About 18,000 British citizens living in Portugal have already applied online for a new residence permit under the Withdrawal Agreement, through the Brexit Portal, reported the Foreigners and Borders Service (SEF).

Portugal is still offering residencies to those seeking to live outside UK – even when they want to bring their extended family with them. With Brexit having taken full effect, many UK clients who have plans to come and live in the Algarve have many questions. The Golden Visa has been one of the option many UK clients have considered, but there are other much better options that we advise for most people who actually want to come and live here. The Golden Visa is ideal if you wish to carry on living and working in the UK and does offer all the benefits of normal residency. But if you plan to actually live here, the simple D7 residential visa is the solution. For the thousands of Brits who have lived here since long before Portugal joined the EU in 1986 this is no surprise. Then like now, British nationals were welcome to take up residency in Portugal and there is no need to incur the costs associated with the Golden Visa.

From 1 January 2022, there are specific counties where you can buy a property in order to get your golden visa - five of them are in the Algarve. The rules of the game will change as of 1 January 2022 (with Decree-Law nº. 14/2021) for those who want to enter Portugal through a Golden Visa. To get their visa, property investors will have to buy properties in the interior regions of Portugal or in the Archipelagos of Madeira or Azores.

Portugal offers high standards in quality of life. Reduced living costs, security, cleanliness, great food and the friendly approach of the Portuguese people are the main reasons why foreigners are choosing Portugal to live, during and after the Covid-19 pandemic. After deciding to move and live in Portugal or buying a second home, you need to spend some time learning about what is involved. But first things first: you’ll need to find a home.

When you find your dream property in Portugal, what should you expect and should you prepare for the purchase of your property? The first step should be clarifying the aspects of the purchase, regarding the price and what’s included in the deal, as well as require all legal documents to proceed from the vendor. Before buying a property in Portugal, each grantor needs to have a Portuguese fiscal number which is a tax identification number issued by the Portuguese tax authorities. If you’re married, your spouse also needs to issue that number whichever is the assets condition. Also note that this number will always identify you as a tax payer.