Did you know that over 46,000 Britons are currently living in Portugal? Are you a digital nomad dreaming of settling permanently in this charming country in Western Europe? It's the perfect destination for changing your daily routine and discovering new horizons. Portugal enjoys a mild climate all year round, a more affordable cost of living than the UK, a rich culture and gastronomy, and a high-quality healthcare system. Nevertheless, moving to Portugal as a Briton is not something you can improvise. From applying for a visa to settling into your new home, you need to be perfectly clear about the administrative formalities to be respected and the right reflexes to adopt to leave with peace of mind. Read on to discover our tips for moving to Portugal from the UK as a digital nomad.
Essential documents for moving to Portugal
For British citizens wishing to settle in Portugal as a digital nomad, a valid passport, an appropriate visa and a NIF (tax identification number), allocated to people subject to tax in Portugal, are imperative.
Of course, the passport must be valid. The visa application itself can be more complex, as the type of visa depends on your profile and the reasons for your stay. So how do you go about getting the right visa for your situation?
Helping you relocate
Everyone knows how stressful it can be to move to another country, and especially to apply for the right visa. That's why we strongly advise you to be accompanied in this essential step. The anchorless platform was founded by people who have themselves moved to Portugal from another country. It offers digital nomads and others the support they need for a smooth relocation.
For example, Anchorless guides digital nomads in obtaining their D8 visa, which allows them to settle in the country, work for their clients remotely and have access to healthcare. The platform offers several formulas tailored to individual needs. Whichever package is chosen, it includes full assistance in the visa application process, from gathering the required documents to obtaining and preparing the appointment with the consulate or VFS Global partner responsible for issuing the visa. Depending on the package chosen, applicants can also benefit from expert advice, file review and interviews with a Portuguese lawyer.
If leaving the UK with the portuguese digital nomad visa is an essential first step, anchorless also assists them in applying for their NIF, which they can receive within 24 hours directly to their mailbox. They also receive their access code for the “Finanças” portal, which enables them to declare their taxes online. In addition, anchorless offers assistance in opening a bank account in Portugal. The advantage is that the application can be made directly from the UK, and the credit card is encoyed directly to you. Opening a bank account takes just 3 to 4 weeks.
There's no doubt about it: as a British digital nomad, using anchorless to relocate to Portugal is an excellent way to simplify your life, save time and money.
Housing advice in Portugal
While you're in the process of obtaining your visa, it's essential to start looking at available accommodation in Portugal at the same time. There are several interesting and reliable sites in the country, such as Spot-a-Home and Flatio, which act as intermediaries between you and the owners. It's also possible to find ads on Idealista and Imovirtual, which allow you to contact the owners directly.
As a British digital nomad, the easiest first step is certainly to find a furnished rental or a room in a shared apartment.
Setting up residence in Portugal
Once digital nomads have obtained their visa and NIF and found their accommodation, they must establish residency in Portugal. They have 120 days to make an appointment with the SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras), the official government agency in charge of managing foreign nationals. For the appointment, you need to have with you:
- Proof of current residence in Portugal;
- Portuguese NIF number;
- Proof of opening a Portuguese bank account with sufficient funds;
- Proof of health insurance in Portugal*.
The SEF appointment enables you to apply for an EU residence permit, which allows you to live and travel freely within the Schengen area.
*British people legally resident in Portugal on a visa can access the public health system (SNS) after obtaining a social security number (NISS). Registration with the local health center gives the same rights as a long-term resident. Public health care is free, but medicines and certain treatments are subject to a charge. It is also possible to turn to the private system, renowned for its shorter waiting times and specialized care.
How to drive legally in Portugal?
As a British national wishing to drive in Portugal, you can use your British driving license if it was issued less than 15 years ago and you are under 60.
On the other hand, if you are over 60 and have held your driving license for more than 15 years, you need to go to the IMT (Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes) portal and transfer your license using the online form. Please note that certain documents are required.
Learn a minimum of Portuguese
Speaking a minimum of Portuguese is essential to facilitate your integration in Portugal, particularly when it comes to administrative formalities and daily life. You can learn via online courses, local language schools or mobile applications. Depending on where you live, you can also join language exchange groups.
