World news story

Portugal approves no deal legislation protecting rights of UK nationals

Portuguese Government publishes legislation setting out measures protecting UK nationals in Portugal if the UK leaves the EU without an agreed deal. Details of the legislation are available in Portuguese and English.

Portuguese Parliament

On 28 March 2019 the Portuguese Government published legislation that sets out measures to apply if the UK leaves the EU without an agreed deal. The new law (Law no. 27-A/2019) covers the protection and continuation of rights of British nationals and their families currently living in Portugal. It also covers access to healthcare for residents and UK visitors, access to education, exchange of UK driving licences, and the recognition of professional qualifications.

The British Embassy have published an unofficial translation of the law found here.

Portuguese No Deal Law (in English)

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British Consul in Portugal Simona Demuro said:

In the Embassy we recognise that this is an uncertain time for the British community living in Portugal, but the legislation passed by the Portuguese Government in March should help UK nationals feel reassured about the continuation of their residency rights if the UK leaves the EU without a deal.

The British Embassy in Lisbon and Consulate in Portimão keep UK nationals informed through the Living in Portugal guide on gov.uk, and through our Facebook page Brits in Portugal.

The Embassy team also holds outreach meetings across Portugal to share the latest information and respond to concerns and queries from the British community.

You can find the original law in Portuguese in the Official Journal.

Published 5 April 2019