The Brexit referendum in 2016 and the subsequent decision for the United Kingdom to leave the European Union has had significant implications for UK nationals living across Europe, including in Portugal. Prior to Brexit, UK citizens had the same rights as any other EU citizen in terms of freedom of movement, allowing them to live, work, and travel freely within the EU. However, following the official exit of the UK from the EU on January 31, 2020, UK nationals no longer enjoy these privileges. This has led to uncertainty for the many UK migrants living in Portugal, and in this blog, we will explore how Brexit has affected UK nationals in Portugal, the challenges they face, and the opportunities available for them in a post-Brexit world.

The Impact of Brexit on UK Nationals in Portugal

Before Brexit, UK nationals were considered EU citizens, and therefore had the right to live and work in Portugal without the need for special visas or permits. However, with the UK’s departure from the EU, UK nationals now fall under the category of third-country nationals, subject to the same immigration laws and regulations as non-EU citizens.

For those who were already living in Portugal before Brexit, the transition has been relatively smooth, as Portugal signed the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement to ensure that UK nationals could retain their rights in Portugal. This allowed UK citizens to continue living and working in Portugal, provided they applied for a residence certificate under the terms of the agreement. However, for new arrivals post-Brexit, UK nationals are required to meet the same visa and residency requirements as other non-EU nationals, including obtaining a residence visa for long-term stays.

One of the most significant consequences of Brexit for UK nationals in Portugal is the loss of freedom of movement. UK citizens now need to navigate visa requirements, such as the Golden Visa, D7 Visa for retirees and remote workers, or other appropriate residence permits for employment. Additionally, Brexit has also ended the automatic recognition of UK qualifications and the ability to work freely across the EU. This has resulted in a period of uncertainty for many UK nationals in Portugal, particularly those who had established businesses or careers based on the assumption of continued EU membership.

UK Nationals Applying for Residency Post-Brexit

While many UK nationals were able to secure their residency status in Portugal under the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement, those who moved to Portugal after Brexit are subject to Portugal’s standard immigration procedures for non-EU nationals. This includes applying for visas such as the D7 Visa for those with passive income, Golden Visa for property investors, or other work-related permits, depending on their individual circumstances.

For example, retirees or pensioners from the UK who wish to move to Portugal after Brexit are likely to apply for the D7 Visa, which allows non-EU nationals with sufficient passive income (e.g., pensions, rental income, or savings) to reside in Portugal. Similarly, remote workers or digital nomads from the UK can apply for the D7 Visa or other relevant visas depending on their income levels and employment status.

For skilled workers and entrepreneurs, the process has become more complex. They are now required to meet the same immigration criteria as other non-EU nationals. However, Portugal remains an attractive destination for these individuals due to its business-friendly environment, relatively low cost of living, and access to EU markets.

The New Reality: What UK Migrants Need to Know

For those who have lived in Portugal for several years, the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement ensured that their rights were preserved, but it also required them to register their residency status with the Portuguese immigration authorities. This process involved submitting proof of residency and obtaining a new residency certificate.

Here are the key steps UK nationals need to take in a post-Brexit world:

1. Apply for Residency: UK nationals living in Portugal before Brexit had to apply for residence cards in line with the Withdrawal Agreement. Those moving to Portugal after Brexit must now apply for a residence visa, such as the D7 or Golden Visa, depending on their circumstances.

2. Healthcare Coverage: Under the Withdrawal Agreement, UK nationals in Portugal are entitled to access the Portuguese healthcare system. However, UK nationals who move to Portugal after Brexit will need to prove health insurance for themselves and their families as part of their visa applications.

3. Work Permits: UK nationals wishing to work in Portugal post-Brexit must now follow the same procedures as other non-EU nationals. They will need to secure a job offer and apply for a work visa. The rules for employment are stricter than before, with UK nationals no longer benefiting from the freedom of movement that existed while the UK was an EU member.

4. Residency for Family Members: UK nationals who are legally residing in Portugal can still bring family members with them. However, post-Brexit, the rules for family reunification have changed, requiring UK nationals to prove they meet certain financial and residency criteria.

The Post-Brexit Benefits of Living in Portugal for UK Nationals

Despite the challenges, there are still many benefits for UK nationals living in Portugal, especially when compared to other destinations in Europe. Here’s why:

1. Access to the European Union: One of the biggest advantages of living in Portugal is access to the EU market. Although UK nationals no longer have the right to move freely within the EU, Portuguese residency still grants them access to the benefits of being part of the Schengen Area. This means UK nationals can travel throughout most of Europe without a visa.

2. High Quality of Life: Portugal remains one of the most attractive countries for expatriates, offering affordable housing, excellent healthcare, and a high standard of living. The warm climate, stunning coastline, and rich cultural history make it an ideal place to live for those seeking a more relaxed lifestyle.

3. Tax Benefits: Portugal’s Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) program continues to be an attractive tax incentive for UK nationals. It offers a favorable tax rate on foreign income, including pensions, dividends, and royalties, making Portugal an attractive place for retirees and individuals with foreign income.

4. Retirement and Relaxed Lifestyle: For UK nationals looking to retire, Portugal is consistently ranked as one of the best places in Europe to retire. The affordable cost of living, relaxed pace of life, and rich cultural heritage provide an ideal environment for retirees from the UK.

Conclusion

Brexit has undoubtedly created a new reality for UK migrants in Portugal, with changes to immigration rules, residency requirements, and work permits. However, despite the challenges, Portugal continues to be an attractive destination for UK nationals due to its high quality of life, business-friendly environment, and the many opportunities that still exist for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and retirees. With the right preparation and a clear understanding of the new requirements, UK nationals can continue to enjoy all the benefits of living in one of Europe’s most vibrant and welcoming countries.