Since the United Kingdom's departure from the European Union in 2020, certain freedom of movement restrictions now apply to all UK nationals looking to travel around Europe or live, work, and study in a European country. However, some countries, such as Portugal, have been welcoming UK nationals through schemes like the Golden Visa program, which offers an opportunity to secure EU residency once again.

The Portuguese Golden Visa program, which began in 2012, grants the right to live, work, and travel freely across the EU in exchange for qualifying investments in Portugal. It has been successful, generating over €6 billion from 11,628 Golden Visa applicants. Since 1 January 2021, British citizens have been able to apply for Portugal's Golden Visa.

For British nationals, the Portuguese Golden Visa can be an excellent option to secure EU residency and enjoy the benefits of travelling freely within the Schengen Area while living in a European country. To help you navigate the process of acquiring a post-Brexit Portugal Golden Visa, we have prepared a comprehensive guide with practical steps to consider.

It's important to note that the Portugal Golden Visa program is coming to an end, so if you are interested in applying, it is advisable to begin your Golden Visa application now. 

Meaning of Brexit?

Brexit, short for "British exit," refers to the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union (EU), an organisation it had been a member of since 1973. The formal departure from the EU took place on January 31, 2020, while the transitional phase of leaving concluded at the end of December 2020.

Effects of Brexit to British Citizens

Since the UK's exit from the EU, British citizens face certain restrictions when it comes to living, studying, or working in an EU member state. To stay in the EU for more than 90 days in a 180-day period, UK nationals now need a visa.

However, there are exceptions to these restrictions. Some EU member states and the UK have established withdrawal agreements that protect the residence rights of EU nationals and their family members living in the UK, as well as British citizens living in those EU countries. Nevertheless, this protection is not automatically granted in other EU countries or the UK.

To assist British citizens already residing in an EU country and help them understand the necessary steps to continue their residence, many countries have implemented a UK national support fund.

Acquiring Portugal residency for British Citizens after Brexit

After Brexit, British citizens who wish to obtain residency in Portugal have various visa options available to them. Moving to Portugal now requires a visa, similar to what Americans or Australians would need. Among the different visa options, the D7 Visa is one possibility for British expats looking to relocate to Portugal or spend an extended period there.

One particularly attractive option worth considering is Portugal's Golden Visa program. This program b by making qualifying investments in the country. It has been a popular choice for many foreign nationals, including British citizens, seeking to live and work in Portugal and enjoy the benefits of EU residency.

In summary, while Brexit has brought changes, Portugal remains open to British citizens interested in moving to the country. Exploring visa options like the D7 Visa or considering the advantages of the Golden Visa program can be instrumental in obtaining residency in Portugal.

Notice for UK citizens

Prior to Brexit, UK citizens were not eligible to apply for the Portuguese Golden Visa. However, after Brexit, this has changed, and UK nationals are now able to apply for and take advantage of the Golden Visa program – an opportunity that many have been embracing.

The Portugal Golden Visa program not only grants UK citizens the right to move freely within the Schengen Area but also offers a high quality of life, excellent healthcare, and breathtaking locations, with the Algarve region being particularly popular among retirees. As a result, Portugal has become a sought-after destination not only for retirees but also for young professionals and families from the UK who are drawn to the country's sunny shores.

Portuguese Golden Visa as an option for UK citizens

The Portuguese Golden Visa has become an immensely popular choice for UK citizens in the post-Brexit era. This visa program allows individuals to obtain residency by making an investment in Portugal, granting them the freedom to live, work, study, or hold investments in the country. Holding the Golden Visa for five years makes you eligible for Portuguese permanent residency and potential citizenship. A notable advantage of this visa is that it extends to family members as well, allowing them to obtain residence permits alongside the main applicant.

Among the various investment routes available for the Golden Visa, purchasing property in Portugal is one of the most popular options. Depending on the property type and location, the investment required can range from €280,000 to €500,000.

Alternatively, investing in Portuguese investment funds is also a well-liked option for obtaining the Golden Visa. Regardless of the chosen investment route, the Portuguese Golden Visa presents an excellent opportunity for UK citizens seeking to live in a European country or enjoy visa-free travel within Europe's Schengen Area.

Advantages of the portuguese Golden Visa to British Citizens

Since the commencement of the Brexit process, numerous British citizens have been seeking alternative ways to regain the freedom of movement and privileges they once enjoyed as EU citizens. Fortunately, countries like Portugal have offered attractive solutions to facilitate the movement of British citizens within Europe. One such option is the highly beneficial Portuguese Golden Visa program for UK citizens.

The Portuguese Golden Visa presents an excellent opportunity for British citizens, providing unrestricted access to the EU and offering a pathway to Portuguese citizenship through naturalisation, provided all necessary visa requirements are met. Below, we outline the direct and indirect benefits of the Portugal Golden Visa for British citizens.

Direct and indirect benefits of the Portugal Golden Visa include the following: [continue listing the benefits as per the original text]

For UK citizens, the Portuguese Golden Visa offers numerous benefits and opportunities:

Residing in Portugal: Successful Golden Visa applicants can live in Portugal, a stunning Mediterranean country known for its high quality of life, top-notch healthcare and education facilities, and excellent climate.

Visa-free Travel: Holding a Portuguese passport through the Golden Visa allows visa-free travel to 172 countries worldwide, providing the privileges of being an EU citizen.

Pathway to Citizenship: The Golden Visa can lead to Portuguese citizenship through naturalisation if all necessary visa requirements are fulfilled.

Prospect for EU/EEA Residency: The Golden Visa initially grants a temporary residency for two years, with the option to renew for an additional three years. After five years of residency, applicants can apply for Portuguese citizenship.

Family Reunification: Family members, including spouses and children under 18 years of age, can also obtain residence permits through the Golden Visa application.

Affordable Living and Healthcare: Portugal offers a low cost of living compared to other European countries, and its healthcare system is both affordable and of high quality. Private health insurance is also available as an option.

International Schools: Portugal has several international schools with British and international curricula, making it an ideal choice for UK expats with children.

Favourable Tax Treatments: Portugal has a Double Taxation Agreement with the UK, preventing individuals from paying taxes on the same income in both countries. Additionally, the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) regime provides tax benefits to foreign residents, offering attractive tax breaks for up to 10 years.

Less Crowded and Better Weather: Portugal's mild climate, beautiful coasts, and tranquillity make it an appealing choice for those seeking a less crowded and better weather destination compared to the UK.

English Proficiency: The Portuguese generally have a good command of English, particularly the younger generations, making communication easy for British citizens living in Portugal.

In summary, the Portuguese Golden Visa offers an array of benefits for UK citizens, making Portugal an attractive destination for residency and investment opportunities.

Reason why Portuguese Golden Visa is the most popular and accessible

The popularity and accessibility of the Portuguese Golden Visa as a residency through investment initiative are well-founded.

The demand for the Portugal Golden Visa is evident from the statistics, with more than 11,000 investors having successfully obtained legal residency in the country to date.

The significant number of expats already living in Portugal further attests to its appeal as a residency destination. British expats, in particular, make up a substantial portion of the expat community in Portugal, with an impressive figure of 42,000 UK nationals currently residing in the country.

Steps to obtaining a Portuguese Golden Visa by buying land

The process for obtaining a Portugal Golden Visa through the purchase of real estate involves the following steps:

Preliminary Due Diligence: Before signing any contracts, a thorough preliminary check is conducted to ensure the applicant meets the eligibility criteria for the Golden Visa Program, and all necessary documents are in order.

Select Real Estate: Access to a range of qualifying real estate options is provided, starting from €280,000, including new-build developments, second-hand housing, commercial properties, and hotel projects, allowing the investor to find their ideal real estate investment.

First Trip to Portugal: The investor travels to Portugal to view the chosen property. During this trip, they can also obtain a NIF number (tax identification number) and open a bank account (this can be done online before arrival). Additionally, they may choose to draw up a power of attorney for a lawyer if needed.

Purchase of Real Estate: With the assistance of an experienced lawyer, the investor finalises the purchase of the chosen property and obtains the ownership certificate.

Biometrics Visit: The investor is required to visit SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras) to have their biometric data taken.

Approval and Issuance of Residence Permit: Following the successful completion of the above steps, the residence permit application is processed, and upon approval, the residence permit is issued.

By following this procedure, investors can obtain the Portugal Golden Visa and enjoy the benefits of living, working, studying, or investing in Portugal.

Acquiring a Portuguese Passport as a UK citizen with a Golden Visa

To obtain a Portuguese passport as a UK citizen after holding a Golden Visa, you will go through the following steps:

Temporary Residency: Upon obtaining the Portuguese Golden Visa, as a UK citizen, you will be granted temporary residency in Portugal for two years.

Renewal of Residence Permit: After the initial two-year period, you can renew your Portuguese residence permit for an additional three years, allowing you to maintain your residency status.

Five-Year Residency Requirement:  To be eligible for Portuguese citizenship, you need to hold the Portuguese residence permit for a total of five years.

Application for Citizenship: After fulfilling the five-year residency requirement, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship. This involves submitting the necessary documents and fulfilling the citizenship criteria set by Portuguese authorities.

Portuguese Passport: Once your application for citizenship is approved, you will be granted Portuguese citizenship, and subsequently, you can obtain a Portuguese passport.

Dual Nationality: Importantly, obtaining Portuguese citizenship and a Portuguese passport does not require you to relinquish your British passport. Portugal allows dual nationality, which means you can hold both British and Portuguese citizenship simultaneously.

By following this process, you can become a Portuguese citizen, hold a Portuguese passport, and enjoy the benefits of dual nationality, retaining your ties to both the UK and Portugal.

D7 Visa for Portugal

Apart from the Portuguese Golden Visa, British citizens moving to Portugal have another residency option called the D7 Visa. The D7 Visa is an appealing choice for individuals who wish to reside in Portugal without making a significant financial investment.

The D7 Visa, also known as the Retirement Visa or Passive Income Visa, was introduced by the Portuguese government in 2007. It allows non-EU, non-EEA, or non-Swiss citizens (third country nationals) to apply for Portuguese residency, provided they have a stable and reasonable passive income to sustain themselves during their stay in the country.

This residency option is suitable for pensioners, entrepreneurs, and expats with recognized stable income from sources such as movable property, real estate, intellectual property, pensions, or financial investments. To qualify for the D7 Visa, applicants must meet the minimum wage requirement set by the Portuguese Government.

The initial residence permit granted through the D7 Visa is valid for two years and can be renewed for an additional three-year period. After five years of holding a residence permit under the D7 Visa, applicants can apply for Portuguese citizenship, subject to meeting additional requirements outlined in Portugal's nationality law.

To apply for the D7 Visa, individuals must start by applying for a temporary D7 Visa at the Portuguese Embassy or Consulate in their home country. This temporary visa is valid for four months. Subsequently, they will attend an appointment with the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF) in Portugal, where they will present their temporary visa and have their residence permit approved.

The D7 Visa provides an affordable pathway to secure Portuguese residency and offers individuals the opportunity to reside in Portugal based on their stable income without the need for significant financial investments.

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Best place to live in Portugal

When considering where to live in Portugal, there are various enticing options to explore beyond the popular Algarve region. Portugal offers a diverse range of locations, each with its own unique charm and characteristics. Here are some of the top places to consider:

• Lisbon

As the vibrant capital of Portugal, Lisbon combines historic charm with modern amenities. The city has become a popular choice for digital nomads and expats, offering excellent food, a pleasant climate, and proximity to beaches. While property prices in the city centre may be higher, venturing outside the centre can provide more affordable options.

• Porto

Known for its stunning architecture, including beautiful tiles, Porto is often regarded as one of Europe's most beautiful cities. It offers excellent dining experiences and is close to the Atlantic Ocean, providing opportunities for waterfront living.

• The Algarve

The Algarve remains a firm favourite among British expats, boasting stunning beaches, favourable weather, good food, and a relaxed lifestyle. It's particularly popular among golf enthusiasts and travellers due to its accessibility from Faro airport.

Each of these locations offers a unique living experience, and the choice ultimately depends on individual preferences and lifestyle. Whether it's the bustling city life of Lisbon, the cultural richness of Porto, or the tranquil beauty of the Algarve, Portugal has something to offer for everyone. Before making a decision, it's essential to explore each region, consider the cost of living, and weigh the pros and cons of each location to find the perfect place to call home in Portugal.

FAQS

Frequently Asked Questions about the Portugal Golden Visa following Brexit

1. How does Brexit impact UK citizens?

UK citizens can still enjoy the same rights to live, work, and travel in an EU member state where they lawfully reside. However, these rights may be revoked after an absence of more than five years. For UK citizens looking to move to a European country, they will need to obtain a legal residency permit, as the Brexit transition period has ended.

2. How can I get Portugal residency as a UK citizen after Brexit?

To obtain residency in Portugal as a UK citizen after Brexit, you can explore Portugal's immigration programs. The Portuguese Golden Visa is one option, allowing non-EU citizens to acquire residency through investments. The D7 Visa is another option for individuals with a stable passive income.

3. What is Portugal's Golden Visa for Brexit?

The Portuguese Golden Visa is an investment residency visa open to qualifying investors, including UK nationals. From January 1, 2021, British citizens can apply for the Portuguese Golden Visa, which grants EU residency.

4. Is it easy to get residency in Portugal?

Acquiring temporary residence in Portugal requires obtaining a valid visa. The Portuguese Golden Visa and D7 Visa are popular options for residency. Permanent residence can be obtained after five years of legal residence, and Portuguese citizenship may be applied for afterward.

5. Can you have dual residency in Portugal and the UK?

Yes, UK citizens can have dual residency in Portugal and the UK. Portugal allows dual citizenship, so British citizens can retain their British citizenship if they obtain Portuguese citizenship.

6. How much money do I need to get residency in Portugal?

For the D7 Visa, a passive income of at least €760 per month is required. The Portuguese Golden Visa requires a qualifying investment, such as real estate or investment funds.

7. Can I move to Portugal from the UK after Brexit?

UK citizens can still move to Portugal, but they will need to apply for a Portuguese visa, such as the Golden Visa or D7 Visa, to stay for longer than 90 days.

8. Can I retire to Portugal from the UK?

Yes, UK citizens can retire to Portugal. The D7 Visa, with its passive income requirement, is a popular option for retirees.

9. Where do Brits retire to in Portugal?

The Algarve is a popular destination for British expats retiring to Portugal, thanks to its favourable weather and high quality of life.

10. How much income do I need to retire in Portugal?

An income of around €1,500-2,000 per month is sufficient for retiring in Portugal, depending on one's lifestyle.

11. Can UK citizens travel to Portugal?

UK citizens can travel to Portugal without restrictions for short stays. For longer stays, they will need a valid residency permit, which can be obtained through the Golden Visa program, D7 Visa, or other legal routes.