Portugal Golden Visa for British Citizens: Path to Residency after Brexit

Brexit, which officially took place on January 31st, 2020, fundamentally changed the relationship between the UK and the European Union. It removed the automatic rights UK citizens once had to live, work, and travel freely within EU member states.

As a result, many Brits have sought alternative ways to maintain their connection to Europe. The Portugal Golden Visa has emerged as a particularly attractive solution.

For UK citizens the Portugal Golden Visa offers valuable advantages:

1. Post-brexit access to the EU. British citizens have lost the automatic right to live, work, and travel freely across the EU. The Portugal Golden Visa restores this access, allowing UK citizens to reside in Portugal, an EU country, for more than 90 days.

2. Pathway to citizenship. The Golden Visa provides a path to permanent residency and Portugal citizenship. After five years of maintaining the investment and meeting residency requirements, applicants can apply for citizenship without needing to reside in Portugal full-time. With Portugal citizenship, investors can work and live in any EU country they wish without any time limits.

The recent changes to Portugal’s Non-Habitual tax regime has not reduced British interest in relocating to the country. Brits still move to Portugal for its quality of life, outdoor lifestyle, and affordability, rather than tax benefits.

There are three main groups of British citizens showing interest in moving to Portugal after Brexit:

• retirees, attracted by the warm climate, affordable living costs;

• remote workers and digital nomads, seeking a flexible lifestyle and growing digital infrastructure;

• families with larger budgets, drawn by Portugal’s education system, healthcare, safety, and opportunities for property investment and business development.

In 2024, many countries are grappling with a pension crisis, compounded by Brexit, rising living costs, and inflation. Choosing where to retire can feel overwhelming due to the numerous attractive options available, and the thought of navigating legal paperwork may be intimidating. Yet, for many British retirees, the appeal of relocating abroad for a more peaceful retirement remains strong.

Portugal is widely regarded as one of the top destinations in the world for retirement

Requirements for investors. To qualify for the Portugal Golden Visa, the main applicant must:

• be over 18;

• have no criminal record;

• be free of debts in Portugal;

• provide proof of the legality of their income.

Investors must provide a clean criminal record from their country of origin and from any country where they have resided for more than one year.

Applicants must have sufficient financial resources to support themselves during their stay in Portugal and prove that the funds used for the investment are legally sourced.

Family members. The main investors can invite family members to join the application and obtain a residence permit in Portugal. This applies to:

• spouses, including those in registered or common-law marriages;

• children under the age of 26, provided they are financially dependent;

• parents of the main applicant or spouse, as long as they are financially dependent.

Applying for Portugal residency for the UK citizens involves several costs, which vary depending on the type of investment chosen and the size of the applicant’s family.

Investment option requirements to choose from:

1. €250,000 — cultural investment towards the preservation of Portugal’s cultural heritage, including support for arts, architecture, or heritage conservation projects.

2. €500,000 — investment in a qualifying investment fund, which may focus on sectors like technology or renewable energy.

3. €500,000 — investment in scientific or technological research conducted by public or private institutions in Portugal.

4. €500,000 — business investment in an existing Portuguese company or a new business that creates or sustains at least five jobs for Portuguese residents.

5. Opening a company that will create at least 10 jobs without minimum sum requirement.

Portugal residency requirements for UK citizens include maintaining the investment for at least five years. Selling the company or fund units before this period could lead to the loss of residency rights.

From the investment itself to administrative and legal fees, the total costs can vary based on the type of investment and family size. Below is an example of the expenses for the investment fund option.

When applying for Portugal residency through the Golden Visa program, British citizens need to prepare a set of essential documents. These documents are crucial for verifying eligibility and supporting the application process.

Here’s a comprehensive list of the key documents required:

1. Valid passport. A copy of a valid passport for the main applicant and any dependents included in the application.

2. Proof of investment. This confirms the applicant has met the financial requirements for the Golden Visa program.

3. Criminal record check. A police clearance certificate from the UK, or any country where the applicant has lived for over a year, confirming that the applicant has no criminal record. This document must be issued within the last three months and officially translated into Portuguese.

4. Proof of income and legality of funds. Documentation demonstrating the legal source of the funds used for the investment. This can include bank statements, tax returns, or other financial documentation that validates the income’s origin.

5. Portuguese tax number. This unique nine-digit Número de Identificação Fiscal (NIF) number can be obtained with the help of a local lawyer or fiscal representative in Portugal.

6. Proof of health insurance. Evidence of valid health insurance that covers Portugal or the Schengen Area for the main applicant and all dependents. This is required unless the applicant can prove residence in Portugal for more than 183 days annually, in which case they may be eligible for Portugal’s public healthcare system.

7. Marriage or Birth Certificates. For dependents, applicants must submit birth or marriage certificates as proof of relationship. These documents must also be officially translated into Portuguese if not originally in the language.

8. Proof of address. A utility bill or other official document showing the applicant’s current address, both in the UK and Portugal if applicable.

9. Application forms. Completed official application forms for the Golden Visa program, including all relevant personal and investment details.

10. Photos. Recent passport-sized photos of the main applicant and all dependents that meet Portuguese government photo standards.

All documents not originally in Portuguese must be translated and certified. Legal assistance is highly recommended to ensure that all documentation is correctly prepared and submitted.

The residence permit is issued for 2 years with the opportunity to extend it every 2 years for as long as the investor wants. To renew their residency, applicants must spend at least 7 days per year in Portugal.

After five years of holding the Golden Visa and maintaining the required investment, applicants are eligible to apply for permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship. To apply for citizenship, they must demonstrate basic knowledge of the Portuguese language.

For UK citizens, the Portugal Golden Visa offers not only residency but also a pathway to Portuguese citizenship, which can be obtained after meeting certain conditions over time.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to achieve citizenship through the Golden Visa program:

1. Maintaining Golden Visa residency for five years. During this period, you must maintain your qualifying investment and renew your residency permit as required. The Golden Visa program allows for flexible residency, meaning you only need to spend an average of 7 days per year in Portugal.

2. Passing the Portuguese language test. To qualify for citizenship, you must pass a basic Portuguese language test at A2 level, demonstrating your ability to communicate in the language. The test covers basic reading, writing, and speaking skills, and there are various resources available to help applicants prepare.

3. Showing proof of good character. Applicants for Portuguese citizenship must provide evidence of a clean criminal record. This includes showing that you have not been involved in any legal issues during your residency. Criminal record checks will be required from both Portugal and the UK.

4. Submitting citizenship application. After meeting the residency, language, and legal requirements, you can submit your application for Portuguese citizenship. This is done through the Portuguese authorities, and you may need to provide documents such as proof of your investment, residency history, tax payments, and criminal record clearance.

1. The right to stay in the EU for more than 90 days. One of the most significant benefits of the Portugal Golden Visa for UK citizens is the restoration of the right to reside in the EU territory for as long as they wish.

After Brexit, UK citizens lost their automatic right to live, work, and travel freely in EU countries for more than 90 days. With Portuguese residence, Brits can stay in Portugal for over 90 days, work for local employers, and do business.

2. Pathway to Portuguese citizenship. The Golden Visa provides a clear and flexible pathway to obtaining Portuguese citizenship. After maintaining the qualifying investment and fulfilling basic residency requirements for five years, UK citizens can apply for permanent residency or citizenship.

Once granted Portuguese citizenship, you will enjoy full rights as a Portuguese and EU citizen. This includes the ability to live, work, and travel freely across all EU member states, access to the Portuguese healthcare and education systems, and the ability to pass on citizenship to your descendants.

Both Portugal and the UK allow multiple citizenship, meaning Brits don’t have to renounce their first citizenship upon obtaining a Portuguese passport.

3. Low minimum stay requirements. One of the most attractive features of the Portugal Golden Visa is its flexible residency requirement. UK citizens only need to spend an average of 7 days per year in Portugal to maintain their residency status and be eligible for PR in 5 years.

4. High quality of life. Portugal is renowned for its pleasant climate, beautiful landscapes, and high standard of living. UK citizens are drawn to the country’s relaxed pace of life, excellent healthcare, and affordable cost of living compared to the UK.

Whether settling in Lisbon and Porto or more peaceful areas such as the Algarve, Portugal offers a welcoming environment for families, retirees, and professionals alike.

5. Access to healthcare and education. Portugal provides access to high-quality healthcare services, and once UK citizens obtain residency, they can benefit from the country’s public healthcare system. Portugal also has a well-regarded education system, making it a great option for families with children.

In Portugal, healthcare is very affordable through the public system, with most treatments and appointments either free or costing only around €15. The elderly and children receive healthcare free of charge. Non-EU citizens can access public healthcare if they are employed, contribute to social security, and are registered as legal residents, making healthcare nearly free in many cases.

However, due to shorter waiting times, many prefer private healthcare, where appointments cost between €50—100. Health insurance is recommended and typically costs less than €50 per month. In the UK, private health insurance is much more expensive, averaging around €150 per month.

6. Investment opportunities. The Golden Visa offers a variety of investment options, including fund units purchase and supporting cultural heritage projects.

Those investing in business ventures or funds have the potential not only to secure residency but also to see a return on their investment or even profit from successful business developments.

7. Family reunification. The Portugal Golden Visa allows UK citizens to include family members in their application. Spouses, children under the age of 26, and even dependent parents can all benefit from the same residency and citizenship pathway, making the program ideal for families looking to relocate together.

Portugal is home to some of the best beaches for surfing in Europe. Nazaré is world-famous for its giant waves, attracting experienced surfers looking to ride record-breaking swells

Lisbon, the capital, is built on seven hills, offering breathtaking viewpoints from various spots around the city. The Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, showcase Portugal’s rich maritime history. The São Jorge Castle offers stunning views over the city, while the historic tram routes provide a charming way to explore.

Lisbon hosts the annual Carnival, as well as the Lisboa Dance Festival and Web Summit, one of the largest tech conferences in the world, attracting expats working in tech and startups.

Porto is famous for its azulejos, painted ceramic tiles, particularly seen at the São Bento Train Station, which features some of the most beautiful tilework. The Dom Luís I Bridge, designed by a disciple of Gustave Eiffel, is a city symbol, and the Ribeira District by the Douro River is full of vibrant cafés.

Porto hosts the São João Festival, a lively midsummer street festival with fireworks, and the Porto Marathon, which attracts runners from around the world.

The Algarve is Portugal’s sunny southern region, known for its stunning coastline, with golden beaches and charming towns. The Benagil Cave and Ponta da Piedade offer iconic coastal views. The town of Silves boasts a well-preserved Moorish castle, while Faro has a beautiful old town.

The Algarve hosts the Festival Med in Loulé, celebrating world music and culture, and the Algarve International Film Festival in Portimão.

Madeira is a beautiful island destination off the northwest coast of Africa, known for its lush landscapes, mild climate, and relaxed pace of life. The Laurisilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is perfect for hiking. The capital, Funchal, boasts attractions like the Madeira Botanical Garden and Monte Palace Tropical Garden.

Madeira is famous for its New Year’s Eve Fireworks, which are among the largest in the world, and the Flower Festival, a colourful celebration of the island’s floral diversity.

1. The Portugal Golden Visa for British citizens presents a unique opportunity for them seeking residency in Europe post-Brexit. The minimum investment amount refers to supporting cultural heritage — €250,000.

2. The Golden Visa program is highly flexible when it comes to physical residency and only requires applicants to spend 7 days per year in the country.

3. To qualify for the Portugal Golden Visa, UK citizens can choose from a variety of investment routes, including fund purchase, investments in research or Portuguese businesses.

4. After maintaining temporary residency in Portugal for UK citizens for five years, the Portugal Golden Visa offers a clear path to permanent residency and Portuguese citizenship.

5. As a Portuguese citizen, you’ll have full access to live and work across the European Union, a significant advantage for those affected by Brexit.