umziehen-nach-bedeutung
umziehen-nach-bedeutung
umziehen-nach-bedeutung
Moving to Portugal from the UK: Your Stress-Free New Start in 2024
Moving to Portugal from the United Kingdom is a big step. There are several things to consider after Brexit. Learn how to find the right visa options, optimise your finances, and successfully integrate into Portugal. Need assistance with planning? Contact us for personalised advice.
The topic short and concise
Moving to Portugal from the United Kingdom is a big step. There are several things to consider after Brexit. Learn how to find the right visa options, optimise your finances, and successfully integrate into Portugal. Need assistance with planning? Contact us for personalised advice.
Moving to Portugal from the United Kingdom is a big step. There are several things to consider after Brexit. Learn how to find the right visa options, optimise your finances, and successfully integrate into Portugal. Need assistance with planning? Contact us for personalised advice.
Moving to Portugal from the United Kingdom is a big step. There are several things to consider after Brexit. Learn how to find the right visa options, optimise your finances, and successfully integrate into Portugal. Need assistance with planning? Contact us for personalised advice.
Planning your move from the UK to Portugal? This guide provides you with all the essential information about visas, taxes, cost of living, and much more. Start your new life in Portugal well-prepared!
Are you planning a move to Portugal from the UK? This guide provides you with a comprehensive overview of all the important aspects you should consider for a successful restart in 2024. Portugal is becoming increasingly popular as an emigration destination, and for good reason. The country offers not only a high quality of life but also advantageous administrative processes for expats.
However, before you pack your bags, there are some important considerations. In addition to language and property prices, visa regulations and tax aspects play a crucial role. At GoMovin, we support you in making your move to Portugal stress-free and efficient. Our all-in-one solution includes personal consultation, legal support, property service, and cultural integration. This ensures you feel at home in your new place right from the start.
One key aspect is learning the Portuguese language. While English is spoken in many tourist areas, basic knowledge of Portuguese is essential outside the major cities. This not only facilitates everyday communication but also integration into the local community. Also, be informed about the impact of tourism on property prices, particularly in popular regions like the Algarve or Lisbon.
Secure a visa: British citizens require a residence permit
After Brexit, British citizens will need a visa for a long-term stay in Portugal. Fortunately, there are various options tailored to different needs. Initially, as a British citizen, you can enter visa-free for up to 90 days. However, for a longer stay, you will need a residence permit. The long-term visa options (D1-D9) are aimed at students, entrepreneurs, investors, remote workers, and retirees. We help you find the right visa for your individual situation.
The D7 Visa is particularly suitable for individuals with passive income such as pensions or investments. It is renewable and leads to permanent residence after 5 years. For digital nomads, there is the D8 Visa (Digital Nomad Visa), which requires proof of a monthly income of approximately €3,500. Another option is the Golden Visa, which, however, from 2024 includes alternative routes such as donations to the Portuguese government or investments in non-property related projects that create jobs. You can find more information on the different visa options here.
The general visa requirements include proof of legal documents, sufficient financial means, health insurance, and, if necessary, proof of accommodation. Visa applications are often processed through VFS Global offices in the UK, with compliance with location-specific procedures required. For non-English/Portuguese documents, a translation and apostille through the Hague Convention is required. You will also need a criminal record check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), which is valid for 90 days. The visa fees are approximately €90 plus VFS Global processing fees (£52-57). Our experts support you in compiling all the necessary documents and submitting the application correctly.
Mastering Bureaucracy: How to Successfully Register in Portugal
Upon your arrival in Portugal, registering with the authorities is an important step. Within 120 days, you must contact SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras) to apply for an EU residence permit. For this, you will need the same documentation as for the visa application, proof of address, and a NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal). The NIF is essential for tax payments and local services. Non-EU citizens require a tax representative to apply for the NIF. We are happy to assist you in finding a reliable tax advisor.
A Portuguese bank account is also essential for tax payments and local services. Opening a bank account is usually straightforward but requires some documents such as your passport, the NIF, and proof of address. We support you in selecting the right bank and completing all the formalities. Further information on registration in Portugal can be found on the official website of the European Union: europa.eu.
Applying for the residence permit requires presenting various documents. These usually include your passport, the visa application, proof of address, and the NIF. It is advisable to organise all the necessary documents early to avoid delays. We are here to assist you, ensuring the entire registration process runs as smoothly as possible.
Optimise tax burden: Avoid double taxation and leverage NHR benefits
An important aspect of moving to Portugal from the UK is the tax implications. Portugal and the United Kingdom have a double taxation agreement (DTA) to prevent double taxation. This means you do not have to pay taxes on the same income in both the UK and Portugal. However, it's important to understand the specific provisions of the DTA and consult a tax advisor if necessary.
You are required to file a tax return in both the UK and Portugal. In Portugal, this is done via the 'Finanças' portal or with the help of a professional tax advisor. It is advisable to keep all receipts with your NIF to utilise potential tax deductions. These can include expenses related to healthcare, education, or donations. We support you in preparing your tax return and optimising your tax burden.
The NHR status (Non-Habitual Resident) offers attractive tax benefits for newcomers in Portugal. However, the NHR status has changed from 2024 (NHR 2.0). It now aims to attract qualified professionals, researchers, and innovators, offering a flat tax rate of 20% on certain income categories for 10 years. Passive income earners such as pensioners are excluded from this scheme. The conditions for NHR 2.0 include mandatory employment in Portugal in specific areas such as Madeira, the Azores, higher education, research and development, startups, or companies with over 50% export share. It is important to be informed about the current provisions of the NHR status and to check if you meet the requirements. Further information on the NHR status can be found here.
Reduce living costs: Find affordable rents and properties
Finding suitable accommodation is an important step in your move to Portugal. There are various ways to find long-term accommodations. Secure services like Spot-a-Home or Flatio offer a wide selection of furnished apartments and houses. Alternatively, you can search for properties directly through Idealista and Imovirtual. However, be cautious about scams involving deposits before viewings. It is advisable to visit the property in person before making a deposit.
If you are considering purchasing a house, you can obtain financing through Millennium Bank. Services like Cafimo can assist you with property searches and mortgage brokerage. However, be aware that older properties may have potential issues with damp and heating. It is advisable to have a survey done before purchasing. The cost of living in Portugal is generally lower than in the United Kingdom. An average budget for a comfortable life in the Algarve is between €1,500 and €2,500 per month, depending on lifestyle and location. Rents can be up to 35% cheaper than in the UK, and an apartment can cost up to 70% less per square metre. For more information on the cost of living in Portugal, see here.
When searching for property, you should have realistic price expectations and, if necessary, rent an apartment first before buying property. This gives you the opportunity to get to know the area and become familiar with local conditions. We support you in finding the right property and handling all formalities.
Ensuring health: Access to the Portuguese healthcare system
As a resident of Portugal, you have access to the public health system (SNS). However, in some cases, there can be longer waiting times. Therefore, private health insurance is recommended, and it is mandatory for D7 and D8 visa applications. British pensioners can register for healthcare with an S1 form. It is important to inform yourself early about the different health insurance options and to choose the right insurance for your needs.
To access the Portuguese health system, you need a social security number (NISS). This is issued through your employment or upon application. It is advisable to apply for the NISS early to complete all necessary formalities. We are happy to help you with the application for the NISS and registration in the health system. More information about the Portuguese health system can be found here.
Healthcare in Portugal is generally good, but there are regional differences. In larger cities like Lisbon and Porto, medical care is usually better than in rural areas. It is advisable to inform yourself about healthcare in your chosen region before your move to Portugal from the UK and to take out private health insurance if necessary.
Stay mobile: Validate your driving licence and import your vehicle
If you are planning to take your car to Portugal, there are a few important points to consider. British driving licences are valid if issued within the last 15 years and the holder is under 60 years old. Otherwise, a driving licence transfer through the IMT portal is required. It is advisable to handle the driving licence transfer early to avoid unnecessary complications.
For your vehicle, a motor vehicle liability insurance is mandatory. Additionally, there is an annual vehicle tax (IUC) of approximately €30-50. It is important to have all necessary documents for vehicle importation and registration ready. We support you in handling all the formalities around vehicle importation. Further information on vehicle importation can be found on the website of the Portuguese Ministry of Transport (IMT). The validity of your driving licence is crucial for your mobility in Portugal.
Importing your vehicle can be associated with some bureaucratic hurdles. It is important to inform yourself in advance about the applicable customs regulations and import requirements. We are happy to assist you in preparing all necessary documents and organising the transport of your vehicle to Portugal.
Promote integration: Learn the language and experience the culture
The integration into Portuguese society is an essential factor for a successful move to Portugal. Learning the Portuguese language is crucial for integration. There are various ways to learn Portuguese, such as language courses, online courses, or tandem partners. Portugal values family, food, and traditions. Participate in local festivals and events to get to know Portuguese culture. Joining local clubs and taking part in cultural events is a good way to make new contacts and integrate into the community.
Portugal has two main climate zones: a warmer Mediterranean climate in the south and an Atlantic climate in the north. Familiarise yourself with the climatic conditions in your chosen region to prepare accordingly. It is advisable to learn about the cultural differences and customs before your move to Portugal from the UK to avoid misunderstandings and settle into the new environment more quickly. More information about Portuguese culture can be found here.
Portuguese hospitality is well-known. People are generally very friendly and helpful. Don't hesitate to ask questions and seek assistance. With openness and curiosity, you can quickly find new friends and feel at home in Portugal.
New Start in Portugal: Achieving Success with Planning and Support
A move to Portugal from the UK requires careful planning and preparation. Consider visa requirements, taxes, cost of living, and cultural aspects. Legal and financial advice is essential to complete all necessary formalities and optimise your finances. Integrating into the local community and learning the language are key to a successful new start in Portugal. With the right preparation and support, you can make your dream of living in Portugal a reality.
We at GoMovin are here to support you with our all-in-one solution, making your move to Portugal as stress-free as possible. Our experts assist you every step of the way, from visa application to house hunting. We offer you personal consultation, legal support, property services, and cultural integration. This ensures you feel at home in your new surroundings from the outset. For more information on our services, please visit our website: monkeyscout.de.
Important points for your move to Portugal
Here are some of the main benefits you can expect:
Careful planning: Detailed planning is the key to a successful move.
Legal and financial advice: Consult experts to ensure all formalities are correctly handled.
Community integration: Learn the language and participate in local events.
Are you ready for your move to Portugal from the UK? Contact us today for a no-obligation consultation. We look forward to supporting you in your new start in Portugal! Contact us.
Further useful links
On the website of europa.eu, you will find information on registration in Portugal.
For more information about the Portuguese healthcare system, visit the Portuguese Ministry of Health.
On the website of the Portuguese Ministry of Transport (IMT), you will find IMT more information on vehicle importation.
FAQ
Do British citizens need a visa to move to Portugal?
Yes, following Brexit British citizens require a visa for a long-term stay in Portugal. There are various options such as the D7 Visa for individuals with passive income or the D8 Visa (Digital Nomad Visa) for remote workers.
What financial benefits does relocating to Portugal offer?
The cost of living in Portugal is generally lower than in the UK. Specifically, rent can be significantly cheaper. Additionally, there are potentially attractive tax advantages due to the NHR status.
What is the NHR status and how do I benefit from it?
The NHR status (Non-Habitual Resident) provides attractive tax benefits for newcomers to Portugal. From 2024 (NHR 2.0), it targets skilled professionals, researchers, and innovators and offers a flat tax rate of 20% on certain income categories for 10 years.
How do I find suitable accommodation in Portugal?
There are various ways to find long-term accommodations. Secure platforms like Spot-a-Home or Flatio offer a wide range of options. Alternatively, you can search for properties directly through Idealista and Imovirtual.
How does the Portuguese healthcare system work?
As a resident of Portugal, you have access to the public healthcare system (SNS). However, in some cases, there may be longer waiting times. Therefore, a private health insurance is recommended, and it is mandatory for D7 and D8 visa applications.
How do I validate my UK driving licence in Portugal?
UK driving licences are valid if issued within the last 15 years and if the holder is under 60 years old. Otherwise, a licence transfer via the IMT portal is required.
What documents do I need for registration in Portugal?
For registration in Portugal, you usually need your passport, the visa application, proof of address, and the NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal).
How do I avoid double taxation when moving to Portugal?
Portugal and the UK have a Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) to avoid double taxation. It is important to inform yourself about the specific provisions of the DTA and to consult a tax advisor if necessary.
