Guidance

Living in Portugal

Information about moving to, living or retiring in Portugal – including visas, working, healthcare and driving.

From:
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Published
22 March 2013
Last updated
9 January 2026 — See all updates

Getting help with living in Portugal

Help from the Portuguese government 

For any questions about moving to or living in Portugal, you may be able to get help from the:

The UK government and the British Embassy in Lisbon cannot give personalised advice on moving to, living or retiring in Portugal.

Professional help in Portugal

You can also get help from English-speaking professionals in Portugal, including:

  • lawyers
  • translators
  • notaries
  • funeral directors

Help from the UK government

Read the travel advice for Portugal to understand the risks you may face if you live in or visit Portugal. This includes the latest information on:

  • visas and entry requirements
  • laws and cultural differences
  • safety and security 

 Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad.

 Get help from the UK government abroad, including in an emergency.

Visas, residency and citizenship

Make sure you meet the entry requirements for Portugal before you travel.

Visas and residence cards

Check which visa or residence card you need to live in Portugal.

You can get a visa to:

  • study
  • retire
  • work – including as a digital nomad
  • carry out an internship
  • receive medical treatment
  • live with family in Portugal
  • perform missionary work or other religious activities
  • volunteer
  • do research

For more information, read the Portuguese government’s guidance on types of Portuguese long-stay visas.

You can also contact the Portuguese consulates in London or Manchester (in Portuguese).

Registering as a resident

To become a resident in Portugal you should enter the country on a residence visa and then apply for a residence card after arrival.

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

For more guidance, see the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ advice on types of visa and residency.

If you have any problems or questions about registering your residency, you may wish to contact an English-speaking lawyer in Portugal.

It’s a legal requirement in Portugal to carry a valid residence document. The police may ask you to show them your residence card, and you may get a fine if you cannot do so.

Extending, renewing or replacing your visa or residence card

You can renew your residence card (only accessible in Portugal) with AIMA. You’ll need to renew your temporary residence card every 2 to 3 years and your permanent residency document every 5 years.

You’ll also need to inform AIMA (only accessible in Portugal) if any of your details, including your address, email or name, have changed. Depending on which details have changed, you may need to book an appointment to apply for a new card.

To extend your visa or residence card or to advise AIMA of a change of details (‘alteração de dados’), contact AIMA (only accessible in Portugal).

If your residence card is lost or stolen, report it to the police before you contact AIMA (only accessible in Portugal) to request a replacement document. Make sure you ask the police for a copy of their report. 

Permanent residency

You may be able to apply for permanent residency in Portugal if you have held a temporary residence card for at least 5 years. 

To find out if you’re eligible and how to apply, read AIMA’s guidance on permanent residency (in Portuguese).

Citizenship

Portugal recognises dual citizenship with the UK. This means that you do not have to give up (renounce) your British citizenship to become a Portuguese citizen.

To find out if you’re eligible for Portuguese citizenship:

If you are a dual citizen of the UK and an EU country, you should register your residency with your European nationality. 

Help with visa, residency and citizenship applications

The British Embassy in Lisbon and the British Vice Consulate in Portimão cannot help with Portuguese visa and residency applications.

For any questions or issues, contact:

Residency if you moved to Portugal before 1 January 2021

If you moved to Portugal before 1 January 2021, and have been legally living there since then, you and your family members have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.

The Portuguese Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) has more information on who the Withdrawal Agreement applies to.

Residence cards if you moved to Portugal before 1 January 2021

If you moved to Portugal before 1 January 2021, you should have a Withdrawal Agreement residence permit. This shows that you have rights under the Withdrawal agreement.

After 5 years of residence, you can apply for a permanent residence card valid for 10 years. If your temporary residence card has expired or is due to expire soon, contact AIMA (only accessible in Portugal) for advice on getting a permanent residence card.

There is no current way to move from temporary to permanent residence status if you:

  • are a Withdrawal Agreement Beneficiary
  • have lived in Portugal for 5 years
  • still have a valid residence card

We have raised this with AIMA and the Portuguese authorities. Sign up for updates to this page for the latest information and changes.

If you do not have a Withdrawal Agreement residence card

If you were living in Portugal before 1 January 2021, and do not have a Withdrawal Agreement residence card, you must get one now. To get one email AIMA at brexit@aima.gov.pt with the right documents as proof of your time in Portugal.

You’ll need to show one of the following:

  • evidence you were legally resident in Portugal before 1 January 2021
  • evidence you moved permanently to Portugal before 1 January 2021, if you were not legally registered as a resident before that date

If you’re asked to provide more information or documents, make sure you respond within 10 working days.

If your application is successful, you’ll get an appointment at an AIMA office to give your biometric data. Check your personal data carefully during the appointment and take evidence of your full name, address, fiscal, health and national insurance numbers in case AIMA needs to update them on their database.

AIMA will then issue your new Withdrawal Agreement residence card and send it to you by post. 

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’re still waiting for your health number or fiscal number, you should still go to your appointment.

If your application is unsuccessful, you may be able to appeal. Consider getting legal advice from an English-speaking lawyer in Portugal.

For more information on how to apply or appeal:

If you’re a dual citizen of the UK and an EU country, you still have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement, but you should register your residency with your European nationality. 

Bringing family members to Portugal if you moved there before 1 January 2021

Our guidance on your rights under the Withdrawal Agreement explains which family members can join you in Portugal.

You can also read the Portuguese government’s frequently asked questions about Brexit.

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.

Passports and travel

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:

  • apply for a British passport from abroad
  • travel urgently without your British passport

If you have a Portuguese residence card or long stay visa, the time you spend in Portugal does not count towards the 90-day visa-free period you’re allowed to spend in the Schengen area.

Always carry your passport and residency document when entering, leaving or travelling within the Schengen area. If you’re asked to show your passport at border control, make sure you also show your residence document or other evidence of resident status. Your passport may be stamped if you do not.

If you have dual citizenship of an EU or European Free Trade Association (EFTA) country, you should enter and leave Portugal using your EU or EFTA passport.

Dual citizens travelling to the UK 

When travelling to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. Read guidance on dual citizenship. 

Resident children leaving Portugal

Children aged 17 and under must carry a letter of authority if they’re travelling out of Portugal without their parent or legal guardian.

This can be signed by a parent, adoptive parent or legal guardian who lives with the child. The parent or guardian’s signature must be witnessed by a notary or solicitor (in Portuguese).

European Entry/Exit System (EES)

Under the new digital Entry/Exit System (EES) there are new rules for entering, leaving or travelling within the Schengen area. Non-EU nationals will need to have their photo and fingerprints taken or verified at the border. This data will be stored in a digital record and used to monitor how long visitors have spent in the Schengen area.

British nationals legally resident in Portugal, and who have a biometric residence card, do not need to register with the EES. Annex 22 of the Schengen Border Handbook (PDF, 1,062 KB) explains which Portuguese residence documents are accepted. Without one, you may be wrongly identified as overstaying in the Schengen area and denied entry to Portugal or other Schengen countries. 

If you’re legally resident in Portugal but do not have a residence card, contact your local immigration office (in Portuguese) for information on how to get one.

For more information about the EES, read:

Importing personal belongings to Portugal

To import personal belongings to Portugal, including household goods, you may need a baggage certificate.

Request a baggage certificate from the Portuguese Consulate General in London.

Healthcare in Portugal

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:

  • plan your healthcare
  • take medicine abroad

To find out how to get medical treatment:

If you’re registered as a resident of Portugal, you should register with the Portuguese national health service (SNS) for state healthcare. You’ll have the same rights to treatment as a Portuguese citizen.

To register with the SNS, ask for a healthcare user number (Número Nacional de Utente) at your local health centre (centro de saúde). You’ll need to show your:

  • residence certificate
  • passport
  • fiscal number (NIF)

Read the Portuguese government guidance on access to healthcare for residents.

For more information, read the leaflet from the British Embassy and Portuguese health authorities on access to healthcare for residents.

You can get private health insurance but you do not need to. You still need to register 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 (a detached or posted worker)

Read our guidance on using an S1 form in Portugal to ensure you’re correctly registered for healthcare.

European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)

If you’re living in Portugal, you cannot use your UK-issued EHIC or GHIC to access healthcare, nor renew it, unless you meet the criteria. You may be able to do so if you’re:

  • a UK student in Portugal
  • a UK State Pensioner with a registered S1
  • a frontier worker with a registered S1

Any current EHIC will remain valid until the expiry date on the card.

Apply for a new UK EHIC or GHIC.

To find out if you’re eligible for a Portuguese-issued EHIC for use elsewhere in the EU or EFTA, including in the UK, read:

Working in Portugal

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers working abroad, including documents you may need from the UK government.

To work in Portugal, you may need a work permit or work visa. Our guidance on travelling to Portugal for work explains the different work permits and visas available to you.

You can also read the Portuguese Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum’s (AIMA) working in Portugal (in Portuguese).

You do not need a work permit or visa if you have been living in Portugal legally since before 1 January 2021, as you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.

To apply for a job, you may need to provide a:

If you live in Portugal and were regularly commuting to work in another EU or European Free Trade Association (EFTA) country before 1 January 2021, read guidance for frontier workers.

Recognition of qualifications

If you want to work in Portugal, you may need to get your foreign qualifications recognised.

Driving in Portugal

Read our guidance on moving, living and retiring abroad. This covers how to:

  • drive abroad legally
  • take your UK vehicle abroad
  • get driving licence letters

The Portuguese Institute for Mobility and Transport (IMT) provides information on driving in Portugal, including how to:

The UK has also signed a bilateral agreement with Portugal which allows residents to drive on their UK licence until it expires.

If you own a vehicle in Portugal, carry important documents with you in the vehicle. These include your:

If asked, you may need to show the Portuguese authorities:

  • the originals of these documents
  • your original passport and driving licence

For more information, read guidance on:

Driving in Portugal using a foreign licence

If you have a UK or Gibraltar driving licence and are a registered resident in Portugal, you can drive with your licence until it expires.

If you have a driving license issued in Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man and are a registered resident, you should exchange your licence for a Portuguese one. 

Exchanging a UK, Jersey, Guernsey, Isle of Man or Gibraltar driving licence

Follow the Portuguese Institute for Mobility and Transport (IMT) advice on how to exchange your driving licence for a Portuguese one (in Portuguese).

You’ll need to:

You’ll 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, email IMT at aminhacarta@imt-ip.pt asking for it to be renewed. Once your application to exchange your driving licence has been approved, you’ll be invited to go to your nominated IMT office to give your biometric data and hand in your licence.

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.

Disabled drivers

You may be able to apply for:

If you have a UK Blue Badge and live in Portugal, you must return it to the original UK issuing authority. 

Tax

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers tax, including paying UK tax and National Insurance.

The UK has a double taxation agreement with Portugal so that you do not pay tax on the same income in both countries.

Contact the Portuguese Tax and Customs Authority (in Portuguese) for any questions about double taxation relief.

To work and pay tax in Portugal, you must apply for a Portuguese tax number. Read guidance on taxes and social security for foreign nationals in Portugal.

Consider getting professional advice on paying tax in Portugal. To do this, find an English-speaking lawyer in Portugal.

National Insurance

Check if you need to pay National Insurance if you’re going to work in the EU, Gibraltar, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland.

Pensions

Claiming your UK pension

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers:

  • how to claim your UK State Pension
  • where the UK government pays an annual increase in the State Pension

Your UK State Pension is calculated differently if you’ve previously lived in Australia, Canada or New Zealand and now live in the EU.

Claiming a Portuguese pension

Contact the Portuguese Social Security Institute (in Portuguese) to find out whether you can claim a:

Benefits

Claiming UK benefits

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to claim UK benefits abroad, including Child Benefit.  

You can also read guidance on benefits and pensions for UK nationals in the EU, EEA or Switzerland.

Claiming Portuguese benefits

You may be entitled to some Portuguese benefits.

You’ll need to apply for a Portuguese social security number (NISS) in order to claim.

To find out if you’re eligible and how to claim:

Buying and renting property in Portugal

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers buying and renting property abroad. 

Consider getting advice from an English-speaking lawyer if you plan to buy property or land in Portugal. Make sure they’re registered with the law society, Ordem dos Advogados (in Portuguese).

Some notaries, who are trained lawyers in Portugal, also offer an independent property purchasing service. This service is known as Casa Simples, Casa Segura (in Portuguese).

Coastal, river, lakeside and rural properties

If you plan to buy a coastal, river or lakeside property, make sure it’s not affected by the 2005 water resources law (in Portuguese).

If you buy rural property, you must comply with the law on preventing forest fires.

Voting in Portugal

UK elections

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:

  • vote in UK elections from abroad
  • register as an overseas voter

Portuguese elections

You may be eligible to vote in Portuguese local elections. For more information, read electoral registration advice for foreign citizens residing in Portugal.

You cannot vote in Portuguese general elections unless you hold Portuguese citizenship.

You also cannot vote in European elections unless you hold citizenship of an EU country.

Studying in Portugal

If you plan to study in Portugal, you must meet all visa requirements before you travel.

You do not need a student visa if you have been living in Portugal legally since before 1 January 2021, as you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.

For more information read guidance on:

You can also contact:

Recognition and legalisation of academic documents

For advice on getting your UK qualifications recognised in Portugal read:

You can get your degree certificate, diploma or school report officially certified by the UK Legalisation Office. A local notary can then authenticate the translation of your diploma or school report.

Children

Our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad contains essential information on moving abroad with children, including:

  • getting permission to take your child abroad
  • claiming UK Child Benefit abroad
  • child maintenance payments if a parent lives abroad

You can also read the Portuguese government’s guidance on having a child in Portugal and family benefits.  

Schools and education

The European Commission provides information about the school system in Portugal.

All children aged 6 to 18 must attend school in Portugal. 

For more information, read the Portuguese government’s guidance on education in Portugal for children, youth and adults.

Childcare

The Ministry of Labour, Solidarity and Social Security is responsible for childcare services and nurseries in Portugal.

Read guidance on early childhood through to young people’s education and care in Portugal.

Births, deaths, marriage and civil partnership

Births

If your child is born in Portugal, you must register the birth with the Portuguese authorities. 

For more information, read guidance on having a child in Portugal.

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:

  • register the birth with the UK authorities to get a UK birth certificate
  • apply for your child’s first British passport

Deaths

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers:

  • what to do after someone dies abroad
  • how to register the death with the UK authorities

If someone dies in Portugal, read guidance on:

Marriages and civil partnerships

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to get married or form a civil partnership abroad. 

You do not need a certificate of no impediment (CNI) for marriage in Portugal if you’re resident in Portugal or another country outside the UK. If the registrar asks you for a CNI, show them our notice on marriage in Portugal. You can find this in our guidance on confirming a notarial or document service is not available.

Divorce and separation

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to get a divorce or end a civil partnership.

The Portuguese government offers guidance on how to get a divorce or separation in Portugal.

Consider taking legal advice from an English-speaking lawyer.

Documents for British people in Portugal

Read our guidance on documents for British people abroad. This covers: 

  • legalising and certifying UK documents
  • marriage and civil partnership documents
  • affirmations and affidavits
  • witnessing signatures

Lawyers, translators and notaries

To find an English-speaking lawyer, translator or notary in Portugal, see professional services if you’re abroad.

Pets

If you want to bring your pet with you to Portugal, read:

Returning to the UK

Read returning to the UK permanently. This includes information on bringing family members back to the UK, tax and access to services.

If the NHS funds your healthcare in Portugal through the S1 form, contact the NHS Overseas Healthcare Team to cancel it.

Disclaimer

We provide this information as a guide only. For definitive information, contact the relevant Portuguese authorities.

Read our consular information disclaimer.

Updates to this page

Published 22 March 2013
Last updated 9 January 2026 show all updates

  1. Rewrote guide to make it easier to read and understand. Includes new information about dual citizens travelling to the UK ('Passports and travel' section).

  2. New information about the European Entry/Exit System (EES) has been added.

  3. The ' Visas and residency' section of the guidance has been updated.

  4. Update to our guidance on "Visas and residency" and "Passports and travel"

  5. Updated information on driving in Portugal.

  6. Updated guidance on registering and exchanging driving licences and voting in UK elections

  7. Update to our guidance on driving in Portugal: a new bilateral agreement between the UK and Portugal on the mutual recognition and exchange of driving licences entered into force today.

  8. We have amended the section on Visas and Residency to reflect the Portuguese border agency's extinction on 30 October, and the Property and Accommodation section with a new link to information on obtaining a baggage certificate.

  9. Driving section updated: new information on the bilateral agreement between the UK and Portugal on the recognition and exchange of driving licences.

  10. Updated information on the documents you will need to provide to the Portuguese authorities (on request) if you own a vehicle.

  11. New information on the rules for travelling resident minors

  12. New information on the appeals process for family members of British Nationals under the Withdrawal Agreement

  13. Information added for UK national family members, including how they can register to get their documentation and social security number.

  14. Updated 'Driving in Portugal' section: British citizens can now drive in Portugal on a UK driving license issued by DVLA till 31 December 2023.

  15. Update to 'visas and residency' section - added more detail on booking an appointment and paying for Withdrawal Agreement residence cards

  16. updated the 'Driving in Portugal' section with new information on driving licence rules

  17. The Healthcare in Portugal email inbox closes on 1 July 2022. Page updated to remove email address.

  18. Update to 'Tax' section: UK residents who own property or businesses in Portugal have a legal requirement to register with Portuguese tax authority by 31 December 2022

  19. Driving: steps on how to exchange your UK licence for a Portuguese one

  20. Important information in the Working in Portugal, and National insurance sections if you work in Portugal, even it if it is for an employer based in the UK.

  21. Updated 'Visas and residency if you were living in Portugal before 1 January 2021’ section: information added about which documents you need to take to your appointment with SEF when applying for your residence card, and how much it costs

  22. Updated 'Visas and residency if you were living in Portugal before 1 January 2021' section, including how to register on the Brexit portal and schedule appointments in Madeira and the Azores

  23. Guidance reviewed and updated with new information, including in the visas and residency, and driving sections.

  24. Your UK driving licence will now be recognised until 31 December 2022, if you are resident in Portugal.

  25. Visas and residency section updated: If you need support with your residency application, contact the relevant UK Nationals Support Fund organisation before 26 November 2021.

  26. Visas and residency section updated with new guidance for people living in Portugal before 1 January 2021 about requesting biometric residence documents.

  27. Guidance reviewed for Money, tax and banking, Benefits, Births, deaths, marriages and civil partnerships, and Useful information sections.

  28. Guidance reviewed for Passports and travel, Healthcare, Working in Portugal, Professional and academic qualifications, Studying in Portugal, Emergencies, and Returning to the UK sections.

  29. Professional qualifications section updated for British citizens who are moving or moved to Portugal after 1 January 2021 and those living there since before 1 January 2021.

  30. Working in Portugal section updated: new guidance for frontier workers

  31. Money and Tax section updated with information on new legal requirement to appoint a tax representative for non-residents with property or a business in Portugal; Accommodation section updated with new information on importing personal belongings to Portugal

  32. Visas and residency section updated on how to register if you have been living in Portugal since before 1 January 2021 and have not yet registered

  33. Additional support section updated with link to guidance on UK Nationals Support Fund, healthcare section updated including guidance on the S1 form and applying for EHIC and GHIC cards; working in Portugal section updated with links to Department for International Trade (DIT) guidance on working or providing services and DIT guidance on recognition of professional qualifications.

  34. Driving section updated: exchange your UK licence by 31 December 2021

  35. Coronavirus section updated with a link to guidance on vaccines

  36. Visas and residency section updated with latest guidance on registration.

  37. Updated as the transition period ends with new information on residency, pet travel and moving to Portugal

  38. Passports and travel section updated on carrying proof of residence when travelling.

  39. Healthcare section updated on how to apply for a new UK EHIC as a student or S1 holder. Working section updated with information on frontier workers.

  40. Passports and travel section updated to include information on passport validity and entry requirements when travelling to other European countries from January 2021

  41. Visas and residency section updated to include detailed information on how to apply for residency

  42. Visas and residency section updated to include information about how to access the UK National Support Fund for those who may find it harder to complete their residency applications

  43. Brexit update: includes further details on passport validity, healthcare rights and State Pension uprating if the UK leaves the EU with a deal.

  44. Brexit update: healthcare section updated to reflect transitional arrangements announcement

  45. Brexit Update: Pensions section updated to include further details on State Pension uprating.

  46. EU Exit update: updated information about voting rights added to the ´Voting after the UK leaves the EU´ section.

  47. EU Exit update: announcing our new healthcare email contact

  48. We've updated the section on driving in Portugal.

  49. EU Exit update: new information about validity added to passports section

  50. EU Exit update: added in EU Exit information in healthcare, visas and residency, driving and working sections

  51. We have updated the contact details you need to apply for an S1 form.

  52. Updated information on passports: you must use the checker tool to see if your passport is still valid for your trip

  53. EU Exit update: updated information on access to healthcare

  54. EU exit update - updated information on pensions and driving

  55. EU Exit Update; The Portuguese government has produced a leaflet with more information on your residency rights after the UK leaves the EU.

  56. EU Exit update: Added in link to information about upcoming outreach meetings in Portugal.

  57. EU Exit update: New information in residency and visa section on draft withdrawal agreement in principle between the UK and EU. Plus information on travelling with pets in Europe in Pets section. In addition: Updated information on subject access request - amended website links.

  58. Added important specific information on certifying UK educational documents and on Subject Access Request.

  59. Updated May 2018

  60. Complete revision of guidance to ensure it's up to date and accurate.

  61. Attached updated Driving Licences leaflet and added updated Car Importation Leaflet.

  62. Updated December 2017

  63. Update July 2017

  64. Updated May 2017

  65. Information updated 9 March 2017

  66. We are currently updating our information on driving licences in Portugal. Revised information will be available shortly.

  67. General information amended and property advice added

  68. Information added on changes to rules for EHIC and early retirees from July 1 2014.

  69. Instructions for signing life certificates for UK state pensions updated

  70. First published.

Sign up for emails or print this page

Contents

Related content