Tidal Wave of Brits Moving to Portugal

The number of foreigners living in Portugal jumps 7.8% with “tidal wave” of demand from Brits in 2022.

New figures from Portugal’s Foreigners and Borders Service (SEF) reveal that the number of foreigners living in Portugal has increased for the sixth year in a row. Some 714,123 foreign citizens now call Portugal home – an increase of 7.8% between the end of 2020 and the end of 2021. British citizens make up the second largest group of foreign residents (after Brazilians), with the SEF reporting 42,071 Britons now living in Portugal.

Christina Hippisley, General Manager of the Portuguese Chamber of Commerce in the UK comments; “The size of the British expat community in Portugal means that there is an established network to welcome new arrivals and support their integration into Portuguese life. The Algarve and Lisbon are particularly popular, though cities such as Porto are also attracting interest from those considering relocating to Portugal from the UK.”

Designed to provide a wealth of information to anyone interested in a new life in Portugal, the Moving to Portugal Show on 31^st March 2022 is packed with experts on Portugal from all areas. Taking place in London’s Pestana Chelsea Bridge Hotel from 11 am to 9 pm, the event will include members of the Association of Portuguese Resorts, property developers and real estate agents, and financial experts from Currencies 4 You, UCI Mortgage bank, Blevins Franks, Abacus Financial Services and Blacktower Financial Management, among others. Some of Portugal’s leading fund managers will also be present to explain the current investment options in the country.

Attendees will have the opportunity to question those present on all aspects of moving to Portugal, from properties to visas to legal requirements. Experts will also be on hand to share their on-the-ground experience of daily life in Portugal, from schooling and medical care to general lifestyle advice.

Christina continues; “The 31^st March event will be our 12^th Moving to Portugal Show, so we have plenty of experience when it comes to getting everyone into the room to discuss all the different aspects of moving and living overseas. Whether attendees are in the early stages of considering a move to Portugal or already have well established plans, they can access a wealth of information and support by visiting our upcoming event.”

The Portuguese Chamber of Commerce in the UK reports that demand from Britons for a new life in Portugal remains strong in 2022. In particular, Brits are keen to know about the country’s D7 visa, also known as the passive income visa.

According to Where Can I Live, the D7 visa is available to non-EU, EEA and Swiss citizens looking for long-term residency status in Portugal. As a passive income visa, it requires applicants to show proof of their ability to provide for themselves. It is popular with retirees and is a convenient pathway for many to Portuguese citizenship and an EU passport after five years. The visa holder has the right to study and work in Portugal, as well as to live there, and can also apply for the country’s Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime status.

Christina concludes; “There is a tidal wave of people wanting to move from the UK to Portugal right now. As such, we are packing the upcoming Moving to Portugal show with property, financial, legal and other experts, providing a one-stop-shop for information, advice and guidance.”

www.movingtoportugal.org.uk/event/mpoving-to-portugal-show-seminars-12th-edition-london/