Living in Portugal: Updated Guide for British Citizens 

This guide provides essential, up‑to‑date information for British citizens who are planning to move to Portugal or who already live here. It covers visas, residency, healthcare, driving, taxes, work, education, social security, and your rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.

The British Embassy in Lisbon and the Consulate in Portimão remain available to provide consular support when needed.

Last updated: January 2025

✅ 1. Before You Move: Visas and Entry Requirements

If you plan to live in Portugal, you must meet all visa requirements before travelling.

Check:

• Portugal’s official entry requirements

• Visa information from the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs

• Residency and work guidance on the AIMA/SEF portal

If you receive UK benefits, a pension, or have tax obligations, you must inform the relevant UK authorities before moving abroad.

✅ 2. Rights Under the Withdrawal Agreement (for residents before 1 January 2021)

If you were legally living in Portugal before 1 January 2021, your rights are protected under the Withdrawal Agreement.

You should hold:

• A converted EU residence certificate

• Or a biometric residence card issued by SEF/AIMA

If you have not exchanged your old document, contact:

• brexit@sef.pt

• SEF Brexit helpline: +351 21 711 50 45

The process includes:

• Submitting documents

• Receiving a digital token

• Accessing the Brexit portal

• Downloading your QR certificate

• Booking a biometric appointment

✅ 3. Passports and Travel in the Schengen Area

• Your British passport must be valid for the duration of your trip.

• If you are a resident in Portugal, your time in the country does not count toward the 90/180‑day Schengen limit.

• When visiting other Schengen countries, you must track your days.

• Always carry your residence card or QR certificate if protected by the Withdrawal Agreement.

✅ 4. Healthcare and Access to the SNS

If you live in Portugal, you must register with the National Health Service (SNS).

You will need:

• Your residence certificate

• Passport

• Portuguese healthcare number (Número de Utente)

You may also:

• Use private health insurance (optional)

• Request a Portuguese‑issued EHIC for travel

S1 Form You may qualify for S1 healthcare coverage if you:

• Receive a UK State Pension

• Receive certain exportable benefits

• Are a frontier worker

• Are a posted worker

✅ 5. NIF, NISS and Tax Obligations

To live in Portugal, you must obtain:

• NIF (tax identification number)

• NISS (social security number)

These are required for:

• Employment

• Healthcare

• Banking

• Property rental or purchase

The UK and Portugal have a double taxation agreement, but you should seek professional tax advice.

✅ 6. Working in Portugal

If you plan to work:

• You may need a visa

• You may need a Portuguese criminal record certificate

• Some professions require recognition of qualifications

Recognition bodies include:

• NARIC Portugal

• ePortugal

✅ 7. Driving in Portugal (Updated Rules for 2025)

Since 2024, UK licence holders may continue driving in Portugal without exchanging their licence, provided they:

• Are under 60 years old

• Hold a valid photocard

• Have a licence issued or renewed within the last 15 years

• Drive only categories A and B

If you do not meet these conditions, you must exchange your licence at IMT.

✅ 8. Vehicles and Importation

If you bring a UK‑registered vehicle:

• Check import rules

• Confirm applicable taxes

• Ensure compliance with inspection and registration requirements

✅ 9. Benefits, Pensions and Social Security

You may be entitled to:

• UK State Pension

• Exportable UK benefits

• Portuguese pension (if you worked in Portugal)

If you receive a UK pension, you must respond to the Life Certificate when requested.

✅ 10. Education and Academic Recognition

If you plan to study in Portugal:

• You must meet visa requirements

• Contact the institution directly

• Validate UK diplomas through NARIC or the Directorate‑General for Education

✅ 11. Pets

To bring pets to Portugal:

• Follow EU entry rules

• Ensure vaccinations are up to date

• UK‑issued EU pet passports are no longer valid for entry into the EU

✅ 12. Emergencies and Consular Support

Emergency number in Portugal: 112

For consular assistance:

• British Embassy Lisbon

• British Consulate Portimão

✅ 13. Returning to the UK

If you return permanently:

• Inform Portuguese and UK authorities

• Cancel your S1 (if applicable)

• Update tax and pension information