More than 42,000 Brits now call Portugal home

FIGURES || Demand for a new life overseas remains strong, says Portuguese Chamber of Commerce in the UK

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.

“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,” said Christina Hippisley, General Manager of the Portuguese Chamber of Commerce in the UK.

Designed to provide a wealth of information to anyone interested in a new life in Portugal, the Moving to Portugal Show on March 31 is packed with experts on Portugal from all areas.

Taking place in London’s Pestana Chelsea Bridge Hotel from 11am to 9pm, 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.

“The March 31 event will be our 12th 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,” said Christina Hippisley.

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

‘The number of foreigners living in Portugal has jumped 7.8%, with a “tidal wave” of demand from Brits in 2022’

Christina Hippisley

General Manager, Portuguese Chamber of Commerce UK apply for the country’s NonHabitual Resident (NHR) tax regime status.

“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,” said the Christina Hippisley.

About the Portuguese Chamber of Commerce in the UK

The Chamber runs regular online and live Moving to Portugal events in the UK all year round to advise Brits who want to move to Portugal or buy a second home there on how they can sort out their tax, residency, property, investments, insurance and lifestyle issues. Over 6,000 Brits have attended our events so far and the demand is growing exponentially now Brexit is finally done.

For more information, contact the Portuguese Chamber of Commerce in the UK: www.portuguese-chamber.org.uk www.movingtoportugal.org.uk