has recently undergone substantial changes, and real estate investments are no longer a valid qualifying option. The capital transfer and real estate options were discontinued in October 2023.

Benefits of the Portuguese Golden Visa for British Citizens

The Portuguese Golden Visa is a great opportunity that assures unconditioned access to the EU and also qualifies individuals for Portugal’s citizenship through naturalization if they fulfill all the necessary visa requirements. Direct and indirect benefits of the Portugal Golden Visa include the following:

Opportunity to reside in Portugal

Successful Golden Visa applicants will be able to live in a stunning Mediterranean country with a high quality of life, top healthcare and education facilities, and an excellent climate.

Visa-free travel to 172 countries in the world

With Portugal being part of the European Union (EU), this means that once you obtain a Portuguese passport, you will enjoy the benefits of being a citizen of Portugal.

Portuguese European passport holders have the right to travel visa-free to 172 countries in the world.

At Global Citizen Solutions, we have recently developed a new passport ranking. We take into account not only visa-free access to other countries but also investment opportunities and quality of life. In our Quality of Life Index, Portugal ranks in the 13th position.

This takes into account the cost of living alongside levels of freedom, happiness, environmental performance, sustainable development, and migrant acceptance. This highlights that, as countries go, Portugal is one of the best countries to live in for those looking for a high quality of life in an affordable country, and a valid passport from Portugal has a wide array of benefits.

Obtain a Portuguese passport to live, work, and study in EU countries

The Portuguese Golden Visa grants investors temporary residency in Portugal for two years. Then, they can renew the Portuguese residence permit for an additional three years. After five years of obtaining the Portuguese residence permit, Golden Visa holders can apply for Portuguese citizenship (an EU citizenship). During their five years of residence in Portugal, they have the option to live in Portugal or still live in the UK while maintaining their old lifestyle. However, investors are required to stay in Portugal for at least seven days every year.

Family reunification

One of the main perks of having a Portuguese residence permit through the Portuguese Golden Visa is the family reunification option, and family members can be included in the Golden Visa application. By obtaining a residence permit as a British citizen, you can apply for your family members to have a residence permit too.

Family reunification covers your spouse and children under 18 years of age. It may also include children older than 18 years of age if they study full-time and are dependent on you. Yes, your family is entitled to residence permit cards alongside the Golden Visa holder.

Low cost of living and healthcare

Portugal offers an affordable cost of living compared to other countries in Europe. As a British citizen, you will definitely notice the difference in the prices while living in Portugal. And this price difference doesn’t only include food or transportation but also includes education and healthcare.

Healthcare for foreigners in Portugal is quite affordable compared to that of the UK and offers a variety of high-quality options and good services. The Portuguese National Health Service, known as the SNS, is excellent, and you will need to register at your local health center.

Public hospitals in Portugal offer free medical care for both citizens and residents of the country. Private clinics, however, offer medical care with fees, where you will get an appointment faster than the public ones, and very high-quality services, so having private health insurance is also an option.

According to the Global Health Expenditure 2022, Portugal spent about 9.53 percent of its GDP on annum healthcare and the Portuguese National Health Service. You will also find different health insurance policies in Portugal that offer different packages for different prices, and most of them cover a good part of the full cost of the treatment.

Some private clinics also offer telephone consultations, which can be helpful. You’ll find that living in Portugal, you will have access to very good quality healthcare. You can also get the European Health Insurance Card issued free of charge if you are covered or insured under a statutory social security scheme in an EEA country or Switzerland and receive medical care in member countries.

International schools with British and international curricula

International schools are a great option for UK expats living in Portugal. These schools offer a multicultural environment that provides students with international skills and the ability to engage more with different curricula, including international and British curricula.

Other international schools in Portugal offer alternative curricula for UK expats other than British curricula. Here are the best international schools in Portugal:

• British School of Lisbon (with a British curriculum)
• Astoria International School (with both a British and a Portuguese curriculum)
• Redbridge School (with British, French, and Portuguese curriculums)
• International College of Porto (CLIP) (with a British curriculum)
• International Preparatory School (IPS) (with a British curriculum)
• St. Julian’s School (with both a British and a Portuguese curriculum)
• Nobel International School Algarve (with both a British and a Portuguese curriculum)
• Peter’s International School in Setúbal
• Oporto British School in Porto

To get to grips with schooling in the country, you can read more about the education system in Portugal and the available options for your children as expat parents living in Portugal.

Attractive investment options

One of the foremost advantages of the Portugal Golden Visa is its array of attractive investment options. Although purchasing real estate is no longer an option, the program has diversified its investment routes, providing flexibility and profitability. 

Golden Visa investors can opt for profitable routes such as a fund investment or make a capital transfer to invest in the arts, as well as contribute to the reconstruction or refurbishment of national heritage projects in Portugal. 

These alternative investment pathways not only align with diverse interests and preferences but also present UK nationals with the opportunity to actively contribute to Portugal’s cultural and economic landscape while securing their residency status through the Portuguese Golden Visa program.

Favorable tax treatments in Portugal for British citizens

Taxes in Portugal are known for their flexibility, which attracts many expats from all over the world who are willing to live, study, invest, and work in Portugal.

Portugal has a Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) with many countries, and luckily, the UK is one of them. In a few words, the DTA agreement is great for included citizens because it prevents them from paying double taxes on the same income in two different countries.

For example, if you are a UK citizen and you pay taxes on your income already, you won’t need to pay again while staying in Portugal or after becoming a Portuguese tax resident.

Besides the DTA option, where you do not need to pay tax in two countries, there is also the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) regime for foreign residents. If you’re a UK expat living in Portugal, the good news is you can take advantage of the Non-Habitual Residency (NHR) tax system in Portugal.

The Portugal NHR tax regime (non-habitual resident regime) is a successful scheme, offering attractive tax breaks for foreign residents, talented individuals, and investors. Introduced in 2009, it offers many tax benefits to its recipients, such as:

• A special personal income tax treatment over a 10-year period
• Tax exemption on almost all foreign source income; a 20 percent flat rate for certain Portuguese source incomes (from specific professions and from self-employment)
• Tax exemption for gifts or inheritance to direct family members, no wealth tax, and free remittance of funds to Portugal

We recommend opening a Portuguese bank account if you are moving to Portugal to avoid any transaction costs.

Also, alongside opening a Portuguese bank account, one of the first things that you’ll need to do when making any financial transaction in the country is to apply for a NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal or the Número de Contribuinte, in Portuguese), which is your tax identification number in Portugal. To do so, you’ll need an identity document such as your passport; a birth certificate will also suffice in some cases. You can appoint a legal representative to apply on your behalf.

Is NHR ending?

The State Budget Law for 2024 determined the end of the NHR regime from 1st January 2024. However, certain individuals can still apply up until 31st March 2025, and the scheme is being replaced by the Tax Incentive for Scientific Research and Innovation, which has now been implemented. To learn more, please refer to Is The Portugal NHR Ending?

Less crowded and better weather compared to the UK

One of the main pros of living in Portugal is enjoying the lovely location over the Atlantic Ocean with its beautiful coasts and the mild climate around the year with more than 300 days of sunshine.  Portugal is also known for its tranquility and slow pace of life. This is one of the reasons why British citizens adore living in Portugal or at least love to spend their summer vacations here. It’s worth mentioning the population in Portugal is around 10.3 million, while in the UK, it’s around 67.3 million.

If you are moving to Portugal, you should also be aware of the fact that the further you live away from the big cities like Lisbon and Porto, the more you will enjoy a quiet lifestyle.

English is widely spoken

The Portuguese speak extremely good English, particularly the younger generations. You should have few communication issues in the country, and there are many expats living in Portugal. If you learn some Portuguese words then this will impress the locals and make it easier to settle when moving to Portugal.

Portugal Golden Visa Requirements for UK Citizens

Portugal Golden Visa eligibility criteria

• Have a clean criminal record.
• Be either non-EU, non-Swiss, or non-EEA national
• Minimum investment of €250,000, with a range of investment routes (the minimum investment is €200,000 for arts and cultural projects in areas that are sparsely populated or have a low GDP)
• Golden Visa residents must spend an average of seven days per year in Portugal, guaranteeing a total of 14 days during the validity of each residence card (issued with a validity of two years).

Portugal Golden Visa minimum investment requirements

Following the significant changes made by the Portuguese government, capital transfers and real estate investment options no longer qualify as Golden Visa investments. However, there are many other exciting investment opportunities for UK nationals to consider for their Golden Visa application, such as investing capital into Portuguese investment funds, supporting national heritage, and supporting an existing Portuguese business.

Here are the Portugal Golden Visa investment routes:

1. Fund subscription: Contribute to a qualified investment fund (such as private equity funds or venture capital funds) worth at least €500,000.
2. Investment or donation in the arts or reconstruction of national cultural heritage with a capital transfer donation of at least €250,000 (the minimum investment amount is €200,000 in ‘low-density areas,’ which are sparsely populated or have a low GDP).
3. Scientific research: Invest at least €500,000 in research carried out by public or private scientific research institutions.
4. Creation of ten jobs: Creation and maintenance of ten jobs during the required period.
5. Share capital and job creation: Incorporation of a commercial company in the national territory or reinforcement of a company’s share capital (this company must have its head office in the national territory), in either case with an investment of €500,000, combined with the creation of five or maintaining ten jobs (including five permanent jobs)

The minimum investment amounts for options 2 and 3 may be reduced by 20 percent when the investment activity is carried out in low-density areas, which are regions with fewer than 100 inhabitants per square kilometer or GDP per capita of under 75 percent of the national average.

To apply for Portugal’s Golden Visa program, you are also required to present supporting evidence that you have met the minimum investment threshold. A declaration of honor compromising to maintain the investment for five years is also needed.

Can you take out a loan or mortgage to pay for your investment?

A very common question among Golden Visa applicants is whether you can use a loan or a mortgage to pay for your Golden Visa investment in Portugal. Simply put, you cannot take out a loan or mortgage from a Portuguese financial institution to pay for your investment. However, you can take out a loan from a bank outside of Portugal.

Minimum stay requirement

To be eligible for the Golden Visa program, you must meet other requirements besides the Portugal Golden Visa investment.

The Portugal Golden Visa requires you to spend an average of 7 days per year in Portugal, totaling 14 days during the validity of each residence card (issued with a validity of two years).

Portugal Golden Visa required documents

The following Golden Visa Portugal documents can change at the discretion of the Portuguese government. Golden Visa applicants must submit the documents for the initial application and each renewal.

• Golden Visa application form
• Copy of a valid passport and travel documents
• Declaration from your bank in Portugal confirming the transfer of funds from abroad
• Proof of medical insurance in Portugal (only required if the investor resides in Portugal)
• A background check or a police clearance letter from your country of origin
• A declaration of honor compromising to maintain the investment for five years
• Documents showing a good standing with the Portuguese Tax and Customs Authority
• Document showing non-enrollment or a good standing with the Social Security
• A receipt showing that you already paid the application processing fee
• A clean criminal record certificate. Note that the certificates of criminal records or police clearance letters must have been issued no more than 90 days before submitting your application.

Important Note: Portugal Golden Visa documents and the Portugal Golden Visa application form must be legalized and translated into Portuguese and then certified. Documents can be legalized by the Portuguese Consulate or apostilled according to The Hague Apostille Convention, where applicable.

Portuguese Golden Visa Cost

Below is the complete breakdown of the Portugal Golden Visa cost.

Government fees

The new Government Fees involved with the submission, granting, and renewal of the residence permit is valid since the 29th of October, as follows: 

• Online application submission – €773.74  
• Granting the permit – €7,730.10  
• Per renewal – €3,865.79 

All government fees listed above are payable per person, whether a main applicant or a family member. 

Legal fees

• Golden Visa application legal fees: Range from €5,000 to €8,000 for single applicants.  Dependents younger than 18 years old can be included in the application free of charge.
• Additional Portugal Golden Visa application fees: For dependents aged 18 years and older, this will cost between €500 to €2,000. Note that children are free of charge.

Golden Visa renewal fees

• Renewal legal costs for a single applicant: €1,000 to €2,500.
• Additional fees for dependents aged 18 and above: €500-€2,000. Children are free of charge.

Note: Additional fees may apply depending on the investment you wish to make.

How to Get the Golden Visa in Portugal: A Step-by-Step Guide

To obtain the Golden Visa in Portugal, you must make a qualifying investment and keep the respective investment for five years. To submit your application, it is advised to consult with a Portugal Golden Visa lawyer.

While the Golden Visa application is relatively straightforward, there are quite a few steps to take toward a successful Golden Visa process.

Portuguese Passport for UK Citizens on a Golden Visa

The Portuguese Golden Visa grants UK nationals temporary residency for two years, which you can further renew to a Portuguese residence permit.

During the five years of residence in Portugal, you can live in Portugal or still live in the UK and maintain your old lifestyle. You must be in Portugal for at least seven days every year with a residence permit. You will not need to relinquish your British passport if granted Portuguese citizenship and a Portuguese passport, as both countries recognize dual nationality.

Additionally, to obtain Portuguese citizenship after your five-year investment period has ended, you must have a basic understanding of the Portuguese language (A2 level), either through a language course or the Portuguese language test.

Why choose Global Citizen Solutions for your Portugal Golden Visa?

• Global approach by local experts: A team of experienced local case executives, immigration lawyers, and investment specialists based in Portugal.
• Independent service:We are not a marketing agency for any projects. You will access all eligible routes for the Golden Visa, with over 40 vetted qualifying investment options, so you can decide on the best option for you.
• 100% approval rate: We have the unique distinction of never having had a Golden Visa case rejected and have helped hundreds of clients from more than 35 countries.
• All-encompassing solution: Our dedicated onboarding and immigration teams will assist you throughout the process and beyond with a single channel of communication. 
• Transparency: Our fees are clear and detailed, covering the entire process with no hidden costs. 
• Privacy: Your personal data is stored within a GDPR-compliant database on a secure SSL-encrypted server.

To see the full list of reasons why to work with Global Citizen Solutions for your Portugal Golden Visa, you can find out more here: Why Work with Global Citizen Solutions for Your Golden Visa Portugal Application?

Frequently Asked Questions about the Portugal Golden Visa following Brexit

How did Brexit impact UK citizens?

Before Brexit, Britons could live, work, study, and travel freely in any EU member state without needing visas or permits. However, when the UK officially left the EU and the transition period ended, these rights and freedom of movement ceased.

How can I get Portugal residency as a UK citizen after Brexit?

To acquire a residency permit in Portugal as a UK citizen after Brexit, you’ll need to look at Portugal’s immigration programs. Portugal offers a Golden Visa program, which enables non-EU citizens to acquire legal residency in the country in exchange for an investment. 

What is Portugal's Golden Visa for Brexit?

The Portuguese Golden Visa is an investment residency visa offered to all qualifying investors, including UK nationals. Since 1 January 2021, British citizens can now apply for the Portuguese Golden Visa and acquire EU residency.

Is it easy to get residency in Portugal?

To get temporary residence in Portugal, you will need to get a valid visa. The Portuguese Golden Visa and the D7 Visa are both very good options if you are considering moving to Portugal.

Can you have dual citizenship in Portugal and UK?

Yes, you can have dual residency. Portugal and Britain allow dual citizenship as you retain your British citizenship if you wish to apply for Portuguese citizenship.

How much money do I need to get residency in Portugal?

For the Portugal D7 Visa, you will need to show that you earn a passive income of at least €820.00 per month (your income can come from pensions, transferable equity, real estate, intellectual property, or financial equity).

The Digital Nomad Visa is also a good option to consider. The Portugal Golden Visa cost is a minimum capital transfer investment amount of €250,000, with a range of investment routes to choose from. Whichever visa option you choose, be sure to keep enough money in your bank account for other costs such as application fees, flight tickets, accomodation and legal costs.

Can I move to Portugal from the UK after Brexit?

British citizens have the right to stay in Portugal for 90 days in a 180-day period. If you have long-term residency plans to live in Portugal, you are going to need a visa, such as the Portuguese Golden Visa or D7 Visa. You can then have dual residency and live in Portugal and the UK.

Can I retire to Portugal from the UK?

Yes, you can still retire to Portugal as a British citizen and the D7 Visa is the best option. This residence permit program allows any non-EU nationals, non-EEA citizens, or non-Swiss to apply for Portuguese residency as long as they have a reasonable and stable passive income and can sustain themselves during their stay in the country.

Where do Brits retire to in Portugal?

The Algarve is very popular with British expats who are retiring to Portugal. This is because of the fabulous weather, beaches, and high quality of life on offer.

How much income do I need to retire in Portugal?

You should be able to retire to Portugal, in a small city, on an income of around €1,500-2,000, although this will depend greatly on your lifestyle.

If you want to apply for the Portugal D7 Visa, also known as the Portugal Retirement Visa or the Passive Income Visa, you’ll need to demonstrate that you have a monthly passive income of at least €820.

Can UK citizens travel to Portugal?

There are no restrictions on UK nationals traveling to Portugal, and you will not need to apply for a tourist visa or Schengen visa, even if you are retired in the UK. You will need a residence permit if you want to stay in the country for more than three months. A residency permit can be obtained through the Portugal Golden Visa program, the D7 Visa, or other routes to becoming a legal resident.

Can a UK citizen get residency in Portugal through a property investment?

No, it’s not possible for a UK citizen to get residency in Portugal through real estate investments. The real estate investment and capital transfer routes to a Portugal Golden Visa were discontinued in October 2023.

Can you live in Portugal with a British passport?

British citizens require a visa since the UK is no longer part of the EU. Fortunately, there are several visa options available, including the Portuguese Golden Visa. The program has numerous benefits, including residency rights, freedom to travel within the Schengen Area, and the potential to become a Portuguese citizen after five years.